Garment test programs name test methods by number: ISO 105-C06, AATCC 61, ASTM D5034 and so on. This page maps the methods you will meet most often. It lists what each method is for; it does not reproduce the methods. For the procedure, use the current official edition of each standard.
The organisations#
| Organisation | Scope |
|---|---|
| ISO (International Organization for Standardization) | International standards, often adopted as EN, BS EN and national standards |
| AATCC (American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists) | Test methods mainly for color fastness, wet processing and chemical properties |
| ASTM International | Standards mainly for physical properties and specifications |
Buyers based in different markets often favour one family. Many international buyers specify ISO methods; many North American buyers specify AATCC and ASTM methods.
Color fastness#
| Property | ISO | AATCC |
|---|---|---|
| Washing | ISO 105-C06 | AATCC 61 |
| Rubbing (crocking) | ISO 105-X12 | AATCC 8 |
| Perspiration | ISO 105-E04 | AATCC 15 |
| Light | ISO 105-B02 | AATCC 16.3 |
| Water | ISO 105-E01 | AATCC 107 |
| Chlorinated water (pool) | ISO 105-E03 | AATCC 162 |
| Grey scale for color change | ISO 105-A02 | AATCC Evaluation Procedure 1 |
| Grey scale for staining | ISO 105-A03 | AATCC Evaluation Procedure 2 |
Dimensional change#
| Purpose | ISO | AATCC |
|---|---|---|
| Washing and drying procedures | ISO 6330 | AATCC LP1 (home laundering procedure) |
| Marking and measuring | ISO 3759 | Included in AATCC 135 and 150 |
| Dimensional change after washing | ISO 5077 | AATCC 135 (fabrics), AATCC 150 (garments) |
| Skewness and garment twist | ISO 16322 series | AATCC 179 |
See dimensional stability testing.
Strength#
| Property | ISO | ASTM |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile, strip | ISO 13934-1 | ASTM D5035 |
| Tensile, grab | ISO 13934-2 | ASTM D5034 |
| Tear | ISO 13937 series | ASTM D1424 (Elmendorf), D2261 (tongue) |
| Bursting | ISO 13938-1, -2 | ASTM D3786, D6797 |
| Seam strength | ISO 13935-1, -2 | ASTM D1683 |
| Seam slippage | ISO 13936-1, -2 | Buyer-specified method (check the manual) |
Surface and appearance#
| Property | ISO | ASTM |
|---|---|---|
| Pilling (pilling box) | ISO 12945-1 | |
| Pilling (Martindale) | ISO 12945-2 | ASTM D4970 |
| Pilling (random tumble) | ISO 12945-3 | ASTM D3512 |
| Abrasion (Martindale) | ISO 12947 series | ASTM D4966 |
Construction and mass#
| Property | ISO | ASTM |
|---|---|---|
| Threads per unit length | ISO 7211-2 | ASTM D3775 |
| Mass per unit area | ISO 3801 | ASTM D3776 |
| Yarn crimp | ISO 7211-3 | ASTM D3883 |
Rules for using test methods#
- Use the exact method and condition the buyer specifies. ISO 105-C06 alone has many test conditions.
- Do not compare results across methods. A grade under AATCC 61 is not the same as a grade under ISO 105-C06.
- Use the current edition unless the buyer names an edition. Methods are revised.
- Check sampling and specimen requirements, such as number of specimens and directions.
- Use accredited laboratories for official test reports when the buyer requires it.
About this page#
Method numbers are listed for identification. Requirements (grades, limits) come from buyers' manuals and product specifications, not from the test methods themselves.
Related: color fastness overview, pilling test, tensile strength, bursting strength.
Frequently asked questions#
Where do I get the full methods? Buy them from the publishing organisations or authorised resellers. Accredited laboratories hold current editions.