Reader Question: What Does It Mean if the Care Label Is On The Outside Of My Shirt?

I was recently asked why a manufacturer would do this.

Most of the time, you’ll find the care label somewhere on the inside of a garment. In the case of a shirt, it’s often on the left side, a few inches above the hem. It’s placed in an inconspicuous spot, easy enough to access when the shirt is off but easily hidden.
Sometimes, it might be near the brand tag. Or even at the bottom of the placket on a button up shirt, placed on the inside where spare buttons are usually kept.

However, occasionally you’ll come across a shirt where the care tag is on the outside.

What It Means

Usually, this care tag will be located at the bottom of the placket, underneath the last button. The reason for it is rather simple.
I’ve only ever seen this done on shirts with long tails, which are cut with the intention of wearing them untucked.

Therefore, if you come across a shirt with a care tag on the outside of the placket, you can probably assume that the maker designed this shirt to be worn tucked in only. The outside care tag will be below your belt line when you’re wearing the shirt tucked, so you don’t have to worry about the tag being visible.

This is a Ralph Lauren button down shirt, with the care tag well under the lowest button hole.

Alternatively, if the shirt is short tailed and clearly only suitable for wearing untucked, the inclusion of a visible tag could be a design choice. I’ve seen it on some supposedly workwear inspired modern shirts, often accompanied by the designer’s logo.
Personally I think that’s rather tacky, but at the end of the day it’s your choice whether you buy something like that or not. If you don’t like it, cast a vote with your money (in this case, by keeping it).