Laundry symbols and their importance
- Farthings
- Jan 15, 2018
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 24
When we buy new clothes, we often focus on the colour, cut, or fit — but we don’t always stop to think about how we’ll care for them. And yet, that care can make all the difference in how long your favourite pieces last.
That’s where laundry symbols come in.
Every garment comes with a care label—usually tucked inside a side seam—that provides a quick, visual guide on washing, drying, and ironing it properly.
These laundry symbols aren’t just there for show. They act as your first line of defence against shrinkage, colour fade, and fabric damage.
Understanding and following those symbols is one of the simplest ways to extend the life of your clothes, especially for items made from delicate fabrics or with intricate embellishments.
Different fabrics, different instructions:
Not all clothing is created equal. A cotton t-shirt and a silk evening dress need very different treatment.
The fabric type, its composition, and any finishes or decorative elements (like beads, sequins, or embroidery) will determine how that item should be cleaned. For example:
Everyday fabrics (like cotton, polyester or denim) are usually machine washable.
Luxury or designer garments often require dry cleaning to preserve their shape, colour, and detailing.
Velvet, or silk, can be damaged with water — even if the care label suggests washing is possible.
If you skip the care instructions, you run the risk of:
Shrinking the fabric
Causing colours to bleed or fade
Damaging structural elements like boning or lining
Permanently ruining decorative features
What do laundry symbols actually mean?
Luckily, most laundry care labels follow the same internationally recognised system. These symbols are designed to be easy to spot and follow, even if you’re in a rush. They’ll tell you:
How to wash (and at what temperature)
Whether it can be tumble-dried
If you can iron it, and at what heat level
Whether it needs dry cleaning, and what type
If bleach is safe to use
At Farthings Cambridge, we take fabric care seriously.
When you bring your clothes to us—whether it’s a wedding outfit, a business suit, or a delicate evening dress—we always check the care label first. It tells us how the fabric should be treated, what to avoid, and how to preserve the colour, shape, and texture of your garment.
Your designer wear deserves to last, and we’re here to make sure it does — without the risk of fading, stretching, or fabric breakdown.
If you have any questions, just come and see us at Farthings Cambridge and we will be able to help you :)
