Review Methodology

At Moda Material, our reviews are born from fabric in our hands, needles in our machines, and garments on real bodies. We swatch, stitch, stress-test, and wear-test. Then we tell you what happened—clearly, completely, and without fear or favor. You deserve to know exactly how we arrive at our conclusions, and we will always show our work. Learn more about us at modamaterial.com.

Our Testing Philosophy

  1. Real Wear, Real Sewing: We don’t judge by spec sheets alone. We cut sample yardage, sew on domestic and industrial machines, and wear-test finished garments in daily life—commutes, studios, and laundry cycles.
  2. Hands-On, Lab-Informed: We measure GSM, weave/knit density, and yarn consistency. We run abrasion (Martindale), pilling, shrinkage, and colorfastness checks (wash/crocking) where applicable, and record before/after data. The goal: facts, not hunches.
  3. Comparative Reviews: Fabrics are tested side-by-side against category leaders and value picks. We benchmark drape, handfeel, opacity, recovery, moisture management, and heat retention to show you how each option stacks up.
  4. Uncompromising Independence: We never accept payment for positive coverage. If a mill, retailer, or brand provides a sample, we disclose it. Access doesn’t buy influence. Scores are earned—never sponsored.
  5. Real-World Care: We launder and press according to stated care instructions, then push further—multiple cycles, varied temps, steam vs. dry press—to see how a fabric ages, relaxes, shrinks, or fades.
  6. Maker-Centric Details: We note needle size compatibility, fray and ravel behavior, stretch recovery, seam slippage, pressing response, and whether a fabric plays nicely with common interfacings and threads.
  7. Sustainability & Traceability: We look for third-party certifications (e.g., GOTS, OEKO-TEX), assess dye/finish disclosures, and consider supply-chain transparency. Better fabrics should also be better for people and planet.
  8. Transparency, Always: If we make an error, we correct it. If a fabric is updated, we retest. Have concerns? Reach us anytime at https://modamaterial.com/contact-us/.

The Scoring System

We rate fabrics, trims, and material-adjacent tools on a 1–10 scale using a weighted rubric. Each score reflects lab data, sewing experience, and real-world wear. Higher is better, and every category has a reason for being here.

  • Fiber & Construction Quality (20%): Fiber content accuracy, yarn quality, evenness, weave/knit integrity, and defect rate.
  • Performance & Durability (20%): Abrasion and pilling resistance, colorfastness to wash/rub, dimensional stability, seam strength, and recovery where stretch is relevant.
  • Comfort & Handfeel (15%): Drape, breathability, skin feel (including sensitivity considerations), thermal behavior, and noise/“rustle.”
  • Ease of Sewing & Care (15%): Needle compatibility, feed behavior, fray tendency, pressing response, ravelling, and care simplicity in home laundering.
  • Sustainability & Traceability (10%): Meaningful certifications, chemical management disclosures, supply-chain transparency, and end-of-life considerations.
  • Value for Money (10%): Price versus measurable performance, longevity, and competitive set alternatives.
  • Availability & Support (10%): Stock consistency, dye-lot reliability, documentation (spec sheets, care guides), return policies, and retailer or mill responsiveness.

Affiliate Disclosure

Some links in our reviews are affiliate links. If you click and buy, Moda Material may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. This revenue supports our testing supplies, laundry cycles, lab tools, and the editorial team that keeps our reviews objective and thorough. We do not sell scores, we do not accept payment for favorable coverage, and brands do not get copy approval. Loaned items are returned when practicable; otherwise, we donate or clearly mark them as retained for long-term testing. Questions or concerns? Contact us at https://modamaterial.com/contact-us/.