Start with the destination market, not the label design
When you approve a care label or a shoe label, the first question is not what it looks like but which market it must satisfy. Garment and footwear labelling rules differ by country, and a single label that works for the US may fail in the EU or vice versa. This article walks through the compliance points that matter most for apparel and shoe production, with a focus on what you need to specify to your supplier before bulk production.
Core garment and footwear labelling requirements by market
US market
For apparel, the Federal Trade Commission enforces care labelling and textile fibre disclosure. Care labels must be attached and remain legible for the life of the garment. Fibre content must be stated as a percentage, and country of origin must be marked. For footwear, the FTC requires country of origin marking, and certain materials must be disclosed. There is no single federal shoe sizing standard, but retailers often expect conversion charts.
EU market
EU textile fibre names and labelling are governed by Regulation (EU) No 1007/2011. Textile products must be labelled with fibre composition in the official languages of the member state where they are sold. Care labelling in the EU is largely voluntary under the current framework, but many brands follow the GINETEX care symbol system. Footwear has its own directive: Directive 94/11/EC on the labelling of materials used in the main components of footwear. This requires symbols or text indicating the material of the upper, lining and sock, and outer sole.
Southeast Asia
ASEAN countries have their own labelling rules, often requiring local language, importer details and fibre content. For example, Indonesia and Thailand require labels in the local language for consumer products. Always confirm with your buyer or a local compliance agent, as enforcement varies.
Matching label type to product and compliance need
The physical label must carry the required information and survive the product's expected care. The table below compares common label options for garments and shoes.
| Label type | Typical use | Material | Key compliance note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Woven care label | Garment side seam or back neck | Polyester or nylon tape | Must remain legible after washing; fibre content and care instructions |
| Printed care label | Lightweight garments | Satin or cotton tape |
