Metal Rings For Fabric? The 68 Latest Answer

As more and more people around the world choose to learn to sew in order to sew their own clothes, it’s important to understand the different ways a garment can be attached.

Today you will learn about the different garment fasteners that can be used on the many types of clothing.

From zippers and buttons to magnets and lacing, we have many options that we can use as fasteners – so let’s dive in and take a look at them all!

Note: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

What are the Different Types of Dress Fasteners?

When it comes to creating a fashion piece, we not only have to think about how it looks, but also how to get in and out, how to “close” it.

If it’s a shirt or skirt the obvious answer would be to use buttons or a zipper, but there are other fasteners we can use!

What are fortifications?

Fasteners are the “things” used to fasten garments so that they stay closed depending on the type of garment you want to make and the fabric you want to use.

What types of garments use fasteners?

The first thing that comes to mind when thinking of the different types of garments that use fasteners are the more fitted variants, often made from woven fabrics that have very little – if any – stretch in the fabric:

shirts with buttons

blouses

bras

coats

corsets

Dresses

Jackets

the skirts

Pants

There are also knitted items that are also equipped with fasteners, such as B. Cardigans with buttons and sweaters or hoodies with zipper openings.

Dress Fasteners: The Types

There are many types of clothing fasteners and within each category there are variations. Although this is a list of 21 types of clothing fasteners, the number of options is enormous!

This is a great list to browse through if you’re looking for zipper alternatives, so let’s take a quick look at the list before I explain more about the clothing fastener type options below!

Brooches Button Buckle Clasps Eyelets Ribbons Frog Clasps Eyelets Hooks and Eyes Shoelaces Velcro Magnets Pin Snaps Snaps Safety Pins Rivets Snaps Toggles Velcro (Velcro) Zipper

As you can see, there are numerous types of clothing fasteners to choose from! Let’s take a closer look at each one.

Different types of buttons

Let’s start with the different types of buttons first before delving a little deeper into all the other types of fasteners!

Buttons are the first thing we think of when it comes to garment fasteners for our clothes – quickly followed by zippers! They are made by the millions every year, so they are easy to come by.

There are many different styles of knobs to choose from compared to when they were first invented.

In fact, buttons originally served more for decoration than function. It was in the 13th century that buttons really came into use as functional garment fasteners.

And while some of the very first buttons were made from seashells, in the 21st century they are more likely to be mass-produced from plastic, metal or wood.

Flat buttons

Most buttons that you find on fashion garments are flat buttons. These lie flat on the fabric and usually have two or four holes in the center for the needle and thread to pass through.

These types of buttons are easy to sew on, either by hand or machine if your sewing machine type will allow, and come in a variety of materials from plastic and wood to metal, glass and ceramic!

With two punched buttons, the holes are usually aligned parallel to the mounting edge.

Four-hole buttons are stronger than two-hole buttons. They work well for heavier fabrics.

shaft buttons

On a date with my partner not long after we met in 2014, he told me his favorite jacket was missing too many buttons and he had to stop wearing it.

I asked him to pass it to me, and after looking through the jacket once, I said with a cheeky wink, “Aha, I can button your buttons for you!”

Our date continued as they do.

A few weeks later he told me about his mother’s reaction when he told her I would push his buttons – she looked at him in shock! He still thinks that’s why it took his parents so long to invite me to visit! 🙂

The shank of a shank button is like a stem, with the button holding the flower at the top. Pushing a button is only possible by hand. They cannot be edited.

fabric buttons

Cloth buttons are also shanked and have no visible holes to sew through. They can be flat or round and are upholstered in fabric that is either plain or with a matching or contrasting printed fabric.

It is indeed possible to make your own fabric covered buttons, which I did to give my fanny pack a more unique look.

switches

How I remember toggles from my old school coats! Duffle coats and children’s clothing are firm favorites for adding traditional toggle closures to clothing.

While traditional-style toggles are buttons themselves, they are longer and thinner, with two holes for attaching to cord and then fabric.

Sometimes the switching edges are rounded, sometimes not. They go through a loop instead of a buttonhole.

You can also buy gags with leather sew-on sections to use as coat closures!

Toggle closures for clothing can be considered much more of a statement closure than regular buttons! What if you covered your gags with a fabric first? The contrast with the fabric of the garment could be quite a statement!

As well as the usual traditional gag type, there are also more modern plastic versions also known as “cord locks”.

These are types of fasteners – they are usually available in clear, black or colored plastic – used on garments that have a self fitting option.

Typically used on:

hems of coats and jackets

waist channels of coats

bag closures

Other dress fasteners!

However, there is so much more to fastening fabrics than just buttons, so let’s look at other types of fabric fasteners – button alternatives that work great in place of buttons!

Bolt buttons for clothing

Snap fasteners for clothing are also known as jeans buttons. These buttons are riveted, eliminating the need for a needle or thread. They are great for adding no-sew closures and are a great alternative to buttons!

Snap fasteners have a pin that is used to pierce the fabric and “push” into the button portion, pinching the fabric and holding the two pieces together.

Mainly used for denim and heavy cotton as they are too heavy for finer fabrics and would pull the fabric out of shape.

You can also get jean button kits that come with the tool – no need to figure out how to attach them yourself!

snaps and snaps

Modern snaps for clothing were originally envisioned in 1885 by a German inventor. It was a “novelty fastener” for men’s trousers.

However, they really came into vogue in America in the 1950s, when they were used to decorate embroidered and fringed shirts for the stage.

Snaps are made of rivets, so they are stronger and good for easy on and off. Shirts, rompers, bags… Oh, and the aforementioned western shirt all has snaps.

When the two pieces are put together, they make a “snapping” sound, hence the name.

I personally hate the original snaps – also called sew-on snaps. I think they’re pesky little things that require a lot of manual work to make sure they’re securely attached.

Nowadays you can buy snap kits that come with a tool for easy attachment!

hook and eye

A hook and eye is literally that. A metal hook that snaps onto the metal eyelet.

They first appeared in the 14th century. Used as an invisible button on English doublets and breeches, they were originally made by hand from wire.

The current version was created in the 19th century and patented in 1900.

To use them well, there needs to be some tension; If the fabric is not held taut, they will unravel.

However, they are also used in the tops of skirts and dresses over a concealed zipper, providing an extra layer of security should the zipper try to slip down.

Hooks and eyes are also used in bras and sometimes corsets that do not have lacing.

Types of zippers as garment fasteners

The first zipper as we know it today was invented by electrical engineer Gideon Sundback in 1913, although the first patent for an “automatic through-garment fastener” was filed in 1851.

Zippers come in all shapes, sizes and materials and are used on everything from clothing to bags to tents to upholstery.

Zippers really are the easiest garment fasteners to use and since there are different types of zippers used in sewing, choosing the right one depends on the garment you are sewing.

An Invisible Zipper – See how the zipper teeth are invisible when closed?

An Invisible Zipper – The teeth are now “only” visible when the zipper is open

An open plastic zipper

Check out these six zipper sewing methods too!

buckles

Roman soldiers used to use “buccula” to hold their helmets and body armor in place.

