In the world of intimate apparel, fabric integrity is not merely a matter of comfort—it is a legacy. Levi Strauss & Co., Gap, and Artistic Milliners have joined Fashion for Good’s “Behind the Break 2.0,” a research initiative that seeks to standardize how we measure fiber loss, the microscopic shedding that occurs when textiles are washed or worn. For a lingerie museum, this is a story about the very threads that have shaped our most personal garments. Denim, a sturdy workhorse of American fashion, shares a surprising kinship with the delicate laces and silks of 19th-century corsets: both must withstand friction, washing, and time. Levi Strauss & Co., born in 1853 as a dry goods wholesaler, revolutionized clothing with riveted trousers, while Artistic Milliners, a Pakistani denim giant, continues that tradition of durability. Gap, founded in 1969 during the rise of casual wear, understands that even a simple cotton tee must hold its own. Phase 2.0 builds on 2024’s discoveries—namely, that lab results for fiber shedding vary wildly. By coordinating multi-lab round robins, calibrating reference fabrics, and comparing sample preparation techniques like PU bonding and lock-stitch, the project aims to create a Protocol Guidance Document for consistent testing. High-risk fabric archetypes, perhaps those prone to pilling or fraying, will be scrutinized further. Partners include Adidas, Bestseller, C&A, On, Kering, Patagonia, and Tesco, alongside academic heft from Northumbria University. For curators of lingerie, where every thread tells a story of intimacy and innovation, this research ensures that the fabrics of tomorrow will be both beautiful and accountable.
Originally reported by WWD