The purpose of this paper is to assess the performance in colourfastness of naturally pigmented cottons to determine their suitability for fashion apparel and home furnishings and the conditions under which the colours are darkened. Nine fabrics were tested and variables of performance were identified (these are the variables of performance which consumers would use to determine whether they would be willing to risk purchase of a new and possibly, higher priced article for themselves or family members. The variables were identified as being: colour changes; laundering temperature; number of launders; detergent; perspiration; ambient sunlight exposure; and carbon are exposure.