EN 25077 Textiles - Determination of Dimensional Changes During Washing and Drying

The European standard "EN 25077 Textiles - Determination of dimensional change during washing and drying" describes a method for determining the dimensional change of fabrics, garments, and other textile products when subjected to an appropriate combination of specified washing and drying procedures. When considering textiles or deformable materials, the interpretation of the results requires the utmost care.

In principle, the sample is conditioned in a specified standard atmosphere and measured before being subjected to appropriate washing and drying procedures. Dimensional changes after drying, conditioning, and remeasuring of the sample are calculated.

The devices and reagents used in this method are as specified in ISO 3759 and ISO 6330 standards.

The atmospheric conditions required for preconditioning and testing are described in the ISO 139 standard.

The selection, dimensions, marking, and measurement of test samples are specified in ISO 3759 Textiles - Preparation, marking, and measurement of fabric samples and garments for testing to determine dimensional change. The number of samples to be tested is determined by the precision of the required results. For this test method, it is recommended to test four samples from each sample and wash these samples in two separate wash loads, with two samples per wash load (repeats per run). In some cases, it may be desirable not to test four samples, and in other cases, fewer samples may be used.

After the samples are preconditioned, conditioned, and measured according to the procedure specified in ISO 3759, the original length and width dimensions are determined, as appropriate. If agreed upon by the parties involved, the samples are washed and dried according to one of the procedures specified in ISO 6330. After washing and drying, the samples are conditioned and measured, and the dimensional change of the samples is calculated according to the procedure specified in ISO 3759.

In accordance with the regulations in the ISO 3759 standard, average changes in dimensions in both the length and width directions are calculated according to the formulas provided in the standard. Average dimensional changes are expressed to the nearest 0,5 percent. A minus sign indicates a decrease in dimension (shrinkage) or a plus sign indicates an increase (elongation).

The test report must include:

• Number and year of this standard
• Number of washed and dried samples
• Procedure used for washing and drying according to ISO 6330 standard
• For fabric samples, the average dimensional change in length (warp or stripe) and the average dimensional change in width (weft or stripe) to the nearest 0,5 percent
• For garments, description, brand and size of garment tested
• For garments, adequate description of each measurement position and the nearest average dimensional change at each position for each garment tested.

This standard is based on ISO 5077 Textiles - Determination of dimensional change on washing and drying. EN ISO 25077 reflects developments in test methods and provides more comprehensive guidelines for assessing dimensional changes in textiles.

This standard is important because it provides a uniform method for assessing the dimensional stability (shrinkage or elongation) of textile fabrics and garments after laundering. This ensures consistency and quality control within the textile and apparel industries. This standard is considered important for the following reasons:

• Ensures product quality: Fabrics that shrink excessively after washing can lead to poor fit or customer dissatisfaction. This standard helps manufacturers evaluate and control fabric performance under real-world washing conditions.
• Enables cross-industry standardization: Offers a globally recognized, repeatable testing method that ensures consistent comparisons between materials from different manufacturers and countries. This standard is used by textile laboratories, brands, and certification bodies worldwide.
• Supports labeling and care instructions: Results from this standard's testing help determine appropriate care symbols and instructions, such as wash temperature limits. This ensures end users know how to wash garments without causing significant damage or shrinkage.
• Facilitates compliance and trade: These tests are required by many industry specifications and supply contracts, particularly in fashion, home textiles, and technical fabrics. These tests are important for quality assurance, export requirements, and customer satisfaction in both business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) contexts.

In short, this test method determines the shrinkage or growth of a textile product in the warp (lengthwise) and weft (crosswise) directions. Test results are typically reported as a percentage of dimensional change. Textile manufacturers, apparel manufacturers, testing laboratories, retailers, brands, and regulatory and standards organizations use this standard.

In general, testing is performed in the following steps:

• Sample preparation: 3 test samples are cut, each at least 500 mm x 500 mm or a standard fabric sample depending on the application.
• To measure changes, reference points are marked on each sample using non-permanent ink or sewing thread. Typically, three warp (lengthwise) and three weft (crosswise) distances are marked per sample. The distance between the marks is usually 250 mm.
• Washing: Samples are washed according to ISO 6330, which defines standard household washing and drying procedures. Parameters include: washing machine type, temperature (e.g., 40°C, 60°C), detergent used, level of mechanical stress, and number of cycles.
• Drying: Samples are dried using the chosen standard drying method: line drying (hang drying), flat drying, or tumble drying (low or high temperature). The washing and drying method used must be clearly stated, as different methods will affect the results.
• Measurement: After drying under standard atmospheric conditions (20°C plus/minus 2°C and 65% plus/minus 4% relative humidity according to ISO 139), the distances between reference points are measured. The before and after measurements are compared.
• Calculation of dimensional change: For each direction (warp and weft), the formula given in the standard is used.

Our organization, which has been supporting businesses across all sectors for years through a wide range of testing, measurement, analysis, and evaluation activities, has a strong team of employees who closely follow global developments in science and technology and are constantly improving themselves. In this context, we also provide testing services in accordance with the EN 25077 Textile - Determination of Dimensional Change in Washing and Drying Standard.