Overview
ISO 9867:2022 - "Textiles - Evaluation of the wrinkle recovery of fabrics - Appearance method" specifies a standardized visual method for assessing how textile fabrics recover from induced wrinkling. Applicable to all kinds of textile fabrics, the standard defines the test apparatus, specimen preparation, controlled atmospheres, test procedure and a five‑point fabric smoothness rating for appearance after recovery. Annex A provides a digital description of the 3D wrinkle replicas used as visual references.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope: Universal applicability to woven, knitted and nonwoven fabrics; comparison against ISO wrinkle replicas.
- Apparatus: A defined wrinkle tester (circular top and bottom flanges, rotation 180°), specimen clamps, a 3 500 g weight-piece, timer, clothes hanger and overhead lighting arrangement. Replica set of 3D wrinkle recovery models is required for visual comparison.
- Specimens & conditioning: Cut three specimens (150 mm × 280 mm) per sample, long dimension parallel to warp/wale/length; precondition and condition per ISO 139 standard atmospheres.
- Procedure: Wrap specimen on flanges, rotate and lower top flange, apply 3 500 g for 20.0 ± 0.1 min, hang specimens and allow 24 h recovery in standard atmosphere before evaluation.
- Evaluation: Three trained observers independently rate each specimen against WR‑1 to WR‑5 replicas (rating 1 to 5). Intermediate half‑ratings (e.g., 3.5) are permitted. Observers view specimens under specified fluorescent overhead lighting and placement.
- Results & reporting: Average the nine observations (3 specimens × 3 observers) and report to the nearest half‑rating. Test report must reference ISO 9867:2022, sample identification, conditioning atmosphere, any deviations, and test date.
- Digital replicas (Annex A): 3D scanning/digital description of replicas is provided (measured at 1 mm intervals, divided into six regions) for reference and analysis; actual visual replicas are used for assessment.
Applications and who uses it
- Quality control in textile manufacturing to monitor wrinkle recovery and fabric appearance performance.
- Product development and R&D for evaluating finishes, treatments, blends and fabric constructions aimed at wrinkle resistance.
- Laboratories and test houses performing standardized textile appearance testing.
- Specifiers and procurement (brands, garment makers) using objective ratings for supplier agreements and specification compliance.
ISO 9867:2022 supports consistent comparison of wrinkle recovery performance across materials and treatments.
Related standards
- ISO 139 - Standard atmospheres for conditioning and testing (referenced for conditioning).
- ISO 105‑A03 - Grey scale for assessing staining (used to specify viewing board colour).
Keywords: ISO 9867:2022, wrinkle recovery, textile testing, appearance method, wrinkle tester, wrinkle replicas, fabric smoothness rating, ISO 139.
