Overview - ISO 16322-3:2021 (Spirality after laundering - woven & knitted garments)
ISO 16322-3:2021 specifies standardized laboratory procedures to measure spirality (torque) of woven and knitted garments after domestic laundering. It defines how to prepare, mark, launder and assess garments so that spirality - the lateral rotation between garment panels that can appear after washing - can be quantified and reported. This part is focused on garments after laundering (not spirality as manufactured) and notes that some constructions (e.g., denim or circular-knitted goods) can have intentional or inherent nonverticality.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and purpose: Measurement of spirality of garments after domestic laundering using agreed test conditions. Results from different procedures may not be comparable.
- Reference standards: ISO 6330 (domestic washing/drying procedures) and ISO 139 (standard conditioning atmosphere) are normative references.
- Specimen selection and conditioning: Select representative garments (typically two specimens), condition in standard atmosphere per ISO 139 for a minimum of 4 hours before marking or measuring.
- Marking procedures:
- Procedure A (within-panel) - mark a horizontal reference line 75 mm above the hem and a point 500 mm above a benchmark A (or the maximum available length).
- Procedure B (panel sides) - mark along the side seam or natural side edge and measure up a 500 mm distance (or the longest available).
- Laundering: Select laundering conditions and number of cycles according to ISO 6330 relevant to consumer use; perform cycles and recondition specimens.
- Assessment and calculation: Measure displacement after laundering (AA′) and report spirality as a percentage X = 100 × (AA′ / AB), to nearest 0.1%. Report mean spirality for tested garments.
- Apparatus: calibrated ruler (≥500 mm), T‑square/right‑angle device, washing and drying machines as per ISO 6330, conditioning rack.
- Test report content: reference to ISO 16322-3, garment details, marking procedure used (A or B), laundering procedure and machine, number of cycles, mean spirality before/after washing, date, and deviations.
Applications - who uses this standard
- Quality control and test laboratories assessing post-laundering dimensional stability and garment appearance
- Textile and garment manufacturers monitoring product performance and process changes
- Product development and R&D teams optimizing fabric constructions and finishes
- Retailers and brands validating claims or investigating consumer complaints about twist or leg/hem skew
- Compliance and certification bodies requiring objective spirality data
Related standards and references
- ISO 16322-2:2021 - spirality measurement for fabrics
- ISO 6330 - domestic washing and drying procedures for textile testing
- ISO 139 - standard atmospheres for conditioning and testing
- AATCC TM179 and AATCC TM207 - related test methods for skew and seam twist
Keywords: ISO 16322-3, spirality, textiles, woven garments, knitted garments, laundering, garment testing, spirality after laundering, ISO textile standards.