NEWS & CSR

Identifying the Causes of Fabric Damage and How to Improve Fiber Strength

23 Okt 2025   |   News Category: -

Have you ever purchased clothing or textile materials that looked high-quality at first, but after just a few washes they started to pill, stretch out, or even tear? This issue isn’t only caused by how the fabric is used — it often stems from the fiber strength itself. In the textile industry, understanding the factors that affect fiber durability is crucial to producing strong, long-lasting, and premium-quality fabrics.

Image source: IDN Times

Through this article, we will guide you to understand the key causes of fabric deterioration and how to improve fiber strength to ensure your textile products remain competitive in the market.

 

Common Causes of Fabric Damage

Low Fiber Quality

Fiber is the foundational element of any fabric. According to IDN Times, if the raw material used has short or inconsistent fibers, its strength will be lower and more prone to breakage. For example, cotton carded tends to be rougher and pills more easily compared to cotton combed, which has been refined to deliver smoother and stronger fibers.

Improper Spinning Process

The spinning process determines how tightly fibers are bound together. A twist that is too low makes the yarn easily unravel, while excessive twist can make the fabric feel stiff. Poor machine calibration can also lead to inconsistent fiber strength.

Environmental and Care Factors

Exposure to UV light, high humidity, and harsh detergents can accelerate fiber degradation. Natural fibers like cotton and silk are generally more sensitive to heat and sunlight compared to polyester.

 

Factors That Influence Fabric Fiber Strength

Type of Fiber Used

  • Natural fibers (such as cotton and linen): breathable and comfortable, but more sensitive to environmental conditions.

  • Synthetic fibers (such as polyester and nylon): stronger and more durable, but may be less comfortable for sensitive skin.

A fabric blend is often the best solution to balance durability and comfort.

Read also: Practical Tips to Store Your Favorite Handwoven Fabric to Keep It Long-lasting

Yarn Structure and Texture

Yarn with an ideal twist produces a compact fabric that is less prone to pilling. Variants such as compact yarn or ring-spun yarn are proven to be stronger than open-end or carded yarn.

Additional Finishing Treatments

Finishing technologies like mercerizing, sanforizing, anti-abrasion coating, or water-repellent finishing help reinforce fabric structure to resist friction, stretching, and frequent washing.

 

How to Improve Fabric Fiber Strength

Choose High-Quality Raw Materials

Aim for fibers with consistent length and superior characteristics, such as cotton combed or Tencel/Modal, which are known for stronger tensile strength and eco-friendliness.

Optimize Production Technology

Modern machinery like the Toyota RX300 ring frame or Muratec AIcone winding system helps ensure stable yarn quality, tightly bound fibers, and reduces production defects.

Implement Strict Quality Control

Testing tensile strength, abrasion resistance, and colorfastness is essential to ensure the final product meets textile durability standards before entering the market.

 

Fabric strength is not solely defined by the raw material — it is the result of a combination of fiber selection, precision in production, and the right finishing process.
By understanding the root causes of fabric damage and optimizing the process from the start, you can produce textile products that are more durable, comfortable, and highly valued by consumers.

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