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DeutschThe label is one of the smallest components on a garment and the one that causes the most trouble. A missing or incorrect label can hold goods at customs, force a product off the shelf, or attract a fine. This article sets out a practical frame for what a garment label generally needs to carry.
What must appear on a garment label? Four pieces of information are generally expected: fibre composition as percentages, care and washing instructions, manufacturer or importer details, and size. Origin marking is also expected in many markets. The specifics vary with the country you sell into.
A caveat first
This article is general information, not legal advice. Labelling rules differ by country and are updated over time. If you are selling into a specific market, verify that country's current regulations or consult a specialist.
On the production side we take responsibility for printing the label correctly; final responsibility for what it says rests with the brand placing the product on the market.
Fibre composition
The most fundamental piece of information is what the product is made of. Fibre names are listed with percentages in descending order of weight: for example "95% Cotton, 5% Elastane".
The EU uses standard terms for fibre names, and those names are expected in the language of the country of sale. A multilingual label is a practical solution for brands selling into several EU countries.
Details such as how small-percentage fibres are shown and whether decorative components count are defined in the regulations — which is why writing an "approximate" figure is risky.
Care and washing instructions
Care instructions are usually given as five symbols: washing, bleaching, drying, ironing and professional cleaning. The symbols are internationally recognised and remove the language barrier.
The instruction has to match the product. If the fabric shrinks at 30 degrees, printing 40 on the label is a direct source of returns and complaints. Set the wash instruction from the test you ran on the sample — not from an assumption.
Manufacturer / importer details and origin
The name and contact details of the company placing the product on the market must appear on the label or the packaging, so that the consumer can identify who is responsible.
Origin marking — where the product was made — is expected in many markets. "Made in Türkiye" indicates production in Turkey and reads as a positive signal in textiles.
Types of label
A garment usually carries several labels, each with a different job:
Practical advice
Most label problems are avoided with a few simple precautions:
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you produce the labels?
We can arrange woven brand labels, care labels and hang tags. If you prefer to supply them from your own vendor that is fine too; in that case their timely arrival affects the lead time.
Do you decide the care instructions?
We advise based on how the fabric behaves, and testing can be done on the sample. Final responsibility for the information printed on the label rests with the brand placing the product on the market.
How many languages should the label carry?
Every market has its own rules. If you sell into several EU countries, a multilingual label is a practical solution. Which languages are required needs verifying against your target market.
Can an inside-neck print replace a label?
It is frequently used in place of the brand label and is often preferred because it reduces irritation. The care and composition label carrying the legal information still has to be present separately.