ASTM D7017-12 - 1.2.2012
 
Significance and Use

Fabrics intended for rainwear and all-purpose, water-repellent coat end use should meet all of the requirements listed in Table 1 of this specification.

It should be recognized that fabric can be produced utilizing an almost infinite number of combination of construction variables (for example, type of fibers, percentage of fibers, yarn twist, yarn number, warp and pick count, chemical and mechanical finishes). Additionally, fashion or aesthetics dictate that the ultimate consumer may find acceptable articles made from fabrics that do not conform to all of the requirements in Table 1.

Hence, no single performance specification can possibly apply to all the various fabrics that could be utilized for this end-use.

The uses and significance of particular properties and test methods are discussed in the appropriate sections of the specified test methods.

TABLE 1 Specification Requirements

Note—Grade in colorfastness and DP requirements is based on a numerical scale of 5 for negligible or no color change, color transfer, or fabric wrinkle to 1 for severe color change, color transfer, or fabric wrinkle.

CharacteristicMinimum RequirementSection
Breaking strength (CRE), wovens178 N (40 lbf)5.1
Resistance to Yarn slippage wovens 5.2
6 mm (¼ -in.) separation111 N (25 lbf)
Tearing Strength wovens13 N (3 lbf)5.3
Bursting Strength knits222 N (50lbf)5.4
Dimensional change:
Pressing and finishing2 % max5.5.1
After laundering3 % max5.5.2
After dry cleaning2 % max5.5.3
Colorfastness:
Laundering:5.6.1
Shade changeGrade 4
StainingGrade 3
Dry cleaning (shade change)Grade 45.6.2
Burnt gas fumes2 cycles:
Shade change, original fabricGrade 45.6.3
Shade change after 1 laundering or 1 dry cleaningGrade 4
Crocking:5.6.4
DryGrade 4
WetGrade 3
Chlorine Bleach5.6.5
Shade ChangeGrade 4
Non-chlorine Bleach5.6.6
Shade ChangeGrade 4
Water: 5.6.7
Shade changeGrade 4
StainingGrade 4
Perspiration:5.6.8
Shade changeGrade 4
StainingGrade 3
Light (20 AATCC Fading Units)Grade 45.6.9
FrostingGrade 45.6.10
Water repellency:
Smooth-textured fabrics:
Original905.7
After 5 launderings or 3 dry cleanings70
Rough-textured:
Original 805.7
After 5 launderings or 3 dry cleanings70
Water resistance (categories based on time for maximum
weight increase at following head pressures):
Shower 600 mm (2 ft) for 30 seconds1 gram, max5.8
Rain 600 mm (2 ft) for 2 minutes1 gram, max5.8
Storm 915 mm (3 ft) for 5 minutes1 gram, max5.8
Fabric appearanceSA 3.55.9
Flammability Class 15.10
 
1. Scope

1.1 This performance specification covers rainwear and all-purpose water-repellent coat outer fabrics composed of any textile fiber or mixture of textile fibers.

1.2 This performance specification is not applicable to fabrics used for linings and interlinings.

1.3 These requirements apply to the length and width directions for those properties where fabric direction is pertinent.

1.4 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 and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

 
2. Referenced Documents

D3786-08

Standard Test Method for Bursting Strength of Textile FabricsDiaphragm Bursting Strength Tester Method

D123-23

Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles

D434-95

Standard Test Method for Resistance to Slippage of Yarns in Woven Fabrics Using a Standard Seam (Withdrawn 2004)

D1424-25

Standard Test Method for Tearing Strength of Fabrics by Falling-Pendulum (Elmendorf-Type) Apparatus

D3787-16(2020)

Standard Test Method for Bursting Strength of Textiles´Constant-Rate-of-Traverse (CRT) Ball Burst Test

D3136-25

Standard Terminology Relating to Care Labeling for Apparel, Textile, Home Furnishing, and Leather Products

D5034-21(2025)

Standard Test Method for Breaking Strength and Elongation of Textile Fabrics (Grab Test)

D2724-19(2025)e1

Standard Test Method for Bond Strength of Bonded, Fused, and Laminated Apparel Fabrics (Includes all amendments and changes 11/17/2025).

D7022-13

Standard Terminology Relating to Apparel

D2261-13(2024)

Standard Test Method for Tearing Strength of Fabrics by the Tongue (Single Rip) Procedure (Constant-Rate-of-Extension Tensile Testing Machine)