Beyond your brand label, most garments need a care and content label — the small printed label carrying washing instructions, fabric content, and origin. Here’s what each type includes and how to get yours right.
The label types
- Care-only label — washing, drying, bleaching, ironing, and dry-clean instructions (often as care symbols).
- Content-only label — the fiber content, listed by generic name and percentage by weight (e.g., “60% Cotton, 40% Polyester”).
- Country-of-origin label — where the garment was made (“Made in USA,” etc.).
- Care, content & origin label — the common all-in-one label combining all of the above, plus often your identity (name or RN).
What U.S. law requires
In the U.S., apparel labels generally must show fiber content, country of origin, the manufacturer/importer identity (name or RN), and care instructions. These can be on one combined label or split across labels, as long as the required info is permanently attached and legible. See our full clothing label requirements guide. (General info, not legal advice — confirm current rules with the FTC.)
How to read & write care info
Care can be written out or shown with standardized wash-care symbols (wash, bleach, dry, iron, dry-clean). Symbols save space and travel across languages, which is why most brands use them. Order matters: care instructions typically follow the wash → bleach → dry → iron → dry-clean sequence.
Material & placement
Care/content labels are usually printed on soft satin, polyester, or cotton for legibility and comfort, and placed in the side seam or under the brand label. See printed label materials and our size & placement guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a care label and a content label?
A care label tells you how to wash and care for the garment; a content label lists the fiber composition. Many brands combine care, content, and origin on one label.
Can I use symbols instead of words for care?
Yes — standardized care symbols are widely accepted and save space. Many brands use symbols, sometimes with brief text.
Does the care label need my brand name?
The required identity is your company name or RN number, which often appears on the care/content label. Your logo brand label is separate.
Get compliant care & content labels
Send us your fiber content, origin, and care details and we’ll lay out a clean, legible label. Request a free quote.
