When you purchase a new garment, there’s a little tag stitched into the left seam between the front and back of the item that holds a wealth of information. This care label might seem insignificant, but it’s your go-to guide for knowing what your clothes are made of, how to keep your clothing looking their best for longer, and potentially for finding out where, and how they were made.
In the EU, textile labels are mandatory for textiles intended for sale to the end consumer.
The label must:
One of the key details on a care label is the fiber content. If a fiber constitutes more than 5% of the garment's total weight, it must be listed on the label. Knowing the fiber composition is essential as it helps in assessing the quality, gauging comfort, understanding proper care, and determining recyclability. Remembre this:
Only textiles made of 100% one fiber can be recycled.
Different fibres have distinct characteristics. Natural fibres like cotton, linen, and Tencel are breathable and comfortable, while synthetic fibres like polyester and nylon (plastic) are durable and often more resistant to stains and water. Understanding these characteristics can help you predict how long the garment might last, how it’s been made, and whether it’s worth the price.
What to look for: Polyester, nylon, and acrylic are plastic. It is a cheap material to use, and so commonly used by fast fashion brands. Just like your shampoo bottle, textile plastic will never break down, but simply turn into microplastics, which stay in our environment. Mixed fibers and materials are widely used in the fashion industry because of their combined beneficial properties when integrated into a single fabric. However, recycling these mixed materials is highly challenging and often unfeasible.
read dedicated article here
Another critical section of the care label is the washing instructions, also known as care instructions. These are often packed with precise, albeit sometimes confusing, directions for washing, drying, ironing, and dry-cleaning. These instructions are vital for maintaining the garment’s appearance, and durability.
For instance, some fabrics may require cold water washes to prevent shrinking or fading, while others might need to be air-dried to avoid damage. Following these instructions can significantly extend the life of your clothes, which is beneficial for both your bank account and the environment. Reducing the frequency of clothes replacement means fewer items end up in landfills, decomposing and emitting greenhouse gases. Washing your clothing at the right temperature, means you are preventing fibers from breaking down, and entering our waterways.
PS: of course, it is not because a fabric can be washed at high temperature or tumble dried that they systematically should. As we explained in another article, one of the most sustainable change you can make is to wash under 30°C and avoide tumble drying your clothes.
Consumer protection agencies in countries like the US, and the EU have stringent care labeling requirements, like the RN (Registration No. of companies in the US).
This number provides consumers with the manufacturer's contact details, offering a way to explore the origins of their garments. You can use this information to research the brand’s practices and sustainability commitments. Understanding where your clothes come from and how they are made can influence your purchasing decisions and encourage more responsible consumption.
We recognize that there is no "perfectly green" material, but some options are certainly more sustainable than others. Natural fibers such as cotton, linen, Tencel (a lightweight cellulose fabric derived from wood pulp), and materials made from pineapples or hemp rank among the most eco-friendly. These materials tend to be biodegradable and usually require fewer chemicals during their production process.
Conversely, synthetic fabrics also offer their own set of benefits. They tend to be more durable, waterproof, and stain-resistant compared to natural fibers. However, they also pose considerable environmental challenges. Synthetic fibers, typically made from plastics, can contribute to water pollution when microfibers are released into waterways through washing machines. Understanding microfiber pollution and implementing solutions, such as using a washing machine filter, can help mitigate these negative effects.
The Bigger Picture
Reading and following care labels on your clothes goes beyond maintaining appearance—it's a crucial step toward fighting fast fashion. The fashion industry generates more CO2 emissions than both international flights and maritime shipping, combined. By knowing what your clothes are made of, and how they can be disposed of, helps us to make smarter purchasing choices.
