AATCC standards to evaluate fabric shrinkage
The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) have several standardized test methods to evaluate fabric shrinkage. The most commonly used standards include:
- AATCC TM135 – Dimensional changes of fabrics after home laundering
This test method measures the shrinkage or expansion of fabrics after home laundering. It involves washing and drying under controlled conditions. This test method is used for woven and knit fabrics.
- AATCC TM150 – Dimensional changes of garments after home laundering
This standard is similar to AATCC TM135 but applies to finished garments instead of fabric swatches. It evaluates how a garment changes in size after washing and drying.
- AATCC TM187 – Dimensional Changes of fabrics after industrial laundering
This standard determines the shrinkage of fabrics subjected to industrial laundering. It is commonly used for workwear, uniforms, and hospital textiles.
- AATCC TM96 – Dimensional changes in commercial laundering of woven and knitted fabrics
This standard measures abric shrinkage in commercial laundering settings. It is used for hospitality, medical, and industrial textiles.
- AATCC TM179 – Skewness change in fabric and garment twist resulting from automatic home laundering
This standard evaluates fabric distortion (twisting or skewing) after laundering. It helps determine fabric stability.
Each test involves marking the fabric, washing/drying it according to standardized conditions, and measuring dimensional changes to assess shrinkage. If you need specific shrinkage tolerances, they are usually set by industry standards or buyer requirements.