History

AATCC Foundation launched a new campaign to endow the Textile Chemistry Scholarship and the Textile Design Scholarship

The Technical Center lab floor was refinished and received equipment donations for visual and instrumental color evaluation

The Technical Center library was named in honor of former AATCC Executive Vice President John "Jack" Daniels

AATCC hosted and attended multiple tradeshows, conferences, and meetings that included expert presentations, panels, tutorials, and more

President: Harrie Schoots

AATCC hosted the Textile Discovery Summit that included industry expert presentations, interactive breakouts, panels, tutorials, and more

AATCC Technical Manual got a new name: Manual of International Test Methods and Procedures

Two test methods were approved: TM211 Test Method for the Reduction of Bacterial Odor on Antibacterial-Treated Textiles and AATCC TM212 which is the first global test method for evaluating the release of fiber fragments during laundering

AATCC hosted more than a dozen Digital Labs ranging from natural dyes to e-textiles

RA111 research committee published two of the very first global standards for e-textiles

RA100 is cooperating with numerous international groups to develop a test method for evaluating the release of fiber fragments during laundering

AATCC uncovered the time capsule buried in 1964

President: Kerry King

Corporate membership is the highest its been in 15 years

The Gulf Coast Section has been renamed the Ozarks Section and they held their first meeting in April

RA111 Committee approved the first Evaluation Procedure for evaluating electronic textiles

AATCC Foundation awarded $99,500 in scholarships, grants, and fellowships

AATCC Foundation launched the 100 for 100 campaign to fully endow $100,000 in annual undergraduate scholarships and fellowships in time to celebrate AATCC 100th birthday in 2021

AATCC approved a new Textas section as well as two new student chapters at Baylor University and Oregon State University

AATCC co-hosted ISO/TC38 meetings with ASTM D13 in New Orleans

AATCC held its second retail lighting conference in Cleveland

AATCC co-hosted the Digital Printing conference with SGIA

AATCC Foundation provided nearly $80,000 in scholarships and research grants

President: Rembert Truesdale

AATCC arranged for the student winner of the C2C Design Competition to compete in the Runway of Dreams Foundation Competition in NYC

Technical staff exhibited or presented at the following: Techtextile in Frankfurt, Wear Conference-San Francisco, IPC- San Diego and Chicago, IFAI-New Orleans, SGIA- New Orleans, PI Apparel in NYC, Co-hosted ISO/TC38 meetings with ASTM D13-New Orleans, and attended conferences in Raleigh

AATCC held its first Moisture Management Program in February, held a Textile Coloration Conference in September, and held a Digital Printing Conference with SGIA in November

AATCC, in conjunction with ATSM, launched a UV Supplement and publication

AATCC Future Leaders Award was created in November

AATCC Graduate Fellowships was established for students pursuing Ph.D. degrees in Fiber and Polymer Science at NC State and Clemson University

AATCC developed, promoted and sold new Standard HE Liquid Laundry Detergents, with and without optical brightener

The AATCC Foundation created new scholarships including The Gordon and Mary Osborn Scholarship for textile science and engineering students, the Kanti and Hansa Jasani Family Scholarship, four AATCC Foundation and Textile Scholarships, and the URI Scholarship

AATCC attended ITMA Asia

President: Sandra Johnson

AATCC launched a new and responsive website

AATCC launched a new peer review management system in November

AATCC published Dyeing Primer online in July

AATCC launched CD training videos online

In October, AATCC and ASTM began cross-branding by linking each other's proficiency testing pages on each organization's website. In November, at the ECR meeting agreed to allow ASTM to use an AATCC test method in one of their knit fabric proficiency programs

AATCC launched a student chapter at Cornell University

AATCC Foundation Newsletter was developed and launched in July

AATCC celebrated the Technical Center's 50th anniversary

AATCC Journal of Research was launched and separated from AATCC Review the magazine. The AATCC Journal of Research is an online-only research journal

President: Peter Hauser

AATCC launched "AATCC Mobile App"

AATCC had popular pages on the website translated into Chinese, as well as having the Quality Control & Publications Catalog translated into Chinese

AATCC made outreach to Latin American textile associations, exhibited at ColombiaTex, and exhibited at the FLAQT (the Federation of Latin American Textile Chemistry Associations) Conference in Colombia, where Dr. Hauser presented.

AATCC launched the Visual Color Assessment Program

Three new test methods were approved in moisture management

One new test method was approved for drying time

AATCC launched a student marketing competition among textiles, marketing and MBA college programs for the purpose of developing business plans for gaining and maintaining students and millennial members

President: R Michael Tyndall

Membership renewal become available online, as well as new member applications could be processed online through MemberMax

AATCC started attending trade shows to educate retailers on the existence and advantages of AATCC Test Methods and QC Materials

AATCC implemented geographically-defined AATCC sections both internationally and domestic

AATCC developed an antimicrobial proficiency testing module and had 22 labs participating at the time

AATCC expanded its test method trainers into South America with the first trainer in Lima, Peru

AATCC negotiated with ASTM to teach selected ASTM Test Methods at AATCC test method training sessions in the United States and abroad

AATCC successfully conducted an international conference in Mumbai, India entitled Emerging Trends in Textile Processing for a Sustainable Future

President: Fred Cook

AATCC launched another international student chapter at UNMSM in Lima, Peru in 2009.

Fred helped launch the Student Materials Competition mentioned above and worked diligently to develop the newly formed Materials Interest Group

AATCC significantly increased interactions with ASTM, negotiated to resell ASTM textile standards, and included ASTM test methods in AATCC’s in-house Introduction to Textile Testing workshops, as well as into AATCC’s International Test Method Training Program.

AATCC co-located their International Conference during Fred’s term with MEGATEX in Atlanta and began participating in Outdoor Retailer Shows.

To reach more international members, the Association launched their webinar series and developed their online Textile Fundamentals educational series through the College of Textiles at NC State University

The second international section, the Kongu section, began around Tirupur, India in March 2008. This section was later reabsorbed by the India section.

AATCC approved an international student chapter at SASMIRA in Mumbai, India in November 2008. The group officially launched in early 2009.

Web-based Textile Fundamentals modules are offered in conjunction with the College of Textiles at North Carolina State University.

In 2008, AATCC released Color Vision and Technology. The book was written by Rolf Kuehni and published in CD format.

President: Martin Bide

AATCC dedicated the William R. Martin, Jr. Walkway at the Technical Center at the end of 2007.

Proceeds from inscribed bricks support AATCC Foundation's charitable activities.

The AATCC Technical Manual was translated into Mandarin through an agreement with the CTIC in Beijing

New CD videos for demonstrating key AATCC test methods were developed

In 2006, an agreement allowed China Textile Leader to translate and reprint articles from AATCC Review.

A lower-priced developing nation membership was developed in 2006, incorporating the digital magazine.

The China Textile Information Center was contracted to translate the AATCC Technical Manual into Mandarin, print, and sell the manual in China.

President: Bob Lattie

AATCC purchased the Computer Integrated Textile Design Association (CITDA) in 2005 and launched the C2C Student Design Competition.

The Indian Section, centered around Mumbai, became the first local AATCC section outside the US.

AATCC made available all journal articles from 1969 to the present available in a searchable, online archive hosted on EBSCO. The magazine became available to members as a digital pdf format as well as the printed format.

The Materials Engineering Competition began in 2005.

AATCC began offering its UV Calibration Program in 2004.

In 2004 AATCC made major changes to its Constitution, transitioning the 50-plus member governing Council to an approximate 20-member Board of Directors. Three interest groups—Chemical Applications, Concept 2 Consumer, and Materials —were also created and incorporated into the governance. .

The online Buyer’s Guide and downloadable test methods were introduced to the website in 2004.

For the first time in 2004, AATCC co-located the International Conference with the American Textile Machinery International (ATME-I) show in Greenville, S.C.

In October 2004, the first issue of the online newsletter AATCC News was published.

In November 2004, the sale of the AATCC Technical Manual in a searchable CD format was approved.

In that same year, AATCC agreed to be one of the four sponsoring organizations for the online peer-reviewed Journal of Engineered Fibers and Fabrics (JEFF).

AATCC launched International Test Method Training Programs in 2003, beginning in India. The program now includes 30 trainers in 13 countries.

Test method training CDs were launched in 2003.

The development of the online Buyers Guide occurred.
The first Technical Supplement was published jointly with ASTM Committee D13, as well as downloadable test methods from the AATCC website
The AATCC online newsletter was launched

The Association co-located its International Conference & Exhibition with the American Textile Machinery International Exhibition (ATME-I) in Greenville, SC.

Many Southern textile mills have closed and others are struggling to stay in business. Thousands of workers are unemployed.

AATCC Proficiency Testing Programs were launched in 2002. The Membership Directory went online for easy use by all members that same year.

In 2002, the first major renovation of the Technical Center included new ceilings and lighting, a new HVAC system and boiler, refurbished lab counters and cabinets, and a new roof. The renovations spanned a two-year period.

President: John Darsey

In 2001, AATCC combined Textile Chemist & Colorist and American Dyestuff Reporter into AATCC Review and received its first of many Apex Awards for Publications Excellence.

