Apparel labeling rules, explained.

The label must give the generic name and percentage by weight of each fiber, in descending order of predominance — for example, "65% rayon / 35% polyester" (FTC textile labeling guide). The details matter:

• Generic names, not brand names. Fibers must be identified by their recognized generic names — the FTC permits its listed names and names in ISO 2076, so "rayon" or "viscose," and "spandex" or "elastane," are both acceptable.
• The 5% rule. Generally, only fibers making up 5% or more of the weight may be named; fibers below 5% are disclosed as "other fiber(s)" — with exceptions. Wool and recycled wool must be named at any percentage, and a fiber below 5% may still be named if it has a definite functional significance (like spandex for elasticity).
• Trims and ornamentation. Certain trim, decorative ornamentation, and structural linings are exempt from the calculation, with the label noting "exclusive of elastic," "exclusive of decoration," or "exclusive of ornamentation" as applicable. The thresholds are specific — consult the FTC guide before relying on them.
• One fiber only? "All" may be used instead of "100%," as in "All Wool."

Covered textile products must be labeled with their country of origin (FTC guide):

• Imported goods must name the specific country where the product was processed or manufactured — a region like "European Union" is not sufficient.
• "Made in U.S.A." without qualification is only appropriate for products made completely in the US from US materials. US-made goods using imported materials must say so in a single statement, such as "Made in U.S.A. of imported fabric."
• Split production must identify both, such as "Made in Sri Lanka, finished in U.S.A."
• Placement: on a garment with a neck, the country-of-origin information must appear on the front of a label attached to the inside center of the neck, not covered or obscured by another label.
• Online listings too. FTC guidance requires mail-order and internet product descriptions to state US or imported origin, consistent with the label. Customs (CBP) marking requirements are separate and also apply to imports.

The label must identify the fiber content, country of origin, and either the company name or the company's Registered Identification Number (RN) — the identity can be the manufacturer, importer, or another firm marketing or handling the product (FTC guide). An RN is therefore an alternative to using your company name on every label, not a separate mandatory number every brand must obtain — if your company name appears on the label, that satisfies the requirement. To research an existing number, use our RN number lookup.

Care labeling is a separate FTC requirement under the Care Labeling Rule (FTC, "Clothes Captioning"):

• What it covers: textile wearing apparel sold to consumers. Some products are excluded — shoes, gloves, hats, belts, and neckties among them.
• What the label must state: complete instructions for regular care — washing or drycleaning, water temperature when it matters, bleaching, drying, and ironing as needed — or a warning if the product cannot be cleaned without harm. If it truly cannot be safely washed or drycleaned, the label must say "Do not wash — Do not dryclean."
• Reasonable basis: you need reliable evidence supporting the instructions for the finished garment as a whole. Sometimes industry experience suffices; sometimes testing is needed.
• Permanence: care labels must be permanently attached, legible for the product's useful life, and easy for consumers to find at the point of sale.

For a deeper reference, see our care labeling guide and our care label symbols chart.