drapetests

Drapetests are a class of measurements used to assess the drape or drapability of flexible sheet materials, particularly textiles. Drape refers to how a fabric or sheet falls, folds, and settles under gravity when supported or when worn. Drapetests provide quantitative data that helps designers, manufacturers, and researchers compare fabrics, predict garment hang, and guide material selection.

Common approaches include traditional drape tests and cantilever or bending-length methods. In a typical drape test, a specimen is prepared to a specified size and subjected to gravity on a defined platform or ring, after which the projected silhouette or surface coverage is measured. Image-based or video methods are increasingly used, where software analyzes the draped shape to compute parameters such as the drape coefficient, curvature, and folding tendency. Other tests estimate bending rigidity or flexural properties, which influence drape behavior.

Results from dretests are used in fabric development, quality control, and product specification. They help compare fabrics by drape performance, anticipate how a material will look in a finished garment, and inform choices about weave, weight, finish, or lamination.

Standards and methods for drape testing exist from organizations such as ISO and ASTM, reflecting a range of procedures tailored to different materials and industry needs. Because drape is influenced by moisture, temperature, and processing, test conditions are typically controlled to ensure repeatability. Drapetests provide a practical, objective complement to subjective visual assessments of fabric drape.