Why the care label sits in the side seam
Short answer: In the side seam the label stays clear of both neck and skin, and it can be sewn in without an extra step. That is why it became the standard place. For you it means a label that rarely bothers and can be removed without damaging anything.
The seam is already there
The label is placed inside the seam while the pieces are being sewn together anyway. It costs no extra stitches and no extra time in production, and it stays put because the seam holds it in place. Nobody has to sew on a separate piece of fabric afterwards.
The neck is the worst place
At the neck the label lies directly on sensitive skin and moves every time you turn your head. That is why most complaints about scratchy labels concern this spot. A label at the side rests on an area where the fabric barely moves, so it is felt far less, even after a long day.
Why the side and not the back
The side of the body is where clothes lie flat and are rarely pulled. Back and neck move a lot, and a label pressing against the shoulder blades can be felt all day. The side seam often has several layers already, so a small label almost disappears. Try bamboo sweatpants for women.
What the label tells you
A label usually holds size, material and care instructions. Many garments carry two small labels, one with size and brand and one with composition and washing. The composition shows how much bamboo, cotton or elastane is in the fabric, and the care text gives temperature, drying and ironing. That is useful for as long as you own the garment.
What it means for you
If the label sits in the side, you can cut it off without damaging a seam that carries anything. Cut close but leave a couple of millimetres, so the seam does not open. If in doubt, cut too little rather than too much. This applies to bamboo bodystockings and bamboo bras without underwire too.
How to cut it off
Use small, sharp scissors and cut as close to the seam as possible without touching it. Leave a narrow edge so the thread is not pulled along. Do not tear the label off with your fingers, as that can pull at the seam and make a hole. Turn the garment inside out to see exactly where it is stitched.
Remember the care instructions
Once the label is gone, so are the care instructions. Write the temperature down somewhere before cutting, or photograph the label with your phone. That way you still know how to wash the garment. If in doubt, a low temperature and a gentle programme are usually the safest choice for soft clothes you want to keep for years.
Printed labels as an alternative
Some garments have no sewn label at all, with the information printed directly on the inside of the fabric. Then there is nothing to cut off and nothing to scratch. The downside is that print can fade over time, making the care text harder to read. If a garment has both, you can safely cut off the sewn one.
In short
The label in the side seam is a practical solution that both maker and wearer benefit from. It costs nothing extra in production and bothers less than a label at the neck. If you do not want it, cut it off, but write down the care instructions first so the garment stays soft and nice.
Frequently asked questions
May I cut the label off
Yes. The care instructions disappear with it, so note the temperature first, and cut close to the seam while leaving a couple of millimetres so nothing opens up.
Why are there often two labels
One shows size and brand, the other material and care instructions. The information is split up so each label stays easy to read and does not need to be large at the side.
Why does the label sometimes sit low
Because it should lie below the waist, where clothes do not press against the skin. There you feel it less, and it does not get in the way when sitting or bending.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
