hardwearing

Hardwearing is an adjective used to describe materials, products, or components that resist wear and degradation under repeated use. It implies durability in the face of abrasion, tearing, and environmental exposure. The term is used across industries including textiles, footwear, workwear, and industrial equipment, as well as in product reviews and marketing.

Hardwearing does not specify a precise standard; it conveys a general expectation of long service life when used as intended. Common hardwearing materials include leather, canvas, and synthetic fabrics such as nylon and Cordura, as well as metals and composites. Rubber used in seals and tires is also described as hardwearing in many contexts.

In testing, indicators of hardwearing performance include abrasion resistance, tear strength, impact resistance, and weatherability, though specific requirements vary by application. Design considerations include potential trade-offs between hardness, flexibility, comfort, weight, and cost, as selecting for durability can influence other product attributes.

Etymology and usage note: the term is widely used in British English, sometimes written as hard-wearing; in modern usage it is also found as a single word. Related concepts include durability and wear resistance.