ISO 8159:1987

Overview

ISO 8159:1987 is an international standard published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) that establishes the principal vocabulary for describing the morphology of textile fibres and yarns. This standard focuses on the terminology used to define the various forms in which textile fibres are assembled, from individual fibres through to cabled yarns. It ensures a common language for industry professionals, researchers, and manufacturers involved in textile production and analysis.

This standard covers general textile fibre and yarn terms only, explicitly excluding terms specific to particular fibre types such as hemp, silk, glass, metal, or carbon fibres. It also does not cover manufacturing methods or quantitative measurement terms related to fibre or yarn properties. A morphological scheme diagram is included to illustrate the relationships between terms from a production perspective.

Key Topics

• Textile Fibre Definition: Fibres characterized by flexibility, fineness, and a high length-to-cross section ratio suitable for textile applications.
• Fibre Types:
  • Staple fibre: Short, limited-length fibres.
  • Filament: Very long fibres considered continuous.
  • Textile film and tape yarn: Film-like or tape-shaped textile elements.
• Fibre Assemblies:
  • Tow: Large bundles of man-made staple filaments without twist.
  • Sliver or Top: Long assemblies of staple fibres without twist.
  • Roving: Similar to sliver but with slight twist.
  • Flock: Very short fibres intended to be stuck to a backing.
• Yarn Types:
  • Yarn: A long, relatively fine textile product of fibres and/or filaments, with or without twist.
  • Spun yarn: Made primarily from staple fibres bound by twist.
  • Filament yarn: Made from single or multiple filaments, twisted or untwisted.
  • Bulked yarn: Spun yarns treated chemically or thermally to increase volume.
  • Singles yarn: Yarn with twist inserted in a single operation.
  • Folded (plied) yarn: Two or more singles twisted together.
  • Cabled yarn: Yarn formed by twisting together two or more yarns, including at least one folded yarn.
• Textured Filament Yarns: Covered in related ISO 8160, these include yarns with crimp or other stretch and bulk properties developed through twist or after-treatments.

Applications

ISO 8159:1987 is essential for:

• Textile manufacturers and designers who require consistent terminology for fibre and yarn morphology.
• Quality control and laboratory analysts standardizing descriptions of raw materials.
• Researchers and educators developing curriculum or conducting studies related to fibre and yarn structure.
• Documentation and communication within the textile supply chain-ensuring clarity around fibre forms from raw material to complex yarn assemblies.
• Regulatory and standards compliance where precise vocabulary reduces ambiguities.

The vocabulary standard aids in describing structures prior to or during processing and supports improved textile product development, sourcing, and technical communication worldwide.

Related Standards

• ISO 8160: Textiles - Textured filament yarns - Vocabulary. Complements ISO 8159 by defining terminology for yarns with specialized physical properties achieved by texturing processes.
• Other ISO textile standards developed by ISO Technical Committee 38 (Textiles), which cover fibre characteristics, testing methods, and fabric classifications.
• National and regional standards referencing ISO 8159 terms to harmonize terminology in trade and industry documentation.

By adopting ISO 8159:1987, industry professionals align on a globally recognized set of terms, improving efficiency and reducing misinterpretations in describing fibre and yarn morphology.