What does FSC mean on a clothing label

Short answer: What does FSC mean? It is a label from the Forest Stewardship Council, and it shows that wood or plant material in the product comes from forests run under FSC rules. On clothes it means that the raw material for the fibres has been traced back to a certified source.

What does FSC mean on a garment

FSC stands for Forest Stewardship Council, an organisation that sets rules for how forests are managed and how wood is followed from forest to product. The label on the clothes tells you that part of the raw material comes from such a certified source.

Why a tree label on textiles

Some fabrics, such as viscose, lyocell and modal, are made from cellulose taken from wood or other plants. That is why the label can appear on clothes, even if it seems surprising, because the fibres basically come from a plant material that originates in forests.

The different versions of the label

The label comes in several versions, for example for products with only certified material or with a mix of other material. Read the text next to the logo, because it tells you how much of the raw material is certified. See also the range for women.

The code under the logo

A genuine label has a licence code that you can look up and check. If the code is missing, you cannot see who is allowed to use the label, and then it is wise to ask the shop before you rely on it.

What the label covers

The label covers the raw material's journey from the forest through the steps of production. It is information about where the material comes from and how it has been followed, but not a measure of how soft or hard-wearing the finished fabric is.

What the label does not say

FSC says nothing about how the fabric was spun, dyed or sewn, and nothing about fit or durability either. It is therefore only one piece of information among several, and you should read the composition and the care label alongside it.

How to read it in the shop

Look for the logo, the text and the code, and then read the fibre name. For everyday wear you can compare bamboo T-shirts for women and look at the details for each piece, so you know what you are choosing.

When you can ignore the label

If you simply want a soft garment for everyday wear, the label does not have to decide your choice. Feel the fabric, read the care label, and think of a pair of socks for women in the same softness if you want an even feel.

Frequently asked questions

Does FSC mean the clothes are organic

No, FSC concerns how forests are managed and how wood or plant material is traced. It says nothing about how the fibres were grown or whether the fabric is organic.

How can I check that the FSC label is genuine

Look up the licence code under the logo on the FSC website. If the code is missing, ask the shop what the label covers.

Is FSC a guarantee of quality

No, it is about origin and traceability, not about how soft or hard-wearing the fabric is. Always read the composition and the care label too.

You can find the full range at Copenhagen Bamboo.