WHAT'S IN A LABEL?

SIZE:
Tells what size the garment is. May list a numeric size or size class such as Small (S), Medium (M), Large (L), X-Large (XL). There is no uniform standard for sizing in the U.S.

WHERE IT'S MADE:
“Made in USA”
from imported fabric
“Made in China,” “Taiwan,” etc.

STYLE NUMBER:
Identifies a particular style of garment in a manufacturer's line. Used to track sales, returns. (Not always shown.)

TYPE OF FABRIC
(natural, man-made, 100% or blended)

RN NUMBER:
A registered identification number which identifies the company that manufactured, imported or distributed the garment. Companies can use an RN number on the label of a garment instead of the company name. RN numbers are helpful for retailers and consumers when trying to return an item.

The Federal Trade Commission issues and maintains a list of RN numbers.

CARE INSTRUCTIONS:
Provides critical information on how to properly care for your garment to prolong its wear and life:

How the garment should be cleaned -- machine-wash, hand-wash, delicate cycle, temperature, dry-clean and dry-clean only.
If they garment can be ironed and on what setting.

Here are definitions of cleaning methods commonly used on care labels:

 

WASHING-MACHINE METHODS

WASHING-HAND METHODS

DRYING

IRONING & PRESSING

BLEACHING

DRY CLEANING

 

WASHING, MACHINE METHODS:
 Machine wash - a garment may be cleaned using a machine designed to remove soil through the use of water, detergent or soap and agitation. If no temperature is given, water up to 150 degrees F. can be used on a regular basis.

Machine wash, Warm - use “hand comfortable” water between 90 and 110 degrees F.

Cold - water at “cold tap water” temperature up to 85 degrees. F.

Small load - use smaller than normal washing load.

Delicate cycle - slow agitation and reduced washing time.

Permanent press cycle - cool or cold rinse before spinning at a reduced time.

Separately - wash alone.

With like colors - wash with colors of common hue and intensity.

Wash inside out - turn garment inside out before washing to protect fabric.

Do not spin - remove garment before spin cycle begins.

WASHING - HAND METHODS:

Hand wash - garment should be manually washed with water, detergent or soap and gentle squeezing action.

Warm - “hand comfortable” temperature.

Cold - “cold tap water” temperature.

No wring or twist - to avoid wrinkles and stretching of fabric.

DRYING - ALL METHODS:

Tumble dry - use machine dryer. If no temperature setting is listed, a hot setting may be regularly used.

Medium - set dryer at medium heat.

Low - set dryer at low heat.

Permanent press - use permanent press cycle on dryer.

No heat - set dryer to no heat setting.

Remove promptly - remove garment from dryer immediately once it is dry.

Drip dry - hang dripping wet with or without hand shaping.

Line dry - hang damp from line or bar in or out of doors.

Dry flat - lay out horizontally to dry.

IRONING AND PRESSING:

Iron - the garment needs ironing on a regular basis. May use highest temperature iron setting.

Warm iron - use medium temperature setting on iron.

Cool iron - use lowest temperature setting.

Do not iron - do not smooth or finish with an iron.

Steam press or iron - use iron on steam setting.

Iron wrong side only - turn garment inside out to iron.

BLEACHING:

Bleach when needed - all bleaches may be used when necessary.

Do not bleach - no bleaches may be used.

Only non-chlorine bleach, when needed - use a non-chlorine bleach. Do not use a chlorine bleach.

DRY CLEANING:

If all commercially available dry cleaning solvents can be used, the label may say “Dry clean.” If one or more dry cleaning solvents would harm the product, a solvent that is safe to use must be mentioned.

If a label says “dryclean” all pieces of a garment including the outer shell, lining, buttons, interfacing, fusing material and trim can withstand the dry cleaning process and will not be altered during cleaning.

Professionally Dry clean Only - A garment may not be machine or hand-washed and should be taken to a professional dry cleaning establishment.