Every garment carries a care label with up to five symbols. Most people ignore them — until something goes wrong. This guide decodes every ISO 3758 symbol accurately, so you know exactly what each one means. Tap any symbol to reveal its full meaning. And whenever the label gives you an instruction you are unsure about — send the garment to us. We handle it from there.
\nHow to Read a Care Label
\nA care label carries up to five symbols in a fixed order. Each is independent — follow all of them.
| Position | Symbol | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Washing | Whether to wash, by what method, and at what maximum temperature. |
| 2nd | Bleaching | Whether bleach is permitted and which type is safe. |
| 3rd | Drying | Tumble dry, line dry, flat dry, or air dry only. |
| 4th | Ironing | Whether ironing is permitted and at what maximum temperature. |
| 5th | Dry cleaning | Whether professional dry cleaning is required and which solvents to use. |
On every ISO 3758 care symbol, a cross through the symbol means that action is completely prohibited. This rule is universal across all five symbol types.
Not sure what a label says? Send us the garment. We read every care label before touching any piece — it is the first step in our 12-step process.
\nWashing Symbols
\nThe wash tub is the most important symbol. The temperature shown is the maximum — always treat it as a ceiling, never exceed it.
\n \n Tap any symbol to decode it\n
Washing hotter than the label permits causes irreversible shrinkage, colour loss, and fabric damage. When uncertain, always wash cooler.
Garments showing hand wash, gentle cycle, or a crossed wash tub — these often belong with us. We will tell you honestly before doing anything.
\nDrying Symbols
\nTumble dryers cause more garment damage than washing machines. Wrong heat, wrong garment — the result is irreversible.
\n \n Tap any symbol to decode it\n
When uncertain about a garment, air dry. You can always rewash. Shrinkage from heat cannot be undone.
Structured garments, knitwear, and silk need precise drying. We dry every piece correctly — nothing goes near a tumble dryer unless the label explicitly permits it.
\nIroning Symbols
\nThe dots tell you the maximum temperature. Steam is separate — some fabrics cannot tolerate it even at the correct heat.
\n \n Tap any symbol to decode it\n
| Dots | Max temp | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| · one dot | 110°C | Synthetics, acrylic, nylon, viscose |
| ·· two dots | 150°C | Wool, polyester blends, mixed fibres |
| ··· three dots | 200°C | Cotton and linen |
A clean cotton cloth between the iron and the garment prevents sheen marks on wool and silk.
Silk, wool, velvet and embroidered garments need professional pressing. Our process covers the correct finish for every fabric type.
\nBleaching Symbols
\nThe triangle. Most garments prohibit bleaching entirely. Getting it wrong removes colour permanently.
\n \n Tap any symbol to decode it\n
Chlorine bleach permanently strips dye from coloured fabrics and weakens fibres. Oxygen-based brighteners are safer for coloured garments. When in doubt — do not bleach.
Bleach damage, colour bleed, or garments that have gone grey? Send it before trying anything else. We assess before treating.
\nDry Cleaning Symbols
\nThe circle means the garment belongs with us. The letter inside tells us exactly which solvent to use.
\n \n Tap any symbol to decode it\n
When a care label shows the dry clean circle, the fabric or construction cannot safely survive water or home treatment. We read every label before we begin.
Every circle on a care label is an instruction for us. Send the garment — we handle everything. Correct solvent. Correct process. Every time.
\nWhen to Send the Garment to Us
\nSome garments have multiple restrictions, unclear symbols, or no label. The safest action is always to send it rather than guess.
| Situation | Why home treatment is risky |
|---|---|
| Dry clean circle on the label | Water and chemicals will damage the fabric or construction. |
| Multiple crossed symbols | Washing, ironing and bleaching all prohibited — specialist treatment only. |
| No care label | Unknown fibre content. Any treatment is a risk. |
| Vintage or heirloom garments | Older fabrics are fragile. Modern detergents and temperatures can cause severe damage. |
| Wedding or occasion wear | These garments are irreplaceable. No home experiment is worth the risk. |
| Label is worn and unreadable | A faded label is not a reason to guess. We assess the fabric by hand. |
| You are uncertain about anything | Uncertainty is a good reason to stop. Wrong treatment is worse than no treatment. |
Standing at your washing machine unsure whether to proceed — WhatsApp the label to +91 98362 33354. We will tell you what it means and what we recommend. No charge, no obligation.
Common questions
\nA circle inside a square is the tumble dry symbol. One dot = low heat. Two dots = medium heat. Three dots = high heat. A cross through it means do not tumble dry.
\nA plain circle means dry clean only — no home washing by any method. A letter inside identifies the solvent: A = any solvent, P = specific solvents, F = petroleum only. A cross through the circle means do not dry clean.
\nHand wash only. Do not use a machine. Cool water, gentle detergent, handle carefully. Do not wring.
\nOne dot: maximum 110°C — synthetics. Two dots: maximum 150°C — wool and polyester. Three dots: maximum 200°C — cotton and linen. A cross means do not iron.
\nA triangle with two diagonal lines means only oxygen-based (non-chlorine) bleach is permitted. A plain triangle means any bleach. A crossed triangle means no bleach at all.
\nWithout a label, the safest approach is to do nothing at home. WhatsApp us a photo — we can often identify the fibre and construction by hand and advise the right treatment.
\n