Have you ever been bothered by an itchy label under your clothes? Are you annoyed by the tag hanging off the edge of your sheet? Before you feel tempted to rip it off, stop and think about the key role that care etiquette plays.

The care label, or garment tag, contains information about the product’s material, making it important for consumer decision-making.

Don’t be fooled

Synthetic materials are often just pretending to be natural ones – the care label will tell you whether these “leather” shoes are made of real material or just artificial. They can also help you determine whether you are paying a fair price for something.

Find the perfect fit

The material also determines whether the garment is appropriate for the situation. A wool sweater provides warmth, while a cotton sweater is breathable and less suitable for cold weather. Fabrics such as lycra are stretchy and cling to the body, while others, such as satin, are inflexible and provide a structured look.

Longer life

Knowing the material of the fabric allows you to properly care for the wash, so that the article retains its structure and unconventional appearance for a longer period of time.

Uber alles information

Some fabrics, such as polyester, can trigger allergies, while others, such as cotton, are considered hypoallergenic and much less likely to cause a reaction.

An equally important part of the care label is the washing instructions.

Keep it!

Fabrics sometimes react adversely to heat. To avoid shrinking your favorite sweater, burning your silk shirt or stretching your wool pants, look at the care label. It will tell you the correct water, air and iron temperature to apply to your clothes.

Avoid spending

Reading care instructions before buying clothes can help you avoid items that are expensive to maintain. A label that says “dry cleaning only” means just that, and it can cost a significant amount to keep it clean.

Laze

Care labels also contain important time-saving information. Shirts and clothes that do not need to be ironed, that can be washed in the washing machine, require less time and effort.

Finally, and most importantly, the clothing label will inform you about the production process of a particular garment, allowing the consumer to easily choose local and environmentally friendly products.

So before you tear out the label, think twice – or will it still prove useful?