BDS 1898:2015  
Bangladesh Standard  
Specification for  
 Towels  and Towelling  
                                                                                              
 
 
 
 
 
 
            
 
 
                                                                       
  
                                                                   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                  
ICS 59.0 60.01; 59.080.30  
  
BANGLADESH  STANDARDS  AND TESTING INSTITUTION  
MAAN BHA                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             
BAN 
116-A, TEJGAON I/A, DHAKA -1208                                                                                                                         BDS 1898:2015  
                                      
      Constitution of the Textile Prod ucts Sectional Committee, JT SC-2 
Chairman  Representing  
Mr. M. A.  Sayeem  Bangladesh Association of Textile 
consultants, Dhaka.  
Members   
Ms. Shilpi Akter Bangladesh University of  Textiles, Dhaka.  
Mr. M. Abu Sadat Sayem  Department of Textile, Dhaka.  
Mr. Md. Ahsanullah  Bangladesh Handloom Board, Dhaka.  
Mr. Md. Abdul Hamid  Bangladesh Textile Mills Corporation, 
Dhaka.  
Ms. Asfi Ara Begum  I.G.S & C, Dhaka.  
Mr.Mir Azharul Islam  Bangladesh Textile Mills Association, 
Dhaka.  
Dr. Md. Rafiqur Rashid  Ahsanullah  University of  Science & 
Technology, Dhaka.  
Mr. Rezaul Karim  Bhuyian  Prime Asia University, Dhaka.  
Mr. M. Shahadat Hossain Sohel  
 Terry Towel Manufacturers & Exporters 
Association, Dhaka.  
Mr. Md. Rezaul Karim  
Director (Standards)  
Ex-officio member  
 Bangladesh Standards and Testing 
Institution, Dhaka.  
BSTI Officials   
Ms. Nilufa Hoque  
Deputy -Director  (J & T)  Bangladesh Standards and Testing 
Institution, Dhaka.  
Mr. Md.  Abul  Kalam Azad Khan 
Senior Examiner (Tex)  Bangladesh Standards and Testing 
Institution, Dhaka.  
 
Md. Delowar Hossain  
Examiner (J & T)  Bangladesh Standards and Testing 
Institution, Dhaka.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
BANGLADESH   STANDARDS  AND TESTING INSTITUTION  
MAAN BHABAN  
116-A, TEJGAON I/A, DHAKA -1208, BANGLADESH                                                                                                                                     BDS 1898:2015  
 
 
Foreword  
 
This Bangladesh Standard was adopted by the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution on 01 
July 2015  after the draft had been thoroughly d iscussed and approved  by the Textile Products 
Sectional Committee and  then finally approved by the Jute and Textile  Divisional Committee.  
This standard BDS 950 was first  published  in 19 80 which covered only Cotton Turkish Towels . 
amalgamating with BDS 1229:1989 Specification for Cotton Huckaback Towels for easy to use 
present manufacturing practices. So this standard has been recasted as a new Standard. This  
standard therefore supersedes  BDS 950:1980 & BDS1229:1989.  
 
In the formulation  of this standar d considerable assistance has been derived from the following 
publication:  
                          IS 7056:1989   Cotton Towelling and Towels – Specification( First Revision), Bureau     
                                                of Indian  Standard s. 
                          SLS 136:1989 Specification for Cotton Towels and Towelling( First Revision), Sri  
                                                Lanka Standards Institution.  
 
Also the views of manufacturers, consumers and technical experts ha ve been considered.  
For the purpose of deciding  whether a particular requirement of this Standard is complied with, the 
final value, observed or calculated, expressing the result of a test or analysis when applicable, shall 
be rounded off in accordance wi th BDS 103 -2001 "Rules for Rounding off numerical values (Ist 
revision)". The number of significant places retained in the rounded off should  be the same as that of 
specified value in the standard.  
                                                                                                                                     BDS 1898:2015  
                                        Bangladesh Standard  
Specification for  
  Towels and Towelling  
1.     Scope  
 
1.1    This standard prescribes  constructional  details and other  particulars of  terry an d huck -a-back  
towelling and towels; bleached, dyed, printed or striped.  
 
 
1.2    The standard does not specify design, general appearance, feel, finish or shade, etc (see also 
5.1). 
 
2.     Normative References  
 
2.1    The standard listed in Annex – A are necessary  adjuncts to this standard. For dated references, 
only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document 
(including any amendments) applies.  
 
