What do the dots in tumble dry symbols mean?

Dots inside the circle in a tumble dry symbol indicate heat level: one dot = low heat (approximately 55°C), two dots = medium heat (approximately 65°C), three dots = high heat (80°C+). No dots or an open inner circle indicates no heat (air fluff only). You can always use a lower heat setting than the symbol allows.

What is the difference between line dry and dry flat?

Line dry means hang the item on a line, airer, or hanger to air dry vertically. Dry flat means lay it horizontally on a flat surface. Dry flat is required for knitwear, cashmere, and other heavy fabrics that stretch permanently under their own wet weight when hung.

Can I air dry something that says tumble dry?

Yes — air drying is always gentler than tumble drying. If you prefer to air dry a tumble-dry-rated item, you can line dry or dry flat without any damage risk. The tumble dry symbol gives permission to machine dry; it is not an instruction to do so.

What does "dry in shade" mean?

Dry in shade means keep the item away from direct sunlight while drying, as UV radiation bleaches dyes over time. Dry indoors, in a covered area, or on the shaded side of a building. This is especially important for dark, vivid, and bright colours.

What does Hang to Dry (Japan) mean?

Dryinglow risk

Quick Answer

Hang on hanger to dry (Japan JIS standard)

Detailed explanation

The Japanese dry on hanger symbol follows the JIS L 0217 standard and indicates that the garment should be dried hung on a clothes hanger — functionally identical to the international dry on hanger symbol. Like other Japanese care symbols, it may appear alongside international ISO symbols on garments manufactured for, or imported from, Japan. The same hanger drying technique applies: use a padded or wide hanger, hang in good air circulation, and reshape the garment while still damp.

How to follow the Hang to Dry (Japan) symbol:

1
Hang on clothes hanger immediately after washing
2
Smooth out wrinkles while wet
3
Allow to air dry completely
4
Common method in Japan for dress shirts

When does this symbol appear on care labels?

For Japanese-manufactured or Japanese-labelled garments where this symbol appears
For structured garments requiring gravity-drape drying on a hanger
When this symbol appears alongside international care symbols

Tips and Best Practices

The Japanese hanger symbol communicates identical requirements to the international version — apply the same hanger drying technique
Use a wide, padded hanger to support the full shoulder width without creating pressure points
Hang in good ventilation — air circulation is the key factor in drying speed for hanger-dried items
Reshape collars, cuffs, and hems while the garment is still wet

What happens if this symbol is ignored

Incorrect drying method (laying flat, tumble drying, or line pegging) causes the same damage regardless of whether the symbol is Japanese or international in format.

Common mistakes to avoid

Not recognising the Japanese symbol and using a different drying method — when in doubt, hang on a padded hanger in good ventilation

Regional Note (US)

Hang on hanger to dry

Common Materials

Dress shirtsBlousesStructured garments

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Frequently Asked Questions

Related Drying Symbols

Tumble Dry Normal

Tumble dry at normal/high heat setting

Tumble Dry Low Heat

Tumble dry on low heat setting only (one dot)

Tumble Dry Medium Heat

Tumble dry on medium heat setting (two dots)

Tumble Dry High Heat

Tumble dry on high heat setting (three dots)

Tumble Dry No Heat

Tumble dry with no heat - air fluff only

Do Not Tumble Dry

Do not use tumble dryer - air dry only

Often used together

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