KENYA STANDARD    DKS 2757 : 2017  
ICS 59.140.35  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fabric Fashion handbags —  
    Specification  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
© KEBS 2017             First Edition 201 7 
   DKS 2757 : 2017  
 
ii  © KEBS 2017 — All rights reserved  TECHNICAL COMMITTEE REPRESENTATION  
 
The following organizations were represented on the Technical Committee:  
 
Moi Universi ty, Eldoret - Department of Textile Engineering  
Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute (KIRDI)  
Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM)  
Handloom Weavers - Yarn craft weavers  
Ministry of Defence  
Kenya Prisons  
Kenya Bureau of Standards — Secretari at 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
REVISION OF KENYA STANDARDS  
 
In order to keep abreast of progress in industry, Kenya Standards shall be regularly reviewed. Suggestion s for 
improvements to published standards addressed to the Managing Director, Kenya Bureau of Standards, are 
welcome.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
© Kenya Bureau of Standards, 2017  
 
Copyright. Users are reminded that by virtue of Section 25 of the Copyright Act, Cap. 12 of 2001  of the Laws of Kenya, copyr ight subsists in 
all Kenya Standards and except as provided under Section 26  of this Act, no Kenya Standard produced by Kenya Bureau of Standards may 
be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system in any form or transmitted by any means without prior permission in writing from the Managing 
Director . 
 KENYA STANDARD    DKS 2757 : 2017 
ICS 59.140.35  
© KEBS 2017 — All rights reserved    iii  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fabric fashion  handbags — Specification  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
KENYA BUREAU OF STANDARDS (KEBS)  
 
Head Office: P.O. Box 54974, Nairobi -00200, Tel.: (+254  020) 605490, 602350, Fax: (+254 020)  604031  
E-Mail: info@kebs.org,  Web:http://www.kebs.org   
 
Coast Region     Lake Region           Rift Valley Region  
P.O. Box 99376, Mombasa -80100   P.O. Box 2949, Kisumu -40100          P.O. Box 2138, Nakuru -20100  
Tel.: (+254  041) 229563, 230939/40  Tel.: (+254 057) 23549, 22396          Tel.: (+254 051) 210553, 210555  
Fax: (+254  041) 229448                  Fax: (+254 057) 21814   
   DKS 2757 : 2017  
 
iv  © KEBS 2017 — All rights reserved  Foreword  
 
This Kenya Standard was developed  by the Technical Committee on Woven Fabrics  under the guidance of the 
Standards Projects Committee, and it is in accordance with the procedures of the Kenya Bureau of Standar ds. 
 
 
During the preparation of this standard, reference was made to the following document.  
 
SABS 1298:2001, Ladies fashion handbags . 
 
Acknowledgement is hereby made for the assistance derived from th is source.  
 
 
 
 KENYA STANDARD   DKS 2757 : 2017  
© KEBS 2017 — All rights reserved   1  
 
Fabric Fashion  handbags — Specificat ion 
 
1 Scope  
 
This Kenya Standard specifies minimum requirements for  fabric  fashion handbag  made from fabric  of any textile 
fiber or mixture of fibers  formed by weaving, felted wool or knitted . This standard is not applicable to handbags 
made from coated f abrics and sisal fibres . 
 
2 Normative references  
 
The following reference documents are indispensable for the application of this standard. The latest edition of 
the document shall be used:  
 
KS ISO 13934 -1 Determination of maximum force and elongation at m aximum force using the strip method  
KS ISO 105 -C10:   Colour fastness to washing with soap or soap and soda  
KS ISO 105 -D01:  Colour fastness to dry cleaning using perchloroethylene solvent  
KS  ISO 105 X12 : Colour fastness to rubbing  
KS ISO 105 -B02:  Colour fastness to artificial light: Xenon arc fading lamp test  
KS ISO 1 3937 -4: Determination of tear force of tongue -shaped test specimen  
KS ISO 3801: Mass per unit area of woven fabrics  
KS ISO 2062 : Determination of single -end breaking force and elongation at break using constant rate of 
extension (CRE) tester  
KS ISO 13934 -1: Methods for determination of breaking load and elongation (strip method of woven  
Fabrics  ) 
KS ISO 13935 -1: Determination of maximum force to seam rupture using the strip method  
KS ISO 3758 : Care labeling code using symbols  
 
3.   Terms  and definitions  
 
For the purposes of this standard, the following definitions shall apply:  
 
3.1   Batch handbags of the same materials (excluding colour), dimensions, construction, style, and design  
 
3.2   defective  a handbag that fails in any more respects t o comply with th e relevant requireme nts of the 
specification  
 
3.3   Flaw  defect which, if it appeared in the fabric lining of a handbag, would be readily seen and objected to 
by an ordinary person who might contempl ate the purchase of the handbag  
 
3.4   Lot not less than 10 and not  more that 2500 handbags of the same type and bearing the same batch 
identification, from one manufacturer, submitted at any one time for inspection and testing.  
 
