Log in to the Member Portal part of the website and click “Publications” to view your options. The Member Portal has digital copies of AATCC Review magazine, as well as a link to EBSCO Textile Complete, a textile-related database of hundreds of full text publications as well as abstracts. The Member link to the AATCC Journal of Research, the Association's peer-reviewed journal, is also on this page. You may also visit the members-only AATCC Communities and join the AATCC Publications Community--this Community will announce when the next digital issue of  AATCC Review magazine is available for reading or download, as well as other AATCC publications. You can log in to AATCC Communities with your AATCC UserID and password, as you would on the AATCC website.

You may need to clear your browsing history and refresh your web browser. Check with the membership staff to make sure you have the correct login information.

AATCC offers a variety of online education for members at discounted rates. Digital Labs are web-based trainings, lectures, and informational discussions that explore textile-related topics with industry and academic experts. Participants may attend live sessions or access the library, which covers 12 subjects including color science, textile testing, functional textiles, chemical processes, sustainability, emerging technologies, and more. For basic textile training, AATCC and the TexEd department of the College of Textiles at North Carolina State University offer online instruction on demand. Textile Fundamentals provides in-depth study from fiber to finishing. Participants view processing operations and techniques via 3D animation and videos. Choose one module or the complete series. For in-depth textile testing education, members have access to Online Test Method Training. These courses are developed by the AATCC technical staff and provide detailed information on test methods. Participants will learn how key test methods are performed, best practices for each test method discussed, identification of testing equipment and its association with respective test methods, how test results are assessed and scored, and how to avoid common issues associated with methods, results, equipment, and protocol. Become a member today and gain knowledge for a lifetime!

AATCC does NOT perform commercial testing. For your assistance in finding a testing lab, please consider using the AATCC Buyers Guide which lists resources, including testing services. Also included with AATCC membership is a guide to Selecting a Testing Lab.

Note: To join a committee, you must be an AATCC Member. If you are not already a member, please see membership options here-http://aatcc.org/join/ - to join prior to following the below steps. Current AATCC Members:

• Visit http://aatcc.org/join/#committees
• Click Join Committees.
• Log in with your AATCC Member login credentials.
• In the Testing Resources section, click the Research Committee Application.
• Complete the Application with all relevant information and click Submit button or email the completed form to foggv@aatcc.org.

Three interest groups help you connect with like-minded professionals: Chemical Applications, Concept 2 Consumer, and Materials. To join an interest group, update your member profile or contact the Membership Department. Interest groups meet at the Spring and Fall Committee Meetings, where you will hear from a guest speaker. If you are interested in giving a presentation, you can reach out to the Interest Group chair. The annual International Conference is usually organized by Interest Group educational tracks. Attend the conference to hear speakers reveal the latest in your area of interest. Click here to view the Interest Groups

Members get a discount on AATCC educational events, including AATCC conferences, workshops, test method training, and online learning. Members also receive a discount on the AATCC Manual of International Test Methods and Procedures.

AATCC Proficiency Testing Programs (PTPs) support lab certification and continuous improvement initiatives. Samples are selected to provide consistent results in a meaningful range for each test method or evaluation procedure. AATCC PTPs cover Antibacterial, Appearance, Color Evaluation, Colorfastness, Fiber Analysis, Moisture Management, and Resistance evaluation procedures for textiles. To view the details of each program visit: http://aatcc.org/testing/#ptp

• AATCC sends samples, instructions, and data sheets to participating labs once or twice per year.
• Labs have approximately one month to complete testing and submit results online.
• AATCC compiles results and distributes the report to participating labs with a confidential lab code.
• AATCC issues digital Certificates of Participation at the end of the calendar year.

To view the details and register for the Proficiency Testing Program, visit http://aatcc.org/testing/#ptp. Registration deadlines are listed for each program, typically about one month before sample distribution. If you are paying by credit card or ACH, online registration is quick and secure. You will receive an emailed invoice confirming payment and registration.

• Step-by-Step Guide to Registration with Credit Card Payment

To pay by check or wire (SWIFT, EFT, TT), you must download and submit a registration form. You will receive an emailed proforma invoice upon receipt of your registration form. When payment is received, you will receive an emailed invoice confirming payment and registration. Registration AND payment must be received at least one month before program ship date. If payment is received after the deadline, registration will be shifted to the next available round.

