01 / HOW TO IDENTIFY IT
Match the shape, not just the words.
Look for a square with horizontal or vertical strokes. Their position shows how to support the wet garment; the small corner slash means shade.
One horizontal line combined with the corner diagonal calls for flat drying away from direct sunlight. The position and the light exposure are both part of the instruction.
02 / WHAT TO DO
The practical decision.
Lay the article on a dry, clean surface and arrange it into the intended shape. On loosely knitted garments, hanging can stretch the fabric while harsh sun may affect colour.
Direct sunlight can affect colour or finish when shaded drying is specified.
03 / WHAT PEOPLE CONFUSE
One small detail changes the meaning.
If the diagram has two horizontal lines instead of one, it is the more specific drip-flat-in-shade treatment.
04 / AFTER YOU IDENTIFY IT
Check the rest of the tag.
The washing, bleaching, drying, ironing and professional-care instructions work together. This page interprets one symbol only; a blank or unreadable mark does not grant permission for any other treatment.
Never replace the maker’s written instructions with a guess based only on material composition or appearance. Read the complete care-label method.