Upon mutual agreement between the purchaser and the seller, fabrics intended for this end use should meet all of the requirements listed in Table 1 of this specification.

It is recognized that for purposes of fashion or aesthetics the ultimate consumer of articles made from these fabrics may find acceptable fabrics that do not conform to all of the requirements in Table 1. Therefore, one or more of the requirements listed in Table 1 may be modified by mutual agreement between the purchaser and the seller.

In such cases, any references to the specification shall specify that: “This fabric meets ASTM Specification D 3996 except for the following characteristic(s).”

Where no prepurchase agreement has been reached between the purchaser and the seller, and in case of controversy, the requirements listed in Table 1 are intended to be used as a guide only. As noted in 5.2, ultimate consumer demands dictate varying performance parameters for any particular style of fabric.

The significance and use of particular properties and test methods are discussed in the appropriate sections of the specified test methods.

1.1 This performance specification covers circular and warp knitted fabrics for use in knit swimwear, composed of any textile fiber or mixture of textile fibers.

1.2 These requirements apply to both the length and width directions for those properties where fabric direction is pertinent.

1.3 The following precautionary statement pertains only to the test methods portion, Section 7, of this specification. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.