4 Type  
 
4.1 Type  
 
The handbag shall be of one of the following three types (or acc eptable  modifications of these types)  as 
specified by the purchaser.  
 
a) Type A  — Handbag having a metal top  frame,  spring -loaded closure clip, and carrying handles or a 
shoulder strap.  
 
b) Type B  — Handbags havi ng a closure flap incorporating  a clasp or turn  lock, and a carrying handle or a 
shoulder strap.  
 DKS 2757 : 2017  
 
2  © KEBS 2017 — All rights reserved  c) Type C  — Handbags incorporating a slide fastener as a closure, and having carrying handles or a 
shoulder strap.  
 
d)  Type D- Handbags  which are not type A, type  B and type C but having carrying handles or a s houlder 
strap.  
  
 
5.0      Physical and chemical requirements  for outer fabric  
 
 
The physical and chemical properties  of outer fabric shall comply with the requirements given in Table 1, Column 
2. 
 
Table 1  — Physical requirements for outer fabric  
 
Propert y Requirements   Test 
method  woven  Knitted  Felted wool  
Breaking 
strength  Warp  350 - - KS ISO 
13934 -1 Weft 250 
Colour fastness to rubbing  
Dry  
wet 
  
4 
4  
4 
4  
4 
4  
KS  ISO 
105 X12  
Colourfastness to washing  
Colour change  
staining   
4 
4  
4 
4  
4 
4 KS ISO 
105-C10 
Colourfastness to dry cleaning  
Colour change  
staining  - -  
4 
4 KS ISO 
105-D01 
Colour fastness to light  6 6 6 KS ISO 
105-B02 
Seam strength ,N  100 - 100 KS ISO  
13935 -1 
 DKS 2757 : 2017  
 
© KEBS 2017 — All rights reserved    3 5.1      Linings  
 
Linings of the handbag shall  be of acceptable colour and shall minimum requirements as specified in Table 2   
Table 2  —requirement of lining  
 
Property  Minimum required  Test method  
Mass/unit area,  g/cm2,   
60  
KS ISO 3801  
Colourfastness to 
washing  
Colour change  
Staining  
  
 
4 
4  
 
KS ISO 105 -C10 
Breaking strength, N,  
Warp  
Weft  
300 
300  
KS ISO 13934 -1 
 
 
 
5.2 Components of the fabric handbag  
 
 
5.2.1 Metal Components  
 
All metal components, w hether functional or decorative, shall be of an intrinsically corrosion -resistant metal or 
shall have been so coated as to render them resistant to corrosion.  They shall be of adequate size and strength 
for their function.  
 
5.2.2  Buckles  
 
Buckles may have one or more prongs or be of plain or roller type or be side buckles. The width of a buckle shall 
be such that as to ensure an acceptable fit with the strap or handle to which it is attached.  
 
5.2.3 Closure clips  
 
Spring -loaded closure clips or clasps shall be of acceptable design and fitted with metal backing plates.  
 
5.2.4 Domed studs  
 
Domed studs shall be suitable for attachment by rivets or screws.  
 
5.2.5 Attachment rings  
 
Attachment rings shall be D -rings, O -rings, rectangles, squares, or triangles . 
 
5.2.6 Eyelets  
 
Eyelets shall be of the two -piece type . 
 
5.2.7  Frames  
 DKS 2757 : 2017  
 
4  © KEBS 2017 — All rights reserved  Frames shall be fitted with robust swivel points at each end, and the rigidity, width, and depth of channelling of a 
frame shall be such as to ensure a tenacious grip when the frame is presse d on to the body of a handbag . 
 
5.2.8 Press -studs  
 
Press -studs shall be of the male and female type and shall have a tenacious grip.  
 
5.2.9 Rivets  
 
Rivets shall be one of the following types.  
 
a) Tubular rivets with caps  
 
b) Bifurcated rivets with caps  
 
c) Solid co pper rivets with flat washers  
 
d)  Ribbed nails with locking washers  
 
5.2.10 Slide fasteners  
 
Interlocking slide fasteners shall be of an intrinsically, corrosion -resistant metal or of a synthetic material, and 
shall have cotton tapes.  The colour of the cott on tapes shall acceptably match with the colour of the surrounding 
material.  
5.2.11 Turn locks  
 
Turn locks shall have backing plates of the screw or the cleated lug design, and shall have a robust and secure 
swivel closure.  
 
