# Tracing the Threads: Comparing Red Garments in Forensic Investigations
## 3 Results and Discussion
### Textile Composition Versus Label Information  
Only about one-third of the examined clothing had labels indicating their fiber composition. The remaining items either displayed visible signs of the labels being cut off by the user or the labels were illegible due to prolonged use of the garments.  
The discrepancies between the fiber type information provided on the labels and the actual composition of the garments, as determined by the authors through their identification research, reveal that 84% of the label information was accurate. Differences were observed, for example, in one case where some of the cotton fibers in a product labeled \"100% Cotton\" were replaced by polyester and polyamide fibers. In another case, wool fibers were partially replaced by viscose fibers. The labeling was entirely inaccurate in one instance, where acrylic fibers were fully replaced by cotton and polyester fibers.  
The present research further confirms that relying solely on label information can often be misleading. Aside from extreme cases in which the label information does not correspond to reality, it is important to note that label information often omits fibers used in sewing threads or, for example, decorative elements such as logos. This omission is likely due to the fact that textile labels are mandatory in the European Union (EU) for textiles intended for sale to the end consumer, and EU Regulation 1007/2011 requires labels to indicate the fiber composition of textile products; however, the label must, in general, only specify the composition of the fabric itself [18].  
Several studies conducted by The Circle Economy have examined the discrepancies between the garment composition stated on labels and the actual composition determined through analysis. Their findings indicate that, depending on the study, only 17% to 34% of labels contain fully accurate information [19]. It is worth noting that these studies involved over 10,000 garments. Additionally, 24% of garments were found to lack labels, which may be attributed to the removal of labels by the garment owners. Unlike the research presented in this publication, the studies conducted by The Circle Economy also considered the quantitative composition of textiles. One study indicated that 25% of labels overstated or understated the amounts of one of the components.  
In summary, errors in garment labeling--such as those arising from mistakes during production, variability in labeling standards across countries, insufficient or improper testing of textile fibers, or changes in the supply chain and substitution of materials at various stages of production--can have far-reaching consequences. These range from consumer deception and health risks to legal and economic repercussions for businesses. These issues highlight the critical importance of accurate, standardized, and transparent labeling practices within the textile industry.  
The identification of fiber types in clothing composition must always be a crucial step in forensic examinations. However, in most cases, a qualitative assessment is sufficient rather than a detailed quantitative analysis. The latter is of particular importance when determining which types of fibers present in the examined textile product are more likely to detach from the garment in larger quantities under the conditions of a specific criminal event.