The funny thing about washcare labels is, many manufacturers and retailers are aware of the rules they need to follow when creating them – but a big percentage of these businesses don’t realise that they can get creative with their content, if they want to.
That’s right. Your washcare labels don’t have to be boring. You can have lots of fun with their designs. The trick is to make sure your labels contain all the vital information your customers expect from them, in a format that’s clear and easy to understand. From there, you can experiment with different copy, colours, and even tech, if you like!
What are the non-negotiables when it comes to designing washcare labels?
There are certain things that your labels will need to tell the wearer in order to be fit for purpose, including:
The fibre content of the garment
In the UK, the main fibre content of any garment must be displayed in percentage terms. For example, you’ll often see it specified that the clothing is 100% cotton, or 50% cotton/50% polyester.
Fibre content should be presented in a certain way, too. You can find out more about the guidance you need to follow here.
How flammable the material is
The labels on certain garments will need to contain confirmation that the material used adheres to the British standard BS-5722, which is the specification for flammability performance. This is particularly important in terms of sleepwear, like pyjamas and dressing gowns, and children’s clothes.
If the items do not meet these regulations, they must carry the warning “KEEP AWAY FROM FIRE”, in a red, capitalised, emboldened Arial font that’s at least pt. 10 in size.
Where the garment comes from
Most consumers these days want to know where their clothes have originated from. Preferences aside, it’s a legal requirement to state the country of origin on your washcare label.
Washing instructions and best care advice
Your customers will want to know what they need to do to look after their clothes in the long term. You will need to use a minimum of 5 of the common GINETEX international care symbols, in the following sequence:
- Washing
- Bleaching
- Ironing
- Dry-Cleaning
- Drying
You can find more information on washcare labelling requirements in our previous post.
How to jazz up your washcare labels next time around
Got some new designs in the pipeline? Want to elevate your labelling to help set your clothes apart from everything else that’s on the market?
Either way, it could be time to explore different washcare label design ideas, and use these otherwise unassuming marketing products to boost your wider merchandising strategy.
Here are a handful of ideas to get you started!
Include a catchy slogan
Feed your company’s strapline into the design, or come up with something witty or funny to surprise your customers when they eventually come to wash their clothing for the first time.
Experimenting with the copy on your washcare label in this way will provide you with yet another way to not only capture your buyer’s attention, but keep them engaged with your product long after their initial purchase.
Add a QR code
Largely due to the pandemic, QR codes have experienced something of a resurgence in the last couple of years. Nowadays, customers know what they’re for, they know how to use them, and they enjoy using them to interact further with the brands they often buy from. So, with all this in mind, why not keep the conversation going and the interactions flowing by adding a QR code to your washcare label?
Your code could point the customer towards your website, further care instructions, a competition, a customer poll, or even a fun quiz or game that will support your brand’s mission and keep them in front of your brand for that little bit longer.
Go for silicone washcare labels instead
Ideal for swimwear, or just for adding a different texture into the mix, our silicone washcare labels are even more durable than their standard counterparts. These labels can be produced in solid colours to create bold, eye-catching additions to any of your pieces. Here’s what they look like when they’ve been produced!
Hallmark Labels offers a fantastic range of washcare labels, all of which can be printed with your own artwork to create something entirely bespoke for your garments. Best of all, we can often produce your washcare labels in as little as 24 to 48 hours. Contact our team today to discuss your options and get advice on zhushing up your standard designs to create something that really stands out! You can also speak to us about our wider range of printed labels and care labels.
