Clothing Labels: A Guide to Knowing What You Wear
Labels are part of every single garment out there, and for good reason. From care details to material composition, clothing labels are the source of truth and a forecast for the future.
So, let’s get started and take a look at how we can best decode these labels to make conscious choices before and after purchase.
Material composition
Material composition is ultimately the most important part of the label. It gives great insights into:
How the fabric was made
How long it could last
How much care it would need
How much impact it had on the environment
Natural fibers: These typically include fabrics such as cotton, linen, wool, and silk. Breathable and biodegradable, natural fibers are far more sustainable than synthetics. They also tend to last longer with the right care, making them better choices for long-term wardrobe building rather than short-term fashion.
Synthetics: Polyester, acrylic, and nylon are common synthetic fibers made from petroleum-based materials. These fabrics are durable and don’t require ironing, but they don’t breathe as well as natural fibers and come with a higher carbon footprint.
Eco-friendly alternatives: In addition to natural fibers, innovation is driving the creation of eco-friendly fabrics. Examples include lyocell (also known as Tencel), piñatex (made from pineapple fibers), and muskin (a mushroom-based leather alternative). These fabrics are designed with sustainability in mind and are making a strong mark in the fashion world.
Blends: While 100% compositions are straightforward, many manufacturers blend fibers to combine the best qualities of each, making the products more versatile or durable. For example, a cotton-spandex blend offers comfort and stretch for everyday wear, while a wool-polyester mix can create durable, warm outerwear. However, be cautious—blends with a high synthetic composition may not breathe well and could pill over time, especially in lower-quality fabrics.
My rule of thumb is to stay loyal to natural or eco-friendly fabrics as much as possible—sportswear being the main exception.
Care instructions
Care instructions provide crucial information as well. They give insights into how much and what kind of care the piece will need.
These instructions usually tend to come in three forms:
Dry clean only: Fabrics such as silk, cashmere, or other delicate materials may often require dry cleaning to keep their shape and texture fresh.
Hand wash only: Most often, it applies to silk and wool as well, but with less delicacy requirements.
Machine washable: More durable fabrics such as cotton, linen, and polyester will be fine to wash in the machine. Checking the care instructions for specific temperature settings or gentle cycles will always extend the lifecycle of your clothes.
Certifications
Beyond fabric compositions, clothing labels sometimes feature certifications that can tell you about a garment’s environmental and ethical impact as well.
OEKO-TEX Standard 100: A certification ensuring the fabric is free from harmful chemicals.
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard): For organic fabrics, this certification ensures that textiles meet strict environmental and social criteria.
Fair Trade: This label indicates that the garment was made under fair labor conditions, ensuring workers receive fair wages.
Country of origin
Labels also tell us where a garment was made, and it is a good indicator of a garment’s quality and craftsmanship. Some regions, like Italy and Japan, are known for high-quality textiles.
Also, some countries have stricter quality standards, so not all silk or satin will be made equal across the world.
Namely, some tiny pieces of text and symbols inside a garment are key to making the right choices before and after shopping. So, I never skip checking what’s in there—material composition, care instructions, certifications, and country of origin mean a lot to me, and I hope the article helps you in some way too!
