Fashion & Accessories / Guide
Read the Care Label Before You Buy the Clothes
Compare garment care requirements with the way you wash and dry clothes at home before deciding what belongs in your wardrobe.
A piece of clothing is easier to keep in rotation when its care instructions fit your household. Read the label or ask the seller for it before ordering. This matters most for items you expect to wear frequently or need ready on short notice.
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Find the part of the label that affects your routine
Check the washing method, temperature, drying instructions and any limits on ironing or bleach. The FTC’s care-labeling guidance explains the U.S. requirements for manufacturers and importers. Follow the directions for your exact garment, including details for a lining or trim.
Think about the time between wears
If a sweater needs to dry flat, identify a place where it can sit undisturbed. If a jacket needs professional care, find out whether a cleaner nearby handles it and include that cost in your decision. A special-care item can make sense when you’ve planned for it.
Ask before altering or washing
Check return terms before removing labels or laundering a new garment. Save a photo of the instructions if the tag is hard to read. For a secondhand piece with a missing tag, ask the seller for the fiber information or consult a cleaner before experimenting.