this paper gives a brief overview of apparel flammability research activities of nbs and development of an apparel flammability test research consists of programs to explore: heat transfer during free burning and after contact is made between the burning fabric and a simulated body; ease of extinguishment; and optimization of fabric specimen configuration. based on the results of this research and the general literature, a test concept was developed which strives for balance between simulation of real-life garment fires and test simplicity and reproducibility. a cylindrical specimen is suspended from a circular plate and ignited aboveits bottom edge time-to-ignite and heat transfer to the plate and a cylinder inside the specimen are measured. typical results and possible criteria for dividing the fabrics into classes according to time-to-ignite and heat transfer are discussed. fabrics which are hard to ignite and/or transfer little heat would be in a class which could be used in all garments. fabrics which are easily ignited and/or transfer more heat could be used; e.g., in slacks and underwear, i.e., garments which cover only part of the body and ould be expected to fit tightly