Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
A leather label with rivets is attached with metal elements in the corners and gives an industrial, workwear look, but it requires punching and a suitable tool. A label sewn around the edge is the most versatile, light and adds no metal. The choice depends on the product, the brand’s style and the factory’s capabilities: on jeans and workwear the two methods are often combined, on knitwear and hats sewing is preferred, and on bags rivets.
Ways of attaching leather labels
Sewing around the edge
The label is sewn by machine or by hand around the whole perimeter. This is the most widespread method in clothing, because it is fast, requires no additional components and works with all materials.
Sewing on two sides
Only the top and bottom or the left and right edges are sewn. It is faster, but the free edges can curl after washing. It is used for narrow labels and for labels set into a seam.
Setting into a seam
The end of the label is inserted into a seam of the product – for example the side seam of a hat or the waistband seam. Part of the label remains visible, while the attachment is invisible.
Rivets
Metal rivets pass through the label and the fabric and are set on both sides. They are usually placed in the corners – two or four. On jeans the same rivets that reinforce the pockets are used, for a unified look.
Eyelets
Eyelets with a washer form a hole with a metal rim. On labels they are used less for attachment and more as a decorative element or for hanging-tag-style labels through which a cord or ring passes.
Combination
Sewing around the edge plus rivets in the corners – the strongest and most “solid-looking” solution. It is found on work jeans, jackets and backpacks.
Comparison of methods
| Method | Strength | Look | Requires | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sewing around the edge | High | Classic, discreet | Sewing machine | Jeans, jackets, hats, knitwear |
| Sewing on two sides | Medium | Light, minimalist | Sewing machine | Narrow labels, loops, seams |
| Rivets | Very high | Industrial, workwear | Punching, press or tool | Bags, workwear, jeans |
| Eyelets | High at the point | Decorative | Punching, tool | Hanging tags, bag labels |
| Stitching + rivets | Maximum | Solid, premium | Both | Work jeans, backpacks |
When to choose a leather label with rivets
- Bags and backpacks – the material is thick and multi-layered, and sewing through it on a finished product is difficult. Rivets pass through easily and withstand load.
- Workwear – visible metal elements emphasise strength and match the other reinforcements.
- Thick genuine leather – with a very thick label, sewing around the edge is slow, while rivets hold it securely.
- Design effect – when the metal detail is part of the brand’s look.
What to watch out for
- The rivet length must match the combined thickness of the label and the fabric – a rivet that is too short will not set, one that is too long will bend.
- The holes must be punched accurately – ideally with a template or with a pre-punched label.
- The metal and finish must match the other accessories on the product.
- On some products the back of the rivet is in contact with the body – think about comfort.
When to choose sewing
- Knitwear and knitted hats – rivets tear the knit and add weight.
- Light garments – shirts, T-shirts, sweatshirts, children’s clothing.
- Mass production – sewing fits into the factory’s standard operations.
- When metal is not wanted – for example on children’s products or in designs without metal details.
Preparing the label for the method
The attachment method must be known before the labels are ordered, because it affects the design:
- For sewing – leave a margin of about 3–5 mm between the logo and the edge so the stitching passes without crossing the logo.
- For rivets – leave the corners free with enough room for the rivet head; if needed, the label is ordered with punched holes.
- For hand sewing – ask for pre-punched holes around the edge at equal intervals.
- For setting into a seam – allow extra length that will go into the seam and will not be visible.
Order of operations in production
The attachment method also determines when the label enters the process. Sewn labels are often placed on the component before assembly – for example on the pocket or cuff while it is still flat. This is faster and more accurate than sewing onto a finished product. Rivets are usually set at the end, after the product has been assembled and washed, because this way the metal is not damaged during fabric processing and the holes line up exactly. If the jeans go through enzyme or stone washing, check with the technologist whether the label will be sewn on before or after washing – some materials do not tolerate these processes.
Coordinating the metal parts
If you choose rivets, their finish should be in the same style as the buttons, zip and rivets on the product – antique copper, bronze, nickel colour (nickel free), black nickel colour or antique silver. Different finishes on one product look like a mistake. Ordering labels and metal accessories from one manufacturer makes coordination easier.
Leather labels and attachment accessories from Polkom
Polkom makes leather labels with a sewing margin or with punched holes for rivets and offers rivets and eyelets in coordinated finishes. All our metal finishes are nickel free. We will help you choose the method for your product and make a sample. Send an inquiry via the contact page.
