Most consumers consider care labels on clothing a desirable government regulation. The Care Labeling Rule was enacted in 1972 and amended in 1984. It required manufacturers to provide permanently attached, written care instructions on apparel sold in the United States. Exceptions to the ruling include footwear, gloves, hats, and other accessory items such as neckties and belts. Leather and suede garments are also exempted as are garments in which the appearance might be damaged by a permanently attached label. These items might include reversible or sheer garments where the care label would be noticeable during use.
The Federal Trade Commission approved a change in the care label format effective July 1, 1997. New guidelines allow manufacturers to use care symbols on a voluntary basis rather than written instructions. Manufacturers can still use written instructions; however, the option of symbols is now permitted. For the first 18 months, hang tags or written guides must be provided on garments to explain the care symbol system.
Five basic symbols will be used to identify care recommendations on garments. A series of dots or lines will serve as modifiers. The basic symbols are:
Dots added to the symbols will indicate increasing heat or temperature. For example, one dot on the tumble dry symbol means low temperature for delicate items; two dots mean medium for permanent press; and three dots identify high temperatures for cottons and linens.
Lines added to a basic care symbol mean "minus" or reduced action or treatment. No lines under the wash symbol means normal wash cycle for cottons; one line under the wash symbol is for permanent press cycles; and two lines are for even gentler treatment or reduced action for delicate items.
Additional modifiers exist such as an "X" over a symbol. This is a warning symbol. For example, an "X" over the dry-cleaning symbol means "do not dry clean." A complete chart of symbols and modifiers is given on page 2.
The need for care label symbols as an alternative to written instructions results from increased international trade and, more specifically, from the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). NAFTA requires standardization of care instructions for apparel sold in Mexico, Canada, and the United States. Manufacturers can prepare labels written in three languages: English, French, and Spanish, or use more universal care symbols.
Consumers will reap additional benefits once the care symbol system is adopted. Apparel should have fewer, smaller, and less annoying labels in garments. Smaller label inventories and reduced production costs will be an economic benefit for manufacturers. Also, as U.S. citizens travel to other countries, they will now understand care recommendations on apparel they are purchasing. Although the new U.S. care symbols system is not identical to that used in Europe, it is very similar and differs primarily in its comprehensiveness as well as user friendly approach.
Examples of care instructions:
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