No products in the cart.
Clothing Labels
Are Care Labels Required on Clothing? FTC Rules (Avoid Costly Mistakes)
14
Aug
Aug
If you manufacture, import, or sell clothing in the United States, care labels are not optional — they are regulated by federal law.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) enforces the Care Labeling Rule, which requires apparel brands to provide clear and accurate care instructions on most textile garments. These labels protect consumers from damaging garments and protect brands from compliance issues, chargebacks, and retailer rejection.
If you are launching or growing a clothing brand, understanding care label requirements is essential.
Are Care Labels Required by Law?
Yes — in most cases.
Under the FTC Care Labeling Rule, manufacturers and importers must attach a permanent care label to garments that provide at least one safe method of cleaning the product.
The label must remain attached and legible for the useful life of the garment.
This rule applies to:
Most textile wearing apparel
Domestic manufacturers
Importers of apparel into the U.S.
There are limited exceptions, but the majority of clothing sold at retail must include care instructions.
For full regulatory details, refer to the FTC guidance here:
https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/care-labeling-rule
What Must Be Included on a Clothing Care Label?
A compliant care label must provide at least one complete method of cleaning the garment safely.
This may include:
Washing instructions (machine wash, hand wash, water temperature)
Bleaching instructions (if applicable)
Drying instructions (tumble dry, line dry, low heat, etc.)
Ironing instructions (with temperature guidance)
Dry cleaning instructions (if allowed or required)
Instructions may be written out or displayed using approved care symbols, provided they are clear and accurate.
The key requirement:
The method listed must not damage the garment when followed properly.
What Happens If You Don’t Include a Care Label?
Failing to include a compliant care label can lead to:
Retailer rejection
Chargebacks from major buyers
Customs issues for imported goods
FTC enforcement action
Loss of consumer trust
Even if a retailer does not explicitly require care labels, federal law may still apply. It is always safer — and more professional — to include compliant labeling.
Are Care Labels Required to Be Sewn In?
In most cases, yes.
The FTC requires care labels to be permanently attached so they remain legible for the useful life of the garment.
Common compliant options include:
Sewn-in woven labels
Sewn-in satin or nylon printed labels
Heat transfer labels (when permanently affixed)
If you prefer a tagless solution, high-quality heat transfer care labels can meet compliance requirements while maintaining comfort.
Care Label Symbols vs Written Instructions
Care instructions can be:
Written out in text
Displayed using approved care symbols
Or a combination of both
Symbols must follow recognized standards and be easily understood by consumers.
Many brands use both text and symbols to reduce confusion and internationalize their products.
Do Small Clothing Brands Need Care Labels?
Yes.
The FTC Care Labeling Rule applies regardless of business size.
Whether you produce 50 garments or 50,000, if you are selling apparel in the United States, care labeling requirements likely apply.
Compliance from the beginning protects your brand as you scale.
If you’re launching a startup apparel line, we’ve created a simplified guide to the FTC care labeling rule for small clothing brands that breaks down exactly what you need to know.
Why Care Labels Matter Beyond Compliance
Care labels are not just about avoiding fines.
They also:
Reduce product returns
Improve customer satisfaction
Protect your brand reputation
Demonstrate professionalism to retailers
Consumers rely on care instructions. A clear, durable label signals quality and trust.
Choosing the Right Type of Care Label
Depending on your garment type and brand aesthetic, you may choose:
Each option offers different durability, softness, and presentation benefits.
If you are unsure which format works best for your product, reviewing fabric type and intended use is a good starting point.
Need Compliant Care Labels for Your Clothing Brand?
We produce custom nylon, satin, woven, and heat transfer care labels with low minimums and fast turnaround times.
If you’re preparing a new collection or ensuring compliance for retail distribution, we can help you choose the right labeling solution.
Contact us to discuss your garment labeling requirements.
Impact
Do you know that the care label can help the consumer decide whether or not to purchase your item over a competitors item?
Follow these useful links:
https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/media-resources/tools-consumers/apparel-and-labeling
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/whats-clothing-care-label