The word translates to straps from Latin, and a buckle closure would have been necessary to keep the straps where they should be.

Below is a photo of old plastic buckles – these would have had fabric straps threaded through the holes.

The earliest buckles were forged from bronze and were only used by soldiers for a few years. Their use then passed to the wealthy by the 15th century.

Better manufacturing techniques were available at the time and many more buckles could be made at a lower cost. Not unlike today’s mass production!

Buckle fasteners are now found on belts, bags, coats and as more modern fasteners on other fashion items. They are also no longer limited to just being made of metal.

Buckle clasps have been made from many other materials over the years, including wood, beads, plastics, and glass.

Metal buckles – the more traditional way!

A new buckle style? Definitely a great way to close a heavy jacket?

Velcro (Velcro)

Velcro – also known as Velcro – was invented way back in 1951, so it’s a relatively recent invention!

Using two strips, one with nylon hooks and one with nylon loops, these strips are sewn in place. When pressed together, they stick and must be torn apart.

Hook and eye tape is a fabric fastener and is available in a variety of widths:

It is possible to attach the Velcro to the fabric without sewing, but sewing will provide a more secure Velcro.

Velcro is used on children’s shoes, waterproof garments (wetsuits etc.) and in the theater for easy changes and isn’t typically something you would use for general fashion wear.

Despite this, it has proven itself for innovative uses, with the most famous being used to hold a human heart together during the first-ever artificial heart surgery!

If you have a garment that has velcro and want to swap it out, I’ve written about the top three alternatives to velcro!

frog closure

A frog clasp – or frog clasp as it is often called – is a braided loop clasp primarily seen on the front of Asian-style garments.

Intended more as decorative fasteners for clothing, the frog is essentially formed tubes of fabric, and the “frog” part is the “button” that goes through the bondage loop.

It is often combined with a stand-up collar. Learn how to design a stand-up collar here!

grommets and grommets

Grommets are plastic or metal rings used to reinforce holes in the fabric you are using.

Ribbon, lace or cord can then be pulled through, tying the two sides together like a corset. The eyelet is called the eye.

To attach grommets or grommets you need a special tool – these are sturdy and won’t bother you, or there’s this fabulous hand tool from Dritz! – You can also buy eyelet kits.

You also need to poke holes in the fabric first, and this tool has some great reviews!

If you want to learn how to add grommets or grommets in fabric, this post is the best step-by-step guide!

brooches

Brooches are now primarily intended as a decorative clasp, using a clasp and pin that you attach to fabric like a safety pin.

Usually embellished or made of metal, they can add a nice touch as a dress fastener when used properly.

Historically, the brooch was one of the earliest attachments introduced in Europe. Small brooches were used to hold together the edges of a neckline slit.

Most commonly used today for traditional Scottish kilts, and the more decorative versions can be found on our grandparents’ cardigans.

magnets

Recently also for clothing fasteners: the use of specially wound magnets for clothing fasteners!

Magnetic fasteners for clothes are becoming more and more common – they were just beginning to be used when I was studying fashion, but are now everywhere!

These sew-on magnetic fasteners consist of a powerful magnet encased in small plastic bags which are then sewn into the garment and covered by the paneling.

Ideal when a clean, minimal look is required with no visible closures that compromise the silhouette.

Magnets would be sewn a piece into each side, hidden by the paneling or lining.

Cloth ribbons and laces

String, ribbon, and cord have all been used over time to secure a fastener in clothing.

Used to tie something together with grommets or sewn into the edge of the opening and tied together. This is a nice dress closure if you don’t want to use buttons or other hardware.

If you are making ribbons yourself, it would be good to practice the art of the rouleau tube.

Ideally use soft fabrics, they should be cut at an angle to ensure a smooth finish and you can use this loop turning tool to turn beautiful rouleau loops!

So there you have it. 15 different dress fasteners to think about when designing your next fashion creation. Can you think of anything I missed? Submit your ideas in the comment box below!

Here’s a quick link to a more concise story on the types of fasteners used in sewing that you can save for another time!

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Eve Tokens (aka The Creative Curator) is a fashion designer, creative patternmaker and pattern designer. Eve has a 2:1 degree in Fashion Design from the University of The Creative Arts in the UK, a BTEC Diploma in Creative Pattern Cutting, a Foundation Degree in Art & Design from Wimbledon College of Art and has extensive experience in the fashion industry through internships and freelancing for London-based fashion brands – Hardy Amies, Roland Mouret, Peter Pilotto and others. As well as running her own small sustainable fashion brand, Eve has over 25 years of experience sewing and making clothes for herself and her family members.

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While choosing the right wedding ring is usually easier than choosing the right engagement ring, there are still some important decisions you need to make.

One of them is the type of metal you choose for you and your partner’s wedding bands. Wedding rings are available in a variety of different metals, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

This includes yellow, white and rose gold in various carages as well as precious metals such as palladium and platinum. Some wedding bands are also available in alternative metals such as titanium and tungsten carbide.

Below we’ve shared our expert tips and advice to help you choose the best metal for you and your partner’s wedding bands. This advice also applies to the choice of metal for your future fiancé’s engagement ring, as well as other jewelry.

It also applies to wedding bands for women and men, meaning you can use the same approach to buy rings for both sexes.

How to choose the best metal for a wedding ring

Before we delve into the specific metals used for wedding bands, it is important to be aware of your and your partner’s needs and priorities when it comes to a ring.

For example, the different metals used for wedding rings can vary widely in terms of durability, with some metals being soft, delicate and easily scratched, while others are tough, durable and highly resistant to damage.

The appearance of wedding ring metals can also vary widely, with some offering a warm look that suits certain skin tones and others a cooler look that suits a different set of skin tones.

In addition, it is important to match the engagement ring and the wedding band. If your future fiancée already has an engagement ring, you should make sure her wedding ring is made of the same metal.

You could also think about having a similar wedding ring partner and finding matching wedding bands.

Finally, there is the price aspect. Some metals are more expensive than others, which means that if you are on a budget for your wedding bands, you may want to prefer metals that offer better value for money.

Knowing what you need and what metal works best for you and your partner’s skin color can help you choose the most appropriate metal for your wedding bands.

If you’re not sure what you’re looking for, don’t worry. We’ve covered all of these factors in detail below, including our expert tips on which metals are best for specific lifestyles, skin tones and more.

The best metals for wedding rings

There is no “best” metal for every wedding ring. Instead, each of the metals commonly used for wedding bands and engagement rings offers its own advantages and disadvantages, from color and other aesthetic qualities to durability and value for money.

Below we’ve looked at the nine metals most commonly used in wedding bands. Many of these metals (especially the first five) are also used to make engagement rings, which means you can also use this advice to choose the right metal for your future fiancé’s engagement ring.

yellow gold

4mm comfort fit wedding ring in 14k yellow gold

Gold has traditionally been the most popular metal for engagement rings and wedding bands, with a history of use dating back to ancient Greece and Rome.

Various types of gold are used for wedding bands and engagement rings, with yellow gold being the most traditional. Other popular types of gold used for engagement rings and wedding bands are white gold and rose gold, which we’ve looked at below.

