Usually not. The FTC's guidance on the Textile Rules lists trimmings that are excluded from fibre content disclosure, and the list includes waist or wrist bands, leg bands, gussets, binding, tape and labels. It also treats elastic materials and threads added to a garment in minor proportion for structural purposes as findings, which are also excluded. A sewn-on waistband on briefs therefore generally falls under the trim exemption, and the label can disclose the body fabric only.

When "exclusive of elastic" is used

The guidance explains a different case: where elastic material is part of the basic fabric of the product and does not exceed 20% of its surface area, the label gives the content of the base fabric followed by "exclusive of elastic". If the elastic section is larger than that, the fibre content must be disclosed by section, with the elastic section described as "elastic" followed by its fibres in order of weight.

Do not confuse elastic trim with elastane in the fabric

Elastane or spandex knitted into the body fabric is part of the fabric's fibre content and must be listed with its percentage, for example 95% cotton, 5% spandex. The trim exemption covers the separate waistband, not the fibres in the main fabric.

If you talk about the waistband

Many trim exemptions in the guidance depend on not making representations about fibre. If your product page or packaging makes claims about the waistband fibre, for example "soft nylon waistband", check whether that triggers disclosure. When in doubt, a sectional disclosure such as "Body: 95% cotton, 5% spandex. Waistband: …" is clear and accurate.

Practical steps

Ask the factory and the elastic supplier for the fibre content of the waistband in writing anyway, since you may need it for other markets, such as the EU, where labelling rules differ. Keep it with the order records.

Check the label proof against the actual garment: body fabric content, country of origin, your name or RN, and permanent care instructions.

For specific products or markets, the FTC's guidance and the Textile Rules are the reference, and a compliance adviser can confirm the wording.