Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
The price of clothing labels is not fixed – it is determined by the technology (weaving, printing, leather, card), the size, the number of colours, the material, the cutting and folding method and above all the run length. That is why a clothing label price can only be given accurately once these parameters are clear. In this article you will find out how much each factor weighs and how to get a better quote without sacrificing quality.
Clothing label prices by type of label
Different types of labels are made with different equipment and labour, so the pricing logic differs too.
| Label type | Main price factors |
|---|---|
| Woven | Weave density, number of thread colours, size, cutting and folding, run length |
| Printed | Type of tape (satin, taffeta, cotton), number of colours, single- or double-sided printing, run length |
| Care and composition | Length of text, number of languages, number of different compositions in the order |
| Leather | Genuine or eco leather, thickness, size, type of marking (embossing, foil, laser), die |
| Cardboard | Card, number of colours, finishing (foil, embossing, lamination), die-cut shape, string or fastener |
You will find a comparison of the technologies under woven and printed labels.
The seven factors that determine the price
1. Run length
The strongest factor. Every order requires set-up – a weaving program, a printing plate, an embossing die, a cutting die for card, machine set-up. These costs are almost the same for a small and a large run, but with a large quantity they are spread over more pieces. That is why the unit price falls as the run grows.
2. Size
A larger label requires more material and machine time. A difference of a few millimetres in width or length becomes noticeable on a large run.
3. Number of colours
In weaving, each additional colour is an additional thread; in printing, an additional pass or ink. A single-colour logo is the most economical.
4. Material
Fine damask, satin, cotton, genuine leather and heavy coated card all cost different amounts. The choice should suit the garment – a more expensive material is not always the better one.
5. Cutting and folding
A straight label without a fold is the simplest. An end fold, centre fold or envelope fold adds an operation. Ultrasonic cutting gives a softer edge but also affects the price.
6. Finishing
Hot foil, embossing, lamination, metallic threads, special die-cut shapes and perforation increase the cost, but also the sense of quality.
7. Number of designs in one order
Ten different care and composition labels at a hundred pieces each do not cost the same as a thousand identical ones. Each design requires its own set-up.
Why small runs cost more per piece
This often comes as a surprise to small brands: with a hundred labels the unit price can be many times higher than with several thousand. The reason is not the material but the set-up. The weaving program, die or printing plate is made once, regardless of quantity. If you are planning several collections with the same brand label, ordering a larger run at once is usually more cost-effective.
How to optimise your label budget
- One brand label for all styles. Put the size on a separate small label – this way the main label is ordered in a large run.
- Combine orders. Brand, size and composition labels in one order reduce set-up and delivery costs.
- Simplify the logo. Two or three colours instead of five almost always look cleaner and cost less.
- Choose the right material. For a care and composition label, polyester taffeta or satin does an excellent job – there is no need for a luxury material.
- Get the size right. An optimal size instead of “a bit bigger just in case”.
- Use finishing where it is seen. Gold foil is striking on the hang tag, but it is not needed on the care label.
Hidden costs to consider
Besides the price of the labels themselves, other items go into the budget. Delivery to the factory depends on weight and address. Sewing takes the machinist’s time – a label caught in a seam is attached faster than one stitched on all four sides. An error in the text leads to a repeat order. And finally, leftovers: if you order care labels for a style that is later dropped, they remain unused. A well-planned order reduces all these costs before production even starts.
How much label design costs
If you have a ready logo in vector format, the technical preparation of the file for weaving or printing is usually part of the ordering process. If a completely new design has to be created, that is a separate creative service. Ask in advance what is included in the quote – visual, corrections, sample.
The sample as an investment
A sample may seem like an extra cost, but it protects against much more expensive mistakes: the wrong colour, a stiff material, illegible text or an unsuitable size. A bulk order that turns out to be unusable costs far more than one sample. That is why, for a first order or a new type of label, a sample is a sensible step.
What to send for an accurate quote
- Logo and colours (Pantone if possible).
- Type of label and desired size.
- The material or garment the label is for.
- Fold and sewing method.
- Quantity for each design.
- Delivery address in the EU.
You will find all the types of labels we make in the clothing labels category.
A label quote from Polkom
Polkom is a Bulgarian manufacturer of accessories for fashion, furniture, footwear and bags, based in Sofia, with over 30 years of experience. We offer competitive prices for custom labels with your logo, fast samples and delivery across the EU. Send the parameters via the request a quote form – we will also suggest ways to optimise your budget. Minimum quantities depend on the item.
