Colorfastness

/ˈkʌlərˌfæstnəs/ noun

Definition

The quality or property of being resistant to fading, bleeding, or color loss when exposed to light, water, chemicals, or wear.

Etymology

Abstract noun formed from 'colorfast' plus '-ness,' creating a noun that describes the state or quality of color permanence. Standard English noun formation dating to the 19th century.

Kelly Says

Textile scientists measure colorfastness using standardized tests where they expose fabrics to UV light or repeated washing cycles—it's literally graded on a scale, and achieving high colorfastness in dark colors like navy or black requires extremely specific chemistry that changes the cost of production dramatically.

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