The square with a circle

Short answer: A square with a circle inside means tumble drying. The symbol says the fabric tolerates a dryer, while the dots inside the circle show at what heat. Allowed is not the same as best for the clothes.

The square is always about drying

All drying symbols are squares, so a square on the label is about how the item may be dried. The symbol with a circle inside the square is the most common. It says what the fabric can take, not what you should do. A quick look before starting the dryer is worth the few seconds.

The circle means tumble dryer

The circle inside the square means machine drying. If it appears on the label of bamboo boxers, they tolerate a dryer. The symbol is a permission, not a requirement, and it says nothing about how often you should use the dryer. You can always air dry, even when the circle is there.

The dots control the heat

No dot means any temperature, one dot means low heat and two dots mean normal heat. The dots sit inside the circle and are easy to miss if the label is worn. For a bamboo hoodie for men, one dot is the safe setting. So choose low heat if you are unsure.

No dot and one dot

With no dot you may use any temperature, but that does not make high heat a good idea. One dot means low heat, and that setting suits most items with elastane. If your dryer has a gentle programme, it typically matches low heat. Always choose the mildest setting that dries the laundry.

Why you should still think twice

Even when a dryer is allowed, each round costs a little elastane and a little of the fabric surface. You will not see it after one round, but after many the clothes may have lost some of their elasticity. Air drying extends the life of everything, also socks for men. It takes longer, but it spares the clothes.

Allowed does not mean best

The circle only means tumble drying is allowed, not that it is the best method. The label describes what the fabric can take, but it does not consider how long you want the clothes to last. If you want them to last, use the dryer rarely and choose low heat when you do.

How to air dry

Shake the laundry when it comes out of the machine and hang it with space around it so air can reach it. Lay heavier knits flat or hang them over a line so they do not stretch. After a night the clothes are often dry. If you use the dryer, take the clothes out while still slightly damp.

Shrinkage in the first rounds

Clothes shrink more in a dryer than when air dried, especially the first times the fabric is dried hot. So the first washes matter if you want to keep the fit. Air dry the first few times and use the dryer only afterwards, if you wish. Always check the dots so you choose the right heat.

Frequently asked questions

Does the circle mean you have to tumble dry

No, it only means it is allowed, not that it is the best method. Air drying spares elastane and surface, so you can happily choose it even when the circle is on the label.

What is low heat in degrees

Typically under sixty degrees in the drum, which matches the gentle programme. That is the heat one dot in the circle stands for, and the safest setting for clothes with elastane.

Does clothing shrink in a dryer

Yes, more than when air dried, especially the first times the fabric is dried hot. So it is a good idea to air dry new clothes the first few times and use low heat afterwards.