For apparel brands selling in the United States, care labels are not optional—they are a legal requirement enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Yet many brands misunderstand what’s required, who is responsible, and how labels must be constructed to remain compliant over time.
This guide explains FTC care label requirements, common pitfalls, and what apparel brands must do to stay compliant.
What Is the FTC Care Label Rule?
The FTC Care Label Rule requires that most textile wearing apparel sold in the U.S. include a permanent, legible care label that provides consumers with clear instructions for proper garment care.
The rule exists to:
- Protect consumers from garment damage
- Reduce misleading or incomplete labeling
- Ensure consistency across the apparel industry
Failure to comply can result in enforcement actions, relabeling costs, delayed shipments, and retailer rejections.
Who Is Responsible for Compliance?
Responsibility typically falls on the company that introduces the product into U.S. commerce, which may include:
- Apparel brands
- Importers
- Private-label companies
- Manufacturers selling directly to U.S. retailers
Even if labels are applied overseas, U.S. law still applies once the product enters the U.S. market.
What Information Is Required on an FTC-Compliant Care Label?
At minimum, a compliant care label must include care instructions that are accurate for the garment’s construction and materials.
1. Washing Instructions
The label must clearly state:
- Whether the garment can be machine washed or hand washed
- Water temperature (hot, warm, cold)
- Any special washing conditions
If washing is not recommended, the label must say so explicitly.
2. Bleaching Instructions
You must indicate whether:
- Bleaching is allowed
- Only non-chlorine bleach is allowed
- Bleaching is not allowed
3. Drying Instructions
The care label must specify:
- Tumble dry (with heat level, if applicable)
- Line dry
- Lay flat to dry
- Do not tumble dry
4. Ironing Instructions
If ironing is appropriate, the label should include:
- Whether ironing is allowed
- Temperature level or special precautions
If ironing may damage the garment, the label must clearly state “Do Not Iron.”
5. Dry Cleaning Instructions (If Applicable)
If dry cleaning is recommended or permitted, the label must state:
- Whether dry cleaning is allowed
- Any solvent restrictions
If dry cleaning would damage the garment, the label must prohibit it.
Additional Labeling Requirements Often Combined with Care Labels
While governed by separate FTC rules, most garments also require:
Fiber Content
- Listed in descending order by percentage
- Using FTC-approved fiber names
Country of Origin
- Clearly stated (e.g., “Made in USA,” “Made in China”)
Manufacturer Identification
- Company name or FTC-issued RN number
Many brands combine this information into one permanent care label for efficiency.
Permanency and Placement Requirements
The FTC requires care labels to be:
- Permanent (able to withstand laundering)
- Legible throughout the life of the garment
- Attached at the time of sale
This is why sew-in woven, satin, or cotton labels are the industry standard. Temporary stickers or hang tags do not meet permanency requirements.
Common FTC Care Label Mistakes
Some of the most frequent compliance issues include:
- Missing care labels
- Instructions that don’t match fabric performance
- Labels that fade or wash out
- Using symbols without written instructions
- Incorrect fiber content or RN information
These errors can lead to production delays, retailer chargebacks, or forced relabeling.
Why Material Choice Matters for Compliance
Even if the wording is correct, a label can still fail compliance if it:
- Becomes unreadable after washing
- Frays or detaches
- Uses ink or materials that fade quickly
Choosing the right label material—woven polyester, satin, or cotton—is essential for long-term compliance, especially for uniforms, workwear, and outdoor apparel.
FTC care label compliance is not just a regulatory checkbox—it’s a core part of responsible apparel manufacturing. Brands that understand and implement proper care labeling reduce risk, improve product quality, and build trust with retailers and consumers.
Working with an experienced label supplier ensures that both content and construction meet U.S. requirements from the start.
Need FTC-compliant care labels?
Lee Label has supported apparel manufacturers and retailers since the 1980s with durable, compliant, production-ready labeling solutions. Samples and bulk pricing available.
Lee Label Inc 
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