Ann Taylor has established a basic testing program to monitor and ensure

compliance with applicable legislation and corporate quality standards. Basic

test packages have been developed products wise.
 With reference to table related to Denim Apparel : First and foremost
Fabric Testing is done after the final wash treatment. First test as usual
being Fiber content for which AATCC 20/20A method is used. While
AATCC 20A is a quantitative method with no tolerance for single fiber
whereas for blends it is +/- 3% exhibiting good quality of fiber. Second
test performed in Fabric testing is Flammability. Required standard for
Dimensional stability for dry clean clothes are kept at +/-2% which is less
than the washable fabrics.
Ann Taylor specifically uses Color change rating 4 and self-staining rating of 4.5
which exemplifies high quality because general grading is done between 1 to 5 in
ascending order for quality.
Ann Taylor maintain the negative level of formaldehyde paying utmost care to
customer’s health and security. If found positive then it further refers to JIS L
1041, Japanese Industrial Standards for the colour fastness test. The limit for this
is kept at maximum of 75ppm which is below the standard limit prescribed by
Japanese Standards Association (JSA)
These quality standards prove that company maintains high standards in terms
of quality to carry it brand image with affluent customers.
 With reference to Intimates (#006A) almost same steps are followed
for Fabric Testing as used in previous Table for Denim Apparel with
minor changes which are explained below:
Dimensional stability to washing: Intimates of Ann Taylor may be both in
woven as well as knits. Though for woven, Poly/nylon/silk/others acceptable
limit for Length and Breadth is +/- 3% whereas knits being stretchable have
-5/+3 % for Length and breadth.
 For branded & co-branded Sweaters (#009A)-Spinner’s certificate is
obtained by Ann Taylor for Wool (Merino, Lamb’s, Shetland, Angora
rabbit hair) which is valid for 12 months. The other good thing is that Ann
Taylor Stores Corporation has a “no-fur” policy for all brands. Ann Taylor
allowing maximum of 50% elongation for all seams, stress points and
pockets for seam stretchability test.

Standards for Infants/Toddlers/Children

Ann Taylor pays special attention to the kids wear as the Safety of children are
their first priority. All fabric for kids wear must meet the normal flammability
standards with the added requirement and Flame Retardant finishes may not be
applied to any garment without written approval from NY Production.

Ann Taylor does not intend to produce any garments for sleepwear; however, it
is the responsibility of New York design and Production to assure that none of
the garments could be “classified as sleepwear”.

Lead and Formaldehyde content is kept at maximum of 0.06% and 20ppm

respectively. Metal accessories must be “Nickel-free” but with an exception:
Small metal items (i.e. snaps, small buttons, etc.) with a low amount of nickel may
pass through the needle detector without an alarm.
“Nickel free” requirement:Transfer to the skin measurement of <0.5 micrograms
per square centimeter per week

All fabrics, trims and accessories must be free of the AZO dyes. Ann Taylor uses
best dyestuffs and undergoes extra rinsing, cotton fabrics are dyed with reactive
or vat dyes. Indigo dyes are permitted while Sulfur or direct dyes are not
accepted.

Any part used for kids wear is rounded and no pins are allowed in packaging
because toddlers may unknowingly put any part in mouth leading to choking,
aspiration and ingestion hazards.

Test required for Zippers recommend to use -Non separating zipper only. Lower
standards are acceptable if zipper bottom is secured by appropriate sewing in
garment.