ISO 13937-2:2000 specifies a trouser-shaped specimen method (single-tear) for determining the tear force needed to propagate a pre-started tear in a textile fabric using a constant-rate-of-extension tensile testing machine.
This method is commonly used to compare tear performance across fabric constructions and directions (warp/weft) for product development, supplier qualification, and quality control. If you need help matching your fabric type and reporting needs to the correct tear method and setup, talk with our team.
ISO 13937-2:2000 — Textiles — Tear properties of fabrics — Part 2: Determination of tear force of trouser-shaped test specimens (Single tear method)
ISO 13937-2 is a tear-propagation test method for fabrics that uses a rectangular specimen cut to form two “legs” (trouser shape). Each leg is clamped and pulled so the tear advances in the direction of the applied force while tear force is recorded.
It is primarily used for woven fabrics and may also be used for some nonwovens, but it is generally not intended for knitted fabrics or woven elastic fabrics. For highly anisotropic or very open/loose structures where the tear path can transfer or deviate, results may not be representative for specification use.
Quick Definition
Document type: Test method (International Standard) for fabric tear force by the trouser-shaped (single-tear) procedure.
What it measures: The force required to continue (propagate) a previously started single tear under defined conditions.
Core requirement: Use of a constant-rate-of-extension (CRE) tensile testing machine with force recording.
What This Standard Covers
ISO 13937-2 describes how to prepare a trouser-shaped specimen by introducing a defined cut and then propagating the tear under controlled tensile loading. The tear force is determined from the recorded force trace as the tear advances over a specified distance.
The standard distinguishes tear direction based on fabric orientation (e.g., “across warp” vs. “across weft”), which is important when fabrics have different strength and tear behavior in warp and weft directions.
Why This Standard Matters in Testing
Tear force testing is often used as a durability indicator for fabrics exposed to snagging, cutting initiation, or field damage where a small defect can grow. The trouser method is designed to measure tear propagation rather than simple tensile breaking strength.
Because different tear methods can produce different results, ISO 13937-2 results are typically used for comparisons within the same method and edition (rather than comparing directly to pendulum or other tear geometries).
Common Materials, Product Types, or Applications Covered
Common materials: Woven apparel fabrics, workwear and uniform textiles, upholstery and interior fabrics, industrial woven fabrics, and selected nonwovens where the tear path remains stable in this geometry.
Common applications: Incoming inspection and supplier approval, production lot checks, R&D comparison of constructions/finishes, and benchmarking tear performance across warp and weft directions.
Common Test or Verification Workflow
Labs typically condition specimens using the standard textile atmospheres referenced by the method, cut specimens in both principal fabric directions, and run multiple replicates per direction. Each replicate is clamped as a trouser shape and pulled at a controlled extension rate while force is recorded.
During execution, operators commonly watch for invalid test behavior such as jaw slippage, thread slippage/pull-out, or a tear path that does not follow the intended direction; results that do not meet the method’s validity expectations are typically discarded and re-tested.
Equipment Commonly Used for This Standard
ISO 13937-2 is performed on a CRE universal testing machine (tensile tester) with suitable grips and a data acquisition setup capable of capturing the force variation as fibers/yarns fail and the tear advances.
Common equipment: CRE universal testing machine with appropriate load cell capacity for the expected tear forces; grips designed to hold fabric legs securely without slippage or jaw breaks (pneumatic or mechanical grips are both used depending on material); cutting tools/templates for repeatable trouser specimens; software for recording force and calculating tear force from the force trace.
Common configuration considerations: ISO 13937-2 specifies a defined gauge length setting and a defined crosshead speed (constant rate of extension). For quoting or configuring equipment, grip selection and the ability to record force with adequate resolution and sampling rate are typically the practical drivers for repeatability.
How to Read This Designation or Revision
ISO 13937-2 identifies Part 2 of the ISO 13937 tear properties series for fabrics, covering the trouser-shaped specimen single-tear method.
:2000 indicates the published edition year for ISO 13937-2:2000. Many purchase specifications require the exact cited year/edition, so test setup, conditioning, and reporting should be aligned to the same referenced edition.
Related Standards, Methods, or Frameworks
ISO 13937 includes multiple tear methods that are not interchangeable in results. When a customer specification cites a different part, the specimen geometry, equipment, and result basis can change.
Common related references: ISO 13937-1 (Elmendorf / ballistic pendulum tear), ISO 13937-3 (wing-shaped single-tear), ISO 13937-4 (tongue-shaped double-tear). For trapezoidal tear approaches used in other material categories, ISO 9073-4 (nonwovens) and ISO 4674 (coated fabrics) are commonly referenced depending on the product type.
Request equipment or testing support for ISO 13937-2
If you are selecting a CRE tensile tester, grips, and software for trouser-tear testing—or need to confirm the right capacity and configuration for your fabric range—you can request a detailed quote for an ISO 13937-2-capable setup.