Even today, several millennia after its first use, yellow gold is one of the most popular metals for wedding rings for women and men.

Contrary to popular belief, wedding bands, engagement rings and other jewelry are not pure gold. Instead, all of the gold used for wedding bands and engagement rings is combined with other metals into an alloy.

Yellow gold is made from a combination of pure gold, copper and zinc. Depending on the pure gold content of the alloy, the gold used for the wedding ring is 14k gold (58.3% pure gold) or 18k gold (75% pure gold).

Let’s start by looking at the pros and cons of yellow gold wedding rings overall. After that we cover the differences between 14K and 18K gold.

As mentioned earlier, yellow gold has historically been the most popular metal for wedding rings. It’s a safe, traditional choice for a women’s or men’s metal wedding ring, with a timeless color that never goes out of style.

If you are looking for a versatile metal wedding band that anyone can wear, a yellow gold wedding ring is one of the best choices. Yellow gold is also the easiest type of gold to care for, making it a good choice if you want your wedding ring or engagement ring to be easy to care for.

Yellow gold wedding bands can be worn by anyone but look especially good next to olive green and darker skin tones.

The biggest disadvantages of yellow gold as a wedding ring metal are its durability and occasional maintenance.

While yellow gold is generally a low-maintenance metal, it does require polishing and cleaning to maintain its brilliance. Like all types of gold, it’s also a fairly easy metal to scratch, especially when brushed against a hard surface.

In terms of price, yellow gold is quite an affordable metal, with 14k yellow gold prices being among the most affordable wedding ring materials for women or men.

For example, this 14k yellow gold low dome wedding ring from James Allen is only $430, while this 18k yellow gold wedding ring in the same style is only $690.

14K vs 18K Gold: What’s the Difference?

Like other types of gold, yellow gold is often sold in karatage of 14k or 18k. These refer to the purity of the gold, with 14k yellow gold being 58.3% pure gold and 18k gold being 75% pure gold.

The two biggest and most significant differences between 14K and 18K yellow gold are the color and durability of each metal.

Because 18k gold has a higher gold content, it has a richer, warmer color than 14k gold. It’s also less durable, meaning it’s easier to scratch and dent. We’ve explained these differences in more detail in our 14K vs 18K Gold comparison guide.

white gold

4mm classic wedding ring in 14k white gold

Made from a combination of pure gold and metals such as nickel, silver and palladium, white gold has a beautiful luster and elegant white color.

Historically, yellow gold has been a more popular metal for wedding bands for women and men than white gold. However, white gold has grown in popularity over the past decade and is currently the most popular type of gold for engagement rings and wedding bands.

Like yellow gold, white gold comes in different degrees of purity (karatage), with 14K and 18K being the most common.

White gold’s greatest assets are its beautiful white color, which complements fair and rosy skin tones, as well as its stylish, modern appearance. White gold is also alloyed with a mix of stronger metals than yellow gold, giving it slightly better durability.

White gold is also very affordable, especially at 14K clarity. For example, this beautiful 2mm 14k white gold wedding band from Blue Nile is only $150, while this 4mm wedding band, suitable for men or women, is only $490.

The color white gold looks particularly beautiful next to white colorless diamonds, making it a good choice for diamond engagement rings. However, you should be aware that white gold engagement ring settings can accentuate the yellow tint of a low color grade diamond.

The biggest downside to white gold is that it needs to be dipped every few years to maintain its rhodium plating that gives it color and shine. However, this is usually an inexpensive, simple service that can be performed by any experienced jeweler.

White gold often also contains nickel, which means it can trigger metal allergies in some people (this is most common with 14k white gold).

rose gold

4mm low dome comfort fit wedding ring

Rose gold, which is made from pure gold combined with copper and silver, has a gorgeous pink, red, and rose color that is absolutely unique. Many people consider rose gold to be the most romantic wedding ring metal because of its warm, romantic pink tone.

Like yellow and white gold, rose gold is available in several degrees of purity (karages). The most common are 14K and 18K.

The biggest advantages of rose gold are its beautiful pink color, its relatively high durability and its affordability.

Because rose gold is made from copper, it is usually stronger than yellow or white gold. This makes it a good option if you are looking for a women’s or men’s metal wedding ring that offers reasonable wear and scratch resistance, especially in 14K.

Despite this, rose gold is still a type of gold, meaning it is not as strong as metals, which are harder and less malleable.

Since rose gold has a relatively high copper content, it is also quite affordable. For example, this 2.5mm 14k rose gold women’s wedding ring from James Allen costs just $250, while this 3mm 14k rose gold wedding ring from Blue Nile is even cheaper at just $225.

Rose gold naturally complements all skin tones, from fair and rosy skin to olive and darker skin tones.

Rose gold as a wedding ring material has two main disadvantages. First, due to its high copper content, it is slightly more likely than other types of gold to cause skin problems. Secondly, since it is a recently popular metal, few engagement rings and wedding bands are available in rose gold.

platinum

5mm comfort fit platinum wedding ring

With its stunning color and natural white luster, platinum is a beautiful metal that subtly signals luxury and exclusivity.

As a metal for engagement and wedding rings, platinum offers numerous advantages. It is naturally beautiful and offers a stunning white color similar to white gold and palladium (a precious metal we have listed below).

It is durable and has good wear and corrosion resistance. It’s also hypoallergenic, meaning it will cause far fewer skin reactions than wedding ring metals like yellow, white, or rose gold in those with metal allergies.

Finally, platinum ages beautifully and develops a beautiful patina over time. It’s also easy to have your platinum ring polished to restore its luster as it ages. Like white gold, platinum complements fair or rosy skin tones.

The biggest disadvantage of platinum as a wedding ring metal for women or men is its cost. A platinum wedding band typically costs almost twice as much as an equivalent ring made from a metal such as 14k white gold.

For example, this 5mm James Allen men’s wedding ring costs $900 in platinum. In 14k white gold, the same ring is only $540. Likewise, this 3mm women’s wedding band from Blue Nile costs $400 in platinum but is only $225 in 14k white gold.

Platinum is worth considering if you’re looking for a durable, luxurious, white metal and don’t mind a relatively high price. However, if you’re only after the white color and don’t want to spend too much, 14k white gold is a great affordable alternative to platinum.

palladium

8mm Palladium Comfort Fit Wedding Band

Palladium is a white, silvery colored precious metal. As we explained in our in-depth comparison of palladium and platinum, rings and other jewelry made from palladium are very similar in color and appearance to those made from platinum.

Palladium wedding bands and engagement rings are durable. Unlike gold, which is easily scratched, palladium does not lose metal when scratched. Instead, the metal is displaced. This means that a palladium ring can develop a patina over time.

A key difference between palladium and platinum is the weight of each metal. Palladium is a much lighter metal than platinum, which is why it’s worth considering if you want a lightweight wedding ring.

Until recently, palladium was a cheaper metal than platinum. However, the recent rise in palladium prices means that you will pay about the same or slightly more for a ring made of palladium than for the same ring made of platinum.

