Abrasive fabric backings are appropriate for some storage or exhibition purposes, but may cause damage to delicate fibers in historic fabrics. Tests evaluated the abrasion characteristics of 11 fabrics. The four fabrics with the lowest abrasiveness were heavy-weight and light-weight laminate fabric structures, velveteen pile, and muslin. The backing fabrics with the highest abrasiveness were tulle, the nonwoven surface of two laminate fabrics, and sailcloth. Fabric construction affected abrasiveness more than fabric thickness or weight.