Definition
Shade passing is a visual and instrumental inspection of textiles — in particular greige and finished woven fabrics as well as sewn garments — in which the test specimen is compared against an approved color and quality standard (reference sample) under defined lighting conditions. The objective is to assess color fastness, color nuance, surface uniformity, and freedom from fabric defects. Shade passing is performed as a rule in a standardized light booth or under specified illuminants in order to eliminate subjective influences caused by varying ambient lighting. The result determines whether a lot is released as conforming in color and quality or rejected for reworking.
Use in the textile industry
In the textile industry, shade passing is applied at multiple stages of the value chain: during incoming inspection of delivered greige fabrics, after dyeing and finishing, and in garment manufacturing prior to shipment to trade customers. Typical evaluation criteria include hue, lightness, and chroma in comparison with the color standard, as well as surface evenness, fabric structure, and any processing defects. For materials subject to metamerism, shade passing is carried out under several illuminants — such as daylight, incandescent light, and fluorescent light — in order to detect color shifts under different lighting conditions.
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