John’s leadership led to our eventual forming Concept-2-Consumer® which AATCC has trademarked, and through which we now conduct, with the help of many great volunteers, the very successful C2C Student Design Competition and the relatively new C2C Student Merchandising Competition.

Association’s Council’s approving that all committee and board meeting minutes go electronic; the launching of AATCC Proficiency Testing Programs, now quite popular and lucrative launching of the AATCC Outstanding College Graduate of the Year program

In 2000, AATCC established a Mexican office and conducted test method training in Mexico. The satellite office has since been closed.

AATCC magazine first began to publish feature articles as well as Technical papers and AATCC news

President: Charles E. Gavin, III

In 1999, AATCC purchased American Dyestuff Reporter.

AATCC also began exhibiting at international trade shows in 1999.

In 1997, AATCC launched a public charitable arm, AATCC Foundation Inc. The Foundation provides scholarships and grants for textile education and research.

President: Nelson Houser

AATCC launched www.aatcc.org in 1996.

International Technical Conference & Exhibition: Sept. 15–18—Nashville, TN, Opryland Hotel
Annual Meeting: Nov. 21—Research Triangle Park, NC, AATCC Technical Center

Books: I Remember When: Anecdotes of the Dyeing and Finishing Trades, Herbert T. Pratt, editor

President: Frederick K. Jones 1995–1996

International Technical Conference & Exhibition: Oct. 8–11—Atlanta, GA, Hyatt Regency/Inforum
Annual Meeting: Nov. 16—Research Triangle Park, NC, AATCC Technical Center

Books: Pigment Printing Handbook

AATCC Evaluation Procedure Creation: EP 6 RA36 Instrumental Color Measurement 1995
AATCC Evaluation Procedure Creation: EP 7 RA36 Instrumental Assessment of the Change in Color of a Test Specimen 1995

International Technical Conference & Exhibition: Oct. 11–14—Charlotte, NC, Convention Center
Annual Meeting: Nov. 17—Research Triangle Park, NC, AATCC Technical Center

Research Committee: Supercritical Fluids 105 A 1994

Wrinkle-Free Finishing of Cotton and Cotton Blends Workshop began (1994, 1 Session)

Books: Garment Wet Processing Technical Manual
Books: Bibliography of Fabric Hand

AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 179 Skewness Change in Fabric and Garment Twist Resulting from Automatic Home Laundering RA42 1994

President: Nick J. Christie 1993–1994

International Technical Conference & Exhibition: Oct. 3–6—Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Queen Elizabeth Hotel/Place Bonaventure
Annual Meeting: Nov. 18—Research Triangle Park, NC, AATCC Technical Center

Student Chapter Creation: Bangladesh College of Textile Engineering

Books: Warp Sizing Handbook, second edition

International Technical Conference & Exhibition: Oct. 4–7—Atlanta, GA, Hyatt Regency/Inforum
Annual Meeting: Nov. 19—New York, NY, The Doral Inn

Technical Committee: Garment Wet Processing Technology 104 A 1992

Books: Glossary of Printing Terms, Donald B. Deaton, editor

AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 176 Speckiness of Liquid Colorant Dispersions: Evaluation of RA87 1992
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 177 Colorfastness to Light at Elevated Temperature and Humidity: Xenon Lamp Apparatus RA50 1992
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 178 Barré: Visual Assessment and Grading RA97 1992

Lyocell is developed.

President: Warren S. Perkins 1991–1992

International Technical Conference & Exhibition: Oct 8–11—Charlotte, NC, Convention Center
Annual Meeting: Nov. 21—New York, NY, The Doral Inn

Books: OSHA Laboratory Standards Guide

AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 174 Antimicrobial Activity Assessment of Carpets RA31 1991
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 175 Stain Resistance: Pile Floor Coverings RA57 1991

International Technical Conference & Exhibition: Sept. 30–Oct. 3—Boston, MA, Sheraton Boston Hotel & Towers/Hynes Convention Ctr.
Annual Meeting: Nov. 15—New York, NY, The Doral Inn

Technical Committee: Near Infrared Technology 103 A 1990

Surface Finishing Workshop began (1990, 1 Session)

AATCC Evaluation Procedure Creation: EP 5 RA89 Subjective Evaluation of Fabric Hand 1990

President: George J. Mandikos 1989–1990

International Technical Conference & Exhibition: Oct. 3–6—Philadelphia, PA, Adam’s Mark Hotel
Annual Meeting: Nov. 16—New York, NY, The Doral Inn

AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 173 CMC: Calculation of Small Color Differences for Acceptability RA36 1989

International Technical Conference & Exhibition: Sept. 28–Oct. 1—Nashville, TN, Opryland Hotel
Annual Meeting: Nov. 17—New York, NY, The Doral Inn

Research Committee: Statistics Advisory 102 A 1988

Student Chapter Creation: Institute of Textile Technology
Student Chapter Creation: Southern College of Technology

Garment Wet Processing Workshop began (1988, 1 Session)

Books: Pigments and Solvent Dyes Supplement, 1982–1988
Books: Cumulative Index: Textile Chemist & Colorist, 1969–1987

AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 172 Colorfastness to Non-Chlorine Bleach in Home Laundering RA60 1988

President: Marguerita C. Hindle 1987–1988

International Technical Conference & Exhibition: Oct. 13–16—Charlotte, NC, Convention Center
Annual Meeting: Nov. 13—Charlotte, NC, Holiday Inn-Woodlawn

Student Chapter Creation: Oregon State University

Testing of Automotive and Airline Textile Products Workshop began (1987-1989, 3 Sessions)
Statistical Quality Control Workshop began (1987, 1 Session)

AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 168 Chelating Agents: Active Ingredient Content of Polyaminopolycarboxylic Acids and Their Salts; Copper PAN Method RA90 1987
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 169 Weather Resistance of Textiles: Xenon Lamp Exposure RA64 1987
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 170 Dusting Propensity of Powder Dyes: Evaluation of RA87 1987
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 171 Carpets: Cleaning of; Hot Water Extraction Method RA57 1987
AATCC Evaluation Procedure Creation: EP 4 RA36 Standard Depth Scales for Depth Determination 1987

International Technical Conference & Exhibition: Oct. 28–31—Atlanta, GA, Peachtree Plaza Hotel
Annual Meeting: Nov. 13—Uxbridge, MA, Cocke ‘n Kettle Restaurant

Research Committee: Assessment of Dye Shade and Strength 98 A 1986
Research Committee: Technical Manual Editorial Review 99 A 1986

AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 165 Colorfastness to Crocking: Carpets— AATCC Crockmeter Method RA57 1986
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 166 Dispersion Stability of Disperse Dyes at High Temperature RA87 1986
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 167 Foaming Propensity of Disperse Dyes RA87 1986

President: C. Hugh Patrick Jr. 1985–1986

International Technical Conference & Exhibition: Oct. 6–9—Montreal, Canada, Queen Elizabeth Hotel
Annual Meeting: Nov. 16—Charlotte, NC, Marriott Executive Park

Technical Committee: Safety, Health, and Environmental Technology 100 A 1985
Technical Committee: Computer Technology in Wet Processing 101 A 1985

Books: Warp Sizing Handbook

AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 163 Colorfastness: Dye Transfer in Storage; Fabric-to-Fabric RA92 1985
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 164 Colorfastness to Oxides of Nitrogen in the Atmosphere Under High Humidities RA33 1985

International Technical Conference & Exhibition: Oct. 3–5—Chicago, IL, Conrad Hilton Hotel
Annual Meeting: Nov. 17—Chicago, IL, Hyatt Regency O’Hare

Computer Applications in Wet Processing Workshop began (1984, 1 Session)
International Standards Workshop began (1984-1987, 3 Sessions)

Books: Gullekin Celekiz and Rolf Kuehni, Color Measurement Principles and the Textile Industry
Books: Analytical Methods for a Textile Laboratory, third edition, J. William Weaver, editor
Books: Basics of Dyeing and Finishing of Natural and Synthetic Fibers 1984

President: E. James Stavrakas 1983–1984

National Technical Conference & Exhibition: Oct. 5–7—New Orleans, LA, Hyatt Regency Hotel
Annual Meeting: Nov. 19—St. Charles, IL, Pheasant Run

Formaldehyde in Textiles Workshop began (1983, 1 Session)

Books: Color Technology in the Textile Industry

AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 161 Chelating Agents: Disperse Dye Shade Change Caused by Metals; Control of RA90 1983

National Technical Conference: Oct. 5–8—Atlantic City, NJ, Playboy Hotel
Annual Meeting: Nov. 18—Cedar Grove, NJ, The Friar Tuck

At the November 1981 Council meeting a new competition was authorized for student sections. Similar to the Intersectional Paper Competition, the new competition offered a prize for the best technical paper from a student section presented at a General Meeting. The first competition was held at the 1982 meeting.

