ISO 22958-2021 PDF

Full title and description

Textiles — Water resistance — Rain tests: exposure to a horizontal water spray. This International Standard specifies a laboratory test method for measuring the resistance of textile fabrics to water penetration by impact (rain simulation) using a horizontal water‑spray apparatus.

Abstract

ISO 22958:2021 defines a rain‑tester method that exposes fabric specimens to a horizontal spray of water and measures water penetration through the specimen (collected on an absorbent backing). The method is applicable to any textile fabric (with or without water‑resistant finishes) and is particularly suitable for assessing apparel fabrics and highly water‑resistant materials where small amounts of penetration are critical to performance. The test can be carried out at different intensities to characterize penetration resistance across a range of impact conditions.

General information

• Status: Published.
• Publication date: 10 August 2021.
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 59.080.01 — Textiles (textile products and general textile testing).
• Edition / version: Edition 2 (2021).
• Number of pages: 7 pages.

Scope

ISO 22958:2021 applies to the laboratory assessment of the resistance of textile fabrics to water penetration caused by rain‑like impact (horizontal water spray). It is intended to predict probable rain penetration performance of single fabrics or fabric combinations used in garments and other textile products. The standard is applicable regardless of whether a fabric has been given a water‑resistant or water‑repellent finish and is especially useful for highly water‑resistant fabrics where low quantities of penetration must be detected and quantified.

Key topics and requirements

• Test principle: exposure of a conditioned fabric specimen to a controlled horizontal spray of water and measurement of water passing through to an absorbent backing (quantified by mass increase of the backing).
• Applicability: any textile fabric, with or without finishes; commonly used for apparel and outerwear assessment.
• Typical test parameters: short exposure duration (commonly 5 minutes), specified nozzle distance (≈305 mm) and controlled spray intensity; results reported as mass of water penetrated per unit time or per specimen. (Typical instrumental/setup details and parameter examples are provided in guidance literature and national summaries of the method.)
• Specimen conditioning and atmosphere: specimens are preconditioned/conditioned in standard atmosphere per textile conditioning standards (e.g., ISO 139) prior to testing.
• Reporting: test report normally includes specimen identification, conditioning details, spray intensity and duration, nozzle geometry/distance, water temperature, measured mass of penetration and any deviations from the method.

Typical use and users

Primary users are textile and apparel manufacturers, independent test laboratories, specification writers, product designers and R&D teams assessing water‑resistance performance. Conformity assessment bodies and procurement organizations use the method to verify product claims about rain resistance and to compare materials in development or acceptance testing.

Related standards

Relevant and commonly referenced documents include the textile conditioning standard ISO 139 (standard atmospheres for conditioning and testing) which is normally cited for specimen preconditioning. ISO 22958:2021 replaces the earlier ISO 22958:2005 (withdrawn). Test laboratories may also reference other ISO and EN methods for related water‑resistance or water‑repellency assessments when building a test program.

Keywords

rain test, water resistance, water penetration, horizontal spray, textiles, apparel testing, rain tester, ISO 22958

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 22958:2021 is an International Standard that specifies a laboratory rain (horizontal water spray) test method to measure the resistance of textile fabrics to water penetration by impact.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the test setup, specimen preparation and conditioning, test execution (exposure to a horizontal water spray), measurement of water penetration (normally collected on an absorbent backing) and reporting of results to evaluate the probable rain penetration resistance of textile fabrics.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Textile and garment manufacturers, independent test laboratories, product developers, specification authors, and conformity assessment bodies use the standard to evaluate or verify rain resistance of fabrics and finished articles.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 22958:2021 is the current published edition (Edition 2, published August 2021). It replaced and led to withdrawal of the earlier ISO 22958:2005.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: ISO 22958:2021 is part of the body of textile test methods maintained under ISO/TC 38 (Textiles). It is one method among a suite of standards used to characterize water‑related performance of textiles (and is often used alongside conditioning standards such as ISO 139).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: rain test; water resistance; horizontal water spray; water penetration; textiles; apparel testing; rain‑tester.