How to read a textile label
Short answer: The label tells you three things: what the garment is made of, how it should be washed, and where it was produced. The fibre content must be stated in per cent under fixed rules.
The fibre content
The fibres are listed in descending order by weight. An item with 95 per cent viscose and 5 per cent elastane lists viscose first.
Why it says viscose
Bamboo is processed into viscose, and in the EU the fibre must therefore be stated as viscose. See are viscose and bamboo the same.
The washing symbols
The tub shows the temperature, the triangle bleaching, the square drying and the iron the heat. See washing symbols.
Country of production
The country states where the item was sewn, not necessarily where the fibre comes from.
Certificates
Marks such as OEKO-TEX often appear on a separate label. See what does OEKO-TEX Standard 100 mean.
Printed labels
Some items have the label printed on the inside rather than sewn in, because a stiff label can scratch. See underwear without labels and seams.
See also
More on washing in the washing guide.
Frequently asked questions
Why does it say viscose and not bamboo?
Because after processing the fibre is a viscose fibre, and the labelling rules require that term.
What does the order of the fibres mean?
They are listed by weight, with the largest share first.
Does the country of production say anything about quality?
No. It only says where the item was sewn.
