RN Numbers on garments

[oscarthewild]

Does anyone know what these are for and what they signify?
Quota, origin etc?

 

[fkl118]

I can't say for sure, but I think they identify the manufacturer. I have a couple items that I know are from the same manufacturer and have the same RN numbers, even though they are all different brands.

 

[topcatny]

They identify the manufacturer...sort of. If you have a brand that sells goods in the US but doesn't actually have it's own factories. Their product will all have the same RN #. Check outthis site for a more in depth answer.

 

[Pressfan]

From the F.T.C. website: "A registered identification number or RN is a number issued by the Federal Trade Commission, upon request, to a business residing in the U.S. that is engaged in the manufacture, importing, distribution, or sale of textile, wool, or fur products. Such businesses are not required to have RNs. They may, however, use the RN in place of a name on the label or tag that is required to be affixed to these products." Click on the RN Database - Search link to find information about the manufacturer/importer: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/rn/ The Canadian equivalent is the CA Number administered by the Competition Bureau: http://cb-bc.gc.ca/epic/internet/inc.../cp01120e.html You can find out interesting information from these numbers, such as the fact that the J. Press shirts made in Canada are made by The John Forsyth Shirt Company Ltd. of Cambridge, Ontario and the U.S. made button-downs are from Hathaway (old stock?).

 

[fkl118]

Interesting, now I'm going to have to look up all the numbers on my clothes.

 

[JDMcDaniel]

This thread contains the most useful information I have seen on this site in a month (and that is not a slight to the SF). I wonder how many people are reading it?

 

[AlanC]

You can find out interesting information from these numbers, such as the fact that the J. Press shirts made in Canada are made by The John Forsyth Shirt Company Ltd. of Cambridge, Ontario...

That's interesting. I think there were some Forsyth branded shirts at Marshall's the other day. I had dismissed them but may have to re-evaluate.

 

[j]

Interesting. Can anyone tell me where to look, and what kind of garments will have this number? Which tag am I looking for? Pics would be excellent. Thanks.

 

[fkl118]

They're usually on the fabric tag, sometimes on the back of it. This from the tag in the breast pocket of an overcoat: It has an RN and CA number.

 

[hermes]

i remember back a decade or so when the canadian dollar was high and canadians were doing a lot of cross border shopping but wearing clothing home and not declaring it, the way canada customs would sometimes catch goods (this was before NAFTA and there was still duty on items) was by checking the tag and seeing if it only had an RN number, evidencing it was a for usa sale garment

(most clothing only had one or the other not both an RN and CA number back then so it was an easy exercise)

 

[LA Guy]

i remember back a decade or so when the canadian dollar was high and canadians were doing a lot of cross border shopping but wearing clothing home and not declaring it, the way canada customs would sometimes catch goods (this was before NAFTA and there was still duty on items) was by checking the tag and seeing if it only had an RN number, evidencing it was a for usa sale garment

Did that mean that you have to pay tariffs everytime you cross the border and back again

Seriously, I think that that is a (Canadian) urban legend. Personal items (i.e. clothing without tags that you are actually wearing on your body, or used clothing without tags) have always been exempt.

 

[JohnMS]

So an older Polo tie I have says MOUNTAIN ROSE (USA) L.L.C....who is that? I've never been that impressed with the Polo blue line of ties in the inability to get a good dimple in the knot.

Interesting. I think I'm the only person in the state that wondered what the RN meant. Great information. Thanks.

 

[Shirtmaven]

I thought that all of the Polo ties were made by Fogel NEckwear. Formally of West 28th Street, NYC. Now out of business.

They may have used some lower priced factories in the south for outlet work.