Laundry symbols guide: how to read care labels

Clothing tags have always been around, but we only really read them when something goes wrong. A shrinking sweater, a fading color, a fabric that loses its shape: most of the time, the care symbol could have prevented the problem.

This guide explains the meaning of each symbol, in a logical order, so you can care for your clothes, especially your seamless panties, with confidence.

Why these symbols exist

Clothing manufacturers test their fabrics and determine the care conditions that best preserve the fabric's shape, color, and elasticity. The symbols on the label summarize these recommendations.

Following these instructions helps avoid the most common damages: shrinkage, fading, loss of elasticity, and pilling. For technical fabrics like nylon and elastane used in seamless panties, these recommendations are particularly important to follow.

Washing symbols (the tub)

The basic symbol looks like a small tub or basin. It indicates whether the garment can be machine or hand washed, and at what temperature.

Tub with a number: the number indicates the maximum washing temperature in degrees Celsius. For example, 30 means wash at 30 °C maximum.

Tub with a hand: hand wash only. Do not machine wash.

Tub with one bar underneath: delicate or gentle cycle recommended. Use the delicate program of the machine.

Tub with two bars underneath: very delicate cycle. Wash at low temperature with a minimal program.

Tub with an X through it: do not wash in water. Dry clean only.

For LICA Wear seamless panties, the symbol indicates washing in cold water (30 °C maximum), on a delicate cycle or by hand. Heat degrades elastane and permanently reduces fabric elasticity.

Bleaching symbols (the triangle)

The triangle represents bleaching.

Empty triangle: chlorine bleach allowed.

Triangle with two oblique lines: only non-chlorine bleach (oxygen-based) allowed.

Triangle with an X through it: no bleaching allowed.

For synthetic fabric underwear, bleaching is almost always not recommended. It degrades fibers and irreversibly alters colors.

Drying symbols (the square)

The square represents drying.

Square with a circle inside: tumble drying allowed. The dots inside the circle indicate the maximum temperature: one dot for low temperature, two dots for medium temperature.

Square with a crossed-out circle: do not tumble dry. Air dry only.

Square with a horizontal line in the center: dry flat on a flat surface.

Square with a suspended garment: hang to dry or on a clothesline.

Square with two oblique lines in the upper left corner: dry in the shade, away from direct sunlight. Recommended for colored or delicate fabrics.

For seamless panties, air drying is always the best option. Tumble dryer heat breaks down elastane, distorts laser-cut edges, and can damage the cotton gusset. For full details, consult our complete guide on seamless panties care.

Ironing symbols (the iron)

The iron indicates whether the garment can be ironed and at what temperature.

Iron with one dot: iron at low temperature (110 °C maximum).

Iron with two dots: iron at medium temperature (150 °C maximum).

Iron with three dots: iron at high temperature (200 °C maximum).

Crossed-out iron: do not iron.

Iron with crossed-out steam: iron without steam only.

Seamless panties should never be ironed. Iron heat damages synthetic fibers and destroys fabric elasticity.

Dry cleaning symbols (the circle)

The circle represents professional dry cleaning.

Empty circle or with a letter: dry cleaning allowed. The letter indicates the type of solvent to use (A for any solvent, P for specific solvents).

Crossed-out circle: dry cleaning forbidden.

Most synthetic fabric underwear does not need dry cleaning. A delicate wash in cold water is sufficient.

Applying these symbols to seamless panties

LICA Wear seamless panties are made of nylon and elastane with a 100% cotton gusset. These materials are durable if well maintained, but sensitive to heat and aggressive chemicals.

In practice, here's what the symbols on the LICA Wear label recommend: wash in cold water on a delicate machine cycle or by hand, no tumble drying, no ironing, no bleaching. These few simple rules can double the lifespan of your favorite panties.

To understand why this second-skin feel is worth preserving, consult our complete guide to invisible underwear.

A helpful reminder: summary table

FAQ

What does the tub symbol with an X mean? This symbol means that the garment should not be washed in water. It should be given to a professional for dry cleaning. This symbol is rare on underwear, but common on wool or silk garments.

Can seamless panties be tumble dried? No. Tumble dryer heat breaks down elastane fibers and permanently reduces the fabric's elasticity. Air drying is the only recommended method to maintain the softness and shape of your seamless panties.

Why should synthetic fabric clothes be washed in cold water? Synthetic fabrics like nylon and elastane are sensitive to heat. Hot water degrades fibers, reduces elasticity, and can cause permanent deformation. Cold water preserves the fabric structure and extends the garment's lifespan.

To properly care for your seamless panties, also consult our complete care guide.