Millions of people experience daily discomfort from sewn-in clothing tags—plastic labels that scratch, irritate skin, and cannot be removed without damaging garments. These tags, prevalent in clothing across the United States, are a persistent nuisance that we should not have to endure. From children to adults, the average consumer faces the frustration of having to carefully cut away tags, often to discover that they are intertwined with the garment's fabric, and any attempt to remove them leaves behind a jagged mess or a permanent hole.

Beyond discomfort, these tags represent an unnecessary and overlooked source of plastic waste and microplastics like polyester and nylon. When cut off, they become loose fragments that are rarely recycled and often end up in landfill or waterways. Over time, these materials break down into microplastics - contributing to global pollution problem that is already present in our oceans, soil and even bodies. For a component that serves only a regulatory purpose, this environmental cost is unjustifiable.

Current practices in the fashion industry prioritize cost savings and brand displays over consumer comfort and sustainability. Comfort should be at the forefront of clothing design, considering tags are a known irritant, especially for people with sensitive skin or sensory processing conditions.

There are alternatives! Clothing manufacturers can switch to printed tags or laser-cut labels that are directly integrated into the fabric. These methods are not only more comfortable but also environmentally friendly, reducing the plastic waste associated with traditional tags.

Such a change is not unprecedented. Many brands have successfully adopted tag-less designs with positive feedback from consumers. This transition is therefore feasible and beneficial for both consumers and the environment.

We call on regulators - including European Commission, Federal Trade Commission, Australian Competition and Consumer Protection and all other relevant regulators to make this incredibly simple change and require global clothing retailers, manufacturers to replace sewn-in, plastic clothing tags with more skin-friendly and environmentally sustainable alternatives immediately. Your simple, yet powerful, signature can bring relief to millions and push the fashion industry towards a more user-friendly and sustainable future. Sign this petition today to ban sewn-in clothing tags permanently.