Fabric content labeling on care labels is one of the most error-prone parts of garment compliance. Wrong composition, incorrect percentage order, or fiber names not recognized by local law can lead to consumer complaints, fines from market authorities, or even recalls. This guide covers the writing rules for fiber composition, the key requirements of the US FTC, EU and China markets, and the most common labeling mistakes.
1. Basic Rules for Writing Fiber Composition
- List fibers in descending order of percentage, e.g. '65% polyester 35% cotton'
- Percentages are by weight, usually rounded to whole numbers or one decimal place
- Use the standardized fiber names defined by local law (polyester, cotton, wool), never brand names or slang
- Decorative fibers or trims (lace, embroidery thread) may be exempt in some markets — check local rules
💡 Tip: like care symbols, fiber content must be permanently attached to the garment. On care labels, use heat-transfer printing or woven construction so the text survives repeated washing.
2. US FTC: Textile Fiber Products Identification Act
- Use FTC-approved generic fiber names; generic terms are interchangeable (e.g. spandex and elastane)
- Fibers under 5% must be listed as 'other fibers' or named specifically, never presented with standalone percentages that mislead
- Imported garments are covered too; the importer or US-based entity is responsible for the label
- Violations can bring civil penalties, doubled for repeat offenders
3. EU & China Requirements
| Market | Key Regulation | Key Points |
|---|---|---|
| EU | Textile Regulation (EU) No 1007/2011 | Percentages in descending order; above 85% a single fiber may be stated alone; animal-hair products must state whether the wool is new |
| China | GB 5296.4 and GB/T 29862 | Standard names and percentages required; tolerance ranges apply; hangtag and permanent label must agree |
| UK | UK Textile Labeling Regulation (aligned with EU after Brexit) | Requirements broadly aligned with the EU; watch unit and language differences |
If one garment sells into several markets, design the label template to the strictest market and map fiber names across languages (e.g. 涤纶 = polyester = polyester = poliéster).
4. Common Labeling Mistakes
- Percentages that do not add up to 100%
- Listing fibers by habit instead of descending percentage
- Claiming '100% cotton' or 'pure cotton' on blends — highly risky misleading labeling
- Hangtag composition does not match the care label
- Using informal fiber names not recognized by local law (e.g. 'spandex' where the legal term differs)
5. Pre-Order Compliance Checklist
- Composition matches the actual fabric test report (third-party lab results preferred)
- Percentages total 100% and fibers are in descending order
- Hangtag, care label and packaging information all match
- Care symbols match fiber properties (e.g. never machine-dry wool labels)
- Have a professional care label supplier double-check text size and legibility (see our care label printing article)
💡 Tip: TAGE Packaging can help review your composition text and care symbol layout, and recommend care label materials from heat-transfer to woven and coated options, reducing compliance rework.
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