Clothing Label Requirements: Textile and Wool Acts Explained for Apparel Brands

Updated for 2026 clothing label requirements in the United States.

This guide explains clothing label requirements for apparel brands, including fiber content, RN numbers, country of origin, and care labeling rules.

Why Clothing Label Requirements Matter for Apparel Brands

Understanding clothing label requirements is essential for anyone producing apparel in the United States. Federal laws such as the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act and the Wool Products Labeling Act require garments to include specific information such as fiber content, country of origin, and manufacturer identification. These rules help ensure consumers receive accurate information about the products they purchase. We’ve gathered answers to some of the most common questions clothing designers and apparel brands ask about clothing labeling regulations.

Two major laws regulate clothing labels:

• The Textile Fiber Products Identification Act

• The Wool Products Labeling Act

These laws require certain information to appear on clothing labels before garments can legally be sold in the United States. The Federal Trade Commission provides a detailed explanation of these regulations in its official guide, Threading Your Way Through the Labeling Requirements Under the Textile and Wool Acts.

Editor’s note: This guide has been updated to reflect current U.S. clothing label requirements under the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act and Wool Products Labeling Act.

Does the Law Require a Clothing Label on My Garment?

Yes — clothing label requirements in the United States require most textile garments to include a label that clearly identifies the fiber content and the manufacturer or responsible company.

According to FTC regulations, clothing labels typically must include:

• Fiber content

• Country of origin

• Manufacturer or brand identification (RN number or company name)

This information allows consumers to make informed decisions and helps regulators track manufacturers if labeling issues arise.

What Information Must Be on a Clothing Label?

U.S. clothing label requirements require specific information to be clearly displayed on every garment sold to consumers.

Most clothing label requirements include three key pieces of information:

Fiber Content
The percentages of each fiber used in the garment (for example: 60% Cotton, 40% Polyester).

Country of Origin
Where the garment was manufactured.

Manufacturer Identification
This can be the company name or a Registered Identification Number (RN).

These requirements apply to most textile products sold in the United States.

Do I Need an RN Number on My Label?

No — an RN number is optional.

An RN (Registered Identification Number) is issued by the Federal Trade Commission and can be used instead of listing your company name on clothing labels. If you’re unsure whether you need one, read our guide on RN numbers and clothing label requirements.

Many apparel brands choose to use an RN number because:

• It keeps labels shorter

• It protects company identity

• It satisfies FTC requirements

How Do I Get an RN Number?

You can apply for an RN number directly through the FTC Registered Identification Number application portal. The application is free and typically takes only a few minutes to complete.

Once approved, your RN number can be used on all of your clothing labels instead of your business name.

Can I Replace the Label in a Garment With My Own?

Yes — but there are rules.

If you remove a manufacturer label and replace it with your own label, you become legally responsible for ensuring the garment still complies with federal labeling laws.

That means your replacement label must still include:

• Accurate fiber content

• Country of origin

• Manufacturer identification

If you plan to replace an existing garment label with your own brand label, you must ensure the garment still complies with federal labeling laws.
You can also watch our short video showing how to remove and replace a clothing label.

Is Country of Origin Required on Clothing Labels?

Yes.

Most apparel sold in the United States must clearly state where the garment was made. For example:

• Made in USA

• Made in China

• Made in Vietnam

Country of origin labeling is regulated separately from textile labeling laws and must be truthful and accurate.

Do I Need Fiber Content and Care Instructions?

Fiber content is required by law.

Care instructions are technically regulated under a separate rule called the Care Labeling Rule, but most garments include both pieces of information on the same label. The care symbols commonly used on clothing labels follow international textile standards, and you can see a reference chart in the American Apparel & Footwear Association care label guide.

Typical care labels include instructions for:

• Washing

• Drying

• Bleaching

• Ironing

Can I Say “Made in USA” if My Garment Was Imported?

No.

The FTC has strict rules about Made in USA claims. A product can only be labeled as Made in USA if all or virtually all of the product was manufactured in the United States.

Incorrect country-of-origin labeling can lead to fines and penalties.

What Happens if Clothing Labels Are Incorrect?

Companies that violate textile labeling laws may face:

• FTC investigations

• Product recalls

• Civil penalties

This is why accurate clothing labeling is essential for apparel brands and manufacturers.

Need help creating compliant clothing labels?

Rapidtags helps apparel brands design woven labels, printed labels, and heat transfer labels that meet U.S. labeling requirements.

Call us at 1-877-438-8247 or email us at sales@rapidtags.com