Overview
EN ISO 3759:2011 (ISO 3759:2011) specifies standardized methods for the preparation, marking and measuring of textile fabric specimens, garments and made‑up textile articles used in tests that assess dimensional change after specified treatments (for example: washing, dry‑cleaning, soaking, steaming). It applies to woven and knitted fabrics and finished textile articles but excludes certain upholstery coverings. The standard is intended to ensure consistent, reproducible measurement practice when following treatment procedures such as ISO 3005, ISO 6330, ISO 7771, ISO 3175 and ISO 15797.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope & principle: Select specimens representative of the bulk material; mark pairs of reference points and measure distances before and after treatment to determine dimensional change.
- Specimen selection & size: Cut specimens at least 500 × 500 mm with edges parallel to length and width; avoid cutting within 1 m of either end of a roll; tubular knits have specific handling rules.
- Conditioning: Condition specimens in a standard atmosphere per ISO 139 for at least 4 hours or until a constant mass is achieved (constant mass: change ≤ 0.25% over 1‑hour intervals).
- Marking requirements: Make at least three pairs of marks in both length and width directions; distance between marks of each pair ≥ 350 mm; no mark closer than 50 mm to specimen edges.
- Measuring method & accuracy: Use a ruler, flexible steel ruler or glass‑fibre tape (marked in millimetres). Record distances to the nearest 1 mm; lay specimens flat, remove wrinkles without stretching.
- Apparatus & marking tools: Acceptable marking tools include indelible ink (with templates), fine contrast threads, heated wire (for thermoplastics), or staples for non‑agitated tests.
- Garment measurement positions: Standardized measuring points are given for jacket‑like garments, trousers, one‑piece garments, skirts and flat made‑up articles (e.g., length, widths at specified positions). Measure elasticated areas in the relaxed state.
- Treatment and results: Specimens are treated according to the referenced ISO test methods and dimensional change is expressed as percentage change in dimension.
Applications
- Quality control for shrinkage and dimensional stability
- Verification of care‑label claims and garment specifications
- R&D and material comparison during fabric development
- Contract testing between manufacturers, brands and test laboratories
- Process validation for domestic and industrial laundering/finishing
Who uses this standard
- Textile and apparel manufacturers
- Independent test laboratories and certification bodies
- Product development and quality assurance teams
- Workwear and industrial laundering service providers
Related standards
Keywords: EN ISO 3759:2011, ISO 3759:2011, textiles, dimensional change, fabric specimen preparation, garment measurement, shrinkage testing, ISO 6330, ISO 3005.