Care labels are tiny instruction manuals sewn into your clothing. They tell you how to wash, dry, iron, and otherwise treat a garment so it lasts longer and keeps its shape, color, and finish. Once you can read a label confidently, decisions like whether to hand-wash a delicate blouse or tumble-dry a knit become simple—and you’ll waste less time guessing. Below are clear, usable rules and outfit choices for common label directions.
Understanding wash symbols and temperatures
The wash tub icon indicates how to wash an item and often includes a number for temperature. A plain tub with a warm number means machine wash at that temperature; a hand in the tub means hand-wash only. Choose detergent suited for the fabric type—mild detergents for delicates, regular for cottons and blends.
Practice on outfits: treat a printed polyester dress like the a favorite piece from the current collection as machine-washable on a gentle cycle in cold water to protect prints. For mixed-fiber everyday pieces like tees, use the temperature indicated—cold for bright colors to prevent fading, warm for heavy cottons to remove soil.
Drying advice: tumble, line, or flat?
The square symbol denotes drying. A circle inside a square signals tumble dry; dots indicate heat level (one dot = low). A plain square with a curved line at the top means line-dry, while a square with a horizontal line means dry flat—important for knits to avoid stretching.
Outfit choices: if a label says 'dry flat,' lay sweaters and delicate knits on a towel to preserve shape. For flowy pieces like the a favorite piece from the current collection made from lightweight polyester, line-dry or hang to maintain pleats and movement—avoid high-heat tumble drying, which can dull texture and distort cutouts.
Ironing, steaming, and avoiding damage
A small iron icon tells you if and how to press a garment; dots indicate the recommended heat setting. A crossed-out iron means don’t iron. When in doubt, use a low setting or protect fabric with a pressing cloth to prevent shine and scorch marks.
Steaming is a safe alternative for pleated and delicate garments—steam the a favorite piece from the current collection from a distance to relax wrinkles without crushing pleats. For printed, slim-fit pieces like the a favorite piece from the current collection, press inside out to protect prints and always follow the label’s temperature guidance.
Special symbols and practical tips
Look for a circle symbol for professional cleaning: a plain circle suggests dry-clean only. Letters inside the circle provide instructions for the cleaner. If the label allows gentle washing but the piece has structure or embellishments, consider professional care to preserve shape.
Other practical steps: always check for extra notes like 'wash with like colors' or 'do not wring.' Turn garments inside out to protect finishes and prints, use mesh bags for delicates in the machine, and repair small issues—like a loose seam—before laundering to prevent further damage.
Reading care labels takes a little practice, but it protects your wardrobe and helps you make smart choices for each garment. Follow symbols, match the method to the fabric, and use straightforward techniques like low heat, flat drying, and steaming to keep pieces—whether a printed party dress or a pleated maxi—looking their best.
A few pieces to make it yours.
Related catalog pieces, not the exact items in our editorial photographs.
