Overview
ISO 10290:2018 - Textiles - Cotton yarns - Basis for specification - provides a standardized framework for describing and specifying single spun grey cotton yarns used in international trade. It defines the criteria and references the relevant test methods manufacturers, purchasers and testing laboratories should use when agreeing yarn characteristics for commercial contracts, quality control and product development. This second edition (2018) replaces the 1993 edition and updates terms, test-method cross-references and additional yarn attributes (appearance, hairiness, faults).
Key topics and technical requirements
ISO 10290 structures the basis for specification around measurable properties and agreed test methods. Major topics include:
- Linear density (tex): determined in accordance with ISO 2060.
- Evenness and yarn faults (thick places, thin places, neps): measured per ISO 16549.
- Breaking load / tenacity and elongation at break: single-end tensile testing per ISO 2062.
- Skein breaking strength: assessed by ISO 6939.
- Yarn twist and twist direction: measured by ISO 2061 or ISO 17202; direction designated S or Z per ISO 2.
- Moisture regain: measured using ISO 6741-1.
- Yarn appearance and hairiness: appearance grading via ASTM D2255, hairiness by ASTM D5647.
- Marking, sampling and inspection: recommended marking items (material, tex, lot number, spinning method, end use, packing), sampling procedures (refer to ISO 3951-4 if not agreed) and quality-control guidance (e.g., ISO 9001/ISO 9004).
- Annex A provides example specification formats and illustrative values (informative only) to guide commercial specifications.
Practical applications and users
ISO 10290 is practical for:
- Yarn manufacturers establishing saleable product specifications and batch markings.
- Textile traders and purchasers specifying contract requirements for grey cotton yarns in international commerce.
- Quality control and laboratory teams performing acceptance testing and inspection.
- Textile engineers and product developers comparing yarn properties for weaving, knitting or finishing processes.
- Compliance and procurement teams seeking consistent, reproducible test methods and sampling rules.
Using ISO 10290 helps reduce commercial disputes by aligning technical language, test methods and acceptance criteria across suppliers and buyers.
Related standards (selection)
Keywords: ISO 10290, cotton yarn specification, grey cotton yarn, yarn testing methods, textile standard, yarn quality, linear density, tenacity, yarn twist.