Books: Pigments and Solvent Dyes to 1982

President: Wayne H. Lawson 1981–1982

National Technical Conference: Oct. 21–23—Charlotte, NC, Radisson Plaza Hotel
Annual Meeting: Nov. 19—New York, NY, The Doral Inn

Student Chapter Creation: Fashion Institute of Technology

Books: Dyeing Primer Dyeing Primer

National Technical Conference: Oct. 15–17—Boston, MA, Sheraton-Boston Hotel
Annual Meeting: Nov. 20—New York, NY, The Doral Inn

Research Committee: Assessment of Barré 97 A 1980

Student Chapter Creation: University of Seattle (Inactive)

Wet Processing Machinery Workshop began (1980-1989, 5 Sessions)
Analytical Methods for a Textile Laboratory Workshop began (1980-1990, 9 Sessions)

AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 160 Dimensional Restoration of Knitted and Woven Fabrics After Laundering RA42 1980

President: Paul O. Anderson 1979–1980

National Technical Conference: Oct. 3–5—Cherry Hill, NJ, Hyatt House
Annual Meeting: Nov. 15—New York, NY, The Doral Inn

Technical Committee: Wet Processing Machinery 96 A 1979

Student Chapter Creation: Louisiana State University
Student Chapter Creation: University of Maryland (Inactive)

Trends in Fabric Finishing Workshop began (1979, 1 Session)

AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 159 Transfer of Acid and Premetallized Acid Dyes on Nylon RA87 1979

In the newer Procion T series, marketed by ICI in 1979, the reactive dye is bonded through a phosphate ester. Since reactive dyes can contain almost any chromogen, a vast array of colors and dye types is available. With the introduction of reactive dyes, cotton could finally be dyed in bright shades with monazo dyes for yellows to reds, anthraquinones for blues, and copper phthalocyanines for bright turquoise colors.

National Technical Conference: Nov. 1–3—Anaheim, CA, Disneyland Hotel
Annual Meeting: Nov. 17—New York, NY, The Doral Inn

Technical Committee: Toxic Substances Related to Textiles 94 D 1978 1985
Technical Committee: Energy Conservation in the Textile Industry8 95 D 1978 1985

Student Chapter Creation: University of California at Davis
Student Chapter Creation: University of Georgia

AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 153 Color Measurement of Textiles: Instrumental (Superseded by Evaluation Procedure 6) 1978 1996
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 154 Thermal Fixation Properties of Disperse Dyes RA87 1978
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 155 Transfer of Disperse Dyes on Polyester RA87 1978
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 156 Transfer of Basic Dyes on Acrylics RA87 1978
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 157 Colorfastness to Solvent Spotting: Perchloroethylene RR92 1978
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 158 Dimensional Changes on Drycleaning in Perchloroethylene: Machine Method RA43 1978

President: Ralph E. Elwell 1977–1978

National Technical Conference: Oct. 19–21—Atlanta, GA, Hyatt Regency Hotel
Annual Meeting: Nov. 18—New York, NY, The Doral Inn

Research Committee: Terminology 93 A 1977

Student Chapter Creation: Istituto Politechnico Nacional (Inactive)
Student Chapter Creation: California State University at Northridge (Inactive)

Carpet Printing/Testing Workshop began (1977-1991, 7 Sessions)
Textile Printing Workshop began (1977-1979, 2 Sessions)
Textile Performance/Care Labeling Workshop began (1977-1988, 5 Sessions)
Color Measurement Principles in the Textile Industry Workshop began (1977-1996, 23 Sessions)

AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 150 Dimensional Changes in Automatic Home Laundering of Garments RA42 1977
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 151 Soil Redeposition, Resistance to Launder-Ometer Method RA56 1977
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 152 Soil Redeposition, Resistance to TergO-Tometer Method 1977 1996

International Technical Conference: Oct. 13–15—Montreal, Canada, Queen Elizabeth Hotel
Annual Meeting: Nov. 18—New York, NY, The Belmont Hotel

Research Committee: Interaction of Dyes and Finishes 92 R 1976
Technical Committee: Applied Dyeing Theory 91 A 1976

Student Chapter Creation: University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Student Chapter Creation: University of Wisconsin at Madison
Student Chapter Creation: University of Delaware
Student Chapter Creation: Technical Institute of Alamance (Inactive)
Student Chapter Creation: Florida State University
Student Chapter Creation: Kansas State University

Introduction to Textile Testing Workshop began (1976-1996, 44 Sessions)

AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 147 Antibacterial Activity Assessment of Textile Materials: Parallel Streak Method RA31 1976
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 148 Light Blocking Effect of Curtain Materials 1976 1995
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 149 Chelating Agents: Chelation Value of Aminopolycarboxylic Acids and Their Salts; Calcium Oxalate Method RA90 1976

President: George S. Wham 1975–1976

National Technical Conference: Oct. 15–17—Chicago, IL, Conrad Hilton Hotel
Annual Meeting: Nov. 21—New York, NY, The Belmont Hotel

Student Chapter Creation: North Carolina Center for Applied Textile Technology (Inactive)
Student Chapter Creation: University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Student Chapter Creation: Purdue University

Apparel Fabrics Evaluation Workshop began (1975-1979, 3 Sessions)

Books: Textile Flammability Handbook
Books: Handbook of Bonded and Laminated Fabrics

AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 142 Appearance of Flocked Fabrics after Repeated Home Laundering and/or Coin-Op Drycleaning RR81 1975
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 143 Appearance of Apparel and Other Textile End Products after Repeated Home Laundering RA61 1975
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 144 Alkali in Wet Processed Textiles: Total RA34 1975
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 145 Color Measurement of the Blue Wool Lightfastness Standards: Instrumental 1975 1996
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 146 Dispersibility of Disperse Dyes: Filter Test RA87 1975

National Technical Conference: Oct. 9–11—New Orleans, LA, Braniff Place
Annual Meeting: Nov. 22—New York, NY, The Belmont Hotel

Research Committee: Chelating Agents 90 A 1974

Environmental Concerns Workshop began (1974-1977, 3 Sessions)

AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 140 Disperse and Vat Dye Migration: Evaluation of RA87 1974
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 141 Compatibility of Basic Dyes for Acrylic Fibers RA87 1974

President: Richard M. Jones 1973–1974
National Technical Conference: Sept. 20–22—Atlantic City, NJ, Chalfonte-Haddon Hall
Annual Meeting: Nov. 16—New York, NY, Belmont Plaza Hotel

Research Committee: Color Measurement 36 A 1973
Research Committee: Hand Evaluation 89 A 1973
Technical Committee: Home Laundering Technology 88 A 1973

Dyeing Properties Workshop began (1973-1974, 2 Sessions)
Basics of Dyeing and Finishing Workshop began (1973-1996, 26 Sessions)

Books: Glossary of Printing Terms, second edition, Donald B. Deaton, editor

National Technical Conference: Sept. 28–30—Philadelphia, PA, Bellevue Stratford Hotel
Annual Meeting: Nov. 17—New York, NY, Belmont Plaza Hotel

Research Committee: Nonwoven Fabrics Test Methods7 51 D 1972 1993
Research Committee: Characterization of Dyes 87 A 1972

Student Chapter Creation: University of Rhode Island

Bonded and Laminated Fabrics Test Methods Workshop began (1972, 9 Sessions)

Books: Flock Handbook

AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 136 Bond Strength of Bonded and Laminated Fabrics RA79 1972
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 137 Rug Back Staining on Vinyl Tile RA57 1972
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 138 Cleaning: Washing of Textile Floor Coverings RA57 1972
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 139 Colorfastness to Light: Detection of Photochromism RA50 1972
AATCC Evaluation Procedure Creation: EP 3 RA36 Chromatic Transference Scale 1972

President: Edwin I. Stearns 1971–1972

Golden Jubilee Conference: Oct. 6–8—Boston, MA, Sheraton-Boston Hotel
Annual Meeting: Nov. 19—New York, NY, Belmont Plaza Hotel

Technical Committee: Coated Fabrics Technology7 86 A 1971

Student Chapter Creation: Virginia Technological University
Student Chapter Creation: Radford University

Knit Processing/Testing Workshop began (1971–1978, 8 Sessions)

National Technical Conference: Nov. 4–6—Atlanta, GA, Regency Hyatt House
Annual Meeting: Nov. 20—New York, NY, Belmont Plaza Hotel

Research Committee: Flammability and Fire Resistance 82 D 1970 1987
Research Committee: Soiling of Household Textiles Other Than Floor Coverings 83 A 1970 1980
Technical Committee: Knit Fabrics Technology 84 D 1970 1986
Technical Committee: Solvent Processing Technology 85 D 1970 1987

Section Creation: Pacific Coast PAC 1970

AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 16G Colorfastness to Light: Determination of Fastness Above L-7 (Superseded by Method 16) 1970 1991
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 135 Dimensional Changes in Automatic Home Laundering of Woven or Knit Fabrics RA42 1970

Burlington Industries becomes the world’s largest textile-manufacturing corporation.

AATCC first published Textile Chemist & Colorist in January 1969. The cover of the first issue featured a photomicrograph of hand-drawn polypropylene filament.

