Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Labels for underwear and sportswear must be as soft and thin as possible, because they are in constant contact with the skin and move with the body. Most often, printed labels on soft polyester satin are used, with ultrasonically cut edges and a thin layer of ink. They are placed where they do not rub, and in some cases the information is printed directly on the fabric.
Why underwear labels are a special case
On an ordinary shirt, the label sits behind the neck, above a layer of fabric. On underwear, leggings or a sports T-shirt, it rests directly against the skin, often in an area with a lot of movement and sweat. Any hard edge, thick print or rough tape is felt immediately. The most common reason customers cut out the label is precisely discomfort – and with it, the composition and care information disappears.
That is why, for underwear and sportswear labels, the priorities are: softness, thinness, flexibility and only then appearance.
Tape
- Soft polyester satin – a smooth surface without roughness, good for printing. The most common choice.
- Thin, soft taffeta – more economical, but it is important to choose the finer variants; stiff taffeta is not suitable for underwear.
- Cotton tape – for cotton underwear and pyjamas, where the natural look is part of the product.
- Elastic tapes – on some products the logo is placed on the waistband elastic, while the information label stays separate. For these, see also the elastics category.
The edges make the difference
Most complaints about labels "that scratch" come from the edges, not the tape. A hot knife seals the threads but can leave a harder edge. Ultrasonic cutting gives a thinner, softer edge. Another solution is to fold the label so the cut ends go into the seam and only the smooth fold faces the skin.
| Solution | Edge softness | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| Hot knife, straight cut | Good | Labels that do not rest directly against the skin |
| Ultrasonic cutting | Very good | Underwear, sportswear, childrenswear |
| Folded with the ends in the seam | Excellent on the skin side | Labels in the side seam and waistband |
Printing and design
The less ink on the label, the softer it is. For underwear labels we recommend:
- thermal transfer or flexographic printing with a thin layer instead of dense screen printing;
- only the necessary information – composition, care, size; the logo can be on a separate visible element;
- a smaller label with more compact but legible text;
- a light tape with dark print that does not show through thin, light fabrics.
A lot of information on a small label
Underwear and swimwear are often sold in several countries, and the composition includes three or four fibres – polyamide, elastane, polyester, cotton. All of this must fit on a label that is as small as possible. There are several solutions:
- write the composition with the official fibre names in all required languages in compact columns;
- put the care symbols in one row, without unnecessary decorative elements;
- if needed, make the label two pages folded over each other and sewn in together, instead of one long label;
- move the logo and size to a separate element – for example a print on the elastic.
Where to place the label
Underwear
On briefs and boxers – in the side seam or the centre back of the waistband, with the ends tucked in. On bras – on the side or next to the fastening, away from pressure zones.
Sportswear
On T-shirts and leggings the label is often moved from the neck to the side seam, where there is less friction. On garments with flatlock seams the label must be as thin as possible so as not to disturb the smoothness of the seam.
Swimwear
The label is sewn into the side or back seam, away from places where it will be seen when worn. The tape and print must withstand chlorine, salt and sun.
Printing directly on the fabric
On many sportswear and underwear products, the information is applied directly to the inside of the fabric by transfer or printing. This way there is no label to feel. This solution has its requirements – a suitable fabric, a durable transfer, enough space for all the mandatory text – and is usually combined with a small sewn-in label for the composition if the text is long. If you are considering this solution, describe the product in your inquiry and we will discuss the options.
Resistance to sweat and frequent washing
Sportswear and underwear are washed more often than other garments. Add to this sweat, deodorants and fabric softeners. The tape and ink must withstand all of this without fading and without the tape shrinking. With care and composition labels for such products, it is especially important that the care symbols are accurate – many technical fabrics cannot take fabric softener, high temperatures or tumble drying.
What to include in your inquiry
- Product type – underwear, swimwear, leggings, running T-shirt.
- The label position and the maximum size the seam allows.
- Cutting preferences – ultrasonic or folded with the ends in the seam.
- Care conditions, including chlorine, salt or tumble drying.
- Quantities by size and colour.
Labels for underwear and sportswear from Polkom
Polkom is a Sofia-based manufacturer and wholesaler of clothing accessories with over 30 years of experience. We make soft printed labels for underwear, swimwear and sportswear, produce fast samples and deliver across the EU. Minimum quantities depend on the article. Send an inquiry with a description of the product via our contact page.
