Clothing Labels and Care Labeling Rules

The most effective marketing tool to instantly grab the attention of customers is product labels, and if it's a well designed one, it can help increases sales greatly.

However, in the case of clothing labels, the scenario is a bit different. Clothing labels are important but not necessarily the first thing noticed; and once worn, people rarely look at the tag stitched inside their pants or jacket.

But clothing labels serve a practical purpose ... they help the consumer to determine the clothing size, fabric composition and the proper washing procedures.

The care label in a garment is a tag given to the product containing regular maintenance information and instructions. It is affixed in such a manner that it cannot be separated from the product under normal usage. This information is important as it guides the customer, providing rules and regulations for usage and maintenance of the product.

The rules for care labeling were decided upon by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on Dec 16th, 1971 and were later amended in 1983.

These rules require the manufacturers and importers of textile wearing apparel and certain piece goods to attach tags stating the regular rules for maintenance of the product.

As per recent updates to the rules in 2000, the section requiring a "reasonable basis" for care instructions has been changed to clarify what is required.

When customers shop for clothing, care requirements play an important role in the decision making process as customers want to know the washing and regular maintenance instructions before purchase.

Different tag strategies reach those consumers looking for the convenience of dry cleaning and those who prefer the ease and economy of buying garments they can wash at home. Clothing labels are a deciding factor when consumers shop for clothing.

This is the reason that at times manufacturers provide more than one set of instructions. With washing options available, the manufacturers can successfully target different consumers. Some manufacturers also use an add-on tag like "For best results, dry clean."

The care labels rule governs and is targeted to the manufacturers and importers of textile wearing apparel, manufacturers and importers of piece goods sold, and organizations that directs and control the textile apparel industry.

It is very crucial that as per the FTC, the clothing labels of a product provide:

1. Complete information and instructions about regular care for the garment and also provide warnings thereby cautioning the customers before purchase.

2. Provide assurance to the customers that if the instructions are carefully followed, you can keep from damaging the garment.

3. Ensure that the product provides specific detailed information for ordinary usage. For example: In case of clothes, the label should specify the washing method, type of water, method used for drying, whether the cloth can be ironed or not, and the temperature of ironing if necessary.

4. It is requisite that manufacturers use commonly used terms in the clothing label such that consumers can easily understand.

5. The manufacturer is only required to list one method of care that is safe.

6. It is required that the domestic manufacturers attach tags to finished products before they are sold, and that they are visible at the point of purchase. If in case it is not visible, it is required to appear on the outside of the package.

If a garment is manufactured and made up of several components, then there should be reliable evidence supporting the statement that the garment will not be damaged when cleaned as directed. Industry experience and expertise can solve most care worries before a consumer purchase.

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