Short production runs of exclusive high-priced garments mean manufacturers frequently do not have their creations tested by a recognised testing house.
Unfortunately manufacturers often use d, D, f or F symbols on care labels even though the garments have not been tested against BS/ISO standards for drycleanability – this is not illegal.
However, if a manufacturer uses the symbols without testing and the garment fails in drycleaning, the responsibility lies with the retailer/manufacturer – provided the cleaner used the appropriate cleaning process for the care label and the process conforms to the care label specifications.
If things go wrong and you do not believe it is your fault and the retailer/manufacturer claims the garment has been tested, ask for the name of the testing house and the test certificate number.
Consider the following when accepting designer garments.
The more exclusive the label, the less likely it is that the garment has been tested against the relevant BS/ISO standard.
It is usually safer to remove trimmings such as buttons and beads rather than protect them.
Consider cleaning, spotting and finishing – do you have the right skills and equipment?
Where items have been purchased abroad, it may not be possible for the customer to return the item to the retailer.
