75% Consider Addition of Written Explanations on Sewn Label Very Useful: GINETEX Barometer

The care label is evolving to meet the changing expectations of Europeans as a key element in guiding consumers on how to care for their clothes, according to the GINETEX Barometer. Between the need for simplification, the addition of new symbols or the integration of digital tools, there are several potential levers to improve its effectiveness and legibility.

Long Story, Cut Short

A significant majority of European consumers prioritise clear, physical care labels and are increasingly engaging in second-hand clothing purchases, reflecting shifting attitudes towards textile care and sustainability.
As sustainability becomes a central concern, consumers are adapting their clothing care and purchasing habits, emphasising the need for clear care instructions and embracing circular fashion practices.
The survey indicates a strong consumer preference for physical care labels with written instructions, scepticism towards digitised labels, and a significant engagement in second-hand clothing purchases, particularly among younger demographics.

A survey conducted across seven European countries that highlights evolving textile care habits and purchasing behaviours reveals that consumers are placing increasing importance on clear, physical care labels and are showing a growing inclination towards second-hand clothing.

The GINETEX Barometer 2024, conducted by IPSOS, surveyed consumers in Spain, Germany, Italy, Sweden, the Czech Republic, and the United Kingdom to assess textile care habits.
These insights underscore a consumer shift towards sustainability and transparency in textile care, emphasising the continued relevance of physical care labels and the growing popularity of second-hand clothing.

Key findings include:

Importance of care instructions: 82% of European consumers consider care instructions important, with 75% finding written explanations on sewn labels very useful
Preference for physical labels: A majority (58%) are not in favour of digitising care labels, citing concerns over accessibility and effectiveness.
Second-hand clothing trends: 52% of Europeans purchase second-hand clothes at least once every six months, with the UK leading at 62%.
Purchasing criteria: Price remains the primary factor for 62% of consumers, but product quality is gaining importance, rising to 55% in 2025 from 52% in 2023.
Interest in garment composition: 76% of consumers are interested in the makeup of clothes, and 63% prefer environment-friendly care instructions.

About GINETEX: Established in Paris in 1963, GINETEX (International Association for Textile Care Labelling) is behind an international textile care labelling system designed to inform textile companies, as well as consumers, about the best ways to care for their textile garments.

The care symbols used are equally registered trademarks of GINETEX and COFREET.
The group promotes these symbols to businesses and consumers and coordinates their technical content, which is essential for the definition and application of the care labelling code at the international level.
UKFT is the UK organisation responsible for the use of the GINETEX symbols and UKFT can provide a care labelling licence that allows the use of the symbols throughout the world.