How to Read Clothing Care Labels: Complete Guide

Care labels are small tags found inside every garment. They contain 5 main symbol groups that tell you how to properly care for your clothes.

The 5 Main Symbol Groups

Care label symbols always appear in this order:

1. **Washing** (wash tub shape) — washing method, temperature, and agitation
2. **Bleaching** (triangle shape) — whether bleach can be used
3. **Drying** (square shape) — drying method
4. **Ironing** (iron shape) — ironing temperature
5. **Professional Care** (circle shape) — dry cleaning or professional wet cleaning

What Do Lines Under Symbols Mean?

• **No lines** = Normal strength
• **One line** = Gentle/Permanent Press
• **Two lines** = Very Gentle/Delicate

What Does the X (Cross) Mean?

When any symbol has an X crossed through it, it means **do not** perform that process. For example, a wash tub with X = do not wash.

Tips for Reading Labels

• Always read all symbols before washing
• When in doubt, use the gentlest method
• Keep the label — don't cut it off
• Take a photo of the label for future reference