ISO 3758 Standard Explained
Complete guide to ISO 3758:2023, the international standard for textile care labeling symbols. Learn how this standard ensures consistent care instructions worldwide.
What is ISO 3758?
ISO 3758 is an international standard published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) that specifies the symbols used for textile care labeling. This standard ensures that care labels on clothing are consistent and understandable across different countries and languages.
The current version is ISO 3758:2023, which was published to update and refine the symbol system used for indicating how textiles should be cared for during washing, drying, ironing, bleaching, and professional cleaning.
Purpose and Scope
Universal Understanding
ISO 3758 creates a universal language for textile care that transcends linguistic barriers. A symbol means the same thing whether you're in New York, Tokyo, Paris, or London.
Consumer Protection
The standard helps protect consumers by ensuring accurate care instructions are provided with all textile products, helping prevent damage and extending the life of garments.
Symbol Categories in ISO 3758:2023
Washing
Symbol: Bucket/Tub
Indicates washing instructions including water temperature and cycle type
Bleaching
Symbol: Triangle
Shows whether bleaching is allowed, restricted, or prohibited
Drying
Symbol: Square
Specifies drying methods including tumble drying, line drying, and flat drying
Ironing
Symbol: Iron shape
Indicates ironing temperature and steam usage guidelines
Professional Cleaning
Symbol: Circle
Covers both dry cleaning and professional wet cleaning processes
Key Features of ISO 3758:2023
ISO 3758 vs GINETEX
GINETEX (Groupement International d'Étiquetage pour l'Entretien des Textiles) is a European organization that developed one of the first standardized care labeling systems. While GINETEX was influential in the creation of ISO 3758, there are some key differences:
GINETEX
- • European origin
- • Established in 1963
- • Uses 5 basic categories
- • Regional variations possible
ISO 3758
- • International standard
- • First published in 1991
- • Universal application
- • Updated regularly (latest: 2023)
Benefits for Consumers and Manufacturers
For Consumers
- • Easy to understand care instructions regardless of language
- • Reduced risk of damaging clothes
- • Consistent meaning across brands and countries
- • Better garment longevity
For Manufacturers
- • Compliance with international trade requirements
- • Reduced customer service inquiries
- • Standardized labeling process
- • Global market accessibility
Explore All ISO 3758 Symbols
Our complete database includes all 79+ symbols defined in ISO 3758:2023 standard.