• Step-by-Step Guide to Registration with Check or Wire Payment

AATCC does not supply satisfactory/unsatisfactory or pass/fail grades to proficiency programs. The sole purpose of the AATCC Proficiency Testing Programs is to provide a simple report showing laboratories how their own lab’s data looks in comparison to other labs’ data around the world performing the same tests using the same test specimens. The data provided in the report is not to be interpreted as being right/wrong or satisfactory/unsatisfactory, it’s only to show a large data population and how your lab’s data fits within that large data population so that you can come to your own conclusions about your technicians’ testing and/or evaluating techniques. Since the Proficiency Programs began in the early 2000s, the staff have been upgrading and revising the data that is included in the results report. The current statistical format was developed by statisticians from the Institute of Textile Technology. The database structure that we use was created from their suggestions and expertise. The Introduction section of the report contains explanations of the statistics that appear with all report booklets. Click here to view and download a sample report.

Samples are shipped via FedEx. Your shipping address must include a contact name, complete street address (no PO boxes), and a phone number. Samples are shipped approximately one month after the registration deadline for each round. Check http://aatcc.org/testing/#ptp for registration deadlines. As of July 1, 2020, shipping fees are included in Proficiency Testing Program orders shipped outside the US. This policy is in line with shipping policies for all AATCC testing materials and publications. Please see Order Policies at http://aatcc.org/testing/#policies. Customer-Arranged Shipping Limitation: Due to the bulk shipping process of the Proficiency Testing Program, customer-arranged shipping is not available for this program.

AATCC License Agreement: AATCC test methods and publications are copyrighted by the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC), PO Box 12215, 1 Davis Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC USA. All rights reserved. Print publications may not be reproduced without permission. With the purchase of any downloadable AATCC publication, AATCC grants you a license as follows: The right to download one electronic file for temporary storage on one computer for purposes of viewing, and/or printing one copy for individual use. Neither the electronic file nor the hard copy print may be reproduced in any way. In addition, the electronic file may not be distributed elsewhere over computer networks or otherwise. The hard copy print may only be distributed to other employees for their internal use within your organization. An online subscription to the AATCC Manual of International Test Methods and Procedures is available for enterprise-wide license. All members of your organization can access to most current versions of AATCC standards. Packages are available for any number of locations and can be bundled with ASTM D13 content. See https://members.aatcc.org/store/2017c/1867/ for more information. Please see www.copyright.com for permission to copy or reuse any part of an AATCC publication.

The official designation for AATCC standards is AATCC TM/LP/EP/M#-YEAR.

• Include “AATCC” with all designations
• Do not spell out “Test Method,” etc.—even on first use.
• No space between letters (TM, etc.) and number.
• Four-digit year.
• Note: Beginning in 2020, you will see additional year formats in the Technical Manual. Any reference to a standard should include the full designation listed in the AATCC Manual of International Test Methods and Procedures.

Examples:

• AATCC TM8-2016
• AATCC LP1-2018
• AATCC EP9-2017
• AATCC M4-2017

Like AATCC, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) publishes test methods for evaluating textile materials. In fact, many ISO colorfastness and water resistance tests are taken directly from AATCC test methods. For more than 60 years, AATCC was the co-secretariat for ISO/TC38/SC1—Textiles—Tests for Coloured Textiles and Colourants and secretary for ISO/TC38/SC2—Textiles—Cleansing, finishing and water resistance tests. In 2010, AATCC transitioned these secretariats to other countries in order to focus on its own test methods and activities. Although each country gets a single vote on ISO ballots, individuals may submit comments and opinions to be used in determining a country’s official position. AATCC and ASTM International-Committee D13 Textiles are co-administrators of the Technical Advisory Group (TAG) representing the US in all TC38—Textile activities. To become a TAG expert and be consulted on ISO ballots, contact Erika Simmons.

