The effect of oxidative and oxidative-reductive bleaching on the colorimetric, topographical, and mechanical properties of soybean fabric has been investigated by yellowness index, abrasion resistance, tensile strength, Kawabata evaluation system for fabrics, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry in order to examine both the bulk and surface properties. Surface changes to the soybean fiber due to bleaching treatments have been evaluated and the protective effect of protein hydrolysates assessed. Improved tensile strength, flat abrasion performance, and handle maintenance of the soybean fabric was demonstrated with the incorporation of Byco C in both bleaching treatments. (c) 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013