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October 19, 2007
"Made in U.S.A." Tags
Customers often choose to purchase Made in U.S.A. products for many reasons. Some customers may choose American made products out of a sense of loyalty to their country. Others do so in an attempt to help combat the problem of sweat shop industries in other nations. Still, others have chosen to buy American in response to the recent influx of recalls released from imported goods. Whatever the reason for buying American made products, the management at bestdressedkids.com understands that the labels on clothing can be confusing. To help our customers better understand those labels, we are offering the following guidelines and a brief description for the usage of the “Made in U.S.A.” tag as is set forth by the Federal Trade Commission.
All products labeled “Made in U.S.A.” must be made from parts and of processes predominantly of U.S. origin, containing no more than negligible amounts of foreign content. Any garment made in the USA of foreign parts may be labeled as “Made in U.S.A.,” but must also include a statement regarding any foreign content. For example, a shirt made in the USA of imported fabric should say “Made in U.S.A of imported fabric.” If, however, the fabric was made in the USA using imported threads, then that information is not required to be disclosed on the tags. Additionally, some pieces of a garment, such as zippers and buttons, may be imported but are not required to be included on the garment’s label, nor in determining a garment’s country of origin.
While we try our best to describe our products accurately, manufacturers may change factories or countries at any time without informing us. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. We appreciate our customers’ patience and understanding as we work to provide them with the best merchandise available.
(For more information, please visit the Federal Trade Commission website. )
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Sleepwear Guidelines
Bestdressedkids.com knows that safe, fire resistant sleepwear is important to you. We also realize there are many factors and concerns that you as a parent may have about sleepwear. What are the laws concerning sleepwear, what garments are considered sleepwear, how are they made, tested, and labeled, and what can you do to ensure that your child sleeps safely? Sleepwear is defined by the Consumer Product Safety Commission as “ any article of clothing, such as a nightgown, pajama, robe or loungewear, that is sized above 9 months and up to size 14 and that is intended to be worn primarily for sleeping or activities related to sleeping.” Underwear, diapers, and garments sized 9 months or smaller are not considered sleepwear. All children’s sleepwear above size 9 months and up to size 14 must comply with children’s sleepwear flammability standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Under these laws, sleepwear falls under two categories: flame-resistant or snug-fitting. Flame-resistant sleepwear does not ignite easily and must self-extinguish quickly. Samples are tested as produced (or after one laundering) and after 50 launderings. Fabric, seams and trim must self-extinguish after being exposed to an open flame. At any point, if the test garment fails, it cannot be retested, used, or promoted for use in children’s sleepwear. Flame-resistant sleepwear must be labeled with precautionary care instructions to protect the items from treatments that will cause deterioration of their flame resistance.
Snug-fitting sleepwear must not exceed specified measurements for each size range; they must be tapered at the waist, wrists, and ankles, and must not have lengthy trim such as lace or ribbon. These standards are based on studies that showed tight fitting garments are less likely to come into contact with flame and that less oxygen between the garment and the child’s skin greatly reduces flammability. Snug-fitting garments must have a permanent label clearly stating the size of the garment and “W ear Snug-Fitting, Not Flame Resistant.” Additionally, a required yellow hangtag and all packaging must warn, “For child's safety, garment should fit snugly. This garment is not flame resistant. Loose-fitting garment is more likely to catch fire.”
Snug-fitting cotton sleepwear is a great alternative to synthetic or treated flame-resistant sleepwear. Cotton’s natural breathability makes it perfect for soft, comfortable sleepwear. You should always buy the right size for the perfect snug-fit, never larger to leave room for growth. Traditional flame-resistant sleepwear will work regardless of fit. Flame-resistant sleepwear can either be made from materials that are “inherently” flame-resistant or are treated with flame-retardants. This treatment can be applied to the garment after it is finished, but most often, it is built into the fiber of the fabric. “Inherently” flame resistant materials, including most polyesters and modacrylic, have flame resistance that is built into the molecular composition of the fiber . Clothing manufacturers may describe sleepwear made from such materials as being naturally flame resistant, meaning that the flame-resistance is an innate, natural property of the fiber. Fabrics that are not “inherently” flame-resistant, like nylon, acetate, and cotton, are typically treated with halogenated hydrocarbons (chlorine and bromine), inorganic flame retardants (antimony oxides) and phosphate based compounds. The CPSC maintains that they do not allow toxic chemicals to be used in children’s clothing. Also, because the flame-resistance of all children’s sleepwear is required to last through at-least 50 laundry cycles, any added flame-retardant treatments can be expected to not easily seep out.
CAUTIONARY NOTES It should be noted that the CPSC regulations for children’s sleepwear are meant to protect from small open flames, but are not impervious to a burning bed or house. Safe fire safety practices, including up-to-date smoke detectors and escape plans, should always be in place and ready to use at all times.
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