A Study on the Care Labels of Blue Jeans

청바지의 취급상 주의표시에 관한 연구

The purpose of this study is to investigate the washing methods specified on care labels of blue jeans and to examine the appropriateness of the specification. In the study, the present condition of care labels on 100% cotton blue jeans was investigated and the consumers' washing methods of blue jeans were surveyed. Also, the shrinkage of blue jeans after washing was measured. The major results were as follows: 1. In spite of the fact that same materials of 100% cotton denim were used in all cases, washing signs on care labels showed very differently and the symbols of hand wash, using light duty detergent, no wring, drying in shade, and warm ironing with a covering cloth were demanding too high level of care for the protection of blue jeans. 2. Almost all consumers didn't follow instructions proposed on care labels because they didn't anticipate problem. In reality, most consumers washed blue jeans by machine in cold water with heavy duty detergent at standard course, dried under the sun, and didn't iron. The 40.8% of consumers didn't have problems even if they didn't follow instructions. Most problems happened after washing were shrinkage in length, but in shrinkage test after 15 times washings, it was found that there was no serious shrinkage problem. 3. For ideal care of blue jean, it is necessary for manufacturers to recognize the importance of care label and to stick correct appropriate care label. Also, consumers have to trust and follow instructions on care label.