What should be on a Garment Care Label?

How do I know what should really be on a care label when so many swatches say Dry Clean Only!

While the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Care Labeling Rule requires clothing manufacturers to attach care instructions to garments, care labels really exist to help extend the beauty and life of our garments. It’s too easy - and often suggested by fabric suppliers - to just slap a “dry clean only” label across products, but in reality, dry cleaning solvents can be more damaging to garments than washing or steaming, its terrible for the environment, and it can hurt sales!  Studies show that many consumers avoid garments with ‘Dry Clean only’ labels because of the hassle and cost involved. 

Most care instructions were created in the 1950s and the technology behind washing machines and detergents is far more advanced today. Most wool, linen, silk, cotton, sturdy polyester and cashmere can be washed at home. Most garments marked ‘hand wash only’ can be washed on a gentle cycle in a modern machine.

Designers should take the time to learn fabrics and test the care suggestions for fabrics and sample garments for fading, color bleed, warp and shrinkage. Care labels should be specific and include information such as the cycle and temperature recommendations for the washer and the dryer. Washing at lower temperatures generally extends the life (and color) of garments and saves energy. 

Many designers enlist companies such as Vartest and Intertek to determine fiber content and the best care instructions.

Realize that 70-80 percent of consumers don’t know what the main care symbols mean so use words rather than symbols when you can. 

Of course, sometimes you absolutely do need to dry clean, especially structured or embellished garments, and you can get more specific on the care label about the best dry cleaning process to use and even remind your customer to seek out a ‘green’ dry cleaner that specializes in eco-friendly solvents and processes.