The FTC's guidance on the Textile Rules says a fibre disclosure may include the name of a type of cotton, such as Pima or Egyptian, as long as it is truthful and not deceptive. If only 50% of the cotton is Pima, the label must say so. The guidance gives examples such as "100% Cotton (50% Pima)" or "50% Pima Cotton, 50% Upland Cotton". Saying "100% Cotton, Pima Blend" without the Pima percentage is described as unacceptable.

The hang tag

Hang tags can name a fibre without repeating the full fibre content, but the guidance says that unless the tag discloses the full content or the product is made entirely of that fibre, it must clearly say there is more to know, for example "See label for the product's full fiber content". If the fibre name appears on the front of the tag, the disclosure should be on the front, near it, in type no smaller than the fibre name. A hang tag saying "Pima Cotton Tee" on a half-Pima tee should carry that disclosure, and the overall message must not suggest the tee is all Pima.

Advertising

The same applies online. The guidance says ads referring to premium cottons must not convey that the product is made only of the premium cotton unless that is true. Product titles like "Pima Cotton Tee" on a blend can mislead, so state the blend clearly in the title or close to it.

Proof

Ask the mill and spinner for documents showing the share of Pima cotton in the yarn, such as purchase records or certificates from the yarn supplier, and keep them with each fabric lot. If a trademarked premium cotton is used, check the trademark owner's own rules for using its name and tags.

Check the whole tee

If the tee contains spandex or polyester, the label must list those fibres too, with percentages. The Pima share is then shown as part of the cotton content.

For specific wording, the FTC guidance is the reference, and a compliance adviser can confirm the final text. Review the wording again whenever the yarn supplier or blend changes.