Fleece Garments (Back Country Clothing) – Flammability (1995)

Check Your Product

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)

Reason for Recall

As stated by CPSC

February 28, 1995 Release # 95-087 WASHINGTON, D.C. - CPSC and Coville Incorporated are announcing the recall of dangerously flammable garments made from a fleece-type fabric. An estimated 160,000 garments ranging from sweatshirts to skirts are involved in the recall.The fabric, which fails to meet federal mandatory standards of fabric flammability, presents a serious risk of burn injuries and violates the 1953 Federal Flammable Fabrics Act. Fabrics that do not comply with the standard typically burn faster than newspaper.Neither CPSC nor Coville has received any reports of injuries involving garments made from the fabric. However, there have been four reported incidents where garments made from the fabric "flashed" or surface-burned very quickly. The fabric is a polyester-cotton blend material with a raised fiber surface. Its fleecy texture closely mimics that of an inside-out sweatshirt. The fabric was used to manufacture clothes under 45 different brand names (see attached list). CPSC and Coville Inc. are working with manufacturers and retailers to recall garments made from this fabric and sold across the country after May 1, 1994. Most of the garments - an estimated 70 percent - are sweatshirts, hooded pullovers, casual shirts and other types of tops. Pants, shorts, vests, dresses, robes and skirts that contain the fabric were also sold. About 12 percent of the items are children's wear, excluding children's sleepwear. "Fleece garments are extremely popular today, and most of them are in full compliance with the law," said Ann Brown, CPSC chairman. "But those that aren't must be taken off the market.""Coville's cooperative effort with CPSC is another fine example of industry working voluntarily with government." Thousands of retailers who sold garments made from the fabric have posted signs in their stores urging customers to return the garments for a full refund. Macy's, Express Inc.(a division of The Limited), Capezio, Kohl's, Marianne, Jean Nicole and Stuart's are among the retailers cooperating in the recall. Other retailers include specialized boutiques, surf shops and some hotel gift shops. CPSC urges consumers who suspect they may have purchased a garment made from the fleece fabric to immediately stop wearing it and contact or visit their retailer to see if the garment is subject to the recall. Retailers should know whether the garments are a part of the recall and should then provide a refund. In addition, consumers who have questions about the recall can call CPSC's toll-free hotline at (800) 638-2772. The hearing and speech impaired can call (301) 595-7054. Any fleece or partly fleece garment sold under the following brand names may be involved in this recall:26 Red - label no. RN 87162A Month of SundaysAustinsBack Country ClothingBlack ParrotBLOOZ - RN 12345California Dynasty - RN 64211CannondaleCapezio - RN 88647Carushka Body WearChristina - RN 59628Dalandz of ColoradoDanielle Allendtw - Durango ColoradoETNIKO - RN 79686Express Tricot - RN 54003Firethorn - RN 88645Fresh ProduceGold's Gym - RN 56814Gordon and Smith (GandS)IN Charge RN 59628Joe's - RN 71693Klondike Dry Goods - RN 65063Limit LineLimited - RN 54003Limelight by Jan-RNative "O" ApparelNorth Shore TradingOarsman 913Ojai<br />Orvis - RN 90860PA Company BostonPes Menz PesSea Isle Sportswear - RN 60300Spyder - RN 64902Straight Down Clothing CompanyStryke - RN 64902STE (Surf the Earth)Surf Style - RN 87965Susan Barry SeattleSuzy Phillips - RN 59628Swept Away Santa Barbara, CAT. HayesThe North Face - RN 61661Turnberr

Recommended Action

Per CPSC guidance

The CPSC advises consumers to stop using the product. Contact the manufacturer or return the product to the place of purchase.