Reading a clothing label is a skill that many people overlook. You look at the price, you feel the fabric, and you try it on. But the label—the small tag sewn into the seam—contains critical information about safety, sizing, and care. For baby clothes, understanding the label is even more important. Infants have sensitive skin, and the wrong fabric or chemical treatment can cause irritation. This guide will walk you through how to read clothing labels, focusing on safety categories, sizing standards, washing symbols, and color choices. By the end, you will know exactly what to look for when buying clothes for your baby—or for yourself.
Introduction
Clothing labels are not just for washing instructions. They tell you the safety level of the garment, whether it fits properly, and how to care for it to extend its life. In China, clothing is classified into three safety categories: A, B, and C. These categories determine what the garment is suitable for. Sizing should follow standard number-letter combinations, not just S, M, L. And washing symbols follow a specific order—if they are out of order, it is a sign of a careless manufacturer. Learning to read these details helps you choose safer, better-quality clothes.
What Do Safety Categories Mean?
Clothing in China is classified into three safety categories based on the intended wearer and contact with skin.
- Category A: For infants and young children under 2 years old. This is the highest safety standard. Garments in this category have strict limits on formaldehyde, pH levels, and dye fastness. They are safe for babies with sensitive skin.
- Category B: Products that can come into direct contact with the skin. This includes most adult underwear, T-shirts, and shirts. They meet safety standards for normal skin contact.
- Category C: Products that cannot come into direct contact with the skin. This includes outerwear like jackets and coats. These garments may have higher chemical residues and are not meant to be worn against bare skin.
What to avoid: If you see underwear labeled as Category C, or simply marked as “qualified product” without a category, do not buy it. It does not meet the safety standards for skin contact.
- Real Case: A parent bought a set of baby pajamas from an online seller. The tag only said “qualified product” with no category. After a few wears, the baby developed a rash. A lab test revealed formaldehyde levels above the limit for infant clothing. The parent now checks every label for the clear “Category A” mark.
How Do You Read Size Labels?
Size labels tell you whether a garment will fit. The way the size is presented matters.
Avoid S, M, L
If a label uses only S, M, L, or XL to indicate size, it does not meet Chinese national standards. This is a red flag. It suggests the manufacturer is not careful, and the quality may be unreliable.
Look for Number-Letter Combinations
Proper sizing uses a format like “175/88A” . The numbers indicate:
- Height: The first number (175) is the height in centimeters the garment is designed for.
- Chest or waist circumference: The second number (88) is the chest circumference (for tops) or waist circumference (for bottoms).
The letter at the end indicates body type:
- A: Normal build
- B: Plump
- C: Fat
- Y: Thin
For baby clothes, you will see numbers like “80/48” or similar, indicating height and chest or waist measurement.
- Real Case: A shopper bought a “M” sized shirt online. When it arrived, it was too small. She later learned that “M” varies by brand. Now she only buys clothes with numeric sizing like “170/92A” and knows exactly what will fit.
What Do Washing Symbols Mean?
Washing symbols tell you how to care for the garment. The order of symbols also matters. They should appear in a standard sequence: washing, drying, ironing, and professional care. If the order is confusing or out of place, it is a sign the manufacturer is not very formal.
Basic Washing Symbol
A tub of water with a hand means hand wash. A tub with a temperature, like 30°C, means machine wash with water below that temperature. A cross over the tub means do not wash.
Bleaching Symbol
A triangle indicates chlorine bleach is allowed. A triangle with a cross through it means do not use chlorine bleach.
Drying Symbol
A square with a vertical line inside means hang to dry. A square with a horizontal line means lay flat to dry (common for wool sweaters). A square with a circle inside means tumble dry allowed. A cross over any of these means do not use that drying method.
Ironing Symbol
An iron with a cross through it means do not iron. An iron with dots indicates temperature: one dot for low, two for medium, three for high.
Professional Care Symbol
A circle with a P inside means dry clean with tetrachloroethylene. A circle with a W inside means professional wet cleaning. A circle with a cross through it means do not dry clean. A circle with no letter means dry clean with any solvent.
What Colors Should You Choose?
Color choice matters, especially for baby clothes and underwear.
Avoid Dark Colors for Undergarments
Experts recommend avoiding dark colors like navy blue, black, red, and purple for underwear and clothes that touch the skin directly. Darker colors require more dye and often use stronger chemical treatments. These dyes can contain harmful substances that may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.
Choose Light Colors
Light-colored clothing—whites, pastels, light pinks, light blues—generally have lower dye content and fewer chemical treatments. They are safer for sensitive skin, especially for babies who wear the same garment for long periods.
Conclusion
Reading a clothing label is a simple habit that protects you and your baby. Check the safety category: A for infants, B for skin contact, C for outerwear. Check the size format: Look for number-letter combinations like 175/88A, not just S, M, L. Check the washing symbols: They should be in a logical order; a jumbled order signals a careless manufacturer. Choose light colors for underwear and baby clothes to minimize exposure to dyes. By paying attention to these four things, you can choose safer, better-quality clothes that fit well and last.
FAQ
Q: What should I do if I buy a garment with only S, M, L sizing?
A: Be cautious. The lack of numeric sizing suggests the manufacturer may not follow standard quality practices. Check the garment carefully for other signs of quality—seams, fabric, and washing symbols. If possible, return it and buy from a brand that uses proper sizing labels.
Q: Can I trust a label that says “Category A” for baby clothes?
A: Yes, but also check that the garment is from a reputable brand or retailer. Counterfeit labels exist. Look for clear printing, consistent font, and a complete label that includes fiber content, washing instructions, and manufacturer information. If anything seems off, do not buy.
Q: Are dark-colored clothes always unsafe?
A: Not always. High-quality dark-colored clothes from reputable brands use dyes that meet safety standards. However, for infants and for clothes that touch the skin directly, light colors are a safer choice. If you buy dark-colored undergarments, wash them several times before wearing to remove excess dye.
Import Products From China with Yigu Sourcing
Sourcing baby and children’s clothing from China requires a partner who understands safety standards, labeling requirements, and quality control. At Yigu Sourcing, we have experience in the apparel industry. We help our clients connect with manufacturers who produce Category A infant clothing with proper labeling and safe materials. We verify that tags meet national standards—numeric sizing, correct washing symbols, and accurate fiber content. We also check for harmful substances like formaldehyde and heavy metals. Whether you need baby pajamas or everyday wear, we help you source safe, compliant products. Let us handle the complexities of sourcing from China.