Care guide · Reviewed 13 August 2026

How to read clothing care labels.

Care belongs in the buying decision when it changes how often you will use the garment.

Read the full sequence

Check washing, bleaching, drying, ironing and professional-care instructions where supplied. One familiar symbol does not explain the complete routine.

Find the likely source of friction

Translate “dry flat,” “do not tumble dry,” low-temperature ironing or professional cleaning into the space, time, equipment and cost available to you.

Keep missing care missing

If a retailer page does not publish care information, CATWLK records that it could not be checked. Do not convert silence into an easy-care claim.

Use the attached label

Retailer-page information helps before purchase. Once the garment arrives, follow the attached garment-specific care label and inspect it before removing tags.