ASTM D7268-23

Standard Performance Specification for Seamless Knit Garments Including Intimates and Swimwear

ABSTRACT
This specification covers the evaluation of specific performance characteristics of importance in seamless knit garments, including camisoles, panties, slips, girdles and swimwear. Different tests shall be conducted in order to determine the following properties of seamless knit garments: bursting strength, colorfastness to laundering, colorfastness to drycleaning, colorfastness to crocking, colorfastness to light, colorfastness to perspiration, colorfastness to intimates, colorfastness to sea water, colorfastness to chlorinated pool water, colorfastness to chlorine and non-chlorine bleach, dimensional change, stretch, flammability, garnet twist, and fiber content.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Upon mutual agreement between the purchaser and the supplier, seamless knit garments intended for this end use should meet all of the requirements listed in Table 1 of this specification. (A) See Note 4.  
4.2 It is recognized that, for purposes of fashion or aesthetics, the ultimate consumer of articles made from these fabrics may find acceptable products that do not conform to all of the requirements listed in Table 1. Therefore, one or more of the requirements in Table 1 may be modified by mutual agreement between the purchaser and the supplier.  
4.2.1 In such cases, any references to the specifications should specify that: “This product meets ASTM specifications XXXX except for the following characteristic(s).”  
4.3 Where no pre-purchase agreement has been reached between the purchaser and supplier, and in case of controversy, the requirements listed in Table 1 are intended to be used as a guide only. As noted in 4.2, ultimate consumer demands dictate varying performance parameters for a particular product.  
4.4 The uses and significance of particular properties and test methods are discussed in the appropriate sections of the specified test methods.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers the evaluation of specific performance characteristics of importance in seamless knit garments, including camisoles, panties, slips, girdles and swimwear.  
1.2 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the test methods described in this performance specification: This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Dec-2022
• ICS: 61.020 - Clothes
• Technical Committee: D13 - Textiles
• Drafting Committee: D13.61 - Apparel

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D123-17 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2017
• Refers: ASTM D123-15b - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 15-Sep-2015
• Refers: ASTM D123-15a - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2015
• Refers: ASTM D6797-15 - Standard Test Method for Bursting Strength of Fabrics Constant-Rate-of-Extension (CRE) Ball Burst Test (Withdrawn 2024)
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2015
• Refers: ASTM D123-15 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2015
• Refers: ASTM D629-15 - Standard Test Methods for Quantitative Analysis of Textiles (Withdrawn 2024)
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2015
• Refers: ASTM D3136-14 - Standard Terminology Relating to Care Labeling for Apparel, Textile, Home Furnishing, and Leather Products
• Effective Date: 15-May-2014
• Refers: ASTM D7022-13e1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Apparel
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2013
• Refers: ASTM D7022-13 - Standard Terminology Relating to Apparel
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2013
• Refers: ASTM D3136-13e1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Care Labeling for Apparel, Textile, Home Furnishing, and Leather Products
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2013
• Refers: ASTM D3136-13 - Standard Terminology Relating to Care Labeling for Apparel, Textile, Home Furnishing, and Leather Products
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2013
• Refers: ASTM D123-13a - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2013
• Refers: ASTM D123-13ae1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2013
• Refers: ASTM D123-13 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 15-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM D2594-04(2012) - Standard Test Method for Stretch Properties of Knitted Fabrics Having Low Power
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2012

Overview

ASTM D7268-23: Standard Performance Specification for Seamless Knit Garments Including Intimates and Swimwear sets out essential performance requirements and test methods for a variety of seamless knit apparel. This includes garments such as camisoles, panties, slips, girdles, and swimwear. Developed by ASTM International, this standard provides guidance on the physical and colorfastness properties most critical to product quality, durability, and consumer satisfaction in the seamless garment market.

The standard is intended for use by manufacturers, suppliers, and purchasers to evaluate the performance of finished seamless knit garments. It ensures products meet agreed-upon minimum criteria, promoting consistency, consumer safety, and clear purchasing agreements worldwide.

