ASTM Care Symbol Guide
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In 1972, the Federal Trade Commission established a Care Labeling Rule requiring that all textile products sold at retail in the United States carry a permanent care label. Amendments effective in 1984 require more specific care instructions, including instructions for washing, bleaching, drying and ironing washable garments, and for any limitations to the drycleaning process. If these specific care instructions are followed by the servicing agent and the article fails to withstand the prescribed method, the resulting damage is the responsibility of the manufacturer and the garment should be returned to the retailer.

Here is a guide which depicts & explains the symbols used in those labels:

The written care instructions or fabric names on a care label are sometimes in another language. Here is a list of names and terms in the most commonly seen languages.

If you ever see the name of a fiber on a content label that you don't recognize, it is probably a trade name. Please see the list of commonly seen trade names and their generic or family name.

ASTM Care Symbol Guide
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Commonly Seen Trade Names*
TRADE NAME GENERIC TERM
Bemberg™ Rayon
Caprolan ® Nylon
Celanese ® Acetate
Cleerspan ® Spandex
Dralon™ Acrylic
Fortrel ® Polyester
Herculon™ Polyolefin/Polypropylene (Olefin)
Innova ® Polyolefin/Polypropylene (Olefin)
Lycra ® Spandex
Microsafe ® Acetate
Modal Rayon
Pil-trol ® Acrylic
Silky Touch™ Nylon
Tactel ® Nylon
Tencel ® Lyocell (a subclassification of Rayon)
Thermax ® Polyester
Thermoloft ® Polyester
Thermolite ® Polyester
Trevirafd ® Polyester
Wear-dated Acrylic
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*The above information is reprinted from Industry Focus, No. 2, March 1999, with express permission from the International Fabricare Institute (IFI).
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