Designers can get information about construction of fabric. We can also get information on durability rating. There's a double rub testing system which is meant to simulate a person getting in and out of a chair. The Wyzenbeek test uses an abrasive materials rubbed back and forth on fabric samples. When the fabric fibers break, or noticeable wear is observed, the fabrics rating is calculated.
Based on the number of double rubs, fabric is graded as light duty, medium duty or heavy duty. The higher the rating, the more durable the fabric with 15,000 double rubs considered heavy duty for residential applications.
Double rub rating plus a close look at the fabric's construction gives designers a lot of information on a fabric's performance. Buy retail and you are not typically able to get this information
