Side-by-Side Comparison
Trims & Care
Buttons vs. Laundry Symbols
Comparing 2 standards across 13 specifications. 13 key differences identified.
Comparing:
Buttons
Laundry Symbols
Button sizing is globally standardized using the French Ligne scale (symbol 'L'), where 1 Ligne equals exactly 0.635 mm (1/40 inch or 0.025 in). Sized from 14L (collar button-downs) and 18L (shirt plackets) to 32L (suit coat fronts) and 40L (overcoats), the scale determines standard buttonhole cutting lengths.
International garment care symbols governed by ISO 3758 (GINETEX) and ASTM D5489 standardize washing, bleaching, drying, ironing, and professional cleaning instructions on garment tags. The system uses five core geometric shapes modified by temperature dots, cycle bars, and cross-out warnings.
Specification Comparison Table
13 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Governing Standards
|
ASTM D5171 / Traditional Ligne Standard | ISO 3758 / GINETEX / ASTM D5489 / FTC Care Labeling Rule |
|
Base Unit Definition
|
1 Ligne (1L) = 0.635 mm = 1/40 inch (0.025") | — |
|
14L Shirt Collar / Gauntlet
|
8.89 mm (0.350") | Button-down collars and sleeve placket gauntlets | — |
|
16L Shirt Cuff
|
10.16 mm (0.400") | Dress shirt sleeve cuffs | — |
|
18L Standard Shirt Front
|
11.43 mm (0.450") | Dress shirt center front placket buttons | — |
|
24L Suit Sleeve
|
15.24 mm (0.600") | Tailored suit jacket sleeve cuffs and formal vests | — |
|
30L / 32L Suit Front
|
19.05 / 20.32 mm (0.75 / 0.80") | Suit jacket and blazer front closures | — |
|
40L Overcoat
|
25.40 mm (1.000") | Heavy trench coats, pea coats, and wool overcoats | — |
|
The 5 Core Symbols
|
— | Washtub (Washing) | Triangle (Bleach) | Square (Drying) | Iron (Ironing) | Circle (Dry Clean) |
|
Temperature Dots Rule
|
— | 1 Dot = Low (30°C/110°C) | 2 Dots = Med (40°C/150°C) | 3 Dots = High (50°C/200°C) |
|
Mechanical Action Bars
|
— | No bar = Normal cycle | 1 Bar = Permanent Press/Synthetic | 2 Bars = Gentle/Wool |
|
Hand in Tub Symbol
|
— | Hand wash only (maximum 40°C / 105°F, no machine agitation) |
|
Cross-Out 'X' Modifier
|
— | Never perform the indicated operation (e.g., Do Not Tumble Dry, Do Not Iron) |