5.3 Plastics components  
 
All pl astics components, whether functional or decorative, shall have been properly plated and, when tested in 
accordance with  KS ISO 2026 , shall show no sign of cracks or pit marks.  They shall be of acceptable design 
and of adequate size and strength for their  intended function. Closure clips, domed studs, attachment rings, and 
turn locks shall comply with the requirements given in 5.2.3, 5.2.4, 5.2.5, and 5.2.11, respectively.  
 
5.4 Other components  
Other components not mentioned above shall be of acceptable de sign and of adequate size and strength for 
their intended function  
 
6 General constructional requirements.  
 
6.1 General  
 
All handbags shall be acceptably lined.   
6.2 Riveting  
 
All rivets be securely and neatly attached and of sufficient length to allow t he caps to be firmly clinched.  
 
6.3 Stitches, seams, and stitching  
 
 
6.3.2 Stitches  
 
All functional stitches shall be of stitch types 101, 301, 304 or 308 . The number of stitches sha ll be 6-8 per 25 
mm. 
 
6.3.3 Seams  DKS 2757 : 2017  
 
© KEBS 2017 — All rights reserved    5  
Seams shall be free from twists, pleats , and puckers.  The seam allowances shall be subject to the tolerances 
normal to good manufacturing practice.  
 
6.3.4 Stitching  
 
Stitching may be functional or decorative or both.  In no instance shall the number of stitches per unit length be 
of such frequ ency as to impair or appreciably reduce the strength of the material being stitched. The ends of all 
stitched seams shall be back -stitched and free from loose threads.  
 
6.4 Handles and shoulder straps  
 
The construction of a carrying handle or shoulder stra p made from fabric shall  be such that the handle or 
shoulder strap is interlined, by  any other acceptable material or similar material.    
6.5 Attachment of handles  
 
Handles shall be secu rely attached either to the front  and back panels or to reinforced gus set panels.  The 
attachment of a handle to the top of a closure flap shall not be permissible unless the entire length of the top  
(fold-over) portion  is adequately reinforced with an acceptable metal strip.  
 
6.6 Workmanship and finish  
 
Workmanship and fini sh shall; be in accordance with sound trade practice.  A handbag shall be clean, well made  
and free from any defect t he appearance or may affect the  serviceability of the handbag.   Sewing shall be 
uniform and double row of stitching shall be uniform unles s intended to be otherwise.  Linings shall have been so 
treated as to prevent fraying.  
 
 
7 Specific construction requirements  
 
7.1 Type A: Handbag having a top frame  
 
7.1.1 Basic design  
 
The basic design shall include : 
 
a) Handbags with the gussets and outer body attached to the metal frame ; and 
 
b) Handbags with the main  gussets attached to the frame and each top edge of the frame attached to a 
separation (Peggy bag) . 
 
7.1.2  Compartments and pockets  
 
a) The frame and the main gussets shall be such that the hand has easy access when the framed 
compartment of a bag is opened; this shall also apply to any compartment adjacent to the framed 
compartment.  
 
b) An internal pocket or pouch, with or without a slide fastener, shall have at least one expanding gusset to 
allow easy access, and each pocket shall be of an acceptable size in relation to its intended function.  
 
7.2 Type B: Handbag having a closure flap  
 
7.2.1  Compartment and  pockets  
 
a) The main gussets, shall, when expanded, allow the hand easy access to all compart ments ; 
b) Pockets forming partitions between compartments shall be fitted with slide fasteners and pockets shall 
be securely attached at each end to the main gussets of the handbag ; DKS 2757 : 2017  
 
6  © KEBS 2017 — All rights reserved   
7.3 Type C: Handbag closing with a slide fastener  
 
All other features are si milar to type B.  
 
7.4 Type D  
All other features  not found in type A, B and C  
 
8 Packaging and marking  
 
8.1 Pack aging 
 
The handbags shall be  securely packed to protect them from damage during transport ation and storage and in 
accordance with KS 2659   
 
 8.2 Marking  
  
8.2.1  Handbags  
 
A fabric label that is securely sewn to the lining on the inside of each handbag shall be neatly, legibly, and 
indelibly marked with the following information.  
 
a) The manufacture’s name or trade mark(or both) ; 
 
b) Country of manufactur e 
 
c) The batch identification;  
 
d) Country of manufacture  
 
e) Fibre composition of the outer fabric  
 
 
8.2.2 Bulk containers  
 
The following information shall appear in neat, legible, and indelible marking on the  outside of each bulk 
container:  
 
a) the manufacturer’s n ame or trade mark(or both);  
 
b) the style or model  
 
c) the colour;  
 
d) the quantity;  
 
e) The nature of the outer material and lining.  
 
f) Country of origin  
 
g) Care labelling instructions according to  KS ISO 3758