A core-shell latex comprising poly(butyl acrylate) as core and poly(styrene-methyl methacrylate) as shell was synthesized by emulsion polymerization using allyloxy nonylphenoxy propanol polyoxyethylene ether ammonium sulfonate (ANPS) as emulsifier. Transmission electron microscope, differential scanning calorimeter, and thermogravimetric analyses suggested the prepared latex had a core-shell structure. The particle size of the core-shell latex was about 102.8 nm with a molar ratio of butylacrylate, methyl methacrylate, and styrene at 6 : 2 : 2, a mass ratio of ANPS and monomers, ammonium persulfate and monomers at 15% and 1.0%, respectively. The core-shell latex showed high centrifugal stability and excellent freeze-thaw stability. The clogging nozzle rate of the pigmented ink containing 20 wt % core-shell latex was small, whereas the printed fabrics with this pigmented ink exhibited high rub and washing fastness. (C) 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 127: 2678-2683, 2013