3.    Terminology  
 
 
For the purpose of this specificati on the following definitions shall apply:  
 
 
 
3.1    Huck-a-back weave :   A weave used  principally for  towels and  glass cloths in  which a rough  
surface effect is produced on a plain -ground  texture by short floats, warp on one side and  weft on 
the oth er. 
 
3.2      Terry weave:  A weave used  principally for  towels and  bathmats  having an extra set of warp 
yarns which project from the base to form loops on one or both sides of the fabric.  
 
3.3       Pile to ground ratio : Length  of pile warp  per unit length  of fabric  in warp direction.  
4.     Types  
Depending on the dimensions, the  towels shall be of the following types:  
    a)     Face towels;  
                b)     Hand  towels;  
                c)     Bath towels;  
                 d)    Bath Sheet;  
                 e)    Beach towels ; 
                 f)     Bath robe;  
                 g)    Barmop/Barwipe;  
                 h)    Kitchen Towel;  
                 i)     Tea Towel.  
5.     Fabric  
[[ 
5.1     Yarn  
 
The cotton  yarn /polycotton  yarn used shal l be of less twist and  evenly spun . 
 BDS 1898:2015  
  
 
-2- 
 
5.2     Fabric Construction  
 
Terry towelling shall meet the construction particulars given in  Table 1 and Huck-a-back fabric shall 
conform to the construction particulars given in Table 2. The count of warp  and weft are given for 
guidance only.  
 
 
5.3     Freedom from Defects  
 
The fabric when visually examined shall be free from spinning, weaving and processing defects (see 
BDS  ISO  8498 ). The bleached fabric shall have a full bleach finish and shall be free  from blueing or 
optical whitening agents, if required by the buyer. In case of dyed fabric the fabric shall be  thoroughly 
scoured prior to dyeing so that the maximum absorbency is obtained. The dyeing shall be uniform 
without stains, streaks, patches, et c. and shall match the required shade.  
 
5.4     Fabric Properties  
 
The fabric shall conform to the performance requirements given in  Table 3 . Dyed yarn used in 
stripes, dyed fabric or printed fabric shall conform to the colour fastness ratings given in T able 3.  
 
6.     Requirements for Towels  
 
6.1    Fabric  
 
Towels shall be made from appropriate fabric conforming to Table 3. 
 
6.2    Sizes  
 
Dimensions of towels shall be as given in Table 4.  
 
6.3     Heading  
 
The maximum depth of  plain  heading at each end  of the towel shall be as specified in Table 4.  
 
6.4     Sewing Thread  
 
Cotton sewing  thread conforming to  BDS 33 shall be used or as per buyer requirements . In case of 
dyed towels the thread shall be of similar shade.  
 
6.5    Transverse Ends or End Hems  
 
Each transverse end of towel shall have a 13 mm hem with a full turn -in at each end  or as per buyer 
requirements . 
   
6.6     Side Edges  
 
The side edges shall be either selvedges which shall be firm and straight or shall have a 13 mm hem 
with a full turn -in or as per buyer requirements.  
 
6.7     Stitching  
 
The  stitching shall be of even tension and the loose ends shall be finished securely and neatly. The 
number of stitches shall not be less than 4 per centimetre  or as per buyer requirements . 
 
 
 
 BDS 1898:2015  
 
-3- 
 
7.      Sealed Sample  
 
7.1    If in order to illustrate indeterminable characteristics such as general appearance, lustre, feel 
and shade, a sample has been agreed upon and sealed, the supply shall be in conformity with the 
sample in such respects.  
 
6.1.1  The custody of the sealed sample shall be a matter of prior agreement between the  buyer and 
the seller.  
 
Table 1 Construction Particulars of Terry Toweling  
(Clause  3.2) 
 
                       Count of Yarn    
                    Tex(Ne) (Approx)  
 
Warp Ground         Pile             Weft        Threads per dm ,  Min  
 
 
Warp              Pile        Weft  
Ground                Mass , 
Min Terry 
Ratio  
Min 
      g/m2 
  
