Buyer guide
US Apparel Labels: Align Fibre, Origin and Care Before Production
Approve label content alongside the garment specification. Fibre composition, origin and care instructions answer different questions and need different evidence.
For a US retail program, labelling should be part of development approval, not a packaging task left until shipment. A correct-looking label can still describe the wrong fibre blend, manufacturing origin or care method.
Separate the required information
FTC guidance says most covered textile products need fibre content, country of origin and the identity of the manufacturer or another responsible business. Care instructions are addressed by a separate rule. Product-specific exceptions and placement requirements still need checking.
A registered identification number is one permitted way to identify an eligible US business; it is not a product certification. Agree with your importing team which business identification should appear, rather than copying the number from another label.
Build the label from the approved product
Use the approved fibre composition and applicable generic fibre names, not a fabric trade name alone. For mixed-material garments, review how the main fabric, lining and other relevant sections should be described. The labelling treatment of different components needs checking against the relevant rule.
Confirm origin using the actual manufacturing route and applicable US origin requirements. The fabric's origin, garment assembly location and preferential tariff eligibility are related sourcing facts, but they are not interchangeable label statements.
Support care instructions with evidence
The FTC requires a reasonable basis for care instructions and warnings. In procurement terms, review the finished combination: fabric, dyes, elastic, print, fasteners and decoration may not respond to washing in the same way.
Agree how the proposed care method will be assessed and which sample represents the bulk specification. A previous season's instruction should not automatically carry over after a material or construction change. This is particularly important when a set combines different fabrics.
Approve artwork and production together
Keep the approved label wording, artwork version, attachment position and packaging reference with the product approval. For a range with several blends or production routes, identify which variants require different labels. Ask for confirmation before printing the bulk quantity.
DALI manufactures underwear, socks, babywear, sleepwear and swimwear for bulk programs. Bring the destination requirements and available product references into the initial discussion so labelling can be coordinated with material selection and sample review. Your importing team should approve the final market-specific compliance position.
Sources and further reading
Buyer questions
Does a garment care label cover all US textile labelling requirements?
No. Fibre content, origin and responsible-business information are covered by textile labelling requirements; care instructions fall under a separate rule. Review both for the specific product.
Can a buyer reuse the care instruction from a similar garment?
Do not copy it without review. Check the instructions against the finished garment and the available evidence, especially where fabrics, elastics, finishes or decoration have changed.
Coordinate labels with the product, not after it.
Send the product type, US market requirements and available label references for an initial manufacturing review.
Discuss your collection