It may be tempting to snip the label from those clothes you just bought, but doing so would be a mistake. Garment labels serve a wide array of purposes. Not only do they contain important information about the size and composition of your clothes, but they explain how best to care for them. And if you intend to sell a piece of clothing at some point, potential buyers will want to see the label, both to verify the garment’s authenticity and learn how to care for it correctly. In short, you should treat your labels like you would treat your instruction manuals or game rules: keep them!
A bit of background
Clothing labels have been around since at least the Industrial Revolution, when garment factories began mass-producing affordable clothing for the growing middle class. The Merchandise Marks Act, which protected British-made clothing by requiring that manufacturers attach an informative label to every garment, was voted into law by British Parliament in 1887. However, it was not until the consumer protection laws of the 20th century that the information on labels expanded to include care instructions.
A symbol-based system
While cotton had long been the dominant material in clothing, the rise of the ready-to-wear fashion industry led to an increasing diversity of materials and colors. Moreover, the democratization of the home washing machine underscored the need for a standardized and accessible approach to garment care that could be used worldwide. In response, the International Association for Textile Care Labelling (GINETEX), was established in 1963 and went on to develop what has become a trademarked system of garment care symbols recognized around the world.
Benefits of clothing labels
Today, clothing labels are the key to understanding and caring for every piece they adorn. In addition to origin, composition, and size, they provide the correct care information and thus help to avoid any irreversible damage resulting from improper washing or drying methods. By following the guidelines on the label, you can rest assured that your clothing will maintain its original qualities for as long as possible. This in turn will prolong your garment’s lifecycle and thus reduce waste—which is quite an impressive list of benefits when you consider that the average clothing label measures only about the size of a standard postage stamp!
For more tips on how to care for your favorite clothes and linens, visit our special fabrics section.