Laundry Symbols vs. Zippers
Comparing 2 standards across 12 specifications. 12 key differences identified.
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.
Zipper sizing standards under ASTM D2061 and ISO 28219 classify zippers by the physical width of the closed interlocking teeth (chain) in millimeters. Designated as #3 (4.5 mm), #5 (6.0 mm), #8 (7.5 mm), and #10 (10.0 mm), zipper chains are built in Nylon Coil, Molded Vislon Plastic, and Clamped Metal styles.
Specification Comparison Table
12 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Governing Standards
|
ISO 3758 / GINETEX / ASTM D5489 / FTC Care Labeling Rule | ASTM D2061 / ISO 28219 / BS 3084 |
|
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) | — |
|
#3 Zipper Chain Width
|
— | 4.0 to 4.5 mm (0.16–0.18") | Dresses, interior pockets, cushion covers |
|
#5 Zipper Chain Width
|
— | 5.8 to 6.0 mm (0.23–0.24") | Universal jacket front, jeans, hoodies, backpacks |
|
#8 Zipper Chain Width
|
— | 7.5 to 8.0 mm (0.30–0.31") | Heavy winter parkas, motorcycle jackets, duffels |
|
#10 Zipper Chain Width
|
— | 10.0 to 10.5 mm (0.39–0.41") | Heavy luggage, tents, marine boat canvas |
|
Chain Constructions
|
— | Nylon Spiral Coil (CFC) | Molded Vislon Plastic (POM) | Clamped Metal Teeth (M) |
|
Slider Lock Mechanisms
|
— | Auto-Lock (clothing) | Non-Lock (luggage) | Pin-Lock | Reversible |