Abstract: Textile composites are widely used in aerospace field because of its advantages of light weight, high strength and strong designability.The fiber structure of textile preform determines the final mechanical properties of composites. However, the fiber structure of preform inevitably undergoes macro-scale and micro-structure deformation during the weaving process, and even wrinkle defects. The preform is a flexible skeleton, and its deformation mechanism is very complicated. Test is the most direct method to characterize the mechanical properties of preform, and it is also the basis of establishing theoretical and numerical analysis model. In this paper, the basic test methods of textile composite preform, such as tensile test, compression test, bending test, shear test and forming test, are reviewed. The advantages, disadvantages and applicable conditions of different test methods are discussed, and the future research work is prospected. The work in this paper will provide theoretical guidance for the improvement of preform mechanics testing technology, the establishment of testing standards and the accurate control of shape during the forming process. It will promote the structural design and engineering application of textile composites.