AATCCStandards

AATCC Standards are a family of standardized test methods, practices, and guidelines published by the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC). They provide validated procedures for evaluating textile materials and products in areas such as color, appearance, and performance, enabling consistent testing and comparable results across laboratories and manufacturers.

Developed by volunteer committees composed of industry professionals from textile mills, dyehouses, labs, and academia, AATCC Standards cover topics including colorfastness to laundering and crocking, color and appearance measurements, colorant migration, and physical and chemical properties such as tensile strength, abrasion, absorbency, and chemical resistance. The standards are organized into test methods, practices, and guidelines and are updated periodically to reflect new materials, finishes, and testing technologies.

Publication and access: AATCC Standards are published in the AATCC Technical Manual and through digital platforms. They are widely used in product development, quality control, supplier-customer specifications, and regulatory or certification processes. While not legally binding on their own, they are frequently incorporated by reference in contracts and used by labs for benchmark testing. The standards are recognized internationally and are often referenced by other standards organizations.

Relationship to other standards: Some AATCC methods are harmonized or referenced by ISO, ASTM, or national standards bodies, and AATCC maintains compatibility where possible.