Key Topics

ASTM D7268-23 addresses a comprehensive set of performance characteristics relevant to seamless knit garments:

• Bursting Strength: Measures the fabric’s ability to withstand pressure without breaking.
• Colorfastness: Assesses resistance to fading or staining during:
  • Laundering
  • Drycleaning
  • Crocking (rubbing)
  • Light exposure
  • Perspiration
  • Contact with sea water and chlorinated pool water
  • Bleaching (chlorine and non-chlorine)
• Dimensional Change: Evaluates garment stability after laundering or drycleaning.
• Stretch Properties: Determines the fabric’s stretch and recovery capabilities, which are crucial for body-conforming garments like shapewear and swimwear.
• Flammability: Provides guidance on combustibility evaluation, in line with regulatory frameworks.
• Garment Twist and Skewness: Examines fabric alignment post-laundering to minimize garment distortion.
• Fiber Content: Ensures blend accuracy for proper labeling and performance expectations.

Testing protocols refer to widely accepted ASTM and AATCC methods, ensuring international acceptance and reliability.

Applications

Seamless knit garments are increasingly popular due to their comfort, fit, and minimal seaming. ASTM D7268-23 supports stakeholders across the textile and apparel supply chain, offering several practical benefits:

• Quality Assurance: Enables manufacturers and brands to validate key performance factors before products reach the market.
• Supplier Agreements: Provides a clear benchmark for negotiating and verifying product quality between buyers and suppliers.
• Regulatory Compliance: Guides conformity with flammability acts and fiber content regulations for textiles and apparel.
• Product Development: Assists designers and R&D teams in selecting appropriate fibers and fabrics for new seamless garment styles.
• Consumer Confidence: Ensures end products meet or exceed industry expectations for colorfastness, fabric integrity, and fit, even under repeated use.

This standard is particularly valuable for global brands, private labels, and contract manufacturers that need consistent, high-quality products in the intimates and swimwear categories.

Related Standards

To fully implement the requirements and testing referenced in ASTM D7268-23, organizations may also need to consult:

• ASTM D3786 / D3787: Test methods for fabric bursting strength
• ASTM D629: Quantitative analysis of textiles
• ASTM D1230: Flammability testing for apparel textiles
• AATCC TM8, TM15, TM16, TM61, TM106, TM107, TM116, TM132, TM150, TM162, TM172, TM179, TM188: Various test methods for colorfastness, dimensional change, and garment twist
• 16 CFR 1610: Flammable Fabrics Act
• ASTM D123, D7022: Textile and apparel-related terminology