For example, this 5mm James Allen men’s wedding ring costs $960 in palladium and $900 in platinum. In 14k white gold, the same ring is only $540.

The main disadvantages of palladium, as mentioned above, are its price and availability. As a rare and valuable metal, palladium is not commonly used as a material for women’s or men’s wedding bands, meaning the range of rings available is quite limited.

titanium

5mm Comfort Fit Tiered Titanium Wedding Rings

Durable, affordable and comfortable, titanium is an interesting alternative to traditional men’s wedding ring metals such as gold and platinum.

Titanium is light gray in color and has a surface that can either be polished to a mirror finish or brushed for a matte finish. Because of its masculine appearance, titanium is mostly only used as a metal for men’s wedding bands, although titanium rings for women are rather rare.

The biggest advantage of titanium is its longevity. Titanium is a strong metal that will not bend or break with normal use. It’s also easy to care for – as a durable metal, a titanium ring can be cared for with soap and water and doesn’t typically need to be cared for by a jeweler.

Note that titanium wedding bands cannot be resized due to the hardness and heat resistance of this metal.

Overall, if you’re looking for an alternative to traditional wedding band metals with a modern, masculine look, titanium is a solid choice. It’s also a very affordable metal, with this titanium ring from James Allen for just $90 and this gorgeous two-tone black titanium and tantalum ring from Blue Nile for just $395.

tungsten carbide

6mm Comfort Fit Tungsten Carbide Wedding Band

Tungsten carbide is a metal alloy made from tungsten bonded with an alloying metal such as titanium, carbon, or nickel. It’s a very durable metal that resists scratches and wear and tear very well, making it a good option if you or your partner have an active lifestyle.

In fact, tungsten carbide is one of the strongest metals available for wedding bands. A high quality tungsten carbide ring is about four times harder than titanium and about ten times harder than 18k gold.

Due to its incredible hardness, tungsten carbide wedding bands cannot be bent or resized. Despite this strength, however, tungsten is a brittle metal when subjected to pressure, meaning a tungsten ring can shatter if struck or dropped from a great height.

Like titanium, tungsten carbide is typically used as a wedding ring metal for men. Although most tungsten carbide is silver-grey in color, this metal comes in a variety of colors, from black, as seen in this 8mm Tungsten Carbide Wedding Band with a Matt Hammered Edge from Blue Nile, to white, as seen in this classic comfort-fit wedding band , to pink , as in this bright tungsten carbide step band by James Allen.

If you’re looking for something extra special, this asymmetric black and blue engraved wedding ring may be just the ticket.

Overall, tungsten carbide is a good choice for wedding band metal if you or your partner have an active lifestyle and need a ring that won’t scratch, bend, or wear out easily.

tantalum

6.5mm Comfort Fit Tantalum Wedding Ring

Tantalum is another unconventional metal for men’s wedding bands that has grown in popularity over the past decade. Slightly darker in color than platinum, tantalum has a pleasing luster similar to that of many precious metals.

Tantalum wedding rings are very durable and can easily withstand scratches, warping and other common wear and tear. Tantalum is also a much less brittle metal than tungsten carbide, meaning there is no risk of a ring made of tantalum breaking if dropped.

Like many other metals, tantalum is hypoallergenic, meaning it is not likely to cause an allergic skin reaction. It’s also a fairly malleable metal, meaning it can be resized, although finding jewelers who are experienced with tantalum in many areas can be a challenge.

The only real downside to tantalum is its price. Although tantalum costs less than palladium or platinum, rings made from tantalum are typically more expensive than those made from titanium or tungsten carbide. For example, this Low Dome Comfort Fit men’s tantalum ring from Blue Nile costs $395.

Overall, tantalum is a great metal choice for men’s wedding bands. It’s strong, has a stylish, masculine look and represents excellent value for money, although it’s slightly more expensive than titanium or tungsten carbide.

cobalt

6mm wedding band with brushed cobalt inlay

Cobalt or cobalt-chrome is a popular unconventional metal for men’s wedding bands, often chosen as a cheaper alternative to white gold, platinum and palladium.

As with other metals used in wedding rings and other jewelry, the cobalt used in jewelry is not a completely pure metal. Instead, it’s alloyed with metals like iron, tungsten, and chromium to improve durability and malleability.

Cobalt looks very similar to other white metals, especially white gold. Being harder and more durable than gold, it is also more scratch resistant. Cobalt rings also require less maintenance than gold and do not require dipping to maintain their appearance.

Like other durable metals, cobalt can be quite difficult to resize, which means you should be sure of your ring size before ordering a cobalt wedding ring.

These qualities make cobalt an attractive alternative to white gold for people interested in a durable, affordable wedding ring. For example, this 6mm cobalt-chrome men’s wedding band from James Allen costs just $160, while this similar 14k white gold ring from Blue Nile costs $675.

Conclusion

Because everyone has unique needs and tastes, there is no “best” metal for every wedding ring. To get the best ring for you and your partner, choose a metal with properties that suit your needs and lifestyle while avoiding cons that might stand in your way.

If you need any help, please feel free to contact us. Our experts will help you choose the perfect metal for your wedding rings, engagement rings or any other piece of jewelry.

Click here for a complete guide to men’s wedding bands.

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Okay, time for a little metal mania. Finding the right wedding ring isn’t just a question of the right style or look of a wedding ring. You should also consider how your choice of wedding ring metal will affect your budget. how it feels in your hand or on your finger; how much upkeep and maintenance is required; even whether you are allergic to a certain metal or not. Another consideration is that you want a jewelry metal that will not tarnish easily.

When it comes time to buy your wedding bands, the process can be overwhelming. There are so many things to think about before buying a ring that you will wear for a lifetime.

But one of the very first things to consider before buying your ring is the types of wedding ring metals that are right for you and your significant other. Not all wedding ring metals should be treated equally. Each type of metal has its own unique properties that can make a huge difference.

The metal chosen for your wedding rings can be chosen for fashion reasons, or based on lifestyle and desired durability. Some are more expensive, but the metals last longer. Some cannot be resized or cut off your finger easily.

These are all important factors to consider when choosing the type of metal that makes sense for you, your lifestyle and your budget. So before you make the decision to afford your wedding ring, here is a breakdown of each metal and the pros and cons of each:

PLATINUM

Platinum is a precious silvery-white metal that has recently become a very popular choice for all types of jewelry. Platinum has long been known as the best metal for wedding and engagement rings. It is extremely durable and will last someone for a lifetime.

Platinum is also one of the most expensive metals due to its rarity and density. While it can be expensive to invest in a platinum wedding band upfront, you’ll be glad you rarely need to repair or polish your ring in the future. It is also the best way to protect diamonds in your ring. That is why many people love this metal.

Advantages:

The most durable metal available

Densest and heaviest metal you can choose

Ideal for people who work with their hands every day

Lasts the longest

White color never fades

Hypoallergenic. Nobody is allergic to platinum!

Disadvantages:

Costs just over 18k gold

YELLOW GOLD

Yellow gold is one of the most classic metals used for wedding rings and it is the most popular choice for wedding bands for both men and women. When buying a yellow gold wedding ring, you need to consider how many “karat” the gold is. These are not the same as the carat values ​​used to measure diamonds.

