How to Read Clothing Care Labels and Make Your Favorite Clothes Last Longer

When you buy new clothing, do you properly check the care and quality label attached to the tag? In fact, this small label contains important instructions for keeping your clothes beautiful and lasting longer.

“It shrank even though I just bought it!” “The color faded...” “It became covered in pills...” If you have had experiences like these, it may be because you overlooked the care label.

In this article, we will explain how to read clothing care labels and share useful tips for taking better care of your favorite pieces for years to come.

What Is a Care and Quality Label, and Why Should You Check It?

A care and quality label is a tag that shows important information such as the material composition, care instructions, and manufacturer details. The most important part is the care label, which explains how to wash, bleach, dry, iron, and professionally clean the garment.

・To prevent damage to your clothes: Washing or drying clothes in a way that does not match the material can cause shrinkage, stretching, color fading, loss of shape, or fabric damage.

・To enjoy your clothes for longer: By knowing the correct care method, you can greatly extend the life of your favorite clothing.

・To avoid laundry problems: Care labels also help prevent unexpected problems such as color transfer to other garments.

What to Look For: Basic Care Label Symbols and Their Meanings

Since December 2016, Japanese care labels have changed to symbols that are aligned with international standards. There are five basic types of symbols, and additional marks are used to show more detailed instructions.

1. Washing — the tub symbol

・Tub with water and a number: Indicates the maximum washing temperature.

・Tub with a hand: Hand wash only. Machine washing is not allowed.

・Tub with an X: Do not wash at home. Professional cleaning is recommended.

・Lines under the tub: The more lines there are, the gentler the washing process should be. For example, no line means normal washing, one line means gentle washing, and two lines mean very gentle washing.

2. Bleaching — the triangle symbol

・Triangle: Both chlorine bleach and oxygen bleach can be used.

・Triangle with two diagonal lines: Only oxygen bleach can be used. Chlorine bleach is not allowed.

・Triangle with an X: Do not bleach.

3. Drying — the square symbol

This mainly indicates tumble drying and natural drying methods.

Tumble drying — square with a circle inside

・Square with a circle and dots: The number of dots indicates the drying temperature. One dot means low temperature, and two dots mean higher temperature.

・Square with a circle and an X: Do not tumble dry.

Natural drying — square symbol

・Square with one horizontal line: Dry flat.

・Square with one vertical line: Line dry.

・Square with diagonal lines: Dry in the shade. When combined with other lines, it indicates flat drying or line drying in the shade.

4. Ironing — the iron symbol

・Iron with dots: The number of dots indicates the maximum ironing temperature. One dot means low temperature, two dots mean medium temperature, and three dots mean high temperature.

・Iron with an X: Do not iron.

5. Professional cleaning — the circle symbol

・Circle with letters such as F, P, or W: Indicates the type of professional cleaning, such as dry cleaning or wet cleaning. This information is mainly for professional cleaners.

・Circle with an X: Do not professionally clean.

What About C-one Merino Wool Items? Smart Care Tips

C-one’s 100% merino wool items are made with high-quality merino wool and can be washed at home.

The care labels for C-one merino wool products generally indicate the following:

・Washing: A tub symbol with a temperature indication of around 30°C, with one line under the tub to indicate gentle washing. Using a laundry net is recommended.

・Bleaching: Triangle with an X, meaning do not bleach.

・Drying: Do not tumble dry. Natural drying in the shade is recommended.

・Ironing: Iron symbol with two dots, meaning medium temperature.

・Professional cleaning: Circle with the letter F, meaning dry cleaning with petroleum-based solvents.

C-one merino wool items are designed for easy everyday care, and some items can also be dried on a hanger. However, please always check the care label for each individual product. With proper care, you can continue enjoying the excellent functions of merino wool, such as moisture absorption, odor resistance, and temperature regulation, without compromising comfort or quality.

From now on, when choosing clothing, try paying attention not only to the design and material composition, but also to the care label. By understanding this small tag, you can enjoy your favorite clothes for longer and keep them in better condition.