President: Joseph H. Jones 1969–1970
National Technical Conference: Nov. 12–15—Charlotte, NC, White House Inn
Annual Meeting: Nov. 14—Charlotte, NC, White House Inn

Research Committee: Bonded and Laminated Fabrics 79 A 1969
Technical Committee: Printing Technology 80 A 1969

AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 130 Soil Release: Oily Stain Release Method RA56 1969
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 131 Colorfastness in Pleating: Steam Pleating RR33 1969
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 132 Colorfastness to Drycleaning RA43 1969
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 133 Colorfastness to Heat: Hot Pressing RR54 1969
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 134 Electrostatic Propensity of Carpets RA32 1969

President: Donald W. Robinson 1968

International Technical Conference: Oct. 16–18—Montreal, Canada, Queen Elizabeth Hotel
Annual Meeting: Nov. 22—New York, NY, Belmont Plaza Hotel

Research Committee: Flock Testing 81 R 1968
Technical Committee: Tufted Technology 78 D 1968 1987

Fabric Preparation Workshop began (1968–1996, 27 Sessions)

Books: Analytical Methods for a Textile Laboratory, second edition J. W[illiam] Weaver, editor

AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 126 Colorfastness to Water (High Humidity) and Light: Alternate Exposure RA23 1968
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 127 Water Resistance: Hydrostatic Pressure Test RA63 19681968 A fancy nylon with silk like qualities named "Qiana" is introduced by DuPont.

DuPont introduces Qiana, a fancy nylon with "silk" feel and drape

For the first time manmade fibers topped natural fibers for US consumption. 5 billion pounds vs 4.6 billion pounds, the use of polyester was growing the most quickly.

President: W. George Parks 1967–1968

National Technical Conference: Oct. 19–21—New Orleans, LA, Jung Hotel
Annual Meeting: Nov. 17—New York, NY, Sheraton-Atlantic Hotel

Technical Committee: Bonded and Laminated Fabrics Technology6 77 D 1967 1994

Water Resistance/Water Repellency Workshop began (1967–1969, 5 Sessions)
Abrasion and Dimensional Change Workshop began (1967–1976, 12 Sessions)
Fire Resistance/Flammability Workshop began (1967–1977, 28 Sessions)

AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 119 Color Change Due to Flat Abrasion (Frosting): Screen Wire Method RR29 1967
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 120 Color Change Due to Flat Abrasion (Frosting): Emery Method RR29 1967
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 121 Carpet Soiling: Visual Rating Method RA57 1967
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 122 Carpet Soiling: Service Soiling Method RA57 1967
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 123 Carpet Soiling: Accelerated Soiling Method RA57 1967
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 124 Appearance of Fabrics after Repeated Home Laundering RA61 1967
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 125 Colorfastness to Water and Light: Alternate Exposure RA23 1967

AATCC symposia began in 1966 at hotels and other venues throughout the US. What to Test for Durable Press was the first AATCC symposium, held in Washington, D.C. in March 1966.

National Technical Conference: Sept. 29–Oct. 1—Atlantic City, NJ, Chalfonte-Haddon Hall
Annual Meeting: Nov. 18—New York, NY, Sheraton-Atlantic Hotel

Research Committee: Correlation of Laboratory Tests With End Use Performance 75 A 1966
Technical Committee: Durable Press Technololgy 74 D 1966 1976
Technical Committee: Flock Technology 76 A 1966

Colorfastness to Light Workshop Began (1966–1978, 20 Sessions)
Colorfastness to Washing, Water, and Dry Cleaning Workshop began (1966–1979, 9 Sessions)

Books: Industrial Waste Guide for Processors of Synthetic Fibers

AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 116 Colorfastness to Crocking: Rotary Vertical Crockmeter Method RA38 1966
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 117 Colorfastness to Heat; Dry (Excluding Pressing) RR54 1966
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 118 Oil Repellency: Hydrocarbon Resistance Test RA56 1966

AATCC began conducting test method training programs in 1965. Durable press testing was the most popular training initially offered at the Technical Center.

President: Fred Fortess 1965–1966

National Convention: Oct. 13–15—Chicago, IL, Conrad Hilton Hotel
Annual Meeting: Nov. 19—New York, NY, Sheraton-Atlantic Hotel

Wear/Durable Press Workshop (1965-1972, 16 Sessions)

AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 112 Formaldehyde Release from Fabric, Determination of: Sealed Jar Method RA68 1965
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 113 Formaldehyde Odor in Resin Treated Fabric, Determination of: Steam Method 1965 1986
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 114 Chlorine, Retained, Tensile Loss: Multiple Sample Method RR35 1965
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 115 Electrostatic Clinging of Fabrics: Fabric-to-Metal Test RA32 1965

AATCC built and moved into the Technical Center in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina in 1964.

National Convention: Sept. 23–25—New York, NY, Statler Hilton Hotel
Annual Meeting: Nov. 20—New York, NY, Sheraton-Atlantic Hotel

Research Committee: Identification of Dye Classes on Fibers 72 D 1964 1976
Technical Committee: Hosiery Technology 71 D 1964 1987

AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 16 Colorfastness to Light RA50 1964
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 16D Colorfastness to Light: Carbon-Arc Lamp, Alternate Light and Darkness (Superseded by Method 16) 1964 1991
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 16E Colorfastness to Light: Water-Cooled Xenon-Arc Lamp, Continuous Light (Superseded by Method 16) 1964 1991
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 16F Colorfastness to Light: Water-Cooled Xenon-Arc Lamp, Alternate Light and Darkness (Superseded by Method 16) 1964 1991
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 110 Whiteness of Textiles RA36 1964
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 111 Weather Resistance: General Information RA64 1964
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 111A Weather Resistance: Sunshine Arc Lamp Exposure With Wetting RA64 1964
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 111B Weather Resistance: Exposure to Natural Light and Weather RA64 1964
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 111C Weather Resistance: Sunshine Arc Lamp Exposure Without Wetting RA64 1964
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 111D Weather Resistance: Exposure to Natural Light and Weather Through Glass RA64 1964

First permanent press finishes used

President: Ernest R. Kaswell 1963–1964

National Convention: Oct. 30–Nov. 1—Boston, MA, Statler Hilton Hotel
Annual Meeting: Dec. 6—Dedham, MA, Motel 128

Technical Committee: Wool Carbonizing Technology2 4 D 1963 1966
Technical Committee: Color Technology3 36 D 1963 1973
Technical Committee: Dermatitis Technology 40 D 1963 1972
Technical Committee: Nonwoven Fabrics Technology4 51 D 1963 1971
Technical Committee: Environmental Sciences Technology5 58 D 1963 1985

AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 88C Retention of Creases in Fabrics after Repeated Home Laundering RA61 1963
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 108 Dimensional Changes in Drycleaning 1963 1969
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 109 Colorfastness to Ozone in the Atmosphere Under Low Humidities RA33 1963

Annual Meeting and National Convention: Nov. 14–17—Atlanta, GA, Atlanta Biltmore Hotel

AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 88A Appearance of Fabrics in Wash and Wear Items after Home Laundering (Superseded by Method 124) 1962 1967
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 88B Smoothness of Seams in Fabrics after Repeated Home Laundering RA61 1962
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 103 Bacterial Alpha-Amylase Enzymes Used in Desizing, Assay of RA34 1962
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 104 Colorfastness to Water Spotting RA23 1962
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 105 Colorfastness to Water: Chlorinated Pool 1962 1985
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 106 Colorfastness to Water: Sea RA23 1962
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 107 Colorfastness to Water RA23 1962
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 129 Colorfastness to Ozone in the Atmosphere Under High Humidities RA33 1962

President: Elliott Morrill 1961–1962

National Convention: Sept. 27–29—Buffalo, NY, Statler Hilton Hotel
Annual Meeting: Nov. 17—Chicago, IL, Hotel Sherman

Section Creation: Gulf Coast GC 1961

AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 100 Antibacterial Finishes on Textile Materials: Assessment of RA31 1961
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 101 Colorfastness to Bleaching with Hydrogen Peroxide RA34 1961

National Convention: Oct. 6–8—Philadelphia, PA, Sheraton Hotel
Annual Meeting: Nov. 18—New York, NY, Sheraton-Atlantic Hotel

Section Creation: Palmetto PAL 1960

AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 96 Dimensional Changes in Commercial Laundering of Woven and Knitted Fabrics Except Wool RA42 1960
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 97 Extractable Content of Greige and/or Prepared Textiles RA34 1960
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 98 Alkali in Bleach Baths Containing Hydrogen Peroxide RA34 1960
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 99 Dimensional Changes of Woven or Knitted Wool Textiles: Relaxation, Consolidation and Felting RA42 1960

Non-woven textiles are developed.

