Martindale
A numerical unit indicating the abrasion resistance strength of fabric to withstand friction
An abrasion resistance indicator that measures the number of cycles until threads break or unravel when friction is applied to a fabric. It is calculated through international standard test methods, and the higher the number, the longer it withstands friction damage. It is mainly used when indicating the durability of upholstery fabrics such as sofas and chair covers.
Testing head pressing the fabricABRASION TEST HEADUse
A fabric testing machine repeatedly rubs an abrasive cloth in a figure 8 trajectory to measure the number of cycles at the point when threads break. It shows as an objective numerical value how well the fabric endures without wearing out under repeated sitting and rubbing.
When choosing
For general household sofas, 20,000 to 30,000 cycles or more is usually suitable.
Additional information
- Wyzenbeek
- An abrasion resistance test mainly used in the United States, which differs from Martindale in its friction method and trajectory.
- Denier
- A unit indicating the thickness of yarn, which is different from the fabric's friction abrasion value.
Some images are explanatory images created with AI.









