 DRAFT UGANDA STANDARD  
  DUS 2139 -3 
First  Edition  
2021 -mm-dd 
 
 
 Reference number  
DUS 2139 -3: 2021  
© UNBS 2021   
  
Textile s — Underwear — Part 3: Panties  — Specification  
 
 
 
 DUS 2139 -3: 2021  
ii © UNBS 2021  – All rights reserved  
 Compliance with this standard does not, of itself confer immunity from legal obligations  
A Uganda Standard does not purport to include all necessary provisions of a contract. Users are 
responsib le for its correct application  
© UNBS 2021  
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilised in any 
form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without prio r written 
permission from UNBS.  
Requests for permission to reproduce this document should be addressed to  
The Executive Director  
Uganda National Bureau of Standards  
P.O. Box 6329  
Kampala  
Uganda  
Tel: +256 41 7 333 2 50/1/2 
Fax: +256 41 4 286 123  
E-mail: info@unbs.go.ug  
Web: www.unbs.go.ug  DUS 2139 -3:2021  
© UNBS 2021  – All rights reserved  iii 
 Contents  Page 
Foreword  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................  iv 
1 Scope  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................  1 
2 Normative references  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................  1 
3 Terms and definitions  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........................  2 
4 Requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  2 
4.1 Fabric  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................  2 
4.1.1  Fabric structure  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 2 
4.1.2  Fibre compo sition and proportion  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 2 
4.1.3  Fabric defects  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ........  2 
4.1.4  Restricted colourants ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................  2 
4.1.5  Absorbency of the gusset  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................  2 
4.2 Specific requirements for panties  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 2 
4.2.1  Physical and chemical requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 2 
4.2.2  Size designation and dimensions  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........  3 
4.2.3  Elastic Waist band and strap  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  4 
4.2.4 Seams and stitches  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............................  5 
4.2.5  Freedom from defects  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........................  5 
5 Labelling  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .................  5 
6 Packaging  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  5 
7 Sampling and criteria for conformity  ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 5 
Annex  A (normative)  Determination of dimensions of panties  ................................ ................................ .... 7 
A.1 Principle  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .................  7 
A.2 Apparatus  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  7 
A.2.1  Flat table  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .................  7 
A.2.2  Steel rule, accuracy of at least 1 mm  ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 7 
A.2.3  Calculator  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  7 
A.3 Sampling  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................  7 
A.4 Conditioning  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  7 
A.5 Procedure  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  7 
A.6 Calculation and expression of results  ................................ ................................ ................................  7 
 
 DUS 2139 -3: 2021  
iv © UNBS 2021  – All rights reserved  
 Foreword  
Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) is a parastatal under the Ministry of Trade , Industry and 
Cooperatives established under Cap 327 , of the Laws of Uganda , as amended .  UNBS is mandated to co -
ordinate the elaboration of sta ndards and is  
(a) a member of International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) ;  
(b) a contact point for the WHO/FAO Codex Alimentarius Commission on Food Standards ; and  
(c) the National Enquiry Point on TBT  Agreement  of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).  
The w ork of preparing Uganda Standards is carried out through Technical Committees. A Technical 
Committee is established to deliberate on standards in a given field or area and consists of key stakeholders 
including government, academia, consumer groups, privat e sector and other interested parties.  
Draft Uganda Standards adopted by the Technical Committee are widely circulated to stakeholders and the 
general public for comments. The committee reviews the comments before recommending the draft standards 
for appr oval and declaration as Uganda Standards by the National Standards Council.  
The committee responsible for this document is Technical Committee UNBS /TC 315, Textiles and related 
products . 
DUS 2139  consists of the following parts, under the general title Textiles — Underwear:  
  Part 1: Boxer shorts — Specification   
  Part 2: Briefs — Specification  
  Part 3: Panties  — Specification  
 DRAFT UGANDA STANDARD  DUS 2139 -3: 2021  
 
