How quality is created: insight into material testing before production

    Blog Post

    At LELOSI, quality does not emerge at the end of the process, but at its very beginning - at the moment when an idea is still closely tied to the material and when every decision shapes how a product will eventually be worn, experienced, and “lived” with by the customer. Over years of development, alongside careful material selection, we have created our own innovative textile solutions such as LeloSkin, Polarosi and Siberosi. They are designed with a clear purpose: to combine comfort, functionality and a feeling that cannot be easily described, but is simply felt.

    Quality standards represent a set of internal rules and procedures defining how materials are tested, how results are recorded, and how they are interpreted. All processes must comply with current legislation. At LELOSI, quality standards are continuously updated and improved. After reviewing and evaluating the samples, we decide whether production can be approved. An important part of the process also includes regular supplier evaluations, where we assess material conditions directly at the location.

    Branka Perc, quality controller, explains: “From the fibre itself to the final material, there are many different processes that significantly influence the end product.” Every decision regarding a material begins with responsibility - towards the user, the product, and its lifespan. She also notes that even the pH value of a dye bath can significantly affect the final quality of the material. This is why consistent monitoring of all parameters is essential before a material is approved for further stages, such as cutting and sewing. Only once all standards are met does the material continue its journey into production.

    Key properties of premium materials

    Before a material even enters the testing process, its basic mechanical properties are first evaluated. The expert explains that we initially assess stability, softness, and drape – characteristics that ensure appropriate, long-term usability and comfort. Elasticity is also crucial at this stage, as it directly affects garment construction and final fit. In addition, the behaviour of the material during washing, drying, and storage is assessed from the very beginning, as this is an important indicator of long-term stability.

    Materials must meet high technical and aesthetic standards. In addition to sufficient strength, they must allow precise cutting, sewing, and further processing. “A material must combine strength and flexibility. It must be durable enough to withstand wear, yet flexible enough to allow precise shaping, cutting, sewing, and printing without losing its key properties.” It must also maintain its shape and softness, with stable dyes and prints, ensuring a consistently pleasant and reliable wearing experience over time.

    Laboratory testing and real-life performance testing

    Every material undergoes a multi-stage laboratory evaluation. Branka Perc explains that each sample is first labelled and classified according to material type and fibre composition. The material is then subjected to a series of key analyses, including surface weight, thickness, elasticity, and recovery to its original shape, as well as tensile strength and abrasion resistance. Dimensional stability and shrinkage are also assessed, along with wash and drying resistance. Special attention is given to dye stability and potential odours, as all of these factors significantly influence long-term quality and user experience. A key part of the process is also real-life performance testing - not only under controlled laboratory conditions, but in actual use, where true quality becomes visible over time.

    Washing and long-term wear tests are also conducted under defined conditions and in line with recommendations. This provides a comprehensive understanding of how the material behaves throughout its lifecycle and is essential for ensuring consistent final product quality.

    We also assess the suitability of each material for specific garment designs, as its properties must support both construction and purpose. Elasticity and fit are particularly important, as they must allow freedom of movement while maintaining comfort.

    What happens if a material does not meet the requirements?

    The development process also includes selection - not every material passes all requirements, as each undergoes six to eight tests. “In the development phase, we reject many materials because they do not meet our minimum standards.” The most common reasons are insufficient elasticity and poor resistance to washing or abrasion. In later stages, rejection may also occur if a material does not meet softness standards or shows mechanical damage. Precision in testing is not only a technical requirement but the foundation of reliable results. Only with a professional approach, appropriate equipment, and close cooperation can we ensure materials that meet all requirements of the final product.

    Our team most often notice an unappealing appearance and a stiff, shapeless structure. When in contact with the skin, the material may feel rough, overly “pilled”, sticky, or unpleasant to touch, and it may catch between the fingers or appear too transparent. Another indicator of lower quality can be an unpleasant odour, such as a sour smell.

    Quality as a long-term commitment

    “It is very important to us that our products have a long lifespan. Quality is not something that happens overnight, but the result of numerous tests, coordination, knowledge, and experience that accompany the development of every material,” emphasizes Branka Perc.

    Customers are often unaware of how complex the material creation process is. Even at the raw material stage – such as cotton production - many processes, quality controls, and teams are involved. Each stage of development and production can influence the final product, which is why continuous monitoring is essential for ensuring safety, comfort, and durability. Even after approval in the development phase, testing continues for approximately ten days.

    Quality standards evolve alongside changes in lifestyle, technological development, and environmental requirements. Increasing emphasis is placed on consumer safety and environmental responsibility, leading legislation to define more precise limits and regulations for production processes and material components.

    “Fast production does not encourage thoughtful and conscious purchasing. We believe that a high-quality product is created through strong development, the right materials, and the expertise of the people behind it,” adds Branka Perc.

    Difference between average and premium materials

    The difference between average and premium materials is already visible in the selection of raw materials and the production process. Average materials are often made from basic fibres using the simplest processes, while premium materials are created with a clear vision, careful development, and high-quality raw materials from recognised manufacturers. Their development involves experts from different fields, with the goal of creating a material that combines lightness, softness, elasticity, breathability, and a modern appearance.

    A pleasant feeling on the skin is not a coincidence, but the result of carefully selected material compositions and precisely tuned production processes. Special mechanical treatments create air pockets that improve moisture wicking and breathability, while the material retains softness, lightness, and comfort during wear.

    That is why at LELOSI we believe that quality is not a trend, but a long-term commitment to products, people, and the everyday comfort of our customers. We invite you to try garments made from carefully developed LELOSI materials and experience the difference created through thoughtful and precise quality control.

    Author: Nikolina Koljanin