US: shade modifier
Square outline; two diagonal lines in a corner.
Two diagonal lines add shade to the accompanying drying method.
READ YOUR LABEL
Dry in shade: keep the drying method, move out of direct sun
Read shade alongside line, flat or drip drying, choose a sheltered drying space, and keep every part of the garment’s instruction together.
Shade tells you where; the other mark tells you how
Dry in shade means keep the item out of direct sunlight during drying. It does not choose between a clothesline and a flat surface. Read the accompanying instruction first, then find a shaded place where you can carry it out. Follow the complete label and manufacturer directions.
Compare the marks
Shade modifies the drying instruction; it does not replace it. Read the lines inside the square as well as the diagonal shade mark.
Line dry in shade
Square outline; 1 vertical line inside; one diagonal line in a corner.
One vertical line sets the hanging method; the diagonal line adds shade.
Dry flat in shade
Square outline; 1 horizontal line inside; one diagonal line in a corner.
One horizontal line sets flat drying; keep that surface out of direct sun.
Drip flat in shade
Square outline; 2 horizontal lines inside; one diagonal line in a corner.
Two horizontal lines retain drip-flat drying as well as shade.
Choose the setup before you unload
Line drying or flat drying?
Keep the specified position. Moving a flat-dry sweater onto a hanger is still a change of method, even if the hanger is in shade.
Does the instruction include drip?
Drip drying leaves the item dripping wet. Do not add an extra spin, wring or towel squeeze before it merely to shorten drying. Prepare the specified line or flat setup where dripping water will not create a slippery floor or damage the surface below.
Will this spot stay shaded?
Check where the sun reaches. A rack indoors can still receive direct sunlight through a window. If the sun moves onto the item, relocate the rack while preserving the required support.
Put the instructions into practice
Write down the whole drying instruction
Combine position, drip requirement and shade into one short instruction, such as “drip flat in shade.” Keep any tumble-drying prohibition beside it.
Prepare a clean, suitable space
For flat drying, provide support for the body and sleeves. Wool knitwear can use a suitable drying mesh or clean, pale towel when compatible with its label. Keep the setup away from direct heat and leave room around the item.
Transfer with the item supported
Lift wet fabric carefully and arrange it using the labelled method. Do not stretch the sleeves across a gap or let a heavy section hang from an edge. Retain the drip instruction where present instead of pressing out water first.
Check the position and finish drying
Check that sunlight has not reached the item and that the supporting surface remains suitable. Let it finish drying before storage; do not substitute an unapproved dryer cycle.
Avoid these mistakes
- Do not treat a shaded balcony as permission to hang something labelled dry flat.
- Do not use a radiator to compensate for slower shaded drying.
- Do not turn “in shade” into permission for air-only tumbling.
Turn your label into a checklist
Choose the marks actually printed on your item. Keep the complete instructions together, then copy or print your checklist.
Find the marks on my label