The symbols that concern drying

Short answer: All drying symbols are squares. A circle inside means tumble dryer, a horizontal line means dry flat, and vertical lines mean line drying. Once you know these three signs, you can read any drying symbol in seconds.

The square means drying

On a care label, the square always stands for drying. It is the shape to look for when you want to know how an item may be dried after washing. What sits inside the square shows the method. It can be lines, a circle or dots, and each has its own meaning that is easy to remember after a while.

Square with vertical lines

One vertical line in the square means hang to dry, on a line or a hanger. Two vertical lines mean drip dry, so the item is hung up wet without spinning. You often see this on delicate items such as bamboo slips. The idea is that the water runs off by itself, so the fabric is not wrung or pressed.

Square with a horizontal line

A horizontal line in the square means dry flat. The item is laid on a level surface, such as a drying rack or a towel, and turned now and then. This method is used when the weight of wet fabric could pull the item out of shape. Drying flat is the gentlest method, since neither heat nor weight acts on the fabric.

Square with a circle

A circle inside the square means tumble drying. The dots in the circle say how hot the drum may get. One dot means low heat and two dots mean normal heat. It often appears on women's bamboo joggers. If the circle is crossed out, the item must not go in the dryer at all, whatever the heat setting.

The corner line for shade

A diagonal line in the top left corner of the square means dry in the shade. It applies whatever other method is shown, so it can appear with both line drying and flat drying. Direct sun can fade colours and stiffen fabric. You will also find the corner line on socks for men and women.

Why drying matters so much

Drying is the step where heat and movement affect fabric the most. A dryer on high heat can shrink clothes and loosen elastic. So it is a good habit to check the square before the laundry goes in the dryer, even when you know the item well and have washed it many times before.

A simple everyday tip

When in doubt, choose the gentlest method. Air drying or drying flat at room temperature harms no fabric and only takes a little more time. Many people dry flat first and hang the item up at the end, when it is almost dry. It is a simple habit that suits most soft clothing in the wardrobe.

Frequently asked questions

What is drip drying?

The item is hung up wet without spinning, so the water runs off by itself. It is gentle because the fabric is not wrung in the machine first.

Which method is the gentlest?

Drying flat in the shade at room temperature, because neither heat nor weight acts on the fabric. It takes longer, but shape and colour last better.

Can you combine methods?

Yes, many dry flat first and hang the item up at the end. The fabric rests while wet, when it is most vulnerable, and finishes faster on the line.