Manufacturer · Fashion Accessories
Clothing label printing means applying a logo, text or symbols to a textile tape – most often satin, nylon taffeta, polyester or cotton. Three main methods are used: thermal transfer printing, screen printing and flexographic printing. The choice depends on the run size, the number of colours, the variants needed (sizes, batches) and how often the garment will be washed.
Below you will find a brief comparison of the technologies and main materials, and a list of the data you need to prepare before requesting a quote.
How clothing labels are printed
The process follows the same logic with all methods. First the tape is chosen – its material, width and colour. Then the design is prepared in vector format, checking the minimum sizes of text and lines. Next a sample is made, and after approval, series printing follows. Finally the tape is cut and, if necessary, folded, or left on a roll for automatic cutting in the factory.
It is important to understand that printing is a surface process: the ink lies on the tape or partially penetrates it. So durability depends on both the ink and the smoothness and density of the base. With woven labels, the image is formed by the yarns themselves and there is no layer that can wear off – this is the main difference between the two types.
Printing methods – a brief comparison
| Method | Suitable for | Strengths | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thermal transfer | Small and medium runs, variable data | No plates, quick content changes, barcodes | Usually one colour per pass |
| Flexographic | Large runs with the same design | Even printing, low price per piece in volume | Plates are required; set-up pays off with large quantities |
| Screen printing | Brand labels, dark tapes | Dense, saturated layer, white on black | Slower, less suitable for very small text |
Which method when
- You have many sizes and article numbers – thermal transfer allows every label to be different without additional plates.
- The same label in large volume – flexographic printing is the economical solution.
- A light logo on a dark tape – screen printing gives coverage that other methods find hard to achieve.
Tapes for printed labels
The tape determines the feel, look and durability of the label. The most commonly used bases are:
- Satin – soft, with a slight sheen, suitable for brand labels and garments worn directly next to the skin.
- Nylon taffeta – stiffer, smooth and economical; a classic base for care labels.
- Polyester tape – strong, keeps its shape after many washes.
- Cotton tape – matt and natural, suitable for cotton and linen collections.
The width is determined by the amount of text. A narrow tape is enough for a short logo, while composition, washing symbols and manufacturer details need a wider or longer tape.
What a clothing label contains
Printed labels are used for several different tasks, and one garment often has more than one:
- Brand label – logo and possibly a slogan.
- Size label – separate or combined with the logo.
- Composition and care label – fibre composition in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 1007/2011 and care symbols according to ISO 3758. See also our care and composition labels.
- Batch or article number label – for traceability in production and the warehouse.
The composition must be in the language of the country where the product is sold, so for export more space is planned on the tape.
How to check the sample
The sample is the point at which almost all problems are caught, so do not approve it from a photo alone. If possible, sew it onto a real garment from the collection and wash it at least several times on the programme you will state on the label.
- Legibility – small text and care symbols must be clearly readable with the naked eye, without blurred edges.
- Colour – compare the print with the Pantone reference in daylight, not on screen.
- Softness – run the label along the inside of your wrist; if it scratches, check the edge cutting and the thickness of the ink.
- Size and fold – make sure the label fits in the seam and does not stick out of the neck or side seam.
- Behaviour in the wash – after washing, the print must not flake and the tape must not shrink or curl.
If the sample fails one of these checks, the solution is usually to change the tape or the ink, not to change the whole design.
What to prepare before your inquiry
- Design in a vector file (AI, PDF, EPS or SVG) with text converted to outlines.
- Desired tape material and colour, print colour (a Pantone reference if possible).
- Finished label size and fold, or delivery on a roll.
- Quantity for each variant, if there are different sizes or articles.
- Washing conditions – temperature, drying, dry cleaning.
The price depends on the method, number of colours, type and width of tape, quantity and number of variants. A specific figure can only be given after a request for a quote with this data.
Clothing label printing from the manufacturer
Polkom is a Bulgarian manufacturer and wholesaler of garment accessories with over 30 years of experience. We make custom printed labels with your logo, sizes and data, produce samples quickly and deliver across the EU. Send your design and quantities via our contact page and we will suggest the right material and printing method.