ASTM International’s Committee D13 develops test methods and specifications for textile materials. In general, AATCC methods tend to focus on colorfastness, wet testing, and chemical analysis. ASTM tests evaluate physical properties of textiles. AATCC and ASTM have published several joint Testing Supplements. These supplements are compilations of procedures and guidelines for textile products, not yet included in the official AATCC Manual of International Test Methods and Procedures or Annual Book of ASTM Standards. Some are based on long standing industry practices or protocols developed by specific companies for in-house use. AATCC/ASTM Technical Supplement Moisture Management Technical Supplement AATCC incorporates ASTM methods in most of its Test Method Training programs. You can also purchase the Textiles volumes (7.01 & 7.02) of the Annual Book of ASTM Standards from AATCC.

The AATCC Technical Supplement is a downloadable compilation of industry practices and guidelines for textile products. THESE ARE NOT OFFICIAL AATCC OR ASTM STANDARDS. The Technical Supplement is NOT current and has not been updated since publication in 2004. The documents are not official test methods and were not reviewed or approved by any committee. If you wish to obtain this compilation, you may purchase the Technical Supplement at https://members.aatcc.org/store/supplement/255/. Please use these procedures with caution as they may contain incomplete or outdated instructions.

You may resell AATCC products as long as you do not change the number of licenses—for example, you may purchase and resell a USB containing the AATCC Manual of International Test Methods and Procedures, but you may not create additional copies to sell. AATCC does not have licensed or approved resellers. Use of the AATCC logo is carefully restricted. The AATCC logo may not be added to any item or packaging. The AATCC logo may only be used for marketing purposes in compliance with the corporate member policies—to highlight AATCC membership, but not to imply endorsement by AATCC.

Safety Data Sheets for AATCC Quality Control Products can be found at here on the SDS tab.

To obtain a Certificate of Analysis and Conformity, contact AATCC’s Technical Department at atkinsong@aatcc.org. Please have your Invoice Number available.

See the AATCC Testing Materials Catalog and the AATCC Buyers Guide for equipment and materials listed in AATCC Standards.

You can find out everything about Laundering here!

AATCC 1993 Standard Reference Detergent should have an almost indefinite shelf life if stored in sealed containers. None of the components are prone to breakdown unless exposed to moisture. Three years is a reasonable estimate, but shelf life will depend on storage conditions. For this reason, the Certificate of Conformity does not include an expiration date.

Please see the most up-to-date version of the specific AATCC Test Method in the AATCC Manual of International Test Methods and Procedures  and reference your customer's agreed-upon specifications for instructions.

Detergent WITH brightener will provide appearance more like what consumers are likely to see at home—most consumer detergents include brighteners. Detergent WITHOUT brightener will allow you to detect issues with dyestuffs because any color change is actually due to dye loss, not masked by brighteners.

“How should I test my garment for UV protection?” It’s one of the most common questions asked of the staff of the AATCC Technical Center. It comes from fabric and garment producers, fiber and chemical companies, and even consumers. There is also a renewed interest within the standards community about testing for UV protection. In 2017, the Australian/New Zealand standard was revised for the first time since it was published in 1996. AATCC and ASTM committees are currently working on revisions of their respective standards related to UV protection. The two organizations also jointly published ASTM and AATCC Technical Information and Standards for UV Protective Textiles to provide history, standards, and a testing flow chart in one convenient booklet.

AATCC’s UV Calibration program is designed to help users calibrate their spectrophotometers to correctly measure optically brightened specimens and improve consistency and agreement among instruments. A single shipment of one optically brightened textile standard and a copy of the EP11 Evaluation Procedure for UV Energy of Optically Brightened Textiles are provided.  The standard must be replaced every six months. For more information, visit www.aatcc.org/testing/#uv/.

Use the 20 AFU & 5 AFU Blue Wool Lightfastness Standard (https://members.aatcc.org/store/bluewool/1665/)  to verify lightfastness and weathering testing. While modern lightfastness instruments have sophisticated means of measuring and controlling light energy, Blue Wool Standard specimens are still the best way to ensure proper exposure. AATCC Blue Wool Lightfastness Standards have traditionally been referred to by an “L-designation.” The 20 AFU & 5 AFU Blue Wool Lightfastness Standard is technically an L2 fabric, but may also be used as a direct substitute for L4. Refer to instructions included in your purchase of 20 AFU & 5 AFU Blue Wool Lightfastness products (https://members.aatcc.org/store/bluewool/1665/), and appropriate test methods (https://members.aatcc.org/store/tm16-3/959/) for proper use of the standard.