Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
The textile fibre names that may be used on labels in the EU are listed in Annex I of Regulation (EU) No 1007/2011. Only these names – for example cotton, wool, polyester, viscose, elastane – describe the composition. Trade marks such as Lycra or Tencel may only appear next to the legal name, and words such as “bamboo” or “microfibre” are not fibre names.
Textile fibre names – where the list comes from
The regulation contains a table of fibre names and descriptions. It is officially translated into all EU languages, so the names in each language are the same in the regulation, on labels and in laboratory reports. If a fibre is not on the list, the manufacturer can apply for it to be added, but until then it cannot be used as a name on the label.
Natural fibres
| Name on the label | Origin |
|---|---|
| Wool | Fleece of sheep or lambs |
| Alpaca, llama, camel, cashmere, mohair, angora, vicuna, yak, guanaco | Hair of the respective animals; may be written with or without the word “wool” |
| Silk | Fibre from the cocoons of silkworms |
| Cotton | Fibre from the seeds of the cotton plant |
| Flax (linen) | Fibre from the stem of the flax plant |
| Hemp | Fibre from the stem of the hemp plant |
| Jute, ramie, sisal, coir | Plant fibres for technical and interior products |
Man-made and synthetic fibres
| Name on the label | Short description |
|---|---|
| Viscose | Regenerated cellulose; includes viscose from bamboo and other plants |
| Modal | Regenerated cellulose with higher wet strength |
| Lyocell | Regenerated cellulose obtained by dissolving in an organic solvent |
| Cupro, acetate, triacetate | Other cellulose fibres, often for linings |
| Polyester | The most widespread synthetic fibre |
| Polyamide or nylon | Both names are permitted |
| Acrylic, modacrylic | Synthetic fibres, often as a wool substitute |
| Elastane | Highly stretchable fibre (known by trade marks such as Lycra) |
| Polypropylene, polyethylene | Light synthetic fibres for sports and technical products |
| Elastomultiester, elastolefin | Newer elastic fibres |
| Metal fibre, glass fibre | Decorative and technical fibres |
The tables include the names most commonly found in clothing. The full list is longer and is added to when new fibres are approved.
Words that are not fibre names
Many labels and online descriptions contain words that are commercial or marketing terms rather than legal names. They may only be used together with the correct name.
- Lycra, Spandex – the correct name is “elastane”.
- Tencel – a trade mark; the label must say “lyocell” or “modal”, depending on the type of fibre.
- Bamboo – bamboo fibres obtained by dissolving the cellulose are declared as “viscose”. “Bamboo” on its own is not a permitted name for such a material.
- Microfibre – describes the fineness of the fibre, not its type. It is usually polyester or polyamide.
- Satin, jersey, denim, poplin – these are types of weave or knit, not fibres.
- Artificial silk – the label must state the specific fibre, for example viscose or polyester.
- Rayon – a name used in the USA; in the EU “viscose”, “modal” or another precise name is written.
How the names are written on the label
- With the full name, without abbreviations such as PES, CO, EL or PA.
- In the language of the country where the product is sold – for Bulgaria in Bulgarian.
- With the percentage by weight before or after the name, in descending order.
- With the same font and size for all fibres.
- The trade mark may appear immediately next to the name, for example “elastane (Lycra)”.
Examples of correct and incorrect wording
| Incorrect | Correct |
|---|---|
| 95% CO 5% EL | 95% cotton, 5% elastane |
| 70% bamboo, 30% cotton | 70% viscose, 30% cotton |
| 100% Tencel | 100% lyocell |
| 80% wool, 20% synthetic | 80% wool, 20% polyamide |
| 100% microfibre | 100% polyester |
Recycled and organic fibres
More and more brands use recycled polyester or organic cotton. The regulation does not create separate names for them – the label says “polyester” and “cotton”. Terms such as “recycled” or “organic” can be added as additional information, but they must be provable, for example through a certificate from the fabric supplier. Unverified environmental claims on the label or in the description carry the risk of being accused of misleading advertising, so they are worded carefully and only on the basis of documents.
Multilingual labels
If the product is sold in several countries, the names are repeated in each language. A convenient approach is to prepare a table of the official translations of the fibres you use for all markets. This prevents discrepancies between collections. With many languages the label becomes multi-page – the pages are folded and sewn together into the seam. For more ideas see care and composition labels and printed labels.
Why the exact name matters
An incorrect name is among the most frequent grounds for remarks during market surveillance. Besides the risk of penalties, it undermines the buyer's trust – especially if a “bamboo” T-shirt turns out to be viscose or a “silk” blouse turns out to be polyester. An accurate label shows professionalism and is part of product quality, just like the seams and accessories. You will find the full range of labelling solutions in the labels category.
Polkom – help with preparing your label
Polkom is a Bulgarian manufacturer of labels and accessories for fashion, furniture, footwear and bags with over 30 years of experience. We can review the text of your composition before printing it on care and composition labels with your logo, and send you a sample. We deliver across the EU. Write to us via the contact page.