By integrating ASTM D7268-23 into procurement, production, and quality control processes, stakeholders in the knitwear apparel industry can achieve consistent product standards, global market access, and customer satisfaction.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D7268 − 23
Standard Performance Specification for
Seamless Knit Garments Including Intimates and Swimwear
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7268; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope Constant-Rate-of-Extension (CRE) Ball Burst Test
D7022 Terminology Relating to Apparel (Withdrawn 2022)
1.1 This specification covers the evaluation of specific
2.2 AATCC Test Methods:
performance characteristics of importance in seamless knit
TM8 Colorfastness to Crocking: AATCC Crockmeter
garments, including camisoles, panties, slips, girdles and
Method
swimwear.
TM15 Colorfastness to Perspiration
1.2 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the
TM16.3 Colorfastness to Light: Xenon Arc
test methods described in this performance specification: This
TM20 Fiber Analysis: Qualitative
standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns,
TM20 A Fiber Analysis: Quantitative
if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user
TM61 Colorfastness to Laundering: Accelerated
of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and
TM106 Colorfastness to Water: Sea
environmental practices and determine the applicability of
TM107 Colorfastness to Water
regulatory limitations prior to use.
TM116 Colorfastness to Crocking: Rotary Vertical Crock-
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor-
meter
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
TM132 Colorfastness to Drycleaning
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
TM150 Dimensional Changes of Garments after Home
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
Laundering
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
TM158 Dimensional Changes on Drycleaning in Perchloro-
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ethylene: Machine
TM162 Colorfastness to Water: Chlorinated Pool
2. Referenced Documents (See Note 1)
TM172 Colorfastness to Non-Chlorine Bleach in Home
2.1 ASTM Standards:
Laundering
D123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
TM179 Skewness Change in Fabric and Garment Twist
D629 Test Methods for Quantitative Analysis of Textiles
Resulting from Automatic Home Laundering
D2594 Test Method for Stretch Properties of Knitted Fabrics
TM188 Colorfastness to Sodium Hypochlorite Bleach in
Having Low Power
Home Laundering
D2905 Practice for Statements on Number of Specimens for
EP1 Gray Scale for Color Change
Textiles (Withdrawn 2008)
EP2 Gray Scale for Staining
D3136 Terminology Relating to Care Labeling for Apparel,
EP8 AATCC 9–Step Chromatic Transference Scale
Textile, Home Furnishing, and Leather Products (With-
M11 A Glossary for AATCC Standard Terminology
drawn 2023)
AATCC-ASTM TS-001 Quick Methods for Colorfastness to
D3786 Test Method for Bursting Strength of Textile
Chlorine and Non-Chlorine Bleach
Fabrics—Diaphragm Bursting Strength Tester Method
NOTE 1—AATCC-ASTM TS-001 contains quick test methods for color
D6797 Test Method for Bursting Strength of Fabrics
change from chlorine and non-chlorine bleach. The methods have not been
validated for verified. In case of dispute use AATCC 172 and/or 188 for
bleach test results.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D13 on
2.3 Federal Standards:
Textiles and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D13.61 on Apparel.
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2023. Published August 2023. Originally
16 CFR 1610 Flammable Fabrics Act
approved in 2006. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as D7268-14. DOI:
10.1520/D7268-23. NOTE 2—Reference to test methods in this specification give only the
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists, P.O.
the ASTM website. Box 12215, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709.
3 5
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on Available from Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office,
www.astm.org. Washington, DC 20402.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D7268 − 23
permanent part of the designation of ASTM, AATCC, or other test
4.4 The uses and significance of particular properties and
methods. The current editions of each test method cited shall prevail.
test methods are discussed in the appropriate sections of the
specified test methods.
3. Terminology
3.1 For all terminology related to Apparel, see Terminology
5. Sampling
D7022.
5.1 Acceptance Testing Lot—Unless agreed otherwise, con-
3.2 The following terms are relevant to this standard:
sider as a lot for acceptance testing all material of a single item
camisole, girdle, intimates, panties, seamless knit garment,
as a single shipment.
slip, swimwear.
5.2 Lot Samples and Laboratory Samples—For acceptance
3.3 For definitions of all other textile terms see Terminology
testing, take lot samples and laboratory samples as directed by
D123.
each of the applicable test methods.
5.3 Specimens—Take the number of specimens directed in
4. Significance and Use
each of the applicable test methods. Perform the tests on the
4.1 Upon mutual agreement between the purchaser and the
product as it reaches the consumer. Any “partially finished” or
supplier, seamless knit garments intended for this end use
“post-finish” fabrics should be processed in accordance with
should meet all of the requirements listed in Table 1 of this
the fabric manufacturer’s instructions.
specification.
5.3.1 If the applicable test method does not specify the
4.2 It is recognized that, for purposes of fashion or
number of specimens, use the procedures in Practice D2905 to
aesthetics, the ultimate consumer of articles made from these
determine the number of specimens per laboratory sample unit.
fabrics may find acceptable products that do not conform to all
5.3.2 Use a reliable estimate of the variability of individual
