Why Some Snowpants Last Longer: Martindale Ratings, Reinforcements & Real-World Durability

When a friend told me her kid “keeps blowing out the knees,” her plan was to grab another affordable pair of kid snowpants and just keep replacing them - but I recently learned that not all snow gear is created equally; and while it might feel like your kid will blow the knees on all and any snow pants, the reality is that there is way to shop smarter. 

What is the Martindale test?

The Martindale test measures how many rubbing “cycles” a fabric can withstand before it shows wear. A sample is pressed under a set load and rubbed in a precise pattern (called a Lissajous figure) against an abrasive (wool fabric or sandpaper), then inspected for damage or pilling. Higher cycles = tougher fabric. They test this on almost everything that experiences high wear from kids clothing to couches. 

TL;DR: Martindale = a standardized rub test for durability. If your kid is hard on gear, you want a higher number. Not all brands share their number; they'll just tell you it's 'durable'

Why kids’ snowpants fail (and how to prevent it)

Knees, seat, and hems take the most abuse: slides, kneels, and ski edges. Look for reinforcement panels in those areas. Therm recognized that and upgraded their reinforcements on their snowsuits.

• Fabric choice & construction matter: dense weaves + durable yarns + proper coatings/laminates withstand more rub cycles. (Martindale quantifies that.)
  

• Fit affects wear: pants that are too long get chewed up at the cuffs; too tight at the knees increases seam stress (even on strong fabric). (General textiles principle; Martindale only measures fabric abrasion.)
  

Reima examples: what those numbers look like

Reima actually publishes Martindale information with their product swhich makes comparing easy:

• Matais (toddlers) – “Good abrasion resistance… > 30,000 cycles (sandpaper).” Everyday-durable for regular play.
  

• Alpii (kids) – “Excellent abrasion resistance… > 80,000 cycles (sandpaper).” Heavy-duty for rough play and frequent use.
  

• Vuonelo (kids bib) – Reinforced knees, seat, and hems; reinforcement fabric rated > 80,000 Martindale.
  

• Note: Reima also lists core waterproofing/breathability (e.g., 10,000–12,000 mm water column; ≥7,000 g/m²/24h MVTR) on many models—great for staying dry and comfy)

How many cycles do you “need”?

There isn’t one universal number for kids, but guidance from textile labs and industry explain the idea: more cycles = more abrasion resistance; brands use Martindale to select fabrics fit for purpose (everyday vs. heavy-duty). For context tables (often written for upholstery), 20–30k is “general use,” and 50–80k+ signals high durability. The same principle applies when brands spec outdoor fabrics for high-wear kids’ gear. 

Other durability clues to check on a product page

• Reinforcements named (knees/seat/hems) → huge for longevity.
  

• Seam construction & guards (taped seams; scuff guards at cuffs).
  

• Waterproof/breathable ratings (comfort + dryness = less chafing/wear from soaked fabric).
  

• Care guidance (wash inside-out; avoid fabric softener; low-temp tumble if allowed) helps coatings and fibers last longer - read the care label because mroe and more pfas free coatings need to be tumble dried.
  
  

FAQs parents ask me in store

Is a higher Martindale always worth the price?
If your kid is easy on gear or outgrows sizes fast, 30k might be plenty. If they’re rough-and-tumble or you want to pass gear down, 80k+ pays for itself. I think knowing your martindale scale is most important for heavy ski and snowboard families. If you're just at school playing - it might not be as big of a dea. 

Does Martindale measure tear strength or seam strength?
No. It’s specifically abrasion/pilling. Tear strength, seam strength, and cut resistance are separate properties. You might also want to look to reinforcements and construction for those.

Why do ski bibs last longer for my kid?
Bibs like Vuonelo shift stress points and add reinforced panels to the highest-wear zones. That’s why you’ll often see fewer knee blowouts

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Snowpants for Your Family

At first, it might feel like all snowpants wear out the same but when you look closer at Martindale ratings and reinforced panels, the differences become clear. A pair with >30,000 cycles might be perfect for everyday daycare play, while 80,000+ cycles and reinforced knees are worth it for kids who live on the sledding hill or need gear to last through hand-me-downs.

The good news? You don’t have to guess. Explore our full kids’ winter outerwear collection to find the right balance of price, durability, and comfort for your family. When you shop with durability in mind, you’re not just saving money. You’re reducing waste and keeping kids warm and protected all season long.

But maybe new isn't in the budget - check out our preloved snowpants for more choices across brands and styles.