President: Weldon G. Helmus 1959–1960

General Meeting: Oct. 7–10—Washington, DC, Hotels Sheraton Park and Shoreham

Research Committee: Static Electricity 32 A 1959
Research Committee: Appearance Retention (Wash and Wear) 61 A 1959
Research Committee: Statistical Advisory Methods 67 D 1959 1982
Research Committee: Odor Determination 68 A 1959

Section Creation: Northern Piedmont NPI 1959

AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 89 Mercerization in Cotton RR66 1959
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 93 Abrasion Resistance of Fabrics: Accelerotor Method RR29 1959
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 94 Finishes in Textiles: Identification RA45 1959
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 95 Dimensional Restorability of Woven Textiles after Laundering Superseded by Method 96 1959 1960

The Chapin Award had been established by Council in 1958 to honor “a Senior Member of the AATCC with at least twenty years continuous membership who had contributed outstanding service in enabling the Association to attain the objects for which it was founded.”46 The award was named for Harold C. Chapin who had served as the AATCC’s secretary for twenty-five years. Chapin received the first award in 1959 and was cited for his outstanding leadership, his dignity and integrity in office, attention to detail and major policy, and his long and devoted service

Spandex is developed.

General Meeting: Oct. 30–Nov. 1—Chicago, IL, Conrad Hilton Hotel

Research Committee: Nuclear Radiation [Radioactive Tracer Techniques] D 1958 1961
Research Committee: International Test Methods [A Special Committee of ECR] 55 D 1958 1965
Research Committee: Floor Covering (Soiling of Carpets) 57 A 1958

AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 87 Colorfastness to Washing, Industrial Laundering: Accelerated 1958 1970
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 88 Appearance of Wash and Wear Fabrics After Home Laundering (Superseded by Method 88A) 1958 1962
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 90 Antibacterial Activity of Fabrics, Detection of: Agar Plate Method 1958 1989
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 91 Dimensional Changes in Woven Textiles (Excluding Wool) (Superseded by Method 96) 1958 1960
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 92 Chlorine, Retained, Tensile Loss: Single Sample Method RR35 1958

Eastman Kodak introduces Kodel polyester.

President: George O. Linberg 1957–1958

General Meeting: Nov. 14–16—Boston, MA, Hotel Statler

Research Committee: Fulling Agents 48 D 1957 1976

Books: Proceedings of the Perkin Centennial, 1856–1956: Commemorating the Discovery of Aniline Dyes, Howard J. White Jr., editor

AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 16C Colorfastness to Light through Glass: Daylight (Superseded by Method 16) 1957 1991
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 20A Fiber Analysis: Quantitative RA24 1957
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 25 Colorfastness to Drycleaning (Superseded by Method 85) 1957 1958
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 40 Dimensional Changes in Textiles Other Than Wool (Superseded by Method 91) 1957 1959
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 85 Colorfastness to Drycleaning (Superseded by Method 132) 1957 1969
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 86 Drycleaning: Durability of Applied Designs and Finishes RR43 1957
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 102 Hydrogen Peroxide by Potassium Permanganate Titration: Determination of RA34 1957

CIBA introduces Cibacrons, a new range of reactive dyes and the first to compete with ICI's Procion series

General Meeting: Sept. 13–15—New York, NY, Waldorf-Astoria Hotel

Research Committee: Colorfastness to Pleating 53 R 1956
Research Committee: Stain Resistance 56 A 1956
Research Committee: Weather Resistance 64 A 1956

Student Chapter Creation: Auburn University

AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 29 Colorfastness to Bleaching with Peroxide: Cotton and Linen (Superseded by Method 101) 1956 1962
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 63 Colorfastness to Water: Distilled or Demineralized; Sea, and Chlorinated Pool (Superseded by Methods 105, 106, 107) 1956 1962

Procion is introduced in England by Imperial Chemical Industries, PLC (ICI), this is a first range of fiber reactive dyes.

Eastman Kodak introduced Verel, a modified acrylic

American Cyanamid introduced a new acrylic, Creslan

One person working out of every 7 in the USA received his income from work performed in textile or apparel industries!

President: Raymond W. Jacoby 1955–1956

General Meeting: Sept. 22–24—Atlantic City, NJ, Chalfonte-Haddon Hall

AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 20 Fiber Analysis: Qualitative RA24 1955
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 84 Electrical Resistivity of Yarns RA32 1955

President: J. Robert Bonnar 1953–1954

General Meeting: Sept. 17–19—Chicago, IL, Conrad Hilton Hotel

Research Committee: Standard Depths of Shades for Colorfastness of Dyestuffs 13 D 1953 1969
Research Committee: Abrasion Resistance 29 R 1953
Research Committee: Antimicrobial Activity 31 A 1953

Student Chapter Creation: Rhode Island School of Design (Inactive)

Books: The Application of Vat Dyes, Raymond W. Jacoby, editor

AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 14 Dimensional Changes in Cotton and Linen Textiles (Superseded by Method 91) 1953 1959
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 73 Shrinkage of Wool Hose: Accelerated Test (Superseded by Method 99) 1953 1960
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 74 Relaxation and Felting Shrinkage of Wool Knit Fabrics Superseded by Method 99) 1953 1960
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 75 Colorfastness to Oxides of Nitrogen in the Atmosphere: Rapid Control Test 1953 1972

A dye that leads to discovery of other fiber reactive dyes in discovered, is named Cibalan Brillant Yellow 3 GL.

General Meeting: Nov. 6–8—Boston, MA, Hotel Statler

Research Committee: Evaluation of Detergents for Wool 25 D 1952 1971
Research Committee: Preparation (Bleaching) 34 A 1952

Section Creation: Washington W 1952 1976

AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 16B Colorfastness to Light through Glass: Sunlight 1952 1983
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 37 Colorfastness to Commercial Laundering and Domestic Washing (Silk) (Superseded by Method 36) 1952 1956
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 38 Colorfastness to Commercial Laundering and Domestic Washing (Wool) (Superseded by Method 36) 1952 1956
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 68 Colorfastness to Washing at 105°F: Rapid Control Test 1952 1974
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 69 Damage Caused by Retained Chlorine (Superseded by Method 92) 1952 1959
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 70 Water Repellency: Tumble Jar Dynamic Absorption Test RA63 1952
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 71 Colorfastness to Perspiration: Rapid Control Test 1952 1971
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 72 Colorfastness to Washing and Shrinkage: Combined Rapid Control Test 1952 1974

Polyester is developed & combined with cotton for wash & wear fabrics.

General Meeting: Oct. 17–19—New York, NY, Hotel Statler

Research Committee: Colorfastness to Water 23 A 1951

Student Chapter Creation: Fairleigh Dickinson College (Inactive)

AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 65 Snag Resistance of Women’s Nylon Hosiery 1951 1990
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 66 Wrinkle Recovery of Fabrics: Recovery Angle Method RA61 1951
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 67 Wrinkle Recovery of Fabrics: Roller Pressure Crease-Recovery Method 1951 1962

Geigy develops Irgalan dye; first time neutral pre-metallized dyes

Acrilan a new acrylic is introduced by Chemstrand Corporation.

DuPont announced that a plant in North Carolina would begin to manufacture Dacron polyester.

President: C. Norris Rabold 1950–1952

General Meeting: Sept. 28–30—Portsmouth, NH, Wentworth-By-The-Sea

Research Committee: Rapid Control Tests 37 D 1950 1967
Research Committee: Enzyme Activity (Desizing) 41 A 1950
Research Committee: Continuous Wool Scouring Processes 44 D 1950 1961
Research Committee: Wool Scouring Test Methods 65 R 1950

AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 48 Colorfastness to Water Spotting (Superseded by Method 633) 1950 1956
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 49 Colorfastness to Chlorination (Superseded by Method 3) 1950 1956
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 50 Colorfastness to Soda Boil 1950 1956
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 51 Colorfastness to Mercerizing 1950 1956
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 52 Colorfastness to Decatizing 1950 1956
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 53 Colorfastness to Chrome (Dichromate) in the Dyebath 1950 1956
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 54 Colorfastness to Cross Dyeing 1950 1956
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 55 Colorfastness to Potting 1950 1956
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 56 Colorfastness to Cellulose Ester Bonding 1950 1956
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 57 Colorfastness to Storage (Acetate) 1950 1956
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 58 Colorfastness to Steaming (Acetate) 1950 1956
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 59 Colorfastness to Peroxide Bleaching (Wool) (Superseded by Method 13) 1950 1956
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 60 Detergents on Wool: Detergency Comparator Method 1950 1971
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 61 Colorfastness to Laundering, Home and Commercial: Accelerated RA60 1950
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 62 Oils, Wool; Oxidation in Storage 1950 1962
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 64 Scouring, Continuous Scouring of Raw Grease Wool 1950 1985

Dupont introduced first commercial availability of Orlon, a new acrylic "wool substitute"

Olefin is developed.

General Meeting: Oct. 13–15—Atlantic City, NJ, Chalfonte-Haddon Hall

Research Committee: Nomenclature and Classification [of Dyes] 16 D 1949 1987
Research Committee: Detection of Phototropism [Photochromism] 18 D 1949 1969
Research Committee: Snag Resistance [of Hosiery] 21 D 1949 1989

Section Creation: Pacific Northwest PNW 1949 1970

Student Chapter Creation: New York State Institute for Applied Arts and Sciences (Inactive)

Books: Analytical Methods for a Textile Laboratory, Percival Theil, editor

AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 15 Colorfastness to Perspiration RR52 1949
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 41 Dimensional Changes in Wool Textiles: Accelerated Test (Superseded by Method 91) 1949 1960
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 47 Colorfastness to Water (Other than Silk and Wool) 3 (Superseded by Method 63) 1949 1951

Textiles became second largest industry in USA. The average consumer consumption per capita of fibers: 27 lbs cotton, 6.3 lbs rayon, 4.9 lbs wool.

