Quality
FAQ
Will my H&M garments shrink?
H&M accept a shrinkage of up to 3% for woven garments and 5% for knits/ jerseys. To avoid shrinkage, certain items might need ironing after washes, to regain their original shape and fit. If needed, this will always be mentioned on the care label.
Are hazardous or allergenic substances being used in your protection methods?
H&M ban the use of hazardous and environmentally damaging substances throughout all production processes. All H&M suppliers commit to comply with our requirements and are educated in how to run production to our standards. Regular controls and inspections are also conducted to ensure your safety.
Do I need to wash my H&M clothes before wearing them for the first time?
As hazardous chemicals are banned throughout our production, washing before wearing is not necessary.
Is my ski jacket or overall from H&M waterproof?
H&M has three levels of functional garments with water repellent properties. Information will be found on the label.
Waterproof: The fabric is waterproof (>2000mm H₂O) and has sealed seams. Suitable for heavy rain conditions.
Water resistant: The fabric is waterproof (>1500mm H₂O) and has folded seams. Suitable for rainy or snowy conditions.
Water repellent: The fabric’s surface has been treated to repel water. Suitable for light rain.
Can I wash at a lower temperature than recommended on the care label?
The highest recommended washing temperature is stated on the garment’s label. You can, of course, choose a lower temperature to save energy. However, heavily soiled clothes might require the higher temperature.
Can wire bras be machine washed?
We always recommend hand washing for wire bras, as machine washing could cause the wire to separate and damage the machine.
Do H&M sunglasses come with UV-protection?
Yes, all H&M sunglasses have a special UV filter which blocks out all UV radiations (UVA and UVB).
How do I wash knitted wool garments?
Make sure you follow the care instructions on the label. If your washing machine has a wool program, use this. If hand washed, remember to carefully squeeze any extra water out of the garment. Reshape the garment after wash and dry flat for optimal care.
How do I choose my right size at H&M?
We have listened to your feedback and adjusted our sizes on Ladieswear to be in line with UK size measurements. Please check and select your size according to measurements in new size guide.
Please note that same size garments may still vary depending on fit. H&M follow the standard body measurement lists, based on average body measurements for all sizes.
For some products we specify measurements in cm/inches on the product page to give you an understanding of the model or fit for that specific garment. Note that these measurements can vary a few centimetres up and down depending on the material used in its production.
What is the difference between the size guides and the measurements on product pages?
The size guides are a general guide for selecting the correct size at H&M based on your own body measurements. The measurements in cm/inches that we in some cases specify on the product pages is for the specific product or garment you are looking at. The measurement in cm/inches that we display on the product pages can however vary a few centimetres up and down depending on the material used in its production. Use these measurements as a guideline to find a suitable style or fit for you, but not as an exact value.
We have listened to your feedback and adjusted our sizes on Ladieswear to be in line with UK size measurements. Please check and select your size according to measurements in new size guide.
Does H&M jewellery and other metal details release nickel?
H&M applies the limit for nickel that is developed /set with concern for users. Frequent tests are done to assure that the limit is not exceeded.
What does UPF50 for swimwear mean?
UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor and is used to provide information about the level of protection that garments provide. Clothes with a UPF 50+ rating block out 97.5% of UVA and UVB rays. This is a level of protection that is approximately 5 times higher than that provided by a normal cotton T-shirt. UPF in garments is reached through a combination of chemical treatment to the yarn and physical properties of the fabric. The chemical used to treat the yarn follows H&M’s strict chemical restriction.
Why has H&M made changes to ladies sizes?
We have listened to your feedback and adjusted our sizes on Ladieswear to be in line with UK size measurements. Please check and select your size according to measurements in new size guide. (If you used to order a size 12 at H&M you could now order a size 10.)
Are you going to change sizing in menswear?
Our sizing across our menswear collections will remain the same.
Why are you not changing menswear sizing?
Menswear follows global sizing measurements working according to an average of the sizes suggested by the markets we operate in. There are no plans to adjust sizing specifically for the UK market in menswear.