How to read the FSC mark on textiles
Short answer: FSC stands for Forest Stewardship Council, and the mark is used on products with materials from forests. On textiles you read it by looking at the logo, the text and the licence number on the label or product page. The mark does not tell you everything about a garment.
What FSC is
FSC stands for Forest Stewardship Council, an organisation with rules for how forests are managed. The mark can appear on products that contain material from forests, and it is also used outside textiles. Always read what a mark actually covers.
Where you see the FSC mark
On clothes the FSC mark can appear on a label, a hang tag, the packaging or the product page. It usually consists of a logo, a short text and a number. If the mark is missing, you cannot assume the product has it, so if you are looking for details, it is wise to ask the seller.
Our own range too
This post only explains how to read the mark. It does not say that any particular product carries it. So look at the product page and label for each item, and see for example the full bamboo range for men if you want to compare the details yourself.
What the mark does not tell you
An FSC mark does not tell you everything about a garment. It does not say how the fabric was woven, dyed or sewn, and it says nothing about fit or quality. It concerns the origin of the raw material in the forest, not the whole story of the clothing.
The mark applies to what it says
The text next to the mark tells you whether it applies to the whole product or only a part of it. Read it so you know what the mark actually covers. Here it is important to stick to what is stated and not fill in gaps with assumptions or guesses.
Logo, text and licence number
A genuine mark has three things you can look for: the logo, a text saying what the mark applies to, and a licence number. The number can be looked up with FSC if you want to verify it. It is the simplest way to see whether a claim rests on something concrete.
How to check a claim
If you see FSC on a product, ask for the licence number and read the text by the mark. Some marks are copies or misleading, and you can only find that out by checking. A serious seller can give the number and show what it covers.
Use the mark as one piece of information among several
A mark helps, but it is not the whole picture. Also look at material, fit and care. For example, you can compare bamboo socks for men and bamboo T-shirts for men based on what the product pages say.
Frequently asked questions
Does FSC mean a garment is made of forest material
FSC concerns material from forests managed under certain rules. What the mark covers on a particular garment is stated in the text by the mark and on the label. Read it before drawing conclusions.
Where do I find the licence number
It is normally next to the logo on the label, hang tag or product page. If you cannot find it, ask the seller. The number can be looked up with FSC.
Is a product without an FSC mark worse
No. If the mark is missing, that says nothing about quality. It only means the mark is not used. Look at material, fit and care and you will get a better picture.
