Overview
ISO 18103:2015 - Superfine woven wool fabric labelling - specifies the “Super S” labelling code for finished woven fabrics made from pure virgin wool and defines the test method to determine the fabric’s mean fibre diameter. The standard sets maximum mean fibre diameter limits for Super 80s through Super 250s, requires sampling and test procedures for extracting fibres from fabric, and provides precision data and labelling guidance to ensure consistent, verifiable “Super S” claims.
Key Topics
- Scope and eligibility
- The term “Super” may be used only for finished woven fabrics made wholly from pure virgin wool (fibres from sheep’s or lambs’ fleeces).
- Up to 5% (weight) of non-wool yarn is permitted for decorative effects.
- “Super S” limits
- Defines the maximum mean fibre diameter for each Super S grade (e.g., Super 100s, Super 120s, … up to Super 250s) with a positive tolerance of +0.25 µm inherent to the test method.
- Test method and sampling
- Determination of mean fibre diameter is carried out according to ISO 137 (projection microscope method).
- Sampling requires a minimum of three representative fabric squares (typically 3×3 cm to 5×5 cm), unravelled warp and weft threads, and preparation of snippets (~0.4 mm) using a fibre microtome.
- Final result is the overall mean of the mean values from each slide/sample.
- Quality assurance
- Annex B provides precision data and reports from interlaboratory evaluations (INTERWOOLLABS/IWTO), supporting reproducibility and repeatability of the method.
- Labelling guidance
- Annex A recommends supplier information to accompany “Super S” labelling (manufacturer, fabric description, reference to ISO 18103).
Applications
- Textile manufacturers and wool weavers: to classify superfine wool suiting and woven cloth accurately for product specifications.
- Garment makers and retailers: to verify and display legitimate Super S claims on labels and hangtags.
- Textile testing laboratories: to perform compliant mean fibre diameter testing using ISO 137 for grading and certification.
- Quality managers and compliance officers: to protect consumers and supply-chain integrity against misleading or fraudulent fineness claims.
Related Standards (if applicable)
- ISO 137 - Wool - Determination of fibre diameter - Projection microscope method (normative reference in ISO 18103).
- IWTO test methods (e.g., IWTO‑8), noted as equivalent approaches in wool industry practice.
ISO 18103:2015 supports accurate superfine wool grading, consistent labelling practices, and traceable fibre-diameter testing across the wool textile supply chain.