General Meeting: Oct. 21–23—Augusta, GA, Sheraton Bon Air Hotel

Research Committee: Pilot Plant Equipment 20 D 1948 1966
Research Committee: Standard Soils 28 D 1948 1972
Research Committee: Damage by Retained Chlorine 35 R 1948

Section Creation: Western New England WNE 1948 1993
Section Creation: Hudson–Mohawk HM 1948
Section Creation: Pacific Southwest PSW 1948 1970

Student Chapter Creation: University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth

President: Henry F. Herrmann 1947–1949
Research Committee: Evaluation of Detergents for Cotton and Rayon 12 D 1947 1971
General Meeting: Oct. 23–25—Chicago, IL, Congress Hotel

Student Chapter Creation: Clemson University

AATCC Research Publications: J. R. Redmond, “Fire Resistance in Aircraft Textiles,” ASD, v. 36, n. 5, March 10, 1947, pp. 103, 121.
AATCC Research Publications: “Resistance of Colored Textiles to Phototropism,” ADR, v. 36, n. 8, April 21, 1947, p. 207.

AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 34 Fire Resistance of Textile Fabrics 1947 1974
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 35 Water Resistance: Rain Test RA63 1947
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 39 Wettability, Evaluation of 1947 1981

Victory Convention: Jan. 3–5—New York, NY, Hotel Pennsylvania
General Meeting: Dec. 12–14—Boston, MA, Hotel Statler

Student Chapter Creation: Georgia Institute of Technology

AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 30 Antifungal Activity, Assessment on Textile Materials: Mildew and Rot Resistance of Textile Materials RA31 1946
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 31 Colorfastness to Pleating (Superseded by Method 131) 1946 1969
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 32 Detection of Phototropism (Superseded by Method 139) 1946 1972
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 33 Flammability of Clothing Textiles 1946 1985

Metallic Fibers used in fabrics.

Research Committee: Flammability of Clothing Textiles (Flammability of Consumer Textiles) 47 D 1945 1970

AATCC Research Publications: AATCC/ASTM, “Evaluation of Compounds Designed to Increase the Resistance of Fabrics and Yarns to Insect Pests,” ADR, v. 34, no. 21, October 8, 1945, pp. 403– 404

AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 18 Water Resistance: Hydrostatic Pressure Test (Superseded by Method 127) 1945 1968
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 42 Water Resistance Impact Penetration Test RA63 1945

President: William D. Appel 1944–1946

General Meeting: Oct. 12–14—Atlantic City, NJ, Hotel Claridge

AATCC Research Publications: Hugh Christison, “New Proposed Standards for Light Fastness,” ADR, v. 33, n. 2, January 17, 1944, pp. 33–38.
AATCC Research Publications: F. T. Simon and E. I. Stearns, “Why Small Color Differences are Important in Textiles,” ADR, v. 33, n. 2, May 22, 1944, pp. 232–235.

AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 10 Colorfastness to Commercial Laundering and to Domestic Washing (Superseded by Method 36) 1944 1945
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 27 Wetting Agents: Evaluation of Rewetting Agents RA80 1944

General Business Meeting: April 16—New York, NY, Engineers’ Society Building

Research Committee: Cooperation with Federal Government on Uniform Fabrics 10 D 1943 1969

AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 26 Aging of Sulfur Dyed Textiles: Accelerated RR90 1943

President: Thomas R. Smith 1942–1943

Research Committee: Ageing of Sulfur-Dyed Textiles 9 R 1942
Research Committee: Mildew Resistance (Mildew Proofing) 27 D 1942 1967
Research Committee: Definitions 39 D 1942 1972

Student Chapter Creation: New Bedford Textile Institute (Inactive)

AATCC Research Publications: Committee on Color, “Tentative Specifications for Standard Illuminants in Textile Color Matching,” ADR, v. 31, n. 15, July 20, 1942, p. 363.

General Meeting: Oct. 31–Nov. 1—Pinehurst, NC, Hotel Carolina

Research Committee: Dermatitis 40 D 1941 1972
Research Committee: Colorfastness to Drycleaning 43 R 1941

AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 21 Water Repellency: Static Absorption Test 1941 1991
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 22 Water Repellency: Spray Test RA63 1941
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 23 Colorfastness to Burnt Gas Fumes RA33 1941
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 43 Wetting Agents for Mercerization RA8 1941

President: Alban Eavenson 1938–1939

General Meeting: Sept. 15–16—Boston, MA, Copley-Plaza Hotel

Research Committee: Deterioration of Textile Fibers Exposed to Light D 1939 1944
Research Committee: Physiological Effects of Textile Finishes 14 D 1939 1960

AATCC Research Publications: William H. Cady, “Gas Fading of Acetate Rayon,” ADR, v. 28, n. 12, June 26, 1939, pp. 333–335.
AATCC Research Publications: Carl Z. Draves, “Evaluation of Wetting Agents—Official Method,” ADR, v. 28, n. 16, August 7, 1939, pp. 425–428.

Lowell Textile School, First Home of the AATCC Lowell, Massachusetts (ca. 1940)

President: Carl Z. Draves Sr. 1940–1941

General Meeting: Oct 18–20—New York, NY, Hotel Commodore

Research Committee: Tabulation of Fundamental Properties of Textile Fibers 7 D 1940 1966
Research Committee: Colorfastness to Atmospheric Contaminants (Atmospheric Fading of Dyed Acetate Rayon) 33 A 1940
Research Committee: Evaluation of Fire Resistant Textiles (Fire Proofing) 46 D 1940 1970
Research Committee: Insect Resistance (Mothproofing; Resistance to Insect Pests) 49 D 1940 1976

AATCC Research Publications: L. J. Winn and E. R. Schwarz, “A Comparison of Certain Methods of Measuring Stiffness in Fabrics,” ADR, v. 29, n. 19, September 16, 1940, p. 469.

AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 24 Insects, Resistance of Textiles to RA31 1940
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 28 Insect Pest Deterrents on Textiles RA31 1940

General Meeting: Dec. 2–3—Atlanta, GA, Biltmore Hotel

AATCC Research Publications: Milton Harris, “What Can the Mill Man Expect from Fundamental Research?” ADR, v. 27, n. 2, January 10, 1938, pp. 6–8.
AATCC Research Publications: Milton Harris and Arthur L. Smith, “Photochemical Reaction of Wool,” ADR, v. 27, n. 7, April 4, 1938, pp. 175– 178.

Nylon formally introduced to the public

General Meeting: Dec. 3–4—Philadelphia, PA, Bellevue-Stratford Hotel

Research Committee: AATCC and Throwsters Research Institute Cooperating Committee 5 D 1937 1960
Research Committee: Transference of Color 17 D 1937 1961

AATCC Research Publications: Sidney M. Edelstein and William H. Cady, “A Bibliography of Mercerization,” ADR, v. 26, n. 15, July 26, 1937, pp. 447–460.
AATCC Research Publications: Milton Harris and Arthur L. Smith, “Nature of the Acid-Dyeing Process,” ADR, v. 26, n. 15, July 26, 1937, pp. 416–419.
AATCC Research Publications: W. F. Macia, “Some Causes of Rayon Crepe Variations with Special Reference to Throwing,” ADR, v. 26, n. 12, June 14, 1937, pp. 329–333.

AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 16A Colorfastness to Light: Carbon-Arc Lamp, Continuous Light (Superseded by Method 16) 1937 1991
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 19 Mercerization of Cotton, Determination of; Degree of (Superseded by Method 89) 1937 1958

President: William H. Cady 1936–1937

General Meeting: Dec. 4–5—Providence, RI, Biltmore Hotel

Research Committee: Determination of Oil, Soap, and Other Extraneous Matter in Textile Materials D 1936 1939

Student Chapter Creation: Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science

AATCC Research Publications: J. A. Crowder and Milton Harris, “The Mechanism of Sulfur Lability in the Alkali Degradation of Wool Protein,” ADR, v. 25, n. 10, May 18, 1936, pp. 264–266.
AATCC Research Publications: Sidney M. Edelstein, “A Study of the Mercerization Process,” ADR, v. 25, n. 17, August 24, 1936, pp. 458–466.

AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 8 Colorfastness to Crocking: AATCC Crockmeter Method RA38 1936

Research Committee: Wrinkle Recovery (Crease Resistance of Fabrics) 6 R 1936
Research Committee: Finish Analysis 45 A 1936
Research Committee: Fibrous Test Materials 59 R 1936

First pair of stockings knit with a new synthetic fiber from DuPont called "nylon" for which Carothers received the patent.

General Meeting: Dec. 6–7—Chattanooga, TN, Read House

AATCC Research Publications: Milton Harris, “Effect of Alkalies on Wool,” ADR, v. 24, n. 20, October 7, 1935, pp. 306–311.

