Before you sell a garment in the United States, federal law requires certain information on its label. Getting this right keeps you compliant and builds trust with customers. This guide explains the four things U.S. regulators generally require on apparel labels and how to fit them on your tags.
This is general information, not legal advice. Requirements change and vary by product — always confirm the current rules with the FTC or a qualified advisor before producing labels.
1. Fiber content
Under the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act, most garments must list the fiber content by generic name and percentage by weight, in order from most to least (for example, “60% Cotton, 40% Polyester”). Use generic fiber names, not just brand names.
2. Country of origin
Labels must state where the garment was made (for example, “Made in USA” or “Made in China”). Imported products and those made in the U.S. from imported materials have specific wording rules.
3. Manufacturer, importer, or dealer identity
The label must identify the business responsible for the product. This can be your company name or a registered identification number (RN) issued by the FTC, which many brands use in place of a full name.
4. Care instructions
The Care Labeling Rule requires care instructions for washing, bleaching, drying, ironing, and dry cleaning. Many brands use the standard wash care symbols alongside or instead of words.
How to fit it all on a label
The brand and care/content information don’t have to share one label. A common, compliant setup is:
- A woven brand label at the neck with your logo.
- A printed care/content label in the side seam carrying fiber content, country of origin, RN, and care symbols.
Printed labels are ideal for the legally required text because they reproduce small print and symbols clearly.
Frequently asked questions
What information is legally required on a clothing label?
In the U.S., apparel labels generally must show fiber content, country of origin, the manufacturer/importer identity (name or RN), and care instructions.
Do I need an RN number?
No — an RN is optional. You may use your company name instead. Many brands prefer an RN because it is compact and doesn’t reveal the manufacturer.
Can care info and the brand logo be on separate labels?
Yes. Many brands use a woven logo label plus a separate printed care/content label. Both must be securely attached and legible for the life of the garment.
Get compliant labels made
Send us your fiber content, origin, and care details and we will lay out a clean, legible care label to go with your brand label. Request a free quote to get started.