Standards Development

Scope

This document gives classification of leather garments and their performance guidelines. It also specifies the sampling and conditioning procedures of laboratory samples. The scope does not cover garment with furs.

Purpose

Leather has long been recognized as a premium material, valued for its unique blend of functionality, aesthetics, and durability. Over time, it has evolved into a specialized, high-fashion fabric, extensively used in garment manufacturing. Leather garments are widely preferred due to their ability to offer a perfect balance between breathability and insulation, making them suitable for wear across all seasons. This natural ability allows leather clothing to regulate temperature effectively, keeping the wearer warm in colder conditions and cool in warmer climates.

Beyond comfort, leather garments provide a multitude of benefits that contribute to their enduring popularity.

These include:

• Protection: Leather acts as a protective barrier, shielding the wearer from external elements, such as wind, moisture, and abrasions.

• Durability and Longevity: Unlike many synthetic materials, leather is highly resistant to wear and tear, making it a long-lasting product.

• Style and Versatility: Leather garments have been an integral part of fashion for decades, offering elegance and adaptability for both casual and formal wear.

• Comfort and Fit: leather garments generally adapts to the wearer’s body, providing a customized and comfortable fit.

Due to these numerous advantages and the versatility of leather, the demand for leather garments continues to grow globally. However, despite its widespread use, there is no specific ISO standard that serves as a comprehensive reference for stakeholders, including leather garments manufacturers, buyers, and consumers. The absence of an internationally recognized standard creates challenges in ensuring consistency, quality, and performance across markets.

Further, significant steps have been made by the global leather industry in addressing environmental issues by using the best available technology to reduce the use of water, chemical and energy in process. The economic impact is significant, as the leather industry supports millions of jobs worldwide, particularly in developing countries. Compliance with ISO standards enhances global trade opportunities by ensuring product quality and safety.

This document aims to address this gap by highlighting Classification and Performance guidelines for leather garments. This document also specifies the requirements and limit of Critical chemical substances in leather production, such as chromium VI, formaldehyde, and azo dyes. Establishing a globally acceptable standard will provide stakeholders with a clear framework to assess product quality, ensure compliance, and enhance consumer confidence in leather garments.