Manufacturer · Fashion Accessories
The most widely used clothing label materials are polyester damask (for woven labels), satin, polyester taffeta and cotton tape (for printed labels), genuine and faux leather (for external labels) and card (for hang tags). The choice depends on three things: whether the label touches the skin, how often the product is washed and what look you want for the brand.
Clothing label materials: comparison table
| Material | Softness | Wash durability | Look | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polyester damask | Good | Very high | Dense, detailed | Brand label, all products |
| Satin | Very good | Good | Smooth, glossy | Underwear, dresses, childrenswear |
| Polyester taffeta | Medium | Very high | Matte, stiffer | Care labels, workwear |
| Cotton tape | Very good | Good | Natural, matte | Organic and baby collections |
| Non-woven | Medium | Limited | Paper-like | Economical care labels |
| Genuine leather | Depends on thickness | Needs care | Noble, full of character | Jeans, jackets, bags |
| Faux leather | Good | Good | Leather-like | Jeans, caps, accessories |
| Card and kraft | – | Not washed | Printing, embossing, foil | Hang tags |
Polyester damask
Damask is a densely woven label made with fine polyester yarns. It allows small details and clear letters, does not shrink and keeps its colour after many washes. It is the standard for brand labels in the mid and high-end segments. The higher the weave density, the softer and more detailed the label. A lower-density option is taffeta – more economical but with a coarser structure.
Satin
Satin tape is smooth, soft and has a slight sheen. It is used for printed brand labels and for care labels on delicate products. It is preferred for underwear, nightwear, dresses and childrenswear because it does not irritate the skin. Double-faced satin, smooth on both sides, is also available. You will find details on printing on satin under printed labels.
Polyester taffeta
Taffeta is a dense, smooth tape with a matte surface. It is highly resistant to washing, heat and dry cleaning, which makes it the classic choice for care labels. It is stiffer than satin, so for close-fitting products it is best combined with ultrasonic cutting for a softer edge.
Cotton tape
Cotton tape is natural, matte and very soft. It suits brands that want a natural look – babywear, organic collections, linen and cotton clothing. Printing on cotton looks softer and slightly "artisanal". Bear in mind that cotton can shrink slightly in the first wash and the ink colour softens over time.
Non-woven
Non-woven tapes look like soft paper. They are used mainly for economical care labels in large runs. They are less resistant to repeated washing, so they are not suitable for products that will be washed often and over a long period.
Genuine and faux leather
Leather labels are external and full of character. Genuine leather ages beautifully and develops a patina, but in the wash it can change colour or harden. Faux leather (polyurethane or other synthetic bases) is more predictable in the wash and offers more colours. Another option is jacron paper – a leather-look material used on jeans. See the options under leather labels.
Card and kraft paper
Hang tags are made of card of various thicknesses and surfaces – white, black, coloured, coated or uncoated. Kraft paper gives a natural, eco look and is popular with brands that have an eco positioning. Finishing – embossing, hot foil, laminate, varnish – turns the hang tag into a small advertising medium.
How to choose a material
- Does it touch the skin? If yes – satin, cotton or fine damask with a soft edge.
- How often is it washed? Daily washing – damask or taffeta. Rare washing – more freedom.
- What is the brand's style? Luxury – satin or fine damask. Natural – cotton and kraft. Denim – leather.
- What is the care regime? The label must last at least as long as the product – ironing, dry cleaning, tumble drying.
- What is the budget? The material affects the price – send a request for a quote with several options.
Testing the material before ordering
The surest way to choose is to compare samples of two or three materials on the actual product. Sew them on, wash them on the regime you will recommend and iron them. See which keeps its shape and colour, which stays soft and which reads best. The test takes a day or two but saves disappointment after series production.
Eco options
More and more brands are looking for more sustainable materials: recycled polyester for woven and printed labels, organic cotton, kraft card with recycled content. If this matters to you, state it in your inquiry – the manufacturer will check availability and propose a suitable option. Remember that any sustainability claim on the label must be backed by the material supplier.
You will find the whole range in the clothing labels category.
Labels in the right material – Polkom
Polkom is a Bulgarian manufacturer of sewing accessories based in Sofia with over 30 years of experience. We make custom labels in damask, satin, taffeta, cotton, leather and card with your logo, produce fast samples and deliver across the EU. Send a description of the product via our inquiry form – we will propose the right material. Minimum quantities depend on the article.
