RS TENSILE PVT IN INDIA Tearing strength is defined (ASTM D1682) as the force required to start or to continue to tear a fabric, in either weft or warp direction, under specified conditions. A tear in a fabric or garment generally occurs progressively along a line, and can be initiated by a moving fabric being caught on a sharp object. Tensile testing measures the force needed to elongate and break a sample. It is used to determine the strength and elasticity of woven or nonwoven fabrics, plastic film or sheeting, gloves, condoms and other materials. tensile strength, maximum load that a material can support without fracture when being stretched, divided by the original cross-sectional area of the material.