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) 
59 tex  x 
2- 30tex x  
2 (10s/2- 
20s/2) 
 59 tex  x 1- 
37tex x  1 
(10s/1- 
16s/1) 
 59 tex  x 1- 
37tex x 1 
(10s/1- 
16s/1 ) 
 150-250 100-200 100-200 300-550  
    6:1 
Method of Test       BDS ISO 7211 -5                   BDS ISO 7211 -2                       BDS ISO  Annex - B 
                                                                                                                                3801    
 
 
 Table 2 Construction Particulars of Huck -a-Back  Towelling  
(Clause  3.2) 
 
      Count of Yarn, Tex(Ne) (Approx)  
 
    Warp                                  W eft                   Threads per dm ,  Min  
 
 
          Ends                            Picks  Mass , Min    
 
g/m2 
 
(1) (2) 
 (3) (4) (5) 
 42 tex  – 37 tex  
(14s*-16s) 98 tex  – 74 tex  (6s 
– 8s) 360 135 260-290 
Method of Test     BDS ISO 7211 -2                              BDS ISO 7211 -2                   BDS ISO 3801    
* Two warp threads work as one in the loom.  
 
 
 
 
 BDS 1898:2015  
 
-4- 
Table 3 Performance Requirement s for Fabric  
(Clause  3.4) 
 
Sl.  
No. Characteristics                             Requirement  
 
 
             Terry                          Huck -a-Back   Method of 
test 
(1) (2) 
 (3) (4) (5) 
1. Breaking load* on 5.0× 20 
cm strips (ravelled strip 
method), Min 
Warp  way  
Weft way   
 
 
255-310 N (26 -32 kg)  
255-310 N (26 -32 kg)   
 
 
392-490 N (40 -50 kg)  
 255-310 N (26 -32 kg)  BDS ISO 
13934 - 1 
2. Scouring loss, percent, 
Max 2.0 2.0 BDS 2 76 
(Mild method)  
3. Shrinkage or elongation, 
percent, Max  3 – 4 3 – 4 BDS ISO 7771  
                 or 
 BDS ISO 5077  
4. pH value  5.5 to 8.5  5.5 to 8.5  ISO 3071  
 
5. Wettability(  Max) 10 Seconds  10 Seconds  BDS 198  
 
6. Minimum colour fastness 
rating to:  
a) Light  
 
 
 
 
b) Washing: Test C(3)  
i) Change in   
   colour  
ii) Staining of 
adjacent fabrics  
*(1 N = 0.102 kgf).   
 
5 or better  
 
 
 
 
 
 
4 
 
3 – 4  
 
5 or better  
 
 
 
 
 
4 
 
3 – 4  
 
BDS ISO 
105-B01 
or 
BDS ISO 
105-B02  
 
 BDS ISO 
105-C10: 
 
 
Table 4 Dimensions and Mass of Towels  
(Clause  6.2 and 6.3) 
 
Minimum Dimensions  
 
Width                                 Length  
cm                                 cm Maximum 
Heading Depth  
 
cm  Maximum Mass Per 10 
Units, kg 
 
Terry                           Huck -a-Back   
(1) (2) 
 (3) (4) (5) 
30 
40 
50 
60 
66 
70 
75 
80 
100 30 
60 
100 
125 
112 
130 
150 
155 
150 6.5 
6.5 
6.5 
6.5 
6.5 
6.5 
6.5 
6.5 
6.5 - 
1.000  
2.000  
3.000  
2.900  
- 
4.450  
4.800  
- - 
0.750  
1.450  
2.200  
2.150  
- 
3.250  
3.600 
- 
 BDS 1898:2015  
 
-5- 
 
8  Marking  
 
8.1 Bulk or individual packs of Towels   
 
The following information shall be legibly and indelibly marked or labeled on each packs of towel:  
 
a) Name and type of the product;  
b) Name and address of the manufacturer and /or di stributor;  
c)   Country of origin;  
d) Brand name, if any ;  
e)   Length and width, in millimeters;  
f)   Composition of yarn;  
g)   Net weight in grams ;  
h)    Care instruction; and  
i) Batch or code number or any identification mark.  
8.2   Towel  
The followin g information shall be legibly and indelibly marked or labeled on each towel:  
 
a)   Brand or trade name ;  
b)  Length and width, in millimeters;  
c)  Composition of yarn;  and 
d)  Care instructions.  
8.3 Toweling  
 
The following information shall be legibly an d indelibly marked or labeled on each package:  
 
a) Name and type of the product;  
b) Name and address of the manufacturer and /or distributor;  
c)   Country of origin;  
c) Brand name, if any;  
d)   Length in meters and width, in millimeters;  
e)   Composition of yarn;  
f)    Net weight in grams;  
g)    Care instruction; and  
h) Batch or code number or any identification mark.  
 
