Drying
Tumble dry, permanent press symbol
US symbol: one bar under the square – medium heat with a cool-down at the end to prevent creases.
- What to do
- The 'Permanent press' / 'Synthetics' setting.
- Avoid
- Leaving clothes in the drum afterwards – they'll crease.
- Where you see it
- Shirts, blends
What to set on the machine
- Dryer
- permanent press
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, delicateDelicatesUSLine dryShirts, dresses, cottonDrip dryNon-iron shirts, viscoseDry flatKnitwear, wool, cashmereDrip 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 permanent press symbol mean?
US symbol: one bar under the square – medium heat with a cool-down at the end to prevent creases.
02What should I do with the garment?
The 'Permanent press' / 'Synthetics' setting.
03What is the most common mistake?
Leaving clothes in the drum afterwards – they'll crease.
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