Carlise Slacks

Description of Garment:

 Woman's Black Slacks

Manufacturer: Carlisle

RN#: 69161

Care Label Instructions: Dryclean only

Problem: This fabric contains spandex. When these slacks were drycleaned in perchloroethylene, the spandex yarns snapped, causing them to protrude onto the surface of the fabric.

Responsibility: The manufacturer's. The spandex yarns used in this fabric lack the tensile strength necessary to withstand normal wear as well as the mechanical action produced during the standard drycleaning process.

Recommendation: If these slacks prove to be unserviceable when processed in accordance with the care label instructions, they should be returned to their place of purchase for a refund or exchange.

Drycleaner: Explain to the customer that these slacks may fail when drycleaned as instructed by the care label. Because of this, a signed release of liability should be obtained prior to accepting them for processing. While we have no data as to the serviceability of this garment in alternate solvents, the type of solvent used in the processing of the garment is usually not a factor in the failure of spandex fibers.

The NCA's Garment Analysis Laboratory examines thousands of garments every year for serviceability and FTC care labeling accuracy. The featured garment is a recurring item received for evaluation and, in testing, has failed to meet minimum industry standards. We have included the name or trade name of the fabric, the manufacturer, the RN number, if available, and a brief description of the problem.