FASHION INDUSTRY DICTIONARY

Define Colorfastness.

Colorfastness refers to the property of a dyed or printed textile to resist color loss or fading resulting from laundering, dry cleaning, sunlight, bleach, perspiration, environmental gases, swimming pool chlorine, and various other conditions of use.

Particular dyes may be colorfast to one condition - for example, laundering - and not colorfast to another condition - for example, perspiration. A matte jersey fabric intended for use in dresses that will be dry cleaned only, may be unsuitable for swimwear. It is therefore important for fabric buyers and converters to specify the conditions of use of fabrics being ordered.

Colorfastness to the various conditions of use is governed by the particular dye class, and the fiber to which the dye is being applied.