Importance of keeping the clothing label

In addition to the design and colors, another thing that we must pay attention to when buying a garment is the composition of its fabrics. This information may seem trivial but, in reality, it is very important since it will allow us to know which are the most appropriate products and tools to keep clothes in optimal conditions, both when washing and drying them.

Have you ever wondered what clothing labels are for and what is the importance of keeping them? In the next post we will see What data do they contain to preserve your garments? in good conditions.

As consumers we tend to get rid of the labels that clothes bring when they are released or simply for comfort, because they irritate our skin when they are inside the garment.

However, we should make sure that we have read all the information that the labels contain to keep them in good condition when the time comes. In case you decide to throw them away, the most appropriate thing is that you keep them in a drawer so that you can consult them when you need it.

But what are the symbols that appear on clothing labels? Below you can consult a small scheme of the most common:

And after this, we are going to know a little more in depth the meaning of clothing symbols:

There are five groups that are represented by a symbol to which modifications are made depending on what you want to report. In this way we have a Square (dried), a Circle (dry clean), one the griddle (ironing), a triangle (use of bleach) and a basin with water (washed).

Washing symbols

This group of symbols is represented by a basin of water and means that the clothes can be washed in the washing machine. In addition, if it appears accompanied by a number, it indicates the maximum temperature at which you can do it. Sometimes, instead of a number, dots appear that come to indicate the temperature at which you can wash the clothes:

• One point is 30º
• Two points are 40º
• Three points are 50º
• Four points are 60º
• Five points are 70º
• Six points are 95º

In the event that the basin is accompanied by several stripes, pay attention because each of them has a meaning.

• No stripe: means normal clothes
• With a stripe: means delicate clothes
• With two stripes: means extra delicate clothes

Two more new symbols must be added to these symbols: if the basin has a hand, it means that the garment must be washed by hand and if it has a cross on it, it indicates that it cannot be washed in the washing machine.

Symbols for bleaches or lye

A triangle represents the symbols related to bleach or bleaches. If an empty triangle appears on your clothing label, it means that bleach can be applied to your garment. However, if other signs accompany the triangle, it will acquire other meanings. For example, if the triangle is crossed out with a cross, it means that you should not use bleach or another bleach. On the other hand, if the triangle has two lines, it means that oxygen-based bleach can be used.

Drying symbols

The square is the symbol that represents drying. If it is empty, it means that the clothes can be put in the spin dryer. On the other hand, if the square has a cross inside it, it means that the dryer cannot be used.

Other figures related to drying symbols are the following:

• A square with a circle inside it: allows you to use the dryer at normal temperature
• A square with a circle crossed out with a cross: neither the dryer nor the spin-dryer can be used
• A square with a circle inside and a dot in the center - tumble dry low
• A square with two dots in the center - tumble dry on medium heat
• A square with three dots in the center: tumble dry high

And as for drying in the open air we can see the following symbols:

• A square with a half circle: you can hang the garment outdoors
• A square with three vertical stripes in the center: you can hang the garment on a hanger outdoors´
• A square with a horizontal stripe in the center: you can hang the garment horizontally
• A square with two stripes in one corner: you can hang the garment in the shade outdoors

Ironing symbols

To symbolize the ironing of the garment, the best way to represent it is by using an iron. Now, what other symbols related to this group can you find on the labels of your clothes?

• An iron crossed out with a cross: the garment cannot be ironed
• An iron with a dot in the center: the garment can be ironed at a low temperature
• An iron with two points in the center: the garment can be ironed at a medium temperature
• An iron with three points in the center: the garment can be ironed at a high temperature
• An iron with a half star below: iron the garment dry without steam

Dry cleaning or dry cleaning symbols

If the dry cleaning or dry cleaning symbols appear on your clothes, this means that you can take your clothes to a specialized store so that they can wash and treat them without problems. In this way, you will keep your garments in the best conditions. What are these symbols?

• An empty circle: can be dry cleaned
• An empty circle crossed out with a cross: not dry cleanable

Did you find this information useful? Now you know the meaning of the symbols that appear on your clothing labels and how they can help you keep your clothes in the best condition, as if they were new and just bought. Remember to keep the labels on your clothing and store them in order to prolong the life of your materials as much as possible.