Here's a breakdown:
* Colorfast: The ability of a material to retain its original color over time and under various conditions.
* Fade: The gradual loss of color intensity, usually due to exposure to sunlight or repeated washing.
* Bleed: When the color from the fabric transfers to other fabrics or surfaces during washing.
Essentially, colorfastness is a measure of how well a material holds onto its color.
Here are some examples:
* A colorfast shirt won't lose its vibrant hue after multiple washes.
* A colorfast rug can be placed in direct sunlight without fading.
* Non-colorfast fabrics are more likely to fade, bleed, or change color over time.
Look for "colorfast" or "color-safe" labels when shopping for fabrics or clothing to ensure they retain their original color.