© UNBS 2021  – All rights reserved  1 
 Textile s — Underwear — Part 3: Panties  — Specification  
1 Scope   
This Draft Uganda Standard specifies requirements, sampling and test methods for girls’ and women’s panties 
also known as knickers  
2 Normative references   
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes 
requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, 
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.  
US ISO 139 , Textiles — Standard atmospheres for conditioning and testing  
US ISO 8499 , Knitted fabrics — Description of  defects — Vocabulary  
US ISO 13938 -2, Textiles — Bursting properties of fabrics — Part 2: Pneumatic method for determination of 
bursting strength and bursting distension  
US ISO 5077 , Textiles — Determination of dimensional change in washing and drying  
ISO 14362 -1, Textiles — Methods for determination of certain aromatic amines derived from azo colorants — 
Part 1: Detection of the use of certain azo colorants accessible with and without extracting the fibres  
ISO 14362 -3, Textiles — Methods for determination of certain aromatic amines derived from azo colorants — 
Part 3: Detection of the use of certain azo colorants, which may release 4 -aminoazobenzene  
ISO 16373 -2, Textiles — Dyestuffs — Part 2: General method for the determination of extractable dyestuffs 
including allergenic and carcinogenic dyestuffs (method using pyridine -water)  
ISO 16373 -3, Textiles — Dyestuffs — Part 3: Method for determination of certain carcinogenic dyestuffs 
(method using triethylamine/methanol)  
ISO 16373 -1, Textiles — Dyestuffs — Part 1: General principles of testing coloured textiles for dyestuff 
identification  
US ISO 105 -B02, Textiles — Tests for colour fastness — Part B02: Colour fastness to artificial light: Xenon 
arc fading lamp test  
US ISO 105 -C10, Textiles — Tests for colour fas tness — Part C10: Colour fastness to washing with soap or 
soap and soda  
US ISO 105 -E04, Textiles — Tests for colour fastness — Part E04: Colour fastness to perspiration  
US ISO 105 -X12, Textiles — Tests for colour fastness — Part X12: Colour fastness to rub bing DUS 2139 -3: 2021  
2 © UNBS 2021  – All rights reserved  
 3 Terms and definitions   
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.  
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:  
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp  
3.1  
panties (knickers)  
piece of underwear worn by women and girls in the crotch area below the waist  
3.2  
underwear  
clothing worn next to the skin beneath one ’s outer clothing, also called underclothes/underclothing  
4 Requirements  
4.1 Fabric  
4.1.1  Fabric structure  
The pantie s shall be tailored out of either lace and knit fabrics or all knit fabrics.  
4.1.2  Fibre composition and proportion  
The fibre composition of the fabric shall be as declared on the label , subject to a tolerance of  ± 3 % when 
tested in accordance with  a relevant part of US ISO 1833 . 
4.1.3  Fabric defects  
The fabric shall be free from major defects specified in US ISO 8499 including holes, slubs, thick and thin 
bars, spirality and streakiness.  
4.1.4 Restricted coloura nts 
The fabrics constituting the  underwear  shall be free from restricted colourants listed and when tested in 
accordance with ISO 14362 Parts 1 and 3, ISO 16373, Parts 2 and 3.  
Colourants on textiles shall be identified and classified in accordance with IS O 16373 -1. 
4.1.5  Absorbency of the gusset  
The material used to make the gusset (crotch) should be absorbent to reduce on the risk of infections and 
irritations  
4.2 Specific requirements for panties  
4.2.1  Physical and c hemical requirements  
The panties  or the fabric used for the manufacture of panties  shall conform to the requirements given in Table 
1. DUS  2139 -3: 202 1 
© UNBS 2021 – All rights reserved  3 
 Table 1 — Specific  requirements of fabric used to manufacture  panties  
Parameter  Requirement  Test method  
Mass per unit area, g/m2, min. 100 US ISO 9073 -1 
Bursting strength, kPa, m in. 160 US ISO 13938 -2 
Abrasion (2000 rubs), m in. No noticeable wear  US ISO 12947 -1   
pH value of aqueous extract  6 - 8 US ISO 3071  
Dimensional change due to 
washing (5 washings) , %, 
max. Wales  5 US ISO 5077  
Courses  5 
Colour fa stness of dyed 
panties , min. Light  4 US ISO 105 -B02 
Washing  
Colour change  
Staining   
4 
4 US ISO 105 -C10 
Perspiration  
Acid 
Alkali   
4 
4 US ISO 105 -E04 
Rubbing  
Dry 
Wet  
4 
4 US ISO 105 -X12 
 
4.2.2  Size designation and dimensions  
4.2.2 .1 A typical shape o f panties  is shown in Figure.1.  
 
  
Figur e 1 — A typical shape of panties  
4.2.2 .2 The dimensions of different sizes and designs of panties should conform to the requirements of 
Table 2 and Table 3 when measured by the method specified in Annex A. Unless o therwise, dimensions 
should be agreed upon between the purchaser and the manufacturer.   
NOTE  The dimensions/sizes given in Table 2 and Table 3 are for guiding the manufacturer.  DUS 2139 -3: 2021  
4 © UNBS 2021  – All rights reserved  
 Table 2 — Dimensions  of women’s panties  
Size Code  Waist (measurement 
around wai st), 
cm Hip (measurement around 
hips/seat),  
cm 
XXS 58 84 
XS 59 – 63 85 – 88 
S 64 – 68 89 – 93 
M 69 – 73 94 – 98 
L 74 – 78 99 – 103 
XL 79 – 83 104 – 108 
XXL 84 – 88 109 – 113 
XXXL  89 – 93 114 – 118 
XXXXL  94 - 98 119 – 123 
NOTE 1  These dimensions a re based on the British sizing system. An 
equivalent of the British sizing chart may be considered  
 NOTE 2  The sizes depict the size of the wearer  
Table 3 — Dimensions  of girls’ panties  
Size,  
years  Waist (measurement 
around waist)a, 
cm Hip (measurement a round 
hips/seat)b, 
cm 
3 52 56 
4 54 59 
5 56 62 
6 58 65 
7 60 68 
9 62 74 
10 63 77 
11 64 80 
12 65 83 
13 66 86 
14 67 89 
a The waist dimensions shall be subjected to a tolerance of ± 1.5 cm  
b The hip measurement shall be subjected to a tolerance of ± 1.0 cm  
NOTE  These dimensions are based on the British sizing system. An 
equivalent of the British sizing chart may be considered  
 
