At CLOTH HALL, we often hear from designers and clients asking about the difference between Martindale and Wyzenbeek; two key tests used to measure fabric durability. Understanding these standards is essential when selecting upholstery fabrics that will stand up to daily use, especially in commercial or high-traffic residential projects. As your trusted resource for fabrics and wallpapers, CLOTH HALL is here to break it down.

What Are Martindale and Wyzenbeek Tests?

Both Martindale and Wyzenbeek are abrasion tests designed to assess how well a fabric resists wear over time, but they differ in methodology and regional preference.

• Martindale Test: Primarily used in Europe and Canada, the Martindale test measures fabric durability by rubbing the fabric with a standard abrasive material in a circular motion. The test counts how many rubs (or cycles) the fabric can withstand before showing noticeable wear or thread breakage. The higher the Martindale count, the more durable the fabric is.

• Wyzenbeek Test: Also known as the double rub test, the Wyzenbeek test is commonly used in the United States. The test uses a back-and-forth rubbing motion on the fabric against an abrasive material (either cotton duck or wire mesh) until visible wear or two consecutive yarn breaks occur. Like Martindale, it measures abrasion resistance by counting the number of double rubs until the fabric shows wear.

Why Does This Matter?

When choosing upholstery fabrics, knowing the durability rating is crucial to ensure your project’s longevity. For example:

• *Fabrics with a Martindale rub test score under 30,000 are generally suitable for domestic use, with the specific application depending on the exact score. Fabrics scoring under 15,000 are best used for drapery and other decorative, non-upholstery items. Fabrics scoring between 15,000-25,000 are good for light to medium-duty upholstery like headboards or guest room furniture, while those between 25,000-30,000 can handle heavy domestic use on items like sofas and chairs in living rooms. 

• *A Martindale rating of 30,000+ rubs is generally considered the threshold for commercial-grade fabrics, suitable for environments like hotels, restaurants, and offices. 

• *50,000+ rubs: Often specified for very high-traffic areas and contract upholstery. 

• *100,000+ rubs: Some commercial settings may require even higher scores for enhanced longevity. 

Similarly, in Wyzenbeek terms, the higher double rub counts indicate greater resistance to abrasion and wear.

Here's a breakdown of the tiers and their typical uses:

• Delicate Duty (under 3,000 double rubs): Suitable for decorative items like curtains, drapes, and pillows that experience minimal wear. 

  
  

• Light Duty (3,000-9,000 double rubs): Appropriate for furniture used occasionally, such as in formal living rooms or guest bedrooms. 

  
  

• Medium Duty (9,000-15,000 double rubs): A versatile option for everyday furniture like sofas and chairs in living rooms and family rooms. 

  
  

• Heavy Duty (15,000+ double rubs): Ideal for high-traffic areas and frequently used furniture like family room sofas or office chairs. Some sources specify 30,000+ double rubs for even heavier commercial use. 

  
  

Understanding these standards allows designers to make informed choices that balance aesthetics with functionality, and CLOTH HALL is here to guide you through these technical details.

How CLOTH HALL Supports Your Fabric Choices

We believe knowledge empowers design. That’s why we provide detailed fabric content, durability ratings, and testing standards for all our fabrics. Whether you’re selecting fabrics for a boutique hotel, a family home, or a creative studio, our team is available to help you navigate the best options.

The Bottom Line

Martindale and Wyzenbeek tests are both industry benchmarks for fabric durability, differing mainly in testing methods and geography. As part of CLOTH HALL’s commitment to educating designers and clients, understanding these tests ensures your fabric selections will perform beautifully for years to come.

Explore our extensive fabric collections at www.clothhall.ca and get in touch to discuss your next project.