ASTM D3692-89(2021)

Standard Practice for Selection of Zippers for Care-Labeled Apparel and Household Furnishings

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This practice is useful for the selection of zippers that will be compatible with items to be care labeled.  
4.2 This practice is useful as a guide for the selection of test methods to evaluate zipper properties that are relevant to care-labeled items.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice provides guidelines to the manufacturer for the selection of zippers to be used in garments and household furnishings that have care labels. The use of this practice will facilitate the selection of a zipper compatible with the end-item requirements. In the absence of complete knowledge of end-item characteristics, it is not possible to stipulate specific universal characteristics for a care label. Therefore following initial selection, the chosen zipper should be tested in a prototype item to confirm its suitability. Zipper properties to be considered are those that may, following refurbishing, be the ones likely to adversely affect the continued use and enjoyment of the item in which the zipper is installed.  
1.2 The product characteristics evaluated by this practice are shrinkage, colorfastness, and ironing deformation.  
Note 1: Test methods of interest include Test Method D2052, Test Method D2053, Test Method D2054, Test Method D2057, Test Methods D2060.  
1.3 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.  
1.4 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: 30-Jun-2021
• ICS: 61.040 - Headgear. Clothing accessories. Fastening of clothing
• Technical Committee: D13 - Textiles
• Drafting Committee: D13.54 - Subassemblies

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 D123-15 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2015
• Refers: ASTM D2060-14 - Standard Test Methods for Measuring Zipper Dimensions
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2014
• Refers: ASTM D123-13ae1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2013
• Refers: ASTM D123-13a - 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 D123-12e1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2012
• Refers: ASTM D123-12 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2012
• Refers: ASTM D2050-11 - Standard Terminology Relating to Fasteners and Closures Used with Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2011
• Refers: ASTM D2050-11e1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Fasteners and Closures Used with Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2011
• Refers: ASTM D2052-05(2010) - Standard Test Method for Colorfastness of Zippers to Drycleaning
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2010
• Refers: ASTM D2060-00(2010) - Standard Test Methods for Measuring Zipper Dimensions
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2010
• Refers: ASTM D2054-99(2010) - Standard Test Method for Colorfastness of Zipper Tapes to Crocking
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2010

Overview

ASTM D3692-89(2021): Standard Practice for Selection of Zippers for Care-Labeled Apparel and Household Furnishings provides comprehensive guidelines to manufacturers for choosing zippers that are compatible with garments and household textile products that carry care labels. The standard, established by ASTM International, aims to facilitate the selection of suitable zippers that meet the unique requirements of end items such as clothing or home textiles. Adhering to the recommendations in this practice minimizes the risk of issues arising during the lifecycle of a product, especially after laundering, dry cleaning, or ironing.

Key Topics

• Shrinkage Compatibility

  • Guides manufacturers in assessing the differential shrinkage between zippers and textile materials.
  • Recommends constructing prototypes and subjecting them to intended refurbishing methods (like washing or dry cleaning) to verify zipper compatibility.
  • Emphasizes that lightweight and heavyweight materials may require different shrinkage tolerances for optimal durability and appearance.

• Colorfastness

  • Provides advice on selecting zippers that maintain color integrity when subjected to care processes.
  • Outlines considerations for matching and contrasting colors between zippers and fabrics, directing attention to potential staining and fading challenges.
  • Stresses the importance of consulting with zipper suppliers to ensure appropriate colorfastness, especially for items that will be frequently laundered or exposed to various cleaning agents.

• Ironing Deformation

  • Details guidelines for using zippers in products that may require ironing.
  • Identifies specific recommendations based on zipper construction (metal or plastic elements) and the proper care labeling required to avoid damage or deformation.

• Test Method Guidance

  • Recommends relevant ASTM test methods for evaluating zipper performance:
    • D2052 for colorfastness to dry-cleaning
    • D2053 for colorfastness to light
    • D2054 for colorfastness of tapes to crocking
    • D2057 for colorfastness to laundering
    • D2060 for measuring zipper dimensions

Applications

Manufacturers of apparel and household textiles rely on ASTM D3692-89(2021) to:

• Ensure that selected zippers withstand routine care processes, thereby maintaining the product’s appearance and function.
• Help avoid costly product recalls or consumer dissatisfaction caused by zipper failure, discoloration, or deformation.
• Support compliance with labeling requirements and consumer product safety regulations.
• Simplify communication with zipper suppliers regarding material compatibility and performance needs.
• Guide product development teams in creating prototypes and testing zipper installations before mass production.
• Serve as a decision-making tool for quality assurance teams to select the appropriate evaluation methods for zipper properties.