1935 Acetate is developed by Celanese Corp. of America

General Meeting: Dec. 7–8—New York, NY, Hotel New Yorker

Research Committee: Chemistry of Wool D 1934 1956

AATCC Research Publications: Sivert N. Glarum, “A Fundamental Study of Printing Pastes,” ADR, v. 23, n. 7, March 26, 1934, pp. 85–89.
AATCC Research Publications: Roland E. Derby, “Review of Carbonizing Project,” ADR, v. 23, n. 9, April 23, 1934, pp. 123–126.
AATCC Research Publications: Light Committee, “A Comparison of the Fading Produced by Four Fading Lamps and the Sun on Forty Selected Dyeings,” ADR, v. 23, n. 23, November 5, 1934, pp. 283–284

President: Robert E. Rose 1933–1935
Research Committee: Factors Affecting Textile Printing Pastes D 1933 1942
General Meeting: Sept. 8–9—Chicago, IL, Congress Hotel
Annual Business Meeting: Dec. 8—New York, NY, Chemists’ Club

Research Committee: Determining the Degree of Mercerization of Cotton D 1933 1936

AATCC Research Publications: Milton Harris, “The Application of the Results of the Study of the Iso-electric Point of Wool to Some Practical Problems,” ADR, v. 22, n. 3, January 30, 1933, pp. 325, 336, 337.

General Meeting: Dec. 2–3—Greensboro, NC, King Cotton Hotel

Research Committee: Methods of Analysis and Standardization of Sulfonated Oils 15 D 1932 1966
Research Committee: Fiber Analysis 24 A 1932
Research Committee: Analytical Methods (Analysis of Fiber Mixtures) 30 D 1932 1966
Research Committee: Water Absorbency 62 D 1932 1972
Research Committee: Mercerization Test Methods 66 R 1932

AATCC Research Publications: Milton Harris, “The Physical Chemistry of the Proteins of Silk and Wool,” ADR, v. 21, n. 3, February 1, 1932, pp. 58, 62, 76, 96
AATCC Research Publications: Milton Harris, “The Iso-electric Point of Wool,” ADR, v. 21, n. 13, June 20, 1932, pp 233–237.

AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 13 Colorfastness to Peroxide Bleaching with Peroxide: Silk (Superseded by Method 101) 1932 1962
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 17 Wetting Agents, Evaluation of RA80 1932

President: Percival J. Wood 1931–1932

General Meeting: Dec. 4–5—Boston, MA, Hotel Statler

Research Committee: Rayon D 1931 1936
Research Committee: Materials of Construction for Dyeing and Finishing Machinery 3 D 1931 1959
Research Committee: Wettability (Evaluation of Wetting Agents) 8 A 1931
Research Committee: Analytical Methods for a Textile Laboratory (Monograph 1) 26 D 1931 1959

Section Creation: Southeast SE 1931

AATCC Research Publications: Milton Harris and Daniel A. Jessup, “The Effect of pH on the Photo Chemical Decomposition of Silk,” ADR, v. 20, n. 24, December 7, 1931, pp. 349–352.

AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 4 Colorfastness to Washing, Mill: Silk Textiles 1931 1970
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 11 Colorfastness to Carbonizing RR40 1931
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 12 Colorfastness to Sea Water Superseded by Method 63 1931 1956

General Meeting: Dec. 5–6—Chattanooga, TN, Read House

Student Chapter Creation: North Carolina State University

Rubber is developed.

General Meeting: Dec. 6–7—Philadelphia, PA, Bellevue-Stratford Hotel

Research Committee: Determining Sizing and Finishing Materials in Textile Fabrics D 1929 1953
Research Committee: Survey of Research in Textile Chemistry D 1929 1932
Research Committee: Testing Fabrics for Rubberizing 2 D 1929 1969
Research Committee: Colorfastness to Stoving 19 A 1929
Research Committee: Dimensional Change (Shrinkage) 42 A 1929
Research Committee: Water Resistance of Fabrics 63 A 1929

Section Creation: Midwest MW 1929

President: Elvin H. Killheffer 1928–1930
General Meeting: Dec. 7–8—Providence, RI, Biltmore Hotel

Research Committee: Colorfastness to Degumming of Dyed Silk D 1928 1936
Research Committee: Colorfastness to Crocking 38 A 1928

AATCC Research Publications: W. D. Appel and W. C. Smith, “The Fading of Dyed Textiles in the Light Transmitted by Various Glasses,” ADR, v. 17, n. 11, June 25, 1928, pp. 180–192.

AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 5 Colorfastness to Dry and Wet Heat (Superseded by Method 133) 1928 1969
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 7 Colorfastness to Degumming 1928 1996
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 9 Colorfastness to Stoving 1928 1996
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 36 Colorfastness to Washing: Characterization of Textile Colorants 1928 1974

General Meeting: Dec. 2–3—New York, NY, Hotel Pennsylvania

AATCC Research Publications: W. D. Appel, “Experiments with the Photo-electric Cell in Relation to Testing the Fastness to Light of Dyed Materials,” ADR, v. 16, n. 19, November 14, 1927, pp. 187–191.

AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 3 Colorfastness to Bleaching with Chlorine RA34 1927

General Meeting: Dec. 3–4—Charlotte, NC, Charlotte Hotel

Section Creation: South Central SCEN 1926

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Research Committee: Colorfastness to Sea Water D 1925 1929

AATCC Research Publications: Harold C. Chapin, “Effect of Alkalies on Wool: The Importance of Hydrogen Ion Concentration,” ADR, v. 14, n. 22, December 28, 1925, p. 231–233.

AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 1 Colorfastness to Washing, Mill Washing and Scouring: Wool Textiles 1925 1970
AATCC Test Method Creation: TM 6 Colorfastness to Acids and Alkalis RR10 1925

General Meeting: Dec. 6–8—Philadelphia, PA, Bellevue-Stratford Hotel

Research Committee: Colorfastness to Acids and Alkalies 1 R 1924
Research Committee: Colorfastness to Carbonizing (Carbonizing of Wool) 4 R 1924
Research Committee: Colorfastness to Light 50 A 1924
Research Committee: Colorfastness to Perspiration 52 A 1924

Section Creation: Piedmont PIED 1924

AATCC Research Publications: “Report of Series 2 Light Exposures: A Comparison of Sunlight, the Violet Carbon Arc, and the Mercury Vapor Arc (with Glass Shield),” AATCC Year Book, 1924, p. 73.

Baeyer and Sunder develop Indigosol 0, is the first commercial indigosol dye.

AATCC published its first four color fastness test methods in 1923.

General Meeting: Dec. 7–8—Providence, RI, Biltmore Hotel

Research Committee: Colorfastness to Washing 60 A 1923
Research Committee: Colorfastness to Chlorine 11 D 1923 1968
Research Committee: Colorfastness to Fulling 22 R 1923

1923 Rayon fabric production started in Burlington, NC by Spencer Love.

American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists forms the first subcommittee to study colorfastness of printed and dyed cottons, formulate testing procedures, develop standards of fastness.

Section Creation: Metropolitan (formerly New York) MET/NY 1922
Section Creation: Delaware Valley (formerly Philadelphia) DV/PHIL 1922

Student Chapter Creation: Lowell Textile School (Inactive)

General Meeting: Dec. 2—New York, NY, Hotel Pennsylvania

AATCC Research Publications: William H. Cady, “A Summary of the Progress Made to Date (1922) by Various Investigators in an Effort to Standardize Methods for Determining the Fastness of Dyes to Light,” American Dyestuff Reporter (ADR), v. 11, n. 11, November 20, 1922, pp. 92–94.

The need for American textile test methods became apparent during the First World War, when the blockade in the Atlantic prevented European dyes from coming to America, and the fledgling American dye manufacturers struggled with providing consistent products.

AATCC was founded at a meeting of 140 men on November 3, 1921, at the Engineer's Club in Boston, Massachusetts. Engineer’s Club, Boston Site of the First Meeting of the AATCC, November 3, 1921

Section Creation: Northern New England NNE 1921
Section Creation: Rhode Island RI 1921

Synthetic Indigo is created by German scientists. Produces vivid and varied shades of blue. This finding secures German domination of the dye industry.

Louis A. Olney was a professor at the Lowell Textile School and is considered the Founder of AATCC. Olney had been a founding member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, a member of the American Chemical Society, involved in higher management at several New England mills, and was editor of the Technical Section of American Dyestuff Reporter.

Graebe and Liebermann, German chemists, produced alizarin (synthetic madder). this was the first time a synthetic substitute for a vegetable dye had been manufactured. W.H.Perkin also synthesized it about the same time, but independently.

Hoffmann, one of the great dye chemists of his time develops Hoffmann's Violet. Hoffmann also proves that Inadvertent addition of excess aniline in a magenta preparation resulted in the discovery of aniline blue. From the molecular formulas of these dyes, Hofmann showed that aniline blue was magenta with three more phenyl groups (-C6H5), but the chemical structures were still unknown.

