Fabric label

A fabric label is a special type of label made of fabric.

Because fabric labels are mostly used in clothing, they are also called textile labels, clothing labels, garment labels or woven labels.

Fabric labels can be produced using different types of fabric. This includes:

• Satin, which is the most common type of fabric used to produce fabric labels.
• Taffeta.
• Felt.
• Leather.
• Cotton.
• Damask.
• Semi-damask.
• Canvas.

Since the labeling of fabrics is usually regulated, the information contained in a fabric label largely depends on the country where the fabric is sold or commercialized. Most of the time, however, fabric labels will contain information such as:

• The brand or name of the manufacturer of the fabric.
• The size of the clothing (e.g. S, XL).
• Where the fabric was manufactured.
• The composition of the fabric (usually, the label indicates the fabrics used in the manufacturing process and the percentage of each fabric used).
• So-called care information (e.g. information about how to wash or dry the fabric). Sometimes, this information is provided through icons or symbols.
• Fire hazard information.

In the UE, fabric labeling is regulated by a specific instrument: Regulation (UE) n° 1007/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 September 2011 on textile fibre names and related labelling and marking of the fibre composition of textile products and repealing Council Directive 73/44/EEC and Directives 96/73/EC and 2008/121/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council.

The European regulation is applicable to textile products that are made available in the UE. Textile products include products containing at least 80 % by weight of textile fibers.

With regard to labeling, the European regulation establishes that the label or marking of a textile product shall indicate its fiber composition and (if that is the case) the presence of non-textile parts of animal origin. The label or marking shall not be misleading and shall be easily understandable for the consumer. It shall also be durable, easily legible, visible and accessible. If a label is used instead of a marking, the label shall be securely attached to the textile product.

The regulation also contains specific labeling rules for certain products, including:

• Corsetry products.
• Etch-printed textiles.
• Embroidered textiles.
• Yarns.
• Velvet and plush textiles (or textiles resembling velvet or plush).
• Floor coverings and carpets.