Built to Last: Quality in Every Stitch and Fibre – Kustom Kit

Following our previous article on pilling resistance and colour fastness, this time we’re looking at the strength of our fabrics and stitching, and how they help our garments stand up to everyday wear.

Knitted fabrics, including sweats, jerseys, pique and microfleece, undergo bursting strength tests. Using a hydraulic machine, the test measures the pressure required to rupture fabric under multidirectional stress. This helps assess how well materials withstand the stretching and strain that can occur during everyday use, giving us confidence in their durability.

For woven shirts and blouses, quality is assessed through three further tests: tensile strength, tear strength and seam strength.

Tensile strength measures the force needed to break a fabric when it is pulled. Whether your garment is caught during a busy day at work or subjected to the everyday demands of family life, this testing helps ensure the fabric can withstand pulling forces without failing prematurely.

Tear strength measures the force required to extend an existing tear. Using a controlled pendulum test, we assess how well the fabric resists further tearing. This helps us understand how materials perform when damaged, supporting our commitment to garments that are made to last.

Finally, seam strength tests how much force is needed to pull apart the stitching that joins fabric panels. With carefully constructed seams, double stitching where specified and optimised stitch density, our garments are designed to withstand the stresses placed on them throughout regular wear. Testing helps verify that these critical construction points meet our quality expectations.

Whether testing takes place in accredited factory laboratories or our in-house facilities, the aim remains the same: to ensure every garment meets our standards for strength, durability and performance.

It’s all part of our “Buy Less, Buy Better, Buy Kustom Kit” philosophy. By investing in quality materials, considered construction and rigorous testing, we create garments designed to be worn time and time again.

Come and see, feel and discover the quality for yourself at stand F13 at Merchandise World, 20^th – 21^st January 2027.