A simple scheme is described for the rapid identification of the application class of most coloring matters on the fiber. The fiber is first classified by burning and solubility tests, and these determine the appropriate series of chemical identification treatments, of which there is a maximum of 15 for cellulosic fibers, 11 for polyamides, 9 for proteins, 5 for acrylic fibers, 4 for cellulose acetate, and 3 for polyesters.