Is It Illegal to Cut Off Pillow Tags? Here’s What to Know Before Pulling Out the Scissors
Ever stared at that annoying little tag on your pillow and thought, “Who’s gonna stop me?” before grabbing the scissors?
You’re not alone. Millions of Americans have pondered this exact question—some even feeling a twinge of guilt, as if the Pillow Police might bust down their door. But here’s the truth: That tag isn’t just there to annoy you. It’s actually a legal requirement… but does that mean you’ll get fined for snipping it off?
Let’s settle this once and for all.
Why Do Pillow Tags Even Exist? (And Why Are They So Annoying?)
The short answer: Consumer protection.
Those tags—often labeled “Do Not Remove Under Penalty of Law”—are required by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) under the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act. Their purpose? To tell you exactly what’s inside your pillow (or mattress, or comforter).
Bold truth: “The warning is for retailers, not consumers. You won’t get arrested for cutting it off—but stores can’t sell pillows without it.”
Wait… So Can I Actually Cut It Off?
Yes, but with a caveat.
Once you’ve bought the pillow, that tag is yours to do with as you please. The FTC’s rule only applies to sellers—not buyers. So if you’ve ever felt like a rebel for ripping it off, congratulations: You’re not a criminal.
Pro tip: If you’re keeping the pillow long-term, snap a pic of the tag first. That way, if you ever need warranty info or material details, you’ve got it saved.
The One Time You Shouldn’t Remove the Tag
Thinking of reselling that barely used pillow on Facebook Marketplace? Hold up.
If you’re selling it as “new” or “unused,” removing the tag could land you in hot water. Why? Because without that tag, buyers have no way of verifying what’s inside—and that’s where the FTC’s rules kick in.
Bottom line: “If you’re keeping it, snip away. If you’re selling it, leave it on.”
Bonus: The Weirdest Pillow Tag Myths Debunked
Final Verdict: Snip or Not to Snip?
If it’s your pillow and you’re keeping it? Go ahead—set yourself free.
Selling it or returning it? Leave it alone.
Now that you know the truth, you can finally stop side-eyeing that tag like it’s a government spy. Freedom is just a pair of scissors away.
Got a weird household law you’ve always wondered about? Drop it in the comments—let’s solve the next mystery together!
Authoritative Sources:
1、“Textile Fiber Products Identification Act” – Federal Trade Commission
2、“Pillow Tags and the Law: What You Need to Know” – Consumer Reports
3、“Why Do Mattress Tags Say ‘Do Not Remove’?” – Better Sleep Council
Share if you’ve ever felt like a pillow-tag outlaw!
