Fashion and Apparel Translation
Translation of garment labels, care instructions, size charts, product descriptions and lookbooks for brands selling in the US, Canada and Europe.
The short answer
Apparel labels are regulated in every market. In the US, textile labels must list fibre content by generic name and percentage, country of origin and the dealer (16 CFR 303), with care instructions in words or symbols (16 CFR 423). In the EU, fibre labels must be in the official language of each member state where the product is sold (Regulation 1007/2011, Article 16).
Rules that apply
Each rule links to its source. Checked 4 November 2026. Rules change, so confirm with the office that will receive your documents.
| Rule | Source |
|---|---|
| Fibre content must be disclosed using generic fibre names in order of predominance by weight. | 16 CFR 303.7 and 303.16 |
| Wearing apparel must have a permanent care label; instructions may use the standard symbols. | 16 CFR part 423 (Care Labeling Rule) |
| Textile products advertised online must disclose whether they are made in the US, imported, or both. | 16 CFR 303.34 |
| Textile labelling in the EU must be in the official language or languages of the member state where the product is made available. | Regulation (EU) No 1007/2011, Article 16 |
| Imported goods must be marked with the English name of the country of origin. | 19 CFR 134.45(a) |
Labels first
A garment label is small and legally loaded: fibre names and percentages, origin, care, and the brand or RN number. Generic fibre names have fixed equivalents in each language (cotton, algodón, coton, Baumwolle; elastane, which is "spandex" in the US), and the US and EU lists differ slightly. We use the official term for each market and never a trade name in place of a generic one. Care instructions can be symbols, words or both; if words are used, they are translated with the standard phrasing ("machine wash cold", "do not tumble dry").
Size charts
Size charts are translated and localised: column headings, measurement points ("bust", "hip", "inseam") and fit notes. Sizes themselves are not converted unless you supply the conversion table, because brand sizing varies and a guessed conversion leads to returns. Units stay as you set them, with both inches and centimetres where you provide both.
Product descriptions and lookbooks
Descriptions sell, so they are adapted for tone in each market, but fabric claims stay exact. "100% organic cotton", "recycled polyester" and "water-repellent" are claims a regulator or a customer can test. Collection names and product names stay as registered unless you have cleared local versions.
Sustainability and origin claims
Environmental claims ("sustainable", "eco-friendly", "carbon neutral") are under scrutiny in the US and EU. We translate them exactly as written and flag vague claims that may need substantiation in the target market, but the decision to make the claim is yours.
Wholesale and production
Tech packs, specification sheets and supplier contracts move between brands and factories in other languages. Measurements, tolerances, fabric codes and colour references are copied exactly; construction terms are translated with the factory's own vocabulary where we know it.
Returns, fit and customer service
Most apparel returns are about fit. A translated size guide with clear measuring instructions in the customer's language reduces them. Return policies, care advice and customer service macros (standard replies) are worth translating together, so customers get the same answer from the product page, the packaging and the support team.
EU and UK labels
For the EU, fibre names follow the EU textile regulation's list in each language, and labels must be in the official language of each country of sale. Many brands use one multilingual care-and-content label for all of Europe; it must still contain every required language for the countries it ships to. We translate the content once per language and check it against the EU fibre name list.
What we don't do
We translate; we do not design labels, test fibre content, convert sizes without your table, or certify compliance.
Documents we translate for this
Brochure translation
Translation of brochures, catalogues, flyers and sales sheets, with text-expansion and disclosure rules handled for each market.
Contract translation
Certified translation of contracts and leases: supply, distribution, employment, rental and sale agreements, for signing, courts, lenders and USCIS.
Price
$39 for the first page (up to 250 words) into English, $49 into any other language, then $0.116 per additional word. Each file is priced on its own. The signed certificate of accuracy is included.
Full pricingTurnaround
24 hours standard for most documents. Expedited service is +50% for 6–8 hours and +100% for 1–3 hours. Large files are quoted with a delivery date before you pay.
Questions
Do you check fibre names against the EU list?
Yes. EU fibre names have fixed forms in each language; we use those, not trade names.
Do you translate tech packs for factories?
Yes. Measurements, tolerances, fabric codes and colour references are copied exactly; construction terms follow the factory's vocabulary where we know it.
Can care instructions use symbols only?
In the US, the Care Labeling Rule allows standard symbols instead of words. Other markets have their own rules.
Is "spandex" the same as "elastane"?
Yes. "Spandex" is the US generic name; "elastane" is used in the EU and many other markets. We use the correct term for each market.
Do you convert clothing sizes?
Only from your conversion table. Brand sizing varies, so we do not guess.
Do care labels have to be translated into French for Canada?
Canadian textile labelling generally requires English and French. Symbols can reduce the text.
Related
Prepared by Global Certified Translations, Edgewater, NJ. Translations are signed by a State Court Certified Translator. This page explains translation requirements; it is not legal advice.
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