US Clothing Label Requirements: A Complete Checklist for Apparel Brands
Last updated: October 20, 2026
A compliant U.S. clothing label shows four things: the fiber content, the country of origin, the identity of the responsible company and care instructions. Wool products, "Made in USA" claims, fur and children's sleepwear add further requirements. This page is the hub for each rule, with links to a detailed guide for every topic.
The label requirements at a glance
| Requirement | Rule | What the label must show | Detailed guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber content | Textile Act (16 CFR 303) | FTC generic fiber names and percentages by weight, in descending order | Shopify checklist |
| Country of origin | Textile and Wool Acts; U.S. Customs marking | "Made in [country]", permanent and legible | Fiber and origin on Shopify |
| Responsible company | Textile, Wool and Fur Acts | Company name or FTC RN | RN number guide |
| Care instructions | Care Labeling Rule (16 CFR 423) | Regular care, with warnings where needed | Care labels guide |
| Wool content | Wool Products Labeling Act (16 CFR 300) | Wool, recycled wool and other fiber percentages | Wool Act guide |
| "Made in USA" claims | Made in USA Labeling Rule (16 CFR 323) | Only if "all or virtually all" is made in the US | Made in USA guide |
1. Fiber content
List every fiber by its FTC generic name with percentage by weight, from largest to smallest. Fibers under 5% are generally grouped as "other fiber" unless they serve a distinct function. Linings and other distinct components are often listed separately, and fasteners and trims are generally excluded.
2. Country of origin
State the country where the product was manufactured. For garments with a neck, put the origin label at or near the inside center of the neck. Customs also expects permanent marking on imports, so confirm the wording with your importer or customs broker.
3. Responsible company
Show the company name or RN. This identifies the manufacturer, importer, marketer or distributor responsible for the product.
4. Care instructions
Attach a permanent label with the regular care the garment needs and any necessary warnings, backed by a reasonable basis.
5. Other labels and rules to check
- Wool, recycled wool and specialty wool carry extra disclosure rules.
- Fur products fall under the Fur Products Labeling Act and need fur-specific information, including the fur's origin.
- Footwear is generally covered only for country of origin marking, not fiber content.
- Children's products have separate Consumer Product Safety Commission rules, including tracking labels and flammability standards for children's sleepwear.
- "Made in USA" and environmental claims are regulated advertising claims, not only label items.
Should the same information appear online?
Yes for country of origin, which 16 CFR 303.34 requires in online listings, and as best practice for the rest. Listings where shoppers cannot read the garment label should present fiber content, country of origin and care information that matches it. Learn how in How to Handle Fiber Content and Country of Origin Disclosures on Shopify.
Printable pre-launch checklist
- [ ] Fiber names and percentages verified against the supplier's test report
- [ ] Country of origin matches customs documents
- [ ] Company name or RN printed
- [ ] Permanent care label tested for durability
- [ ] Wool and fur rules checked where relevant
- [ ] Any "Made in USA" claim substantiated
- [ ] Product page data matches the label
- [ ] Records kept for each style
Frequently asked questions
Who enforces clothing labeling rules? The FTC enforces the Textile Act, Wool Act and Care Labeling Rule, while U.S. Customs and Border Protection enforces origin marking on imports.
Are small brands exempt? No. The rules apply to businesses of any size.
What are the penalties? FTC civil penalties can exceed $50,000 per violation, and retailers may also reject or charge back noncompliant goods.
Does my California business have extra duties? California SB 707 adds recycling-program obligations. See What Is California SB 707?
Related guides
- FTC Textile Labeling Requirements: The Ultimate Shopify Checklist
- How to Audit Your Shopify Product Catalog for Missing Textile Data
- FTC Green Guides for Clothing Brands
This article is general information, not legal advice.