Pictogram labels on clothing tags provide important information on how to care for your clothes. Deciphering these labels helps determine whether you should take your new pants to dry cleaning or if they can be safely washed in a machine. Ignoring these instructions often results in damage to clothing or premature wear and tear.

It is recommended not to cut care labels, as they serve as important guidelines for proper clothing care. These instructions ensure that your wardrobe items remain in excellent condition for as long as possible. Before discarding the label, it is advisable to read it carefully and try to remember the instructions.

Usually, tags with clothes care icons are usually placed in such places of wardrobe items:

  • on outerwear — inside the side on the left side in the waist area or in the inside pocket;
  • on jeans and trousers — on the side or back at the seam;
  • on dresses, T-shirts, shirts — under the collar or on the seam on the side.

In general terms, all the symbols on clothing tags are divided into six main groups — washing, spining, drying, ironing, bleaching and dry cleaning icons.

Washing

Icons in this category assist in selecting the appropriate washing modes. They indicate whether hand or machine washing is suitable, specify the permissible temperature for washing, and indicate the possibility of using high drum rotation speeds, among other things.

Symbol Meaning
The product is washable.
Washing in water is strictly prohibited. Items with this label are usually dry-cleaned.
Clothes can only be washed by hand. As an alternative, a specialized “hand wash” program with respect for delicate fabrics is suitable.
The presence of an icon with a high "degree" signifies that the product can be washed at high temperatures, including boiling, if necessary.
Machine washing with indication of the maximum water temperature.
Gentle washing without high speed. Usually inside the symbol, in addition, the temperature of the water is indicated.
Washing in delicate mode without spinning. Often, the temperature regime is also indicated inside.
Washing at a water temperature not exceeding 30 ° C.
Washing at a water temperature not exceeding 40 ° C.
Washing at a water temperature not exceeding 60 ° C.

Spin

The symbols in this category indicate whether the laundry is allowed to be spun in the washing machine.

Symbol Meaning
It is forbidden to use spin.
The possibility of spinning at any speed of rotation of the drum.
Spinning in soft mode is allowed (at medium values up to 800 rpm).
It is allowed to spin in the delicate mode at the lowest speed.
Clothing labeled with the ban on twisting and wringing should be allowed to dry naturally instead of using any mechanical methods.

Drying

The drying process is represented by a square symbol. If a circle is present within the square, it indicates the option of tumble drying after washing. On the other hand, if there is no circle inside the square, it means that the clothes should be dried naturally.

Symbol Meaning
Both machine drying and air drying on clotheslines are permissible methods for drying clothes.
Drying clothes outdoors (hanging clothes on a clothesline or dryer).
It is forbidden to dry things in automatic mode.
Drying at low temperature.
Drying at medium temperature.
High temperature drying.
Drying on a horizontal flat surface after washing with an extraction (two sticks — after washing without an extraction).
Drying on a rope or a hanger in a vertical position (one stick — after washing with a spin cycle, two sticks — without spinning, three sticks — without twisting).
Drying in the shade without direct sunlight.
Rope drying.
Drying on a rope in the shade.
Drying in the shade in a horizontal position.
Drying in a vertical position, avoiding direct exposure to sunlight.

Ironing

The ironing symbol on the label of things looks like an iron icon. The icon is often supplemented with dots that determine the maximum allowed ironing temperature.

Symbol Meaning
Clothes can be ironed without any fear.
Clothes cannot be ironed.
Delicate ironing at temperatures up to 110 °C. Preferably without steam.
Ironing clothes at temperatures up to 150 ° C. Such an icon is often found on the tag of products made of viscose, silk, wool, polyester.
Ironing at maximum temperature (up to 200 °C) is allowed.
Clothes with this symbol on the label cannot be steamed.

Bleaching

A group of bleach icons is usually listed after the washing symbols on clothing labels. It is marked with a triangle.

Symbol Meaning
You can bleach clothes by any agents
Do not use bleach.
You can bleach clothes with chlorine-containing products.
It is allowed to bleach clothes with non-chlorine bleach.

Dry cleaning

The following labels are used in professional dry cleaning, and it is beneficial to be aware of them. Professional cleaning involves both wet cleaning and dry cleaning using various solvents to clean clothes.

Symbol Meaning
Wardrobe items with this icon on the tag can be dry-cleaned.
Clothes must not be dry-cleaned.
It is allowed to clean clothes with any solvents that are designed for this.
Dry-cleaning is permitted using petroleum-based products and trifluorotrichloroethane.
Chemical cleaning with hydrocarbons in a gentle mode.
The same, but in a delicate mode with special precautions.
Dry cleaning with perchlorethylene and petroleum-based solvents.
Gentle dry-cleaning mode.
Delicate dry-cleaning mode with perchlorethylene, which implies a particularly careful attitude to clothes.
Professional wet-cleaning (water cleaning).
Gentle water-cleaning.
Delicate wet-cleaning.
Water-cleaning of clothes is prohibited.



Garment care symbols were introduced by GINETEX in 1963 and are internationally standardized (ISO 3758:2012), except in the United States and South Korea, where different tag marking systems are used. However, all systems are subject to national laws and standards.

A single standard for marking symbols on clothing labels has been adopted by the International Textile Labeling and Care Organization GINETEX.

Following the care instructions indicated by symbols on clothing tags is crucial for maintaining the excellent condition of your garments over time. Failure to follow these instructions can result in problems such as shrinkage and color fading. Delicate fabrics like wool or silk can be damaged when exposed to high temperatures during washing and ironing. Care labels also assist in choosing clothes that align with your lifestyle. If you prefer low-maintenance options, you can opt for garments labeled as "easy care" or "machine washable."

Finally, tags on clothes also play a significant role in helping us select the appropriate washing program based on the fabric composition. Modern washing machines offer specialized modes for different types of fabrics, such as synthetics, wool, and cotton. To learn more about "How to choose a washing machine?" — read the relevant material.