Drying
Dry flat symbol
A horizontal line in the square – dry laid flat on a level surface.
- What to do
- Press out in a towel, lay it out in shape on a dry towel or mesh rack, turn after a few hours.
- Avoid
- A wet knit hung up stretches by sizes.
- Where you see it
- Knitwear, wool, cashmere
What to set on the machine
- Drying
- dry flat
Don't mix it up with
Line dryA vertical line allows hanging; a horizontal one means flat only.Other drying symbols
Tumble dry, normal heatCotton, towels, beddingTumble dry, low heatSynthetics, stretch blends, sportswearDo not tumble dryWool, silk, knitwear, elastane, embellished piecesTumble dry, any heatCotton (US labels)USTumble dry, no heatDown jackets and pillows, plastic trimsUSTumble dry, permanent pressShirts, blendsUSTumble dry, delicateDelicatesUSLine dryShirts, dresses, cottonDrip dryNon-iron shirts, viscoseDrip dry flatDelicate knits, embellished piecesDry in the shadeDarks, brights, silkLine dry (US)US labelsUSDrip dry (US)US labelsUSDo not wringWool, silk, knitsUS
Questions and answers
Frequently asked
Got the whole label?
Pick all its symbols and get the washer, dryer and iron settings in one place.
Decode the labelPrintable symbol chart →01What does the dry flat symbol mean?
A horizontal line in the square – dry laid flat on a level surface.
02What should I do with the garment?
Press out in a towel, lay it out in shape on a dry towel or mesh rack, turn after a few hours.
03What is the most common mistake?
A wet knit hung up stretches by sizes.
04Can I dry it on a radiator?
Labels don't mention radiators, but direct heat harms wool and synthetics much like a dryer. Room temperature is safest.
05Why do some clothes stretch while drying?
Wet knits are heavy: hung up, they stretch under their own weight. That's why knits dry flat.
How to wash cashmere
How to wash wool
How to wash silk
How to wash a puffer jacket
How to wash a hat
How to wash white clothes
How to wash sneakers
How to wash jeans
How to wash linen
How to clean a leather jacket
How to wash bras
How to wash polyester