Care labelling - a guide to clothing care symbols
- The care labels on garments are standardised globally in accordance with ISO 3758:2023.
- The symbol of a bowl with a number indicates the maximum washing temperature; a crossed-out container means that the item must not be washed in water.
- Items made from wool and cashmere usually require a delicate cycle or hand washing, often at a maximum temperature of 30°C – always in accordance with the instructions on the care label.
- A crossed-out square with a circle indicates that the item must not be tumble-dried – this applies to most delicate fabrics.
- Dry cleaning may be recommended for satin and silk fabrics; this is indicated by the circle symbol on the label.
The care symbols on clothing labels are a standardised system that manufacturers use to ensure that every item of clothing reaches its owner with clear care instructions. Correctly interpreting these symbols has a direct impact on the garment’s lifespan, as ignoring the instructions on the label can lead to discolouration, the garment losing its shape, or irreversible damage to the fabric. In the Hexeline collections – made from linen, wool, viscose, cashmere and other fine fabrics – understanding the care symbols is particularly important.
What do the care symbols on clothing labels mean?
The washing symbols on clothing labels are standardised pictograms providing information on the correct care of garments, used worldwide in accordance with ISO 3758:2023. They consist of five basic geometric shapes: a bowl (washing), a square (drying), an iron (ironing), a triangle (bleaching) and a circle (dry cleaning). Understanding these symbols helps to keep your clothes looking impeccable for many seasons and, above all, significantly extends their lifespan. Every item in the Hexeline range features a label with a set of care instructions tailored to the specific fabric.
At what temperature should a particular garment be washed – what should you look for on the care label?
The washing temperature is indicated by a bowl symbol with a number on the label, which denotes the maximum permissible temperature in degrees Celsius. A basin with the number 30 indicates a low-temperature wash, suitable for delicate fabrics; a basin with the number 40 corresponds to the standard washing temperature for cotton; higher temperatures (60°C and 95°C) are for fabrics requiring more intensive cleaning. A basin with a hand symbol indicates that the garment must be hand-washed, whilst the crossed-out version means it must not be washed in water. An ecru linen fitted waistcoat is an example of an item requiring washing at a low temperature – linen is a natural fabric, and high temperatures can cause the garment to lose its shape permanently. Similarly, a viscose jumpsuit with a botanical print requires gentle care, as viscose may lose its shape or shrink if exposed to excessively high temperatures.
What do the care symbols on labels mean?
The care labels on garments are divided into five main groups, each corresponding to a different stage of garment care. Knowing these groups allows you to confidently interpret any label, regardless of the country of manufacture.
Washing symbols – the bowl
The bowl with a number indicates the maximum washing temperature in the washing machine. One bar below it indicates a delicate cycle, two bars indicate a very delicate cycle. The container with a hand indicates that the item should be washed by hand, whilst the crossed-out bowl indicates that the item must not be washed in water.
Drying symbols – square
A square with a circle inside indicates that the item is suitable for tumble drying. This symbol with a horizontal line indicates that the item should be dried flat, whilst the symbol with vertical lines indicates that the item should be hung on a hanger to allow the water to drain off. A crossed-out square with a circle inside indicates that the item must not be tumble-dried.
Ironing symbols – iron
An iron symbol with one dot indicates a maximum temperature of 110°C, two dots indicate 150°C, and three dots indicate 200°C. A crossed-out iron indicates that ironing is not permitted. Wool should be ironed through a damp cloth to prevent the fibres from being damaged by the hot iron.
Bleaching symbols – triangle
An empty triangle indicates that any bleaching agents may be used. A triangle marked ‘CL’ indicates that chlorine-based bleaching is permitted; this is recommended for white fabrics, such as cuffs and collars. A symbol with two lines permits only oxygen-based bleaches. A crossed-out triangle indicates that bleaching is prohibited, as chlorine-based bleaches can permanently damage the fabric and alter the colour of coloured garments.
Dry-cleaning symbols – the circle
The circle indicates that the garment is suitable for professional dry cleaning. The letters inside the circle indicate the care instructions and refer to the permitted solvents used in dry cleaning: ‘A’ – cleaning with all types of chemical solvents, ‘P’ – dry cleaning without the use of solvents, ‘F’ – dry cleaning in a solution of fluorocarbon or petrol, ‘W’ – wet cleaning. A crossed-out circle indicates that dry cleaning is not permitted. Hexeline dresses made from viscose, taffeta or linen have specific care requirements – each fabric reacts differently to temperature, water and the chemicals used in dry cleaning.