Basically, pure gold is too soft to use for wedding rings. So gold is mixed with other metals to form the ring. Karat measures the percentage of gold actually used in the ring, expressed as parts of 24. So an 18k yellow gold ring is actually 18/24 or 75% pure gold.

Yellow gold is made by mixing pure gold with alloying metals like zinc and copper to get the yellow color.

Advantages:

Very classic wedding ring look

The yellow color persists over time

Disadvantages:

Less durable metal than platinum

Will become thinner and more worn over time

WHITE GOLD

Just like yellow gold, white gold is not 100% pure gold. White gold is created when you mix pure gold with some white metals like palladium and silver. This achieves a silver color as opposed to a yellow color. However, one very important thing to know about white gold is that it yellows over time.

Unlike platinum, which you can safely wear forever, when you buy a white gold ring, you have to think about the color “yellowing” over time. You’ll need to have the ring rhodium plated (or “dipped”) by a jeweler every few years to keep it looking bright white again. While this is fine for some people, other people don’t want to have to worry about it, especially if they work with their hands all day like a nurse or teacher. You may need to rhodium plated the ring every 6-12 months to keep it looking new.

The costs associated with rhodium plating a white gold ring really add up over the years. While a white gold ring may seem a lot cheaper at first glance, you need to think about the long-term cost of a plating.

Advantages:

Nice looking metal

Cheaper than platinum

There is usually a larger selection of rings available in white gold

Disadvantages:

A softer metal that is less durable

Will yellow back to its natural color over time, so it needs regular rhodium plating

Many people are allergic to alloys used to make white gold

PALLADIUM

Palladium is a white metal and very durable, like platinum, and it’s starting to become a very popular choice, especially for male bands. It’s also a much lighter metal than platinum as it has a low density, so it doesn’t feel quite as solid as platinum or gold. Palladium has only become popular in jewelry in the last decade, but experts believe that palladium rings will last a lifetime as it is a very durable product.

Advantages:

Hypoallergenic

Will not tarnish

Stay white forever

Similar in durability to platinum, but often lighter

Significantly cheaper than platinum

Disadvantages:

Due to the difficulties in manufacturing palladium, the range of items available is limited, and jewelers are not as comfortable repairing or measuring it as gold or platinum.

TITANIUM

Titanium is a hard silver-grey metal that is extremely durable. You can easily wear a titanium wedding ring in the sea or pool without any worries. It is actually known as the hardest metal in the world and it is very strong. Titanium is three times stronger than steel and much stronger than silver, gold and platinum. In addition, with its low density, titanium is very light. This strong and light metal is also scratch resistant.

You may be thinking why doesn’t everyone get a titanium ring? Well, for starters, most jewelers don’t offer a lot of titanium rings since it’s a metal that’s very difficult to work with. It would be difficult to resize your wedding ring or repair it if something happened to it in the future. Also, it is not a traditional precious metal like platinum or yellow gold, but essentially a commercial metal.

Advantages:

Looks trending

Good price point

Hypoallergenic so anyone can wear it without having a reaction

Disadvantages:

Not traditional wedding ring metal

Most jewelers cannot work with titanium, so your ring cannot be easily repaired or resized

TUNGSTEN

Tungsten is the ring of choice if you want a darker metal wedding ring. It’s a completely different look than any of the other metals we’ve covered here, and it offers a very contemporary look that’s sleek and often budget-friendly. Tungsten has a high melting point and is extremely durable and somewhat rare.

Tungsten wedding rings are not pure tungsten. They are made of tungsten carbide to make them easier to machine.

Tungsten can be a good option if you’re really looking for something a little different. However, there are a few downsides that you need to consider. Tungsten is a very heavy metal that cannot be resized. That means if you ever gain or lose your fingers, you’ll need to get a whole new ring. Also, tungsten rings are difficult to cut off your finger in emergency situations and cannot be repaired once broken or cracked. Additionally, tungsten is one of the few wedding band metals that can conduct heat and electricity, sometimes making it a safety hazard.

Advantages:

New age material with an interesting gunmetal colour

Pretty hard substance

Doesn’t lose its shine

Disadvantages:

Not traditional wedding ring metal

Very heavy metal

Cannot be resized and difficult to cut off your finger in emergency situations

Would you like to know some of the other important factors in buying your wedding ring? Check out this free guide for everything you’ll ever need to know:

If you’re looking for the perfect men’s wedding ring, chances are you’ve already come across tungsten rings. If you don’t already have a working knowledge of metals, you may be wondering: what is tungsten carbide and can it be clipped off your finger?

Tungsten carbide rings are made from the hardest metal on earth. This gives it its scratch resistance, but this durability also means that these rings will withstand cutting tools. Because these rings are so strong, many people worry about whether or not they can be cut off in emergencies like finger swelling.

So can tungsten be cut? While tungsten rings cannot be literally cut off, they can still be safely removed in an emergency. If you have researched tungsten rings you have probably seen many videos and articles about how they are indestructible. You may have even heard that men’s wedding bands require a diamond saw to cut them off. Don’t let these sources put you off tungsten rings. While they can’t be cut off, they don’t require anything like a diamond saw to remove them. In fact, the most common way to remove tungsten rings from your finger is to use a simple pair of bar clamps that apply enough pressure to be sure the tungsten ring breaks.

For a full video tutorial on how to properly remove tungsten rings, visit the Larson Jewelers YouTube page.

Each ring can be removed in an emergency. It doesn’t matter what metal the ring is made of. Most rings will need to be cut off, but extremely hard materials such as tungsten carbide and ceramic rings will need to be “cracked off” rather than cut off. This may sound scarier than cutting off a ring, but it’s actually quicker and easier than cutting off a ring.

While other metals can be removed with a wedding ring cutter, tungsten rings are a type of ring that can only be “cut” with screw clamps or any locking pliers. Most EMTs, as well as your local emergency rooms, have this common tool. If you’re concerned, you can call your local hospital to check ahead of time and ask if they have a vise wrench or locking pliers that can chip a tungsten ring.

Once you have a vise wrench, simply close the wrench and adjust the jaw of the wrench until it clamps against the outside of the tungsten ring. Next, loosen the vise and turn the screw in the handle 1/2 turn to tighten the vise just slightly. Then clamp the ring again on the outside. This time the vise applies more pressure because it is tighter. If it doesn’t crack, loosen the collet wrench and tighten the bolt another half turn. Then try again to clamp the outside of the ring. Repeat this step until the ring breaks. If you have a wider ring, you may need to rotate the ring after the first one and repeat the process.

If the ring breaks there is a risk of shards flying around, so it is highly recommended to take extra precautions e.g. B. wearing safety goggles. You can also put your hand in a plastic bag while breaking the ring to prevent pieces from shooting across the room.

Once cracked, we advise people not to slide the ring up and down their finger as this may cause injury. If your tungsten carbide ring has a precious metal inlay, the inlay portion of the band can be cut away. This entire removal process should take around 30 seconds. Please ensure you get at least some of the large pieces of the ring back so you can send them back to have your ring replaced by taking advantage of the manufacturer’s lifetime guarantee.