4.2.3  Elastic Waist band  and strap  
4.2.3 .1 Panties shall have an elastic waistband or strap  
4.2.3.2 There shall be no deteri oration or loss of elasticity of bands when subjected to a minimum of 10 
washes under 40 0C. DUS  2139 -3: 202 1 
© UNBS 2021 – All rights reserved  5 
 4.2.4  Seams and stitches  
4.2.4 .1 Panties shall be stitched with suitable unbroken overedge stitches  
4.2.4 .2 The number of stitches on any stitch line shall be 3.5 – 5 per cm  
4.2.4 .3 When stretched along with the fabric, the seams shall not show any sign of thread breakage.  
4.2.4 .4 Sewing threads used for stitching shall be compatible with the main fabric used for making 
panties. These threads shall be bleached or dy ed according to a shade that does not discolour or stain the 
panties during washing.  
4.2.5  Freedom from defects  
The panties  shall be free from manufacturing defects such as large mends, ladders, dropped stitches, holes, 
cuts,  open seams  missed stitches, de fective stitching, uneven dyeing, stains, etc. or any other defect which 
may significantly mar the appearance or serviceability . 
5 Labelling  
5.1 The following information shall appear in legible and indelible marking in print or on a strong, durable 
label that is firmly sewn near the waist band or along the side seam  
a) Size code ; 
b) dimensions of the wearer  best suited for the panties ; 
c) manufacturer’s name, initials or trade -mark;  
d) fibre composition and proportion;  
e) washing instructions, if any; and 
f) country of manu facture.  
5.2 The package may be accompanied by a size chart to guide the consumer  
6 Packaging  
Only pieces of the same design and grade shall be packed together either in dozens, a carton or as specified 
by the customer.  
7 Sampling and criteria for conformi ty 
7.1 All panties  of the same size delivered to a buyer against one despatch note shall constitute a lot.   
7.2 The conformity of a lot to the requirements of this specification shall be determined on the basis of the 
tests carried out on the samples selec ted from the lot. All panties shall meet the specified requirements of this 
specification.  
7.3 The nu mber of panties  to be selected for sampling shall be in accordance with Table 4.  
Table 4 — Sampling plan  
Number of panties in the lot  Number of panties to be tested  DUS 2139 -3: 2021  
6 © UNBS 2021  – All rights reserved  
 ≤ 300 13 
301 - 500 20 
501 – 1 000  32 
≥ 1 001  50 
 DUS  2139 -3: 202 1 
© UNBS 2021 – All rights reserved  7 
 Annex  A 
(normative)  
 
Determination of dimensions of panties  
A.1 Principle  
Lay a pair of panties on a flat table removing any curls and without stretching, take the measurements from 
one end to the other using a steel rule. Repeat the procedure for other specimens in the laboratory sample.  
A.2 Apparatus  
A.2.1  Flat table  
A.2.2  Steel rule, accuracy of at least 1 mm  
A.2.3  Calculator  
A.3 Sampling  
From a laboratory sample, take one pair of panties and subject i t to conditioning prior to testing.  
A.4 Conditioning  
Condition the specimen in accordance with US ISO 139.   
A.5 Procedure  
Take each pair of panties  constituting the test sample. Lay it flat on a table. Remove by hand all creases and 
wrinkles without distor ting it. Measure correct to the nearest 0.5 cm the dimensions given in Table 2 or Table 
3. 
Repeat the procedure for any other specimen that may be required in the laboratory sample.  
A.6 Calculation and expression of results  
Take the average of the individu al measurements and multiply it by 2 to obtain the dimensions  
 DUS  2139 -3: 202 1 
© UNBS 2021  – All rights reserved  9 
   
10 © UNBS 2021  – All rights reserved  
 Certification marking  
Products that conform to Uganda standards may be marked with Uganda National Bureau of Standards 
(UNBS) Certification Mark shown in the figure below.  
The use of the UNB S Certification Mark is governed by the Standards Act, and the Regulations made 
thereunder. This mark can be used only by those licensed under the certification mark scheme operated by 
the Uganda National Bureau of Standards and in conjunction with the rel evant Uganda Standard. The 
presence of this mark on a product or in relation to a product is an assurance that the goods comply with the 
requirements of that standard under a system of supervision, control and testing in accordance with the 
certification m ark scheme of the Uganda National Bureau of Standards. UNBS marked products are 
continually checked by UNBS for conformity to that standard.  
Further particulars of the terms and conditions of licensing may be obtained from the Director, Uganda 
National Bu reau of Standards.  
 
 DUS 2139 -3: 202 1   
 
ICS 61.020  
Price based on nn pages  
© UNBS 2021– All rights reserved   
  