Drying symbols on a clothing tag tell you how to get an item dry without damaging it. They cover machine dryer heat levels, a ban on tumble drying, and air drying methods such as hanging on a line or laying flat. Reading them takes only a few seconds and can save a favorite sweater from shrinking.
Some symbols name a heat setting, while others say to skip the dryer completely. A few add a note about shade, so the item stays out of direct sunlight while it dries. Once you know the main meanings, the tag is much easier to read.
14 symbols
Drying symbols
Tumble dry, normal
Machine dryer allowed at the hottest setting.
Reserve the hottest dryer setting for sturdy cottons and linens that can handle it. If the item feels delicate or you are unsure of the fabric, choose a lower heat even though the tag allows more.
Tumble dry, low heat
Dryer allowed at low heat at most.
Choose low heat for synthetics, mixed fabrics and anything you are unsure about. It is the safest pick when the label is hard to read or the fabric is new to you.
Tumble dry, medium heat
Dryer allowed at medium heat at most.
Set the dryer to medium for everyday cottons and blends. Move down to low if this item has shrunk on you before.
Tumble dry, high heat
Dryer allowed at high heat.
Use high heat only for very sturdy items, such as heavy cotton pieces. Check the load partway through so nothing gets over-dried.
Tumble dry, no heat (air only)
Dryer allowed on no heat or air-only.
Select the air or no-heat setting for items that should never get hot. It takes longer than a heated cycle, but it is gentler on the fabric.
Tumble dry, permanent press
Use only the permanent press dryer setting.
Pick the permanent press setting for wrinkle-prone shirts and blended fabrics. Take these items out promptly so they stay smooth.
Tumble dry, gentle
Use only the gentle dryer setting.
Use the gentle setting for delicate knits and lightweight fabrics that wrinkle or pill easily. It is the right choice for anything you would otherwise hand wash.
Do not tumble dry
Do not use a machine dryer; air-dry another way.
Keep the item out of the dryer entirely, even on the lowest setting. Lay it flat, hang it, or use the other air drying method shown on the tag.
Tumble dry, normal process (international)
Normal load and temperature without limits. (up to 80°C)
Expect a normal drying process at up to 80°C for sturdy, colorfast items. Look for any other drying symbol on the tag that narrows this limit.
Tumble dry, mild process (international)
Reduced heat and time; take care. (up to 60°C)
Use the mild process at up to 60°C, which means reduced heat and shorter drying. Watch the item closely and remove it as soon as it is dry.
Line dry
Hang the damp garment on a line or bar, indoors or out.
Hang the damp item on a line or bar to dry, indoors or outdoors. Shake it out first so it dries with fewer creases.
Drip dry
Hang dripping wet, without wringing or smoothing.
Hang the item while it is still dripping wet, and do not wring or smooth it first. Let it dry on a hanger or rail so the water runs off naturally.
Dry flat
Lay the item flat to dry.
Lay the item flat on a clean towel or rack to dry. Reshape it gently with your hands so it keeps its proper form.
Dry in the shade
Added to line, drip or flat drying: keep out of direct sunlight.
This symbol is added to line, drip or flat drying, so it is never a method on its own. Choose a spot out of direct sunlight, such as a shaded indoor rack or a covered line.
Tips
Read the symbols together
A tag often shows more than one drying symbol, and each one adds information. Read the whole set before you choose a method. A ban on the dryer overrides any heat setting shown elsewhere on the tag, so check for it first.
Temperature limits on international tags
International tags show a temperature limit next to the drying symbol. The normal process allows up to 80°C, while the mild process allows up to 60°C. Treat the number as a ceiling, not a target, and pick a lower heat when the fabric is delicate.
What to do with no drying symbol
If the tag has no drying symbol at all, the maker has not given a dryer instruction. Be cautious and start with air drying or the lowest heat you have. Check the care label on the inside of the item for any other guidance before you put it in the dryer.
Common mix-ups to avoid
Do not tumble dry and tumble dry low are very different, because one bans the dryer and the other allows low heat. Permanent press and gentle are separate settings, so do not treat them as the same cycle. Dry in the shade is an add-on, not a drying method by itself.
Questions
What does the tumble dry symbol mean?
It means a machine dryer is allowed, and the heat level is shown by the setting on the tag. Hottest is the normal setting, while low, medium and high each limit the heat further. Always match the heat to the fabric.
Is tumble dry low the same as tumble dry medium?
No, they are different heat levels. Low heat allows the least warmth, while medium allows more. If you are unsure, choose the lower setting.
What does dry in the shade mean?
It means keep the item out of direct sunlight while it dries. It is added to line, drip or flat drying rather than used alone. A shaded rack or a covered line works well.
What does drip dry mean?
It means hang the item while it is still dripping wet, without wringing or smoothing it. Let the water drain naturally. This method suits lightweight items that dry quickly on a hanger.
What is the difference between permanent press and gentle?
Permanent press is for wrinkle-prone shirts and blended fabrics, while gentle is for delicate knits and lightweight fabrics. Both are dryer settings, so use whichever matches the item. Remove items promptly from either one.
What if my tag has no drying symbol?
The maker has not given a dryer instruction, so proceed with care. Air drying is the safest choice. Check the care label for any other guidance before using a machine dryer.