This International Standard specifies methods for the measurement of the thermal resistance and water-vapour resistance, under steady-state conditions, of e.g. fabrics, films, coatings, foams and leather, including multilayer assemblies, for use in clothing, quilts, sleeping bags, upholstery and similar textile or textile-like products.

The application of this measurement technique is restricted to a maximum thermal resistance and water-vapour resistance which depend on the dimensions and construction of the apparatus used (e.g. 2 m².K/W and 700 m².Pa/W respectively, for the minimum specifications of the equipment referred to in this International Standard).

The test conditions used in this standard are not intended to represent specific comfort situations, and performance specifications in relation to physiological comfort are not stated.