Finding the perfect wedding set for you and your spouse can be a challenge. You want something that expresses your unique personality and style, but you also want the rings to match. In your search, you may have come across titanium as an option. This may make you wonder about the pros and cons of titanium rings.

Advantages of titanium rings

Going for titanium rings could be a good choice. There are many benefits to buying this type of ring for you and your spouse, including the following:

Strong and durable

Titanium is one of the hardest elements on the planet which means your wedding rings will last a lifetime. The metal can withstand even high loads. You don’t have to worry about your rings being bent or stretched out of shape as it takes a lot of force to change the shape of a titanium ring.

Easy

Titanium is strong but also light – much lighter than gold and silver. If you don’t want your ring to feel like a burden on your finger, a titanium ring is the best option.

But don’t think that you have to settle for a boring silver color. Titanium is a reactive metal, meaning when exposed to electricity or heat it forms an oxide layer that changes the color of the ring.

Long lasting

Another advantage of titanium is that it does not change color over time. The ring will also not fade, rust or corrode. You don’t even need to do a lot of maintenance to ensure your ring continues to look good – all you have to do is wash it with soapy water from time to time. However, you must keep your ring away from bleach, chlorine and ammonia as these will damage the surface.

Disadvantages of titanium rings

Titanium rings are pretty amazing and can really last a long time. However, before you make a final decision on your wedding set, it helps to understand some of the downsides that come with this option. These include:

Difficult to resize

As previously mentioned, titanium rings are incredibly strong. You never have to worry about them bending or losing their shape over time due to extreme pressure. Keep in mind that their toughness makes them difficult to resize. When purchasing your rings, you need to know your exact ring size as well as that of your fiancé.

They don’t glow

Due to the titanium composition, it has a matte finish. This means it doesn’t catch the light and sparkles like a gold or silver band. If you want the ring on your finger to dazzle, titanium may not be the best option.

Adding a prong setting to titanium rings is also challenging as it requires soldering. That doesn’t mean you can’t have designs, gems, or other inlays on your titanium ring, but if you’re hoping for a gem that stands out from the band, you might want to consider a different metal.

A world of options

To decide which wedding set is right for you and your spouse, you need to understand the pros and cons of titanium wedding bands. If you’re sure titanium is what you’re looking for, check out the options we offer at Larson Jewelers. Are you looking for something different? We have a wide selection for every taste.

Each clothing label should tell you what the fabric is made of and contain up to five symbols that tell you how to care for it. Here’s our basic guide to what each icon means. Download the Ariel Washing Machine Icon Guide and hang it on your laundry room wall!

They may seem confusing, but laundry labels are actually quite easy to understand.

What do the washing labels on clothes labels mean?

This group of British washing symbols will help you decide if your clothes are safe to wash in your washing machine and what setting and temperature you should use.

It is generally depicted as a bucket filled with water (except for the “do not wring” icon). If the garment is machine washable, you will see either dots or numbers inside the bucket icon, representing the recommended maximum temperature: one dot means 30°C (means you need to wash your clothes in cold water), two dots mean 40°C (warm water ) and four points 60 °C. If you see a line under the bucket, it means your garment should be washed on a synthetic cycle, while two lines represent the gentle or wool cycle. If you find the hand wash symbol on the fabric care label of your garment, hand wash the garment at 40°C or less, or use the hand wash program on your washing machine.

Bleach symbols on laundry labels

Before you reach for your bleach bottle to get your whites sparkling like they used to be, it’s worth checking the care label on your garment to see if the garment can be bleached.

If you see an empty triangle, it means you can safely use bleach on your garment if needed. Diagonal lines within the triangle indicate use of non-chlorine bleach. However, if the triangle is crossed out with two lines, you should not use bleach at all.

Drying guidelines on clothing labels

In addition to washing and ironing, the washing process also includes drying. To prevent your garment from shrinking or deforming while drying, you will find a number of helpful symbols on the fabric care label to inform you of the safest way to dry your clothes without damaging the fabric.

A square with a circle inside means the item is safe to tumble dry, while the number of dots inside the tumble dry symbol indicates the temperature setting to use: one dot represents low heat, two dots medium and three for high heat setting. No dot means you can tumble dry your clothes at any temperature. If you see one bar under the dryer icon, you’re using the Permanent Press setting, while two bars mean you need to use the Delicate setting. If the symbol is crossed out, do not tumble dry your garment, let it air dry. A square with three vertical lines inside represents drip drying, a single horizontal line in the center represents flat drying, and a drooping line represents hanging to dry.

Ironing symbols on fabric labels

Iron symbols represent an iron with dots representing the maximum temperature you should use to iron the garment.

If the iron has no dots, it means you can iron your garment at any temperature. You’ll typically find the one-dot ironing symbol on delicate items like wool and silk, the two-dot symbol on synthetics, and the three-dot symbol on linen and cotton garments. If you see a cross over the symbol, it means the garment is not suitable for ironing, while the image of two lines shooting out from the bottom of the iron with a cross over it means ‘vaping is not allowed’.

Dry cleaning symbols on fabric labels

Some garments are better handled by a professional: that’s where dry cleaning comes in. The symbols below are designed to help you decide if your garment should be dry cleaned and to tell the dry cleaner which solvent to use.

A circle means the item is dry-cleanable, while the letters inform the dry-cleaner of the process required.

Additional dry cleaning instructions

When it comes to your most delicate garments, your dry cleaners appreciate any help they can get.

For this reason, textile manufacturers use many dry cleaning symbols on clothing labels, which are represented by the combination of a circle and a straight line.

If you’re still confusing the symbols on the fabric labels of your clothes, here’s a quick video guide on how to read them!

Pictograms with recommendations for clothing care

GINETEX laundry symbols logo

Laundry care icons with instructions in Japanese. The four symbols shown indicate that the garment does not need to be washed in water, not bleached, only ironed with a protective press cloth and dry cleaned.

A poster from a laundromat in Beckley, West Virginia, listing many of the common washing instruction symbols found on clothing labels

A laundry symbol, also known as a care symbol, is a pictogram that indicates manufacturer’s recommendations for washing, drying, dry cleaning and ironing of clothing. Such symbols are written on labels, known as care labels or care labels, which are attached to clothing to indicate how a particular item should best be cleaned. While there are internationally recognized standards for care labels and pictograms, their exact use and form vary regionally. In some standards, pictograms exist alongside or are supplemented by written instructions.

