We’ve all been there—lying in bed, fluffing your pillow just right, and then you feel it: that scratchy, stiff little tag poking your neck or cheek, completely ruining your comfort. It’s not just pillows either. Those annoying tags on t-shirts drive me nuts, too. The urge to grab scissors and just snip is so real. But then, you see it—the dramatic all-caps warning: “UNDER PENALTY OF LAW THIS TAG NOT TO BE REMOVED EXCEPT BY THE CONSUMER.”
What does that even mean? It sounds so serious, like cutting it off might land you in legal trouble. I remember the first time my husband saw that tag; he warned me not to touch it until we figured out whether it was really legal to remove. It turns out, this little warning isn’t nearly as intense as it sounds, but there’s more to the story than just cut or don’t cut. Before you reach for the scissors, it helps to understand what that tag is and why it’s there. That flappy tag on your pillow or mattress is known as a “law label,” and its purpose is actually kind of noble. Back in the day, bedding manufacturers would stuff pillows and mattresses with whatever cheap materials they had lying around—from horsehair to shredded floor sweepings.
Seriously gross. So to make sure consumers knew exactly what they were buying, the government stepped in and required that these law labels be attached to the product, clearly stating what it was filled with. That label helps you avoid sleeping on mystery fluff and ensures transparency in manufacturing. Now, let’s talk about that scary phrase—“under penalty of law.” It’s honestly one of the most misunderstood warnings out there. That legal-sounding statement isn’t actually directed at you, the person who bought the pillow. It’s meant for manufacturers and retailers. They are legally required to leave that tag on until the product is sold. If they remove it before it reaches you, they can face consequences. But once it’s in your hands, you’re totally allowed to cut that tag off. I have a friend who refuses to cut any of her pillow tags off, and every time I stay at her house, I can feel them brushing against my face. It drives me a little nuts, but I understand why she keeps them. Those tags sometimes contain useful information.
While you’re not legally required to keep it after purchasing, you might want to think twice before cutting it immediately. Some manufacturers ask for the tag if you ever need to return the item or make a warranty claim. The tag often includes care instructions, and on more than one occasion, I’ve ruined a pillow by not checking how to properly clean it. And if you ever want to resell a mattress or donate it to charity, having the original label still attached proves that the item is clean, safe, and as advertised. So even though removing it isn’t a crime, tossing it without a second thought might lead to minor inconveniences down the line. That exaggerated legal wording is just a leftover from regulations written in the early 20th century. Even though “EXCEPT BY THE CONSUMER” was later added to clarify that you’re allowed to remove it, the whole phrase still reads like a warning from a courtroom drama.
That outdated language just never got updated. When it comes to specific products—like baby items, car seats, or crib mattresses—you might want to be extra cautious. These items often have safety or regulatory labels that should not be removed, at least until the child has outgrown them. And if you’re donating or reselling any furniture or bedding, keeping the tag can help establish its quality and compliance with safety guidelines. Lastly, in case you were still unsure—yes, you can absolutely cut the tag off your pillow. If it’s annoying, itchy, or just ruins the vibe of your bedroom aesthetic, grab those scissors and go for it. You own it. That dramatic “under penalty of law” message no longer applies. Cut it, shred it, toss it in the trash, or stick it in a scrapbook if that’s your thing. Just maybe glance at it one last time before you snip, in case there’s some care instruction or warranty detail you might need down the line. But no, you will not get in trouble for removing it. That tag exists to protect you before purchase, not to punish you afterward. So the next time that label is rubbing your face in the middle of the night, remember—you’ve got full legal permission to fight back and sleep in peace.
