82% of UK Consumers Find Clothing Care Labels Useful: Survey Reveals Growing Importance of Garment Care Guidance
A recent UK-wide survey shows that 82% of consumers find clothing care labels and their symbols useful when caring for garments, underlining the growing importance of clear care instructions amidst increasing awareness around sustainable fashion and garment longevity. This represents a notable increase from 78% in 2022, signaling stronger consumer reliance on care information to extend the life of their clothing and reduce waste.
Why Clothing Care Labels Matter More Than Ever
Care Labels as a Trusted Guide
Across the UK, the majority of shoppers now regard care labels as an essential tool for maintaining clothing quality. The survey, involving 1,000 adults aged 18 to 65, reveals 93% recognize at least one benefit from care instructions, primarily aiding consumers in understanding how to wash and iron clothes properly.
- Approximately 90% of respondents correctly identify common washing and ironing symbols, though lesser-known icons—especially those related to professional cleaning—still cause confusion, highlighting the need for improved clarity.
- Despite emerging digital tools, more than half of UK consumers express concerns that digital care labels could complicate following care advice.
Growing Demand for Clearer and Written Instructions
Consumers increasingly desire more detailed guidance. Over 80% want written care instructions for delicate garments and clearer explanations of care symbols, reflecting demand for transparency and ease of use.
Sustainability and Consumer Behavior Shift
Rise of Second-hand and Sustainable Wardrobes
The survey highlights a significant shift in UK fashion habits:
- Nearly two-thirds (about 66%) of UK respondents include second-hand clothing in their wardrobes, marking levels above the European average.
- Younger consumers and women are particularly engaged in embracing pre-owned fashion as part of a broader movement toward sustainability.
Quality and Care Influence Purchasing Decisions
The importance of garment care affects buying behavior, with nearly 25% now considering ease of care before purchasing new clothes. This trend aligns with a broader push toward sustainability as consumers seek to maximize garment lifespan and reduce environmental impact.
Care Habits Driven by Financial Considerations
The research shows that UK consumers’ care routines—such as washing at low temperatures, running full laundry loads, and minimizing ironing—are motivated more by cost savings than environmental concerns. However, these habits contribute positively to energy reduction and clothing preservation.
Official Insights and Industry Responses
UK Fashion and Textile Industry Perspectives
Representatives from the UK Fashion & Textile Association (UKFT) emphasize:
- “Care labels remain a widely trusted source of guidance, particularly among women and people over 25.”
- “With rising conversations around circular fashion and responsible consumption, care labels offer a practical, accessible tool to encourage better garment care.”
- “Our care labelling licence allows brands to use official GINETEX and Clevercare symbols, ensuring regulatory compliance and global consistency.”
These statements highlight the role of industry standards in educating consumers and supporting sustainable practices.
Digital Tools and Innovation
While the “My care label” app has gained recognition—known by 16% of UK consumers, the highest rate in Europe—traditional labels continue to dominate as a preferred source of information, suggesting that digital solutions remain supplementary rather than replacement resources.
Environmental Impact and Broader Context
Progress in Reducing Fashion’s Footprint
Beyond consumer habits, industry efforts have improved environmental outcomes. According to WRAP’s Sustainable Clothing Action Plan (SCAP):
- Carbon footprints per tonne of clothing have reduced by 10.6% since 2012.
- Water usage dropped by 13.5%.
- Waste generated per tonne of clothing saw a minor reduction of 0.8%.
Consumers’ lower washing temperatures and reduced ironing and tumble drying are key contributors to these gains.
The Urgent Need for Transparent Information
There is widespread demand for more transparency about fabric origin and organic status, with over 80% of consumers wanting better labelling on these aspects. Clarity around sustainability credentials is becoming as critical as care instructions themselves.
Summary of Key Statistics
| Statistic | Percentage / Detail |
|---|---|
| UK consumers finding care labels useful | 82% |
| Consumers recognizing one or more benefits | 93% |
| Consumers including second-hand clothing | Approximately 66% |
| Systematic adherence to care instructions | 17% |
| Recognize common washing/ironing symbols | 90% |
| Desire clearer/written care instructions | Over 80% |
| Awareness of “My care label” app | 16% |
Care Labels Play a Vital Role in UK Fashion Sustainability
The 2025 survey results underscore clothing care labels as an increasingly vital element in consumer fashion choices and habits in the UK. As shoppers become more conscious of sustainability and garment longevity, clear and accessible care information—both on labels and through potential digital tools—is essential.
With rising second-hand fashion adoption and deeper care habits aligned with cost efficiency and environmental benefit, the UK market demonstrates an evolving commitment to responsible consumption. Industry collaboration through initiatives like UKFT’s licensing and SCAP’s