Defaults[ edit ]

GINETEX, the France-based European Association for Textile Care Labeling, was founded in 1963, among other things, to define international standards for the care and labeling of textiles.[1] In the early 1970s, GINETEX worked with ISO to develop international standards for textile labeling, eventually resulting in the ISO 3758 standard, Textiles – Care Labeling Code Using Symbols.[2][3] ISO 3758 was amended in 1993, revised in 2005 and again in 2012 with reviews of the standard occurring every five years.[2]

In North America, in 1987 the Standards Council of Canada adopted CAN/CGSB-86.1-M87, a color-based fabric care labeling system in which green means “proceed”, yellow means “be careful”, and red means “stop”. In 2003, this system was retired in favor of a pictogram-based system harmonized with North American and international standards.[4][5] In 1996, ASTM International published a system of illustrated care instructions as the D5489 Standard Guide for Care Symbols for Care Instructions on Textile Products, with revisions in 1998, 2001, 2007, 2014, and 2018.[6][7]

The American Cleaning Institute developed and published its Guide to Fabric Care Symbols.[8]

Other textile care labeling systems have been developed for Australia, China and Japan.[5] All of these systems worldwide tend to use similar pictograms or labels to convey laundry care instructions.[9] As of 2021, the pictographs are not encoded in Unicode standards as these symbols are not in the public domain and copyrighted in various countries.[10]

Pictograms[ edit ]

General [edit]

The care label describes the permissible treatment of the garment without damaging the textile. It is not said whether this treatment is necessary or sufficient. Treatment milder than specified is always acceptable. The symbols are protected and their use is required to comply with the license terms; False labeling is prohibited. A bar under each symbol indicates more gentle treatment than usual and a double bar indicates very gentle treatment.

washing [edit]

A stylized wash tub is displayed and the number in the tub means the maximum wash temperature (degrees Celsius). A ledge under the tub means a gentler treatment in the washing machine. A double bar means a very gentle treatment. A hand in the tub means that only (gentle) hand washing (not over 40 °C) is allowed. A continuous wash tub means that the textile must not be washed under normal household conditions. The North American standard uses dots to indicate the correct temperature range.

In the European standard, the recommended wash agitation level is indicated by bars under the washtub symbol. The absence of a bar indicates maximum agitation (cotton wash), a single bar indicates medium agitation (synthetic wash), and a double bar indicates very little agitation (silk/wool wash).[11] The bar icons also indicate the recommended spin level, with more bars indicating a lower preferred spin speed.[11]

washing icon

Wash at or below 30°C (US, 1 point, ●)

Wash at or below 40°C (US, 2 points, ●●)

Wash at or below 50°C (US, 3 points, ●●●)

Wash at or below 60°C (US, 4 points, ●●●●)

hand wash

Do not wash

bleach [edit]

An empty triangle (formerly labeled Cl) allows bleaching with chlorine or non-chlorine bleach. Two slanting lines in the triangle prohibit chlorine bleaching. A crossed triangle prohibits any fading.

Bleach symbol (allowed for both chlorine and non-chlorine bleach)

Bleaching with chlorine allowed (deprecated)

Non-chlorine bleach if needed

Do not bleach

Do not bleach

drying [edit]

A circle in a square symbolizes a tumble dryer. One point requires drying at reduced temperature and two points at normal temperature. The crossed out symbol means that the clothes cannot be machine dried. In the US and Japan there are other symbols for natural/linen drying.

laundry drying [edit]

dryer icon

Tumble drying (low temperature)

tumble dry (normal)

Do not tumble dry

Natural drying[ edit ]

drying icon

Dry on the line

Dry flat

Drain

Dry in the shade

Line dry in the shade

Dry flat in the shade

Drain in the shade

ironing [ edit ]

The iron with up to three points allows ironing. Temperatures are assigned to the number of points: one specifies 110 °C, two for 150 °C and three for 200 °C. An iron with a cross prohibits ironing.

hanger icon

Iron at low temperature

Iron at medium temperature

Iron at high temperature

Do not iron

Professional cleaning[ edit ]

A circle indicates the options for professional cleaning. A bar under the symbol means cleaning gently, two bars mean cleaning very gently.

Dry cleaning[ edit ]

The letters P and F in a circle represent the different solvents used in professional dry cleaning.

Professional cleaning symbol

Dry cleaning, hydrocarbon solvents (HCS) only

Gentle cleaning with hydrocarbon solvents

Very gentle cleaning with hydrocarbon solvents

Dry cleaning, only tetrachlorethylene (PCE).

Gentle cleaning with PCE

Very gentle cleaning with PCE

Do not dry clean

Wet cleaning[ edit ]

The letter W in a circle stands for professional wet cleaning.

Professional wet cleaning

Gentle wet cleaning

Very gentle wet cleaning

Do not clean wet

The small laundry symbols on clothes tags are not just suggestions. They are essentially your user manual on how to care for your garment so it lasts as long as possible.

Ignoring these symbols can result in clothing that is shrunk, discolored or mutilated. Here’s what the most common laundry symbols mean on your clothes’ care label so you can effectively and safely clean them on wash day.

The sink icon

Leolein/Openclipart

The sink icon is basically a tub with water in it. If you see it on the label, it means your garment can be washed. If it is crossed out your garment cannot be washed and will normally need to be dry cleaned.

That seems easy, doesn’t it? Well, a sink icon can come with many additional markings as shown in the image above.

Let’s break down all of these extras:

If there is a number in the basin, this is the maximum water temperature (in degrees Celsius) that you should use to wash the item. A label reading 30 means a water temperature of 86 degrees Fahrenheit, 40 means 104 degrees Fahrenheit, 60 means 140 degrees Fahrenheit, and 95 means 203 degrees Fahrenheit.

Dots in the basin also indicate temperature, with one dot for cold water, two dots for warm water, and three dots for hot water.

No lines under the basin means you should wash the item on your washing machine’s normal cycle.

A line under the sink means that the garment needs to be washed on the continuous ironing cycle.

Two dashes mean the item should be washed on a gentle cycle.

A hand in the sink means you must hand wash the item instead of using a washing machine.

These symbols help decode which fabrics stand up to the washing process that can ruin delicate fabrics.

hanger symbols

Leolein/Openclipart

Just like the sink icon, an iron icon with the care instructions means you can iron the garment, while a crossed out icon means you can’t. Then there are variations.

Dots within the symbol show you which cooking level to use. If you see a dot inside an iron icon, it means you need to use a low heat setting. Two dots mean you should use a medium heat setting and three dots indicate a high heat setting, typically for cotton or linen fabrics.

Lines are important too. Lines coming from the bottom of the iron icon mean you can steam the garment. Crossed lines under the iron mean the garment cannot be steamed.

Dryer icons

Leolein/Openclipart

The laundry symbol for drying in a dryer is a square with a circle in it, or sometimes just a circle. If you see the crossed out dryer symbol, do not put your garment in the dryer. It may shrink or be damaged by the heat. It’s usually best to let these items air dry.

Pay attention to points. A dryer symbol with a dot in the middle means the item can be tumble dried on the normal heat setting. Two dots mean the item can be tumble dried on high heat. An empty circle means you can use any temperature setting.

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Also pay attention to whether the icon is colored or not. If you see a colored dryer symbol, it means that you need to tumble dry the item without heat.

bleach symbols

Leolein/Openclipart

Many people just assume that a white garment can be bleached. Hold on buddy. Check the label first.

An open triangle means you can use bleach, but a crossed-out triangle (like the middle triangle above) means you should use non-chlorine bleach. A crossed-out triangle means bleach of any kind is a bad idea and should be avoided.

