How to read a care label

Five symbols are all you need to make your clothes last.

Alex Klein

11 June 2026

The tub shows washing and its temperature, the triangle bleaching, the square drying, the iron ironing and the circle dry cleaning.

One bar under a symbol means gentle treatment, two bars very gentle.

Fabrics worth the money

Heavy cotton, linen, viscose: what actually lasts, and what is not worth the extra.

A summer shirt can work in winter: it is all about layering.

What actually works for a graduation day: breathable fabrics, simple cuts and one accent colour.