Select Menus and Textareas

Keep labels and instructions visible while people choose or write.

Choose from known options

Structure before styling

A label names both a select and a textarea.
Each option has a submission value; the empty first option asks for a real choice.
Persistent help text remains available after typing begins.
aria-describedby connects the message field to its detailed instruction.

Important HTML

Both select and textarea need a label; keep help text visible outside the control.

<label for="topic">Support topic</label>
<select id="topic" name="topic" required>
  <option value="">Choose a topic</option>
  …
</select>
<label for="message">Your message</label>
<textarea id="message" name="message" rows="6" required></textarea>