What do the various drying symbols mean?
Drying your laundry correctly is just as important as choosing the right washing temperature, as the wrong choice can cause permanent damage to the fabric or make it lose its shape.
The various drying symbols indicate the method and temperature for removing moisture:
- A square with a crossed-out circle (no tumble drying) – tumble drying is strictly prohibited; the item must be dried flat or on a hanger.
- A square with a circle – tumble drying is permitted without restriction.
- A square with a circle containing dots – tumble drying depending on the temperature: one dot – low-temperature drying for heat-sensitive fabrics; two dots – medium-temperature drying; three dots – drying at temperatures above 80°C.
- A square with a horizontal line (flat drying) – must be dried flat; fabrics dried vertically may become misshapen.
- A square with vertical lines (hanging) – indicates that the item must be hung to dry, e.g. on a clothesline or hanger; applies to fabrics that hang loosely.
- Dry in the shade – a square with a diagonal line indicates that direct sunlight must be avoided, as it may bleach or discolour the fabric.
A caramel-coloured waistcoat with a wool and cashmere belt and a striped merino wool waistcoat must be dried exclusively in a horizontal position, as a tumble dryer could distort the structure of the wool fibres and permanently alter the shape of the garment.
How to iron clothes properly? Symbols and instructions on the care label
Proper ironing depends on the type of fabric and the temperature indicated by the iron symbol. An iron with a single dot indicates a maximum of 110°C, which is suitable for many delicate and synthetic fabrics. Two dots (up to 150°C) apply to wool, silk and selected blends; three dots – up to 200°C – refer to cotton and linen, which often require a higher temperature to regain their smoothness. A blue linen waistcoat with a business-like style is a garment that may require more careful ironing after washing – linen has a natural tendency to crease. Ironing on the reverse side and through a slightly damp cloth protects the fabric’s surface from becoming shiny. Formal wear from the Hexeline suit range requires particularly careful ironing to maintain a perfect fit for many seasons.
Detergent, bleaching and dry cleaning – what does the care label say?
The choice of detergent, the method of bleaching and the decision on dry cleaning are all matters precisely regulated by the care label. A triangle with two diagonal lines permits only oxygen-based bleaches, as these are safer for coloured garments and delicate fabrics. A crossed-out triangle prohibits all bleaching. The circle symbol indicates that professional dry-cleaning is permitted; the letters inside the circle specify the type of care permitted at the dry-cleaner’s. A fango-coloured satin waistcoat is a garment where it is particularly worth checking the care symbol on the label, as the delicate fabric may require professional care. Elegant pieces from the Hexeline eveningwear range require greater care – the finer the fabric, the more important it is to read the care label carefully.
Care labels. Summary.
Interpreting care labels correctly is an investment in the longevity of your wardrobe and in preserving the quality of the fabrics for many seasons to come. Hexeline, with its focus on conscious fashion, limited-edition collections and carefully selected materials, designs clothes to last for years, and every care label on these garments contains the necessary instructions for their proper care. We invite you to visit one of our boutiques, where a consultant will explain the care instructions for specific items, or to browse our current range within our available collections online.
FAQ: Care labels – a guide to the symbols on clothing labels from Hexeline
The care symbols on clothing labels are a standardised language used by manufacturers to ensure that every garment reaches its owner with clear care instructions. Correctly interpreting these symbols directly affects the longevity of the garment, as ignoring the instructions on the label can lead to discolouration, the garment losing its shape, or irreversible damage to the fabric. In the Hexeline collections – made from linen, wool, viscose, cashmere and other fine fabrics – understanding the care symbols is particularly important.
A crossed-out bowl on clothing care labels indicates that the item must not be washed in water, either in a washing machine or by hand. This symbol is most commonly found on delicate fabrics and 100% wool items that require dry cleaning or professional care to prevent permanent water stains or the garment losing its shape.
Wool and cashmere garments are usually washed on a delicate cycle or by hand, at a maximum temperature of 30°C, using a detergent designed for delicate items – unless the care label states otherwise. Higher temperatures can cause the fibres to felt and may permanently alter the shape of the garment; therefore, after washing, woollen items should be dried flat, away from tumble dryers and direct sunlight.
The various drying symbols on care labels indicate the permitted drying method: a square with a circle means a tumble dryer; one with a horizontal line indicates flat drying; and one with vertical lines means drying on a hanger. A crossed-out circle symbol prohibits the use of a tumble dryer. In this case, you should dry the garment in accordance with the other symbols on the label, e.g. flat, on a hanger or in the shade.
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