Drawstrings on kids' hoodies and jackets: what the federal rule bans in sizes 2T to 12

Federal rules ban hood and neck drawstrings on children's upper outerwear in sizes 2T to 12. Under 16 CFR 1120.3, a jacket or sweatshirt in those sizes with one is deemed a substantial product hazard. Waist and bottom drawstrings are allowed in sizes 2T to 16, but only with limits: no more than 3 inches may stick out, and nothing may be tied or fitted to the free ends.

What the rule actually covers

The rule is a Consumer Product Safety Commission determination made under section 15(j) of the Consumer Product Safety Act. Section 1120.1 says the Commission found that the characteristics of the listed products are readily observable, are addressed by a voluntary standard, and that the voluntary standard has been effective, with substantial compliance. Products on the list are subject to reporting requirements and the recall provisions of the Act, and "shall be refused entry into the United States."

The text of 16 CFR 1120.3(b) covers children's upper outerwear in sizes 2T to 16 or the equivalent, with one or more drawstrings, that is subject to but not in conformance with ASTM F 1816-97. That standard's scope sets the split: sizes 2T to 12 for neck and hood drawstrings and sizes 2T to 16 for waist and bottom drawstrings. The eCFR lists the original source of the section as 76 FR 37640, June 28, 2011.

A drawstring has a plain definition in 1120.2: "a non-retractable cord, ribbon, or tape of any material to pull together parts of upper outerwear to provide for closure."

Hood and neck: no cords at all

CPSC staff's October 2013 Drawstring Bulletin puts it simply. "Drawstrings are not allowed at the hood and neck area of upper outerwear in sizes 2T-12," it says, and it suggests alternatives such as snaps, buttons, hook and loop, and elastic.

The reason is entanglement. The bulletin says most incidents involving upper outerwear happen when a drawstring catches on playground slides, handrails, school bus doors or other moving objects. A CPSC staff draft of the final rule, dated June 22, 2011 and marked as a draft in the agency's file, counted 56 reports of neck or hood drawstring entanglements between January 1985 and April 2011, of which 18 were fatal. Treat those figures as the staff's count at that date, not a current tally.

Waist and bottom: allowed, with limits

Waist and bottom drawstrings are not banned. In sizes 2T to 16, the bulletin says, the length "must not extend more than three inches from the channel when the garment is expanded to its fullest width." A drawstring that is one continuous string must be bar tacked or stitched through so it cannot be pulled out of its channel. Cord locks, knots, toggles and other attachments that could catch at the free ends are prohibited.

The staff draft explains why the waist is treated differently. A cord at the waist or hem can catch in the doors or other parts of a motor vehicle and create a dragging hazard if the driver pulls away without realizing someone is attached.

What the rule leaves out

The bulletin defines upper outerwear as clothing such as jackets, ski vests, anoraks and sweatshirts that generally are worn over other garments, including lightweight outerwear suitable for warm climates. Underwear, inner clothing layers, pants, shorts, swimwear, dresses and skirts are not upper outerwear. Belts are not drawstrings. Ties, though, are: the bulletin says ties that snap, buckle or tie, and are attached through an eyelet, seam or casing, count as drawstrings.

Fully retractable drawstrings are exempt. They must completely and automatically retract after being adjusted and released, leaving only the cord lock or toggle against the outside of the garment. Retractable bungees must not extend more than 3 inches below the hemline.

How sizes are counted

Section 1120.3(b)(2) matters most for brands that sell youth sizes in letters. A Large is treated as size 12, an Extra-Large as size 16, and smaller letter sizes are smaller than 12. If a label gives a range that includes any covered size, the garment is covered. The example in the text is a coat sized 12 through 14, which stays subject to the hood and neck prohibition, while a 13 through 15 would not be within the hood and neck ban but would face the waist rules. A garment need not say "girls" or "boys" anywhere.

ASTM's page for F1816 shows its current version as F1816-18, reapproved in 2024. The CFR text still points to the 1997 edition. We have not found a CPSC page saying which edition the Commission treats as current, so the CFR language controls for this article.

What to check in a store or a listing

The rule turns into a short checklist. Find the size first: anything from 2T to 12 in a jacket, hoodie or sweatshirt should have no cord at the hood or neck. Then look at the waist or hem. A cord is acceptable only if no more than 3 inches extends from the channel when the garment is stretched out, a single continuous string is bar tacked, and nothing such as a toggle, knot or cord lock sits at a free end. The bulletin says to report a dangerous product or product-related injury at SaferProducts.gov or through the CPSC Hotline at 800-638-2772.

Our take

This is one of the clearer rules in children's apparel. The age bracket is generous, the test is observable on the garment, and the loophole is narrow, since retractable cords are allowed and belts are not drawstrings. The bulletin is a staff document, and it says it has not been approved by the Commission, so read the CFR if you sell clothing. The same agency also writes the rule on why kids' pajamas fit snugly.