Dry cleaning icons

Leolein/Openclipart

A circle with a letter inside it means an item needs to be taken to a dry cleaner. The letter tells the dry cleaner what type of cleaning process your garment needs. You don’t need to know what the letters mean, but you should never ignore these symbols and throw a garment in the washing machine anyway.

More laundry care tips:

You know those hieroglyph-like laundry symbols on clothing labels? They pass on important cleaning information. Here’s what they mean and how to use them.

A picture might be worth a thousand words, but sometimes it’s more confusing than text. That applies twice if it is one of the many laundry symbols on the care label of your clothes. What are all those circles, squares, and triangles — and why should you care about them?

Clothing manufacturers use washing symbols to help you extend the life of your clothes. Sure, you might think that you know how to wash clothes, how to operate a washing machine, how to separate laundry, and how to add liquid fabric softener to the fabric softener dispenser. You can even use the best detergent and take the time to set the washing machine temperature just right. But that doesn’t guarantee that your clothes will stay in the same condition, color or size.

“You risk destroying your clothes if you don’t follow care instructions,” says Alicia Sokolowski, President and Co-CEO of Aspen Clean. “What could happen if you put a dry-clean only garment in the washing machine? The garment could shrink – not just a little, but a lot. Wool garments can shrink two to three sizes or more, and curtains can shrink to half their size.” Rather than making it a guessing game — no, this isn’t an envelope suggesting you send the item to your mom for cleaning ; it’s the sign for “hang to dry” – we asked the experts to decipher the most common washing instruction symbols. Here’s your comprehensive guide to laundry symbols, complete with laundry symbol tables.

rd.com, Getty Images

What are International Laundry Care Symbols?

As people wash clothes all over the world, the industry has created a standard of five basic symbols that form a kind of universal language. To make it even easier, laundry symbols always appear in the same order on a label. From left to right they are:

wash tub (washing)

triangle (bleach)

iron (to iron)

circle (dry cleaning)

Square (Drying)

“As you go through the five basic international symbols, you’ll start to see a pattern,” said Annette Grant and Sarah Karakaian, full-time short-term rental managers and hosts of the Thanks for Visiting podcast. “It’s like a language of its own, in which, for example, two dashes under an icon or three dots within an icon always mean the same thing. Once you learn these, you’ll be fluent in nurturing tags in no time.”

According to fashion stylist Leena Alsulaiman, a capital X is one of the most important symbols to look out for. “If a symbol is crossed out,” she warns, “that’s your signal not to do that.”

Laundry symbols for machine washing clothes

The washtub icon provides instructions for each step of the washing process, whether you’re using a traditional or HE washing machine. If the garment is machine washable, you will see either dots or numbers inside that represent the recommended maximum water temperature.

Laundry tub with numbers: Since the temperature is in degrees Celsius, the number 30 stands for cold water wash, 40 for warm water wash and 50 for hot water wash.

Since the temperature is in degrees Celsius, the number 30 indicates a cold water wash, 40 a warm water wash, and 50 a hot water wash. Washtub with dots: Dots inside the washtub indicate the same thing as a number: the water temperature. The more dots there are (there can be up to six), the hotter the temperature. So if you see a single spot, wash your garment in cold water. However, if you see three dots, wash the item in hot water.

Lines under the washtub indicate that the garment needs to be washed on a special cycle.

No Lines: Normal wash cycle

Normal wash cycle One line: permanent press cycle

Permanent press cycle Two lines: Gentle cycle

“Remember, the more lines under the sink, the more careful you should be,” says Alsulaiman. Finally, if your laundry tub has a cross, walk away from the washing machine. That means “do not wash”.

rd.com, Getty Images

Laundry symbols for hand washing clothes

If you see a hand reaching into the wash tub, it means your garment should only be hand washed. Don’t put it in the washing machine. There is another washing symbol that indicates how to hand wash clothes: if you see a symbol that looks like a wrapped candy with a cross inside, do not wring or twist the garment. After hand washing, gently squeeze out the water.

rd.com, Getty Images

Laundry symbols for bleaching clothes

The triangle tells you everything you need to know about bleaching an item. How to decipher the symbols:

Empty Triangle: You can use any type of bleach

You can use any type of bleach Triangle with two lines: You can only use non-chlorine (or oxygenated) bleach

You can only use non-chlorine (or oxygenated) bleach Triangle with an X: No bleach should be used at all

rd.com, Getty Images

Laundry symbols for drying clothes

Everything you need to know about drying an item can be found in the square on the care label. Be sure to check this before throwing your clothes in the wash to avoid shrinkage – unless you’re trying to shrink clothes, of course. First, look for a circle in the square that tells you it’s okay to tumble dry the item. If your square has both a circle in the center and a cross, do not put the garment in the dryer.

As with the washtub, the number of dots indicates the maximum temperature to use:

One point: cold

Cold Two points: Warm

Warm Three points: Hot

You may also notice lines under the square. As with the washtub icon, these indicate the correct dryer settings.

One Line: Permanent Press Cycle

Permanent press cycle Two lines: Gentle cycle

All of this explains how to tumble dry an item (and when you should). But if your square has no circle at all, it should air dry. How to interpret the various symbols for air-dried laundry:

A horizontal line: Lay flat to dry.

Lay flat to dry. Three vertical lines: Hang to drain.

Hang to drain. A square that looks like an envelope: Line dry.

Line dry it. Two diagonal lines: Dry in the shade only.

rd.com, Getty Images

Laundry symbols for ironing clothes

With the plethora of wrinkle-resistant clothing options, you might not spend a lot of time wondering how to remove wrinkles from clothes. But there comes a time when your clothes really need to be ironed. The iron is the most self-explanatory of all laundry symbols. Again, the number of points indicates the maximum temperature that can be used.

One point: cool

Cool Two points: Warm

Warm Three points: Hot

And of course, an X means don’t iron it at all. When it comes to creases, the steamer vs. iron debate revolves around the fabric — and by extension, the laundry symbols you see on your clothing label. The symbols below relate to whether or not you should use steam on a garment. (P.S. – here’s how to clean an iron so your clothes don’t get damaged.)

Three small bursts of steam under the iron symbol: It is safe to steam the garment.

It is safe to steam the garment. An X over an iron with three bursts of steam: avoid steam.

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Laundry symbols for dry cleaning clothes

You can try your hand at dry cleaning at home, but chances are you’ll want to leave it to the professionals, so pay attention to the clothing label. The dry cleaning symbol is a circle and if there is no X crossed through it means you can take it to the dry cleaning. If the label says “Dry Clean Only” then you should definitely take it to the dry cleaner. An item with this tag is one of those items that should never end up in your washing machine.

Sometimes there are letters inside the circle, but don’t worry about that. They specify the types of chemicals that can be used on a garment and are intended for use by professionals. Your cleaning will understand.

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Sources:

Leena Alsulaiman, fashion stylist, style consultant and coach

Annette Grant and Sarah Karakaian, professional short-term renters and hosts of the Thank You For Visiting podcast.

Alicia Sokolowski, President and Co-CEO of Aspen Clean