The Second Label: What Clothing Tags Don’t Tell You (But Should)
You can usually spot me in a store doing one very specific thing: turning a garment inside out like it’s a Rubik’s Cube.
Some people look confused. Others pretend they don’t see me inspecting seams like I’m hunting for secrets. But after years of asking awkward questions and buying things I later regretted, I’ve learned something: the truth about clothes is rarely on the front tag.
It’s tucked away. Hidden in plain sight. I call it: The Second Label.
What Is the Second Label?
Most garments have at least two labels:
- The first label: the clean, visible one with brand, size, and sometimes an inspirational quote.
- The second label: usually a long, tucked-away tag inside the side seam. It may be boring, but it’s the real story.
This second label typically includes:
- Country of origin
- Fiber content
- Care instructions
- Manufacturer identity (like a Registered Identification Number or RN in the U.S.)
In the United States, this information is required by law, but the FTC doesn’t require it to be on a separate or hidden tag. If everything is included on a single label, that’s perfectly acceptable — as long as it’s visible and legible at the point of sale.
Why Many Brands Still Separate It
There’s no legal reason to hide this information — but many brands do it anyway:
- Marketing Aesthetics: They want a minimal front-facing label that fits the brand vibe.
- Global Compliance: International garments require multilingual info, care symbols, and codes — which take space.
- Psychological Distance: Let’s be honest: “100% polyester” or “Made in XYZ” might raise questions.
Why brands use a 'second label': A legal requirement meets marketing strategy.
What to Look for in the Second Label
Flip the tag and look for:
- Fiber Content — Prefer natural or certified fibers like TENCEL™, ECOVERO™, or recycled cotton
- Country of Origin — A garment “designed in France” may still be produced elsewhere
- RN Number — Traceable via the FTC website in the U.S.
- Care Instructions — These tell you how durable and delicate your piece truly is
Certifications That Matter
These build trust:
- GOTS – Global Organic Textile Standard
- OEKO-TEX® – Free from harmful chemicals
- Fair Trade Certified – Ethical labor and trade
- GRS – Global Recycled Standard
- FSC® / PEFC – Responsible wood-based fibers
QR Codes and Tech-Enhanced Transparency
More brands are stitching QR codes directly into garments. One scan can show:
- Sourcing maps
- Material certifications
- Factory information
- Styling tips or repair instructions
Fixing the Itch: Material Innovation in Labels
Goodbye scratchy polyester! Conscious brands now use:
- Recycled cotton or organic label fabric
- Printed-in labels (especially in activewear)
- Compostable or paper-based labels
- Plant-based film alternatives
What About Artisanal Clothing?
At artisan fairs or local markets, you may not find a second label. And that’s part of the charm.
Instead of compliance tags, transparency comes through:
- Verbal storytelling
- Handwritten care notes
- Face-to-face trust
But remember: when small-batch makers start mimicking mass production, we lose what makes handmade special. Let artisans be artisans — without the pressure to label like a factory.
When Shopping Online: This Info Should Still Be Visible
Even if a garment doesn’t have a second label physically, the information must be clearly visible online.
Transparency around manufacturing and materials is what a label is meant to communicate — and it’s the foundation of ethical fashion. At WONENA, we work hard to ensure you have that clarity at your fingertips, including:
- Fiber details and sourcing listed on every product page
- Information about each brand’s values and practices
- Transparency even for brands still on their sustainability journey
Because visibility fuels trust — and trust is how we reshape the fashion industry.
Final Thoughts (From the Girl Still Getting Weird Looks in Stores)
I’m still that person flipping clothes inside out in every boutique. And I’m okay with that.
Because while the first label shows you the name, the second label tells you the truth.
Want help reading the second label — or knowing what to look for when a brand doesn’t use one? Explore our consciously curated marketplace where the full story is never hidden.
