If you sell clothing in the United States, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) sets out what has to be on the label. The rules come from the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act and its Textile Rules (16 CFR part 303), the Wool Products Labeling Act (16 CFR part 300) for wool, and the Care Labeling Rule (16 CFR part 423). This guide summarizes them for brands ordering private label clothing; for edge cases, read the FTC guidance linked at the end.
The short version
Most clothing sold in the US needs these four disclosures:
- Fiber content by generic name and percentage, for example “60% Cotton, 40% Polyester”.
- Country of origin, for example “Made in Pakistan”.
- Who is responsible: your company name or your FTC Registered Identification Number (RN).
- Care instructions on a permanent label that lasts the life of the garment.
Fiber content
- Use the generic fiber names (cotton, polyester, nylon, spandex, rayon, wool) with percentages by weight, listed from largest to smallest.
- A garment made of one fiber can say “100% Cotton” or “All Cotton”.
- Fibers under 5% are usually listed as “other fiber” or “other fibers”, unless the fiber has a clear purpose (such as spandex for stretch) or is wool, which must always be named.
- Fiber names must be in type of equal size and prominence, and words can’t be abbreviated.
- Trims, small decorations and most linings can be left out with a statement such as “exclusive of decoration”. Linings and fillings used for warmth must be disclosed.
- There is a 3% tolerance on stated percentages, but none when you say “100%”.
- Non-textile parts such as zips, buttons and leather patches are not included.
Country of origin
- Imported clothing must name the country where it was made, in English, for example “Made in Pakistan”. A region such as “European Union” is not enough.
- For garments with a neck, the country of origin goes on the front of a label at the inside center of the neck, between the shoulder seams or next to another label there, and must not be covered by another label.
- For skirts and pants without a neck, the inside of the waistband is acceptable; a pocket or the inside of a leg is not.
- “Made in USA” can only be used when the product is made entirely in the US from US materials.
- Selling online or by catalog? Each product description must also say whether the item is made in the USA, imported, or both.
Your company name or RN
The label must identify the manufacturer or a US business that markets or handles the product. You can use your company name, or an RN (Registered Identification Number) issued by the FTC. RNs are only issued to US businesses; they are free and applied for online, and the FTC usually responds within a few business days. A foreign brand can use the name or RN of the US company that imports or sells the goods.
Care instructions
- Clothing needs a permanent care label that stays legible for the life of the garment.
- Give at least one safe cleaning method (washing or dry cleaning) with the details that matter: water temperature, drying method, ironing temperature and bleach use.
- Add a warning if a normal step would damage the garment, such as “Do not iron print” or “Wash with like colors”.
- You can use the ASTM care symbols instead of words, or both.
- You must have a reasonable basis, such as tests or experience with the fabric, for the instructions you give.
Where labels go
Fiber content, origin, your name or RN, and care can all be on one label, or split across several. If the fiber and identity information is on the back of a label, that label must be attached at one end only so it can be read. Hang tags can carry extra information, but they don’t replace the permanent care label. Tagless printed neck labels are allowed if they stay legible.
An example label
| Label | Example wording |
|---|---|
| Neck label (front) | YOUR BRAND · Size M · Made in Pakistan |
| Care and content label (side seam) | 80% Cotton, 20% Polyester, exclusive of decoration · RN 000000 · Machine wash cold with like colors. Do not bleach. Tumble dry low. Do not iron print. |
Your exact wording depends on the fabric and decoration, so we lay out the label with you and you approve a proof before production.
Children’s clothing
Clothing designed mainly for children aged 12 and under is a children’s product under the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA). On top of the FTC labels, it needs permanent tracking labels (your name, production location and date, and a batch or run number), a Children’s Product Certificate based on testing by a CPSC-accepted lab, and must meet the lead limits for paints, prints and trims. Hood and neck drawstrings are not allowed on children’s upper outerwear in sizes 2T to 12, and waist and bottom drawstrings are limited in sizes 2T to 16.
Common mistakes
- “Made in EU” or no country of origin at all.
- Calling bamboo-based fiber “bamboo”: the FTC requires “rayon made from bamboo” or “viscose made from bamboo”.
- Trade names instead of generic names, or percentages that don’t add up to 100.
- Care instructions only on a hang tag or the packaging.
- A country-of-origin label hidden under the brand label.
How we help
We make woven neck labels, printed care labels and hang tags with your private label clothing order and sew them in the right places. Send your RN or company details and we prepare the layout for your approval. See also our guide to importing clothing to the USA and how we work as a clothing manufacturer for US brands.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an RN number on my clothing labels?
No. An RN is optional: you can use your company name instead. Many brands use an RN because it is short and keeps the label clean. RNs are free from the FTC but only issued to US businesses.
Is a care label required on t-shirts?
Yes. T-shirts and other clothing need a permanent care label with at least one safe cleaning method and any warnings, in words or ASTM symbols.
Where does the “Made in” label go on a shirt?
On the front of a label at the inside center of the neck, between the shoulder seams or next to another label there, where it is not covered by another label.
Can I use care symbols instead of words?
Yes. The Care Labeling Rule allows the ASTM D5489 care symbols in place of words, or you can use both.
What does “exclusive of decoration” mean on a label?
It means the fiber percentages describe the main fabric only, leaving out trims and small decorations such as embroidery or appliqués, which the FTC allows.
Official sources
- FTC: Threading your way through the labeling requirements under the Textile and Wool Acts
- FTC: Registered Identification Number (RN) FAQs
- FTC: Clothes Captioning, complying with the Care Labeling Rule
- CPSC: Drawstrings in children’s upper outerwear
More guides
- Importing clothing from Pakistan to the USA
- Private label vs white label clothing
- How to start a private label clothing brand
Need labels for your next drop? See our labels, tags and packaging or request a quote with your artwork.