Clothing label types include Woven, Printed, Embroidered, Leather, Rubber/ PVC, Heat transfer, and Hang tags. So with all of these choices, let’s look at how to make it easier to choose which one would be best for your garments or products. While reading and choosing your label type, keep in mind the following key points: you must consider your item’s level of quality, design, fabric or material, how the label will be attached to your product, and, of course, your budget.
Woven Labels
Woven labels are made as one, seamless piece on a loom. Woven labels are high quality, durable labels which can be used on most any item. They are especially suitable for everyday or higher quality products as the finished label looks very professional. The fabric options used for woven labels are typically damask, semi-damask, taffeta, and satin.
- Damask – This is a High Density material label. Ours is 80 den
- For a good finish, smoothness, and high quality this label is Highly Recommended.
- Semi-Damask – This is also good quality label, but a bit thinner than Damask
- Satin – This label has a shiny finish, the weave is not as tight and details are not clear legibility as the Damask.
- Taffeta – This label has a Flat Finish. This is of lower quality compared to the woven.
Printed Labels
If you recall, printed labels have the information printed directly onto the label. These labels can be thermally or digitally printed on cotton or satin. There are also TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) clothing labels which are a transparent, soft plastic feel. These have a unique look and feel and are widely used for swimwear throughout the industry.
However, because it is simply printed onto the material, the information will not be as durable as a custom woven and may fade with regular use. TPU labels will provide a little more durability than a satin printed label. If your garment or product is “made to last” then you want a label that will last just as long and printed labels are not recommended as the best option.
Printed garment labels are usually used with “fast fashion”
Embroidered
Embroidered labels are not commonly used on fashion items.
You find these being offered on the web site as a cheaper label options mostly for Grandma’s that are doing items for the family and don’t require high quality woven labels.
Embroidery is what is used for making patches.
Leather Labels
Real Leather and Faux Leather
Leather labels are typically added to the outside of garments or item. They are made with either Real or Synthetic leather and the logo is embossed, or debossed for a 3D effect. They are durable and unique, which could help set your brand apart from others. However, they can be costly and you may be limited on design elements and color. Real leather will vary slightly from one label to another because of natural elements that cannot be controlled. If you want a more consistent look and color, synthetic leather labels may be the better choice. Either choice of leather labels is great for higher quality items. You typically find leather labels on items like jeans, jackets, or leather bags. They are also great for any items that you want to have a rustic feel to them.
Rubber/PVC/Silicone
Rubber, PVC, and Silicone labels are a unique alternative to a standard label and can be used in a way similar to a woven label or hang tag or just a way to separate bonus item like a key chain. Rubber labels can be cut into a variety of shapes and sizes and can be molded with many colors. They are very durable and are weather resistant which works well for outerwear or camping gear. These labels also look great hanging off of backpacks or purses. They would also be a great touch to items that may be considered “Edgy”.
Heat Transfer Labels
If you don’t have the ability to sew labels onto your products, then you might want to consider Heat Transfer or Tagless labels. These labels can be added with a heat press because of a strong adhesive bonding material on the back. When heated, the adhesive becomes tacky and the label will stick to the product. These labels are great when comfort is a factor because there is no label hanging on the product and touching the customer’s skin.
Hang Tags
Hang Tags can be used in addition to the care labels, advertising or as branding items. They are a must have in retail setting as they can contain the bar code information which is used in inventory management. With Hang Tags, the possibilities are endless. They are printed on cardstock and can be cut into almost any shape and size. Because they are printed, any high resolution image or design can be used. You can also add more information on a hang tag than a woven clothing label. Hang tags generally will be detached from an item before use by the user. Hang Tags enhance the overall quality of any item.
By now you should be familiar with some of the types of labels you can chose from and hopefully this will assist you in making the best choice for your needs.