Related Standards

For comprehensive zipper evaluation and textile integration, ASTM D3692 references several key standards:

• ASTM D2050: Terminology Relating to Subassemblies Used in the Manufacture of Textiles
• ASTM D2052: Test Method for Colorfastness of Zippers to Dry-Cleaning
• ASTM D2053: Test Method for Colorfastness of Zippers to Light
• ASTM D2054: Test Method for Colorfastness of Zipper Tapes to Crocking
• ASTM D2057: Test Method for Colorfastness of Zippers to Laundering
• ASTM D2060: Test Methods for Measuring Zipper Dimensions
• ASTM D123: Terminology Relating to Textiles

These related standards support consistent evaluation and help ensure the quality and longevity of care-labeled apparel and household products featuring zippers.

Keywords: zipper selection, care-labeled apparel, household furnishings, shrinkage compatibility, colorfastness, ironing deformation, ASTM zipper standards, textile testing methods.

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: D3692 − 89 (Reapproved 2021)
Standard Practice for
Selection of Zippers for Care-Labeled Apparel and
Household Furnishings
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3692; 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 D2050 Terminology Relating to Subassemblies Used in the
Manufacture of Textiles
1.1 This practice provides guidelines to the manufacturer
D2052 Test Method for Colorfastness of Zippers to Dry-
for the selection of zippers to be used in garments and
cleaning
household furnishings that have care labels. The use of this
D2053 Test Method for Colorfastness of Zippers to Light
practice will facilitate the selection of a zipper compatible with
D2054 Test Method for Colorfastness of Zipper Tapes to
the end-item requirements. In the absence of complete knowl-
Crocking
edge of end-item characteristics, it is not possible to stipulate
D2057 Test Method for Colorfastness of Zippers to Laun-
specific universal characteristics for a care label. Therefore
dering
following initial selection, the chosen zipper should be tested
D2060 Test Methods for Measuring Zipper Dimensions
in a prototype item to confirm its suitability. Zipper properties
to be considered are those that may, following refurbishing, be
3. Terminology
the ones likely to adversely affect the continued use and
enjoyment of the item in which the zipper is installed.
3.1 For all terminology related to D13.54, Subassemblies,
refer to Terminology D2050.
1.2 The product characteristics evaluated by this practice
3.1.1 The following terms are relevant to this standard:
are shrinkage, colorfastness, and ironing deformation.
differential shrinkage, shrinkage.
NOTE 1—Test methods of interest include Test Method D2052, Test
Method D2053, Test Method D2054, Test Method D2057, Test Methods 3.2 For all other terminology related to textiles, see Termi-
D2060.
nology D123.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4. Significance and Use
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4.1 This practice is useful for the selection of zippers that
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
will be compatible with items to be care labeled.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor- 4.2 This practice is useful as a guide for the selection of test
methods to evaluate zipper properties that are relevant to
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the care-labeled items.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical 5. General
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
5.1 It is advisable that zippers be closed when items in
which they are installed are being laundered or dry cleaned.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
6. Shrinkage
D123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
6.1 Excessive differential shrinkage between the zipper and
ThispracticeisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeD13onTextilesand
the material into which it is installed can impair item appear-
is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D13.54 on Subassemblies.This practice
ance and the functioning of the zipper. To avoid problems,
was developed in cooperation with the Slide Fastener Association, Inc.
zippers need to have compatible but not necessarily equal
Current edition approved July 1, 2021. Published July 2021. Originally approved
shrinkage to that of the fabric. The acceptable shrinkage
in 1978. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as D3692 – 89 (2016). DOI:
10.1520/D3692-89R21.
differential may vary depending upon fabric weight and item
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
construction. The fabric weight, method of zipper installation,
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
and zipper shrinkage should be considered in determining how
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. much shrinkage differential is acceptable.
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D3692 − 89 (2021)
6.2 Zipper shrinkage c
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