Some countries have enacted legislation to compel the identification of fiber content, irrespective of the fabric quality. In the U.S., the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires the identification of the fiber content of all fabrics. In woolens and worsteds, the percentage of wool fiber must be identified, and the label must state whether it is virgin, reprocessed, or reused wool. The term virgin wool is applied to wool that has never before been processed; reprocessed wool, to fiber recovered from the processing of virgin wool; and reused wool, to fiber recovered from used wool products such as carpets and clothing. Another requirement is that the terms mohair and cashmere be restricted to fibers obtained respectively from the hair of the Angora goat and of the Kashmir goat. The term linen may be applied only to flax fiber.

Other regulations of the FTC govern textile finishes, that is, shrink-proofing, flameproofing, and weighting, which consists of adding metallic salts to delicate fabrics, such as silks, to provide more body. In textiles labeled shrink-proof, nonshrinkable, or preshrunk, the percentage of maximum shrinkage, as determined by government-sponsored tests, must be designated on the label. The Flammable Fabrics Act of 1953 established safety standards with respect to the flammability of fabrics used for wearing apparel. The act was broadened in 1967 to include fabrics used in interior furnishings. Only very sheer or loosely woven pile fabrics were found to exhibit rapid and intense burning. In 1973 administration of the act was transferred to the newly created Consumer Product Safety Commission.