of the requirements listed in Table 1. Therefore, one or more of
observations on similar materials in the user’s laboratory, a
the requirements in Table 1 may be modified by mutual
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D7268 − 14 D7268 − 23
Standard Performance Specification for
Seamless Knit Garments Including Intimates and Swimwear
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7268; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This specification covers the evaluation of specific performance characteristics of importance in seamless knit garments,
including camisoles, panties, slips, girdles and swimwear.
1.2 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the test methods described in this performance specification:This
standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user
of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices,safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents (See Note 1)
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
D629 Test Methods for Quantitative Analysis of Textiles
D1230D2594 Test Method for Flammability of Apparel TextilesStretch Properties of Knitted Fabrics Having Low Power
D2905 Practice for Statements on Number of Specimens for Textiles (Withdrawn 2008)
D3107 Test Methods for Stretch Properties of Fabrics Woven from Stretch Yarns
D3136 Terminology Relating to Care Labeling for Apparel, Textile, Home Furnishing, and Leather Products (Withdrawn 2023)
D3786 Test Method for Bursting Strength of Textile Fabrics—Diaphragm Bursting Strength Tester Method
D3787D6797 Test Method for Bursting Strength of Textiles—Constant-Rate-of-Traverse (CRT) Fabrics Constant-Rate-of-
Extension (CRE) Ball Burst Test
D7022 Terminology Relating to Apparel (Withdrawn 2022)
2.2 AATCC Test Methods:
8TM8 Colorfastness to Crocking: AATCC Crockmeter Method
15TM15 Colorfastness to Perspiration
16TM16.3 Colorfastness to Light Light: Xenon Arc
20TM20 Fiber Analysis: Qualitative
20TM20 A Fiber Analysis: Quantitative
61TM61 Colorfastness to Laundering, Home and Commercial: Laundering: Accelerated
106TM106 Colorfastness to Water: Sea
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D13 on Textiles and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D13.61 on Apparel.
Current edition approved March 15, 2014Jan. 1, 2023. Published April 2014August 2023. Originally approved in 2006. Last previous edition approved in 20122014 as
D7268-12. DOI: 10.1520/D7268-14.-14. DOI: 10.1520/D7268-23.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.
Available from American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists, P.O. Box 12215, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D7268 − 23
107TM107 Colorfastness to Water
116TM116 Colorfastness to Crocking: Rotary Vertical Crockmeter Method
132TM132 Colorfastness to Drycleaning
150TM150 Dimensional Changes in Automatic of Garments after Home Laundering of Garments
158TM158 Dimensional Changes on Drycleaning in Perchloroethylene: Machine Method
162TM162 Colorfastness to Water: Chlorinated Pool
172TM172 Colorfastness to Non-Chlorine Bleach in Home Laundering
179TM179 Skewness Change in Fabric and Garment Twist Resulting from Automatic Home Laundering
188TM188 Colorfastness to Sodium Hypochlorite Bleach in Home Laundering
Evaluation Procedure 1EP1 Gray Scale for Color Change
Evaluation Procedure 2EP2 Gray Scale for Staining
Evaluation Procedure 8EP8 AATCC 9–Step Chromatic Transference Scale
GlossaryM11 A Glossary for AATCC Standard Terminology
AATCC-ASTM TS-001 Quick Methods for Colorfastness to Chlorine and Non-Chlorine Bleach
NOTE 1—AATCC-ASTM TS-001 contains quick test methods for color change from chlorine and non-chlorine bleach. The methods have not been
validated for verified. Incase In case of dispute use AATCC 172 and/or 188 for bleach test results.
2.3 Federal Standards:
16 CFR 1610 Flammable Fabrics Act
NOTE 2—Reference to test methods in this specification give only the permanent part of the designation of ASTM, AATCC, or other test methods. The
current editions of each test method cited shall prevail.
3. Terminology
3.1 For all terminology related to Apparel, see Terminology D7022.
3.2 The following terms are relevant to this standard: camisole, girdle, intimates, panties, seamless knit garment, slip, swimwear.
3.3 For definitions of all other textile terms see Terminology D123.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 Upon mutual agreement between the purchaser and the supplier, seamless knit garments intended for this end use should meet
all of the requirements listed in Table 1 of this specification.
4.2 It is recognized that, for purposes of fashion or aesthetics, the ultimate consumer of articles made from these fabrics may find
acceptable products that do not conform to all of the requirements listed in Table 1. Therefore, one or more of the requirements
in Table 1 may be modified by mutual agreement between the purchaser and the supplier.
4.2.1 In such cases, any references to the specifications should specify that: “This product meets ASTM specifications XXXX
except for the following characteristic(s).”
4.3 Where no pre-purchase agreement has been reached between the purchaser and supplier, and in case of controversy, the
requirements listed in Table 1 are intended to be used as a guide only. As noted in 4.2, ultimate consumer demands dictate varying
performance parameters for a particular product.
4.4 The uses and significance of particular properties and test methods are discussed in the appropriate sections of the specified
test methods.
5. Sampling
5.1 Acceptance Testing Lot—Unless agreed otherwise, consider as a lot for acceptance testing all material of a single item as a
single shipment.
Available from Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402.
D7268 − 23
TABLE 1 Specification Requirements
Characteristic Requirements Section
Bursting Strength <5 oz 30 lb/in
Colorfastness
A
Laundering Color Change 4.0 Min 7.2
Staining 3.0 Min
Drycleaning Color change 4.0 Min 7.3
Staining 3.0 Min
A
Crocking Dry 4.0 Min 7.4
Wet 3.0 Min
...