source: Reddit
Okay, so we’ve all been there You’re fluffing your pillow and trying to get comfortable, and then the annoying tag happens. I hate the feeling. On pillows, on t-shirts. How obnoxious and dull it is! You just want to tear that little tag off. The impulse to snatch up a pair of scissors and cut is real. But when … ah ha! There it is: “UNDER PENALTY OF LAW THIS TAG NOT TO BE REMOVED EXCEPT BY THE CONSUMER.” What? Wait up a second! I know it’s funny, but also very interesting. How come I’ve never noticed it or knew about it. First time my husband saw the tag, he was like “don’t touch it, don’t cut it off, before we figure out what it means”. He was so funny.
As it happens, it’s not the high drama that a line like that makes it sound like — though it is a little more complicated than just “cut or don’t cut.” So before you reach for those scissors, here’s what that tag actually means, and whether you’re technically allowed to take it off. Believe me no one knows this.
What Even is That Tag On Your Pillow?
That fabric tag flapping off the side of your pillow (or mattress, or couch cushion) is officially called a law label. Super exciting name, I know. “Law” is already in its name. But it actually serves a legit purpose. These labels are there to let you know exactly what’s inside the product you’re buying.
There was a time, and not-so-distant past, when bedding manufacturers were less than honest about what they dumped into pillows and mattresses. Well, it’s true. And I mean everything from horse hair to recycled materials (ewww). To prevent companies from skimping on ingredients, the government required them to label the full contents. Fair. That way, buyers could be armed with some information — and not find themselves resting their heads on pulverized floor sweepings. Who would want that. So, this whole thing with labeling was a really good thing for us consumers.
The Phrase That Freaks Everyone Out
The label usually reads something like this:
“UNDER PENALTY OF LAW THIS TAG NOT TO BE REMOVED EXCEPT BY THE CONSUMER.”
That “under penalty of law” part? Yeah, it sounds like you’re gonna be fined or arrested if you dare take scissors to it. But here’s the thing: that warning isn’t for you.
It’s aimed at retailers and manufacturers, not consumers. The law requires them to leave those tags attached so buyers can see what’s inside the product before purchase. Fair. If a company removes the label before it gets to you, they could be in trouble. But once it’s yours? Cut away, my friend. You’re totally in the clear. My friend doesn’t cut the tags off the pillow, not a single one and whenever I’m sleeping over at her place, imagine my annoyance. But I get it. Tags are important and they supposed to help us.
So technically, yes—cutting the tag is illegal… for the seller. Not you.
Do You Actually Need That Tag?
Short answer: It depends.
Once the item is yours, you’re not legally required to keep the tag on. If it’s driving you crazy or ruining your aesthetic vibes, snip it off without guilt. That’s what I do. Immediately snip snip snip.
That said, there are a few reasons you might want to keep it around, at least for a bit:
- Return or warranty policies: Some stores or manufacturers might ask for proof of purchase or product info, and the label can help. Yeah, keep this in mind.
- Cleaning instructions: While most pillows have a separate care tag (like the one in the image you shared—standard laundry icons and all), some include washing or drying info right on the law label. I ruined one or two pillows of mine. Don’t be like me.
- Reselling: If you ever want to resell the item, especially something big like a mattress, buyers might want to see that tag still intact as proof it’s clean and legit.
So no, it’s not a crime to remove it. But it might be inconvenient later on if you suddenly need info from it.
But Why Is It Still Worded So Aggressively?
Honestly? Outdated language. That phrase is a holdover from early 20th-century regulations. Over time, the “EXCEPT BY THE CONSUMER” line was added to make things clearer, but the dramatic warning stuck around like a ghost from a more paranoid era. So dramatic. Quite confusing too.
Mattresses, Furniture, and Kids’ Stuff
Yes, actually. While you can usually cut off pillow tags without worry, there are a few exceptions where you might want to think twice, and we better know this:
- Crib mattresses, car seats, or baby pillows: These products often have additional safety labels or regulatory info. Better to leave those tags on.
- Resale or donation: If you’re planning to donate a mattress or pillow to a shelter or charity, they may require the law label to be attached to prove it’s new or gently used.
- Warranty claims: Again, some companies will void your warranty if the label is missing, since it includes product specs they need to verify the claim.
So while it’s not “illegal” for you to cut those tags, it might make things a pain later on.
So… Can I Cut My Pillow Tag Off Now?
Go for it. Seriously. Right this second if you don’t care about all the others reasons why you shouldn’t.
If it’s your pillow, you’re the consumer. You own it, do whatever you like. That “under penalty of law” warning does not apply to you. Cut it, burn it, frame it (honestly, might be a fun piece of ironic wall art). Just maybe check it first to see if there’s any info you might want to hang onto.
The law label is there to protect you before you buy, not to punish you after (Can you imagine you being punished for cutting off the tag from the pillow??). So next time that tag is itching your cheek in the middle of the night, you’ve got full legal permission to fight back.
