Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Textile clothing labels are chosen by answering three questions: how close to the skin the label will sit, how often and how the garment will be washed, and what information it must carry. For underwear and childrenswear, soft satin is best; for mass-produced care labels, polyester taffeta; for eco collections, cotton tape; and for the brand logo, a woven label.
Below we look at each of these criteria and give examples by garment type, so that you can prepare an accurate inquiry for the manufacturer.
Textile clothing labels: the four main materials
In garment practice, a "textile label" means any label made of tape or fabric that is sewn or permanently bonded to the product. The base can vary, and each has its own logic.
Satin
A smooth polyester tape with a glossy face. It is soft, does not pill and does not itch when the edges are cut cleanly. It suits underwear, blouses, dresses, babywear and anything that touches the neck. Satin can be single-faced (glossy on one side) or double-faced.
Polyester taffeta
A denser, stiffer tape with a matte, slightly paper-like feel. It holds print well, does not shrink and is highly resistant to washing. That is why it is the preferred base for care labels with a lot of text that are sewn into the side seam.
Cotton tape
A natural, matte look and a warm feel. It suits organic collections, childrenswear, linen and cotton products, where satin would look too "synthetic". Bear in mind that cotton can shrink slightly in the first wash.
Woven polyester (damask)
On woven labels the logo is not printed but woven in with threads. They are the most durable and have a distinct texture. You will find more details in the woven labels section.
How to choose according to the garment type
| Product | Recommended material | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Underwear, pyjamas, bodysuits | Soft satin, printed | Does not itch, is thin and does not show through the fabric |
| T-shirts and tops | Satin or woven label with a soft fold | Balance between softness and a quality look |
| Jeans, jackets, coats | Woven, leather or cotton label | Strong material for heavy fabrics |
| Childrenswear | Satin or cotton | Softness and a natural feel |
| Care labels in mass production | Polyester taffeta or satin | Legible print that survives many washes |
| Workwear | Taffeta or woven label | Withstands intensive washing |
Printing or weaving
The choice of base is linked to the technology. Satin, taffeta and cotton are most often printed, while a woven label is produced on a jacquard loom. Printing allows fine text, many lines and data changes (size, batch) without a new set-up. Weaving gives a more luxurious and durable result, but very small text loses legibility. If you are undecided, also look at printed labels – there you will see the typical applications.
Size and fold
The size depends on the position. A neck label must be small enough not to show above the neckline, while a care label in the side seam can be longer and have several pages. The fold also affects comfort:
- straight cut – the label is sewn around the perimeter, convenient for the inside of jackets and bags;
- centre fold – the label is sewn into the seam and shows as a small "flag";
- end fold – the ends are folded under and the label is sewn with two seams, with no sharp edges;
- mitre (diagonal) fold – for hanging labels in the collar seam.
Soft edges
Many complaints about an "itchy label" come not from the material but from the edge. Heat-cut ends of synthetic tape can become hard. Ultrasonic cutting and end folding reduce this problem. For underwear and childrenswear, specifically ask for soft edge finishing and a sample you can try against the skin.
What information to include
It is better to split the information across several labels rather than overload one:
- brand label – logo, possibly a website;
- size label – small, next to the main label;
- care and composition label – fibre composition under Regulation (EU) 1007/2011, care symbols under ISO 3758, country of origin and article number.
For the mandatory composition information, see the care and composition labels section.
Common mistakes when choosing
- A stiff label at the neck of a T-shirt – the customer cuts it out and the brand disappears.
- Type that is too small on a woven label – the letters merge.
- A dark label on a light, thin garment – it shows through on the front.
- A cotton label without pre-washing the sample – it shrinks and puckers the seam.
- No space for the seam – the text ends up under the stitching.
A short checklist before your inquiry
- What product is the label for, and what fabric is it made of?
- Will the label touch the skin directly?
- At what temperature will the garment be washed?
- How will it be attached – in a seam, around the perimeter or by ironing on?
- How many variants are needed – one design or different sizes and compositions?
The answers to these questions are enough to get a specific recommendation for material and technology at the very first contact.
Textile labels from Polkom
Polkom is a Bulgarian manufacturer and wholesaler of clothing accessories with over 30 years of experience. We make textile labels to your design and with your logo – in satin, taffeta and cotton, in the required size, fold and colour, with a sample before the series order and delivery within the EU. Send us your logo, the garment type and the approximate quantity via our contact page and you will receive a material proposal and a quote.