• 1849

  Matthew Townsend patents the variant of latch needle in 1849. I became the most widely used needle in weft knitting machines. Picric acid was first obtained in 1771 by Peter Woulfe, a British chemist, by treating indigo with nitric acid. It was used as a yellow dye, initially for silk, beginning in 1849.

1802 AD A form of resist wax technique a form of batik (on a large scale) was purchased by Sir Robert Peel from a traveler for approximately $25.00.

1810 AD First successful power loom is built by Wm. Gilmore & David Wilkinson of England.

1785 AD The process of roller printing is developed. Speeds the printing process from hand printing to industrialization.

1786 AD Commercial bleaching operation are setup at Bertholet, France.

1788 AD Picric acid available (yellow dye and disinfectant) could be dyed from acid dyebath on wool

1790 AD Acid discharge of mordant printing developed
1790-92 AD First water-powered spinning mill in America is built by Samuel Slater in Rhode Island.

1792 AD Cotton Gin is invented by Eli Whitney to speed removal of cotton seeds.

1794 AD Three Frenchmen set up first calico printing

1796 AD Bleaching powder, a solid combination of chlorine and slaked lime, introduced in 1799 by the Scottish chemist Charles Tennant, was thereafter produced in large quantity to bleach cloth and paper.

1797 AD Bancroft develops a process for steam fixation of prints and Asa Ellis publishes "The Country Dyers Assistant". Thus sharing recipes (receipts) for Colonial women to dye their own fabric at home.

1704 AD Prussian blue was first synthesized about 1704 by the reaction of iron(II) salts with potassium ferrocyanide; the initial product, an insoluble white compound called Berlin white, was then oxidized to the blue pigment.

English dyehouse gets contract to dye the Buckingham Palace Guards coats with cochineal.

1708 AD A series of laws prohibiting the importation of printed silk textiles thus making calico's and silk textiles more popular than ever is signed into law by William III.

1716 AD There were now more than 30 laws in England prohibiting the importation of calico and cotton; prints became more popular than ever.

1727 AD A method of bleaching linen with kelp (seaweed) was introduced in Scotland

1733 AD Fly shuttle invented by John Kay, England

1757 AD Copper plate printing of fabric invented ion England.

1766 AD Cudbear is patented by Dr. Cuthbert Gordon becomes a dye. Initially prepared from a variety of lichens.

1769 AD Arkwright's spinning frame in England (aka the Spinning Jenny)

1774 AD Swedish chemist, Scheele, discovered chlorine destroyed vegetable colors by observing a cork in a bottle of hydrochloric acid. Prussian Blue and Sulphuric acid available commercially. Prussian blue formed from prussite of potash and iron salt (copperas). Actually one of the early chemical dyes.


1775 AD Bancroft introduced the use of quercitron bark as a natural dye. One of only 2 natural dyes whose discoverer is known, it yields a yellow, brighter than fustic, and is from the inner bark of No. American oak.

1779 AD Samuel Crompton's "mule" vastly increased productivity, making it possible for a single operator to work more than 1,000 spindles simultaneously; and it was capable of spinning fine as well as coarse yarn.

Dye shops are organized in Europe by men who train male apprentices. In homes women pass home dyeing down through their daughters.

1607 AD American Colonies are growing and exporting cotton.

1614 AD Dyeing cloth "in the wood" was introduced in England: logwood, fustic, etc.

1630 AD Drebbel, a Dutch chemist, produced a new brilliant red dye from cochineal and tin. It was used at Goblein (Paris) and the Bow Dyeworks (England)

1631-33 AD Calico is imported from Calicut, India by the East India Company. Initially they believe that the fabric is linen. Later they learn that it is cotton.

1688 AD James II, of England, prohibited exportation of un-dyed cloth from England to help bolster the home industry for English dyers over that of the Scottish dyers.

1689 AD The first calico printworks was begun in Germany at Augsburg and was later to grow into a large industry

Hosiery knitting machine invented in England by William Lee

Cennino Cennini of Padua, Italy described the printing of cloth (block printing) in his treatise called Method of Painting Cloths by Means of Moulds.

Aztecs under Montezuma conquered the Mayans. 11 Mayan cities paid a yearly tribute of 2000 decorated cotton blankets and 40 bags of Cochineal (insect dye) each.

1429 AD The Margiegola Dell'Arte de Tentori was published in Italy; this is also the first European book on the subject of dyes.

1464 Pope Paul II introduced the so-called "Cardinals' Purple" which was really scarlet from the Kermes insect. This became the first luxury dye of the Middle Ages just as Imperial Purple (Murex) had been for the ancient world.

1472 AD Edward IV incorporated the Dyers' Company of London

1200 AD The ancient art of making dye from lichens is discovered in Asia Minor. ALIZARINE (also spelled alizarin), a red dye originally obtained from the root of the common madder plant, Rubia tinctorum, in which it occurs combined with the sugars xylose and glucose.

1212 AD The city of Florence had over 200 dyers, fullers and tailors. A directory of weavers and spinners was published as well.

1266 AD Following the conquest of Sicily by the French, the weavers fled to Italy; many settled in Lucca, which soon became well-known for silk fabrics with patterns employing imaginative floral forms.

1290 AD The only blue dye of the period, Woad, began to be raised extensively in Germany. The 3 major dyes were now: woad, madder and weld.

1188 AD London: Guilds for Dyers is established.

1197 AD King John (of Magna Carta fame) persuaded Parliament to regulate dyeing of woolens to protect the public from poor quality goods

1130 AD Skilled weavers who came to Palermo from Greece and Turkey produced elaborate fabrics of silk interlaced with gold.

Batik is developed in Southeast Asia as a wax resist technique.

American Indians (Pueblos) are growing & weaving COTTON into cloth.
a Chinese manuscript mentions dyeing with wax resist technique (batik)

In Sicily, after the Arab conquest beautiful fabrics were produced in the palace workshops at Palermo.

925 AD The Wool Dyers' Guilds first initiated in Germany

Elagabalus (AD 218-222) was the first Roman emperor to wear silk. Later, looms were set up to weave silk, but China retained control of sericulture, exporting only silk thread or fabric, both of which were prohibitively expensive.

Roman graves found with madder and indigo dyed textiles, replacing the old Imperial Purple (purpura) papyrus found in a grave contains the oldest dye recipe known, for imitation purple - called Stockholm Papyrus.

A decree was issued by Emperor Theodosium of Byzantium forbidding the wearing of Royal Purple (Purpura) except for the Royal Family, on pain of death. It is believed that this action was taken to protect the mollusk Purpura from extinction.

In Germany, Woad was raised commercially. Woad also called DYERSWOAD (resda tinctoria), biennial or perennial herb, of the mustard family (Brassicaceae), formerly grown as a source of the blue dye indigo and now sometimes cultivated for its clusters of small, four-petalled yellow flowers.

715 BC Wool dyeing established as craft in Rome
694 BC Trees bearing wool (cotton) were introduced to Assyria by Sennacherib.
500 BC The Great Wheel is developed in India for spinning cotton into yarn. The Great Wheel is used in Europe by the middle ages.
490 BC Quilting was known to the ancient Persians and, at the time of the Battle of Marathon (490 BC), quilted garments were worn as armor.
400 BC Aperlae in present-day Turkey indicate it was probably established in the 4th century BC to harvest marine snails, the source of a coveted dye known as "Tyrean purple" used by Roman emperors and others of the region's elite.

Earliest written record of the use of dyestuffs in China. One of the earliest records that fabric was being dyed in Asia (China).

The origin of silk production and weaving is ancient and clouded in legend. The industry undoubtedly began in China, where, according to native record, it existed from sometime before the middle of the 3rd millennium BC. For many centuries the Chinese zealously guarded the source and methods of production of silk, but by the 1st millennium BC they had begun trading silk cloth abroad.

The title of "earliest textile" has recently shifted from Egypt to Anatolia (modern day Turkey), with Egypt and Israel close contenders. James Mallet's dig at the Neolithic village of Catal Huyuk in southern Turkey dating from 6,000 BC, exposed fine-spun and plied-thread, plain weave tabby cloths and garments, some of the tabby designs showing signs of being darned.

Flax was the commonest ancient plant fiber. Hemp, rush, palm and papyrus were also used. Papyrus requires a good water supply and settled communities for its cultivation. Seeds of domesticated flax found with spindle whorls together on the same site are indicative of textile activity. These have been found in Syria in Ramad (6000 BC)., Samarran villages in northern Iraq (at Tel-es-Sawan and Choga Mami) .

COTTON is grown and woven into cloth in India, Pakistan, and Eastern Africa. FLAX is grown & woven into LINEN fabric in Egypt.

Israeli excavations reveal that the deserts of Israel provide ideal conditions for the preservation of fibers. Finds from the Neolithic Hemal Cave in the Judean desert dating from 7160 to 6150 BC including rope, netting matting, spun and plied thread, chiefly flax, and tabby woven cloth, including a blue-dyed textile with shell and bead decoration. Flax was known in Syria and Turkey, and is apparently the earliest plant source for fiber (linen) as well as an important source of oil (pressed from the seed). By 5000 BC we know that various flax species were involved. Evidence shows that seed size increased over time, suggesting that humans were selecting for larger seed.