At FashionTT's Fashion UPGRADE! Workshop, Violet Davis-Maurice addressed the importance of properly labelling garments for retail, both locally and internationally.

1. 3/17/2016vdm fashion tt. 1
LABELLING OF GARMENTS
PRESENTED BY VIOLET DAVIS-MAURICE
TTS 76. Part 3-2007

2. SCOPE OF THE STANDARD
 Applies to the labelling of all garments offered for sale in Trinidad
andTobago.
 It is applicable to the labelling of all types of garments, whether
made of textile, plastics, plastic-coated fabric, suede or grain,
leather, furs or any combination of these materials, including
school uniforms, hosiery, neckwear, headgear, fashion gloves,
mittens and mitts, cloth diapers, handkerchiefs, swim wear and
waterproof rain wear.
 Although labelling requirements outlined therein applies, this
standard does not prescribe requirements for labelling of:
a) children's nightclothes for fire hazard; or
b) personal protective wear for performance and other
requirements
3/17/2016vdm fashion tt. 2

3. REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD
Fiber Content.
 It must be labeled to show the fiber content, the generic fiber names and percentages by
weight of each constituent fiber must be listed in descending order of
predominance.(e.g.65% Rayon 35% polyester)
 If the product is made from one fiber, you may use the word “All” instead of “100%.” For
example: “100% Wool” or “All Wool.”
 The disclosure requirement applies only to fibers in yarns, fabrics, clothing and other
household items. If part of the product is made from a non-fibrous material — such as
plastic, glass, wood, paint, metal or leather — you don’t have to include that on your label.
That includes the contents of zippers, buttons, beads, sequins, leather patches, painted
designs, or any other parts that are not made from fiber, yarn, or fabric.
 In general, you may name only the fibers that comprise 5% or more of the fiber weight.
Fibers of less than 5% should be disclosed as “other fiber” or “other fibers” and not by their
generic name or fiber trademark.15
3/17/2016vdm fashion tt. 3

4. REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD
IDENTIFICATION OFTHE MANUFACTURER,
IMPORTER, OR RETAILER
 Either the company name, or the Registered Identification
Number (TTBS) of the manufacturer, importer or another
firm marketing, distributing or otherwise handling the
product.
 A TTBS no is issued and registered by the TTBS and may be
issued to any firm in the Caribbean that manufactures,
imports, markets, distributes or otherwise handles textile
products.
 You may use an TTBS no instead of a name to satisfy the
labelling requirement
3/17/2016vdm fashion tt. 4

5. REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN
 The rules require labels to disclose the country
where the product was processed or
manufactured.
 The country where an imported product is
processed or manufactured is the country of
origin as determined under the laws and
regulations enforced by Customs.
3/17/2016vdm fashion tt. 5

6. REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD
SIZE
There are three approaches for size-labelling of clothes:
 Body dimensions-the label states the range of body
measurements for which the product was designed. (e.g. to fit
waist 32-34)
 Product dimensions- the label states characteristic dimensions of
the product. (e.g. jeans label stating inner leg length of the jeans
in centimetres or inches (not inner leg measurement of the
intended wearer
 Ad hoc size-the label states a size number or code with no
obvious relationship to any measurement. (For example: Size 12,
XL)
3/17/2016vdm fashion tt. 6

7. REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
 Labels containing care instructions must be attached permanently to the item.
 Care labels must be attached so that they can be seen or easily found when the
product is offered for sale to consumers. If the product is packaged, displayed, or
folded so that customers cannot see or easily find the label, the care information
must also appear on the outside of the package or on a hang tag fastened to the
product.
 Care labels must state what regular care is needed for the ordinary use of the
product. In general, labels for textile wearing apparel must have either a washing
instruction or a dry-cleaning instruction.
 If either washing or dry- cleaning can be used on the product, the label need have
only one of these instructions.
 If the product cannot be cleaned by any available cleaning method without being
harmed, the label must so state. [For example, if a product would be harmed both by
washing and by dry- cleaning, the label might say "Do not wash -- do not dry- clean,''
or "Cannot be successfully cleaned”
3/17/2016vdm fashion tt. 7

8. BENEFITS OF CARE LABELLING
 Care labelling provides the public with enough
information to:
 Know how to care for clothing and textile products
 Have prior knowledge of costs such as dry cleaning
in the ongoing care of clothing and textile products
 Understand how to clean clothing and textile
products properly (e.g. cold hand wash only)
 Maximize the useful life of clothing and textile
products
 Avoid damage such as dyes running (e.g. wash
separately).
3/17/2016vdm fashion tt. 8

9. SAMPLE OF A CARE LABEL
3/17/2016vdm fashion tt. 9

10. CARE LABELLING
 Complete instruction and information about regular wash and
care of the garment and certain necessary warnings.
 The tag should give some assurance to the customer that if the
care instructions are followed properly they can keep the
garment from any damage.
 Make sure that the product gives specific details for ordinary use,
like for clothes there should be the washing instructions, method
of drying, if the garment can be ironed or not and the
temperature to use when ironing.
 It is very necessary that terms that the customer can easily
understand are used.
 It is necessary that the tag is placed such that it can be visible on
purchase.
 If the product is made up of multiple fabrics all the fabric
compositions should also be mentioned on the tag.
3/17/2016vdm fashion tt. 10

11. CARE LABELLING
 This information provides the customer with
details on how to care for their garment and
any specific details that are required. The
labels also advise on how to properly clean
the garments, how to avoid damage such as
dyes running and if hand washing is crucial to
maximise the life of the garment.
3/17/2016vdm fashion tt. 11

12. CARE INSTRUCTIONS
 Care labels also explain to the consumer how
much heat an item can withstand if it were
to be put into a dryer, or ironed to remove
any wrinkles and creases.
 Many times the label will state that an item
needs to be dried on a very cool cycle or even
tumble dried; also many types of fabric
cannot hold up under a lot of heat, and may
begin to melt.
3/17/2016vdm fashion tt. 12

13. BENEFITS OF LABELS
 Clothing labels allows consumers to make an
informed choice
 Consumers will look at the label to determine
if they could provide the care required
3/17/2016vdm fashion tt. 13

14. BENEFITS OF LABELS
 Care and content labels were traditionally
used as a way to communicate basic
information of the composition of fabric and
care instructions.
 In today's marketplace retailers and
merchants use them for a much wider variety
of applications that include compliance for
industry standards, and to build brand
3/17/2016vdm fashion tt. 14

15. THANK YOU
 QUESTIONS???
3/17/2016vdm fashion tt. 15