8.3.1   The toweling or towels may also be marked with the BSTI Certification mark.  
 
NOTE– The use of the BSTI Certification Mark is gover ned by the provisions of the Bangladesh 
Standards and Testing Institution ordinance, 1985. Details of conditions under which a license for the 
use of the BSTI Certification Mark   may be granted to manufacturers or processors, may be obtained 
from the Bang ladesh Standards and Testing Institution.   
 
BDS 1898:2015  
 
-6- 
 
9.      Packing  
 
9.1     The towelling or towels shall be packed in  bales or cases in conformity with the procedure laid 
down in  in  BDS: BDS 61 or BDS 981 as required . 
 
10.      Sampling  
 
10.1    The scale of sampling and  criteria for conformity in respect of the physical characteristics, 
namely, ends and picks, mass, breaking load, length and width, shall be as given in BDS 1093.  
 
10.2     The  scale of sampling and criteria for conformity in respe ct of the chemical characteristics, 
namely, scouring loss and pH value, shall be as given in BDS ISO 5089 .    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 BDS 1898:2015  
 
-7- 
Annex - A 
(Clause 2.1)  
List of Relevant Bangladesh Standards  
 
BDS No.  Title 
 
BDS ISO 7211 -5 Texti les-Woven Fabrics - Construction -Methods of analysis -Part 5: 
Determination of   Linear density of  Yarn  removed from  Fabric.  
BDS ISO 7211 -2 Textiles -Woven Fabrics - Construction -Methods of analysis -Part 2: 
Determination of Number of threads per unit lengt h. 
BDS ISO 3071  Textiles - Determination of  pH of the Aqueous Extract.  
BDS ISO  3801  Textiles - Woven Fabrics - Determination of mass per unit length and mass 
per unit area.  
 
BDS ISO 13934 -1 Textiles - Tensile Properties of Fabrics - Part 1: Determination o f  Maximum 
force and Elongation at Maximum force using the Strip method.  
 
BDS 276  
 Determination   of Scouring Loss in Grey and Finished Cotton  Textile 
Materials.  
BDS 1093  Sampling of Cotton fabrics for Determination of  physical characteristics.  
BDS ISO 5089  Textiles - Preparation of Laboratory Test Samples and Test Specimens for 
Chemical Testing.  
BDS ISO                                                                                                                                     
22198  
 Textiles - Fabrics - Measurement of width and length.  
BDS ISO 7771  Textiles - Determination of Dimensional Changes of Fabrics induced by 
Cold- water immersion.  
BDS ISO 5077  Textiles -Determination of Dimensional Change in Washing and Drying.  
BDS 198  
 Determination of   Wettability of Cotton  Fabrics.  
BDS ISO 105 -B01 
 Textiles – Tests for colour fastness - Part B01: Colour fastness to light: 
Daylight.  
BDS ISO 105 -B02 
 Textiles – Tests for colour fastness - Part B02: Colour fastness to Artificial 
light:  Xenon: Are fadin g lamp test.  
BDS ISO 105 -C10: 
 Textiles - Tests for colour fastness - Part C10:Colour fastness to washing with 
soap or soap and soda.  
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                                                                                    BDS 1898:2015  
 
-8- 
 
        Annex – B 
       (Table 1) 
Determination o f Terry Ratio  
 
B-1  Cut out a 10 cm × 10 cm specimen from the fabric and condition the specimen in the standard 
atmosphere for testing. Remove warp threads from the specimen so as to provide 10 threads each 
from the specimen of ground warp and of terry warp. Determine the mean straightened length of each 
group of 10 threads.  
 
Express the terry ratio as the  ratio of the mean straightened length of  the  terry warp threads   to the 
mean straigh tened length  of the  ground warp  threads.  
                                                                  
 
 
 
                                                                                                                                    BDS 1898:2015  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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BANGLADESH   STANDARDS  AND TESTING INSTITUTION  
MAAN BHABAN  
116-A, TEJGAON I/A, DHAKA -1208, BANGLADESH