Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
A leather label for a bag is placed on the front flap, the pocket, the side panel or the handle and is attached by stitching around the edge, with rivets or with a combination of both. Bags are not washed, so a thicker genuine leather with a pronounced texture can be used. A separate category is luggage tags – hanging leather tags with a logo and space for the owner's name, attached to the handle of a suitcase or backpack.
Where to place a leather label on a bag
- Front flap or front panel – the most visible spot; suitable for a larger label with the main logo.
- Outer pocket – a smaller patch that does not interfere with the function of the pocket.
- Side panel – discreet branding on shopping bags and backpacks.
- Handle or strap – a narrow leather strip wrapped around the base of the handle.
- Inside – a label in the lining that shows the brand when the bag is open.
The position is decided at the design stage, because it determines when in production the label is attached – onto a flat panel or onto a finished product.
Material by bag type
Canvas bags and backpacks
A leather or faux leather label on canvas or heavy duck cloth is a classic combination. The contrast between textile and leather highlights the brand. Thicker materials that lie flat and do not bend are used here.
Leather bags
On leather goods the label is most often debossed directly or is a separate patch in the same or a contrasting leather. The choice of tone matters – a label in the same colour is discreet, a contrasting one more visible.
Faux leather bags
The logical choice is a faux leather label in the same or a neighbouring tone, to keep the materials consistent.
Fixing: stitching, rivets or both
Bags carry weight and suffer abrasion, so the fixing must be secure.
- Stitching around the edge – done while the panel is flat. Use a strong polyester or polyamide thread – see our threads for footwear and leather.
- Rivets – convenient when the bag is already assembled or the material is multi-layered. Four rivets in the corners hold the label firmly.
- Stitching + rivets – the most solid solution for backpacks and work bags.
The metal fixings should match the style of the buckles, rings and other accessories on the bag.
Marking the logo
On bags, which are not washed, all techniques work well. Debossing is the most classic and durable. Laser suits fine details. Foil adds a luxurious metallic effect, but in high-friction spots – handles and edges – it gradually wears off. So on handles and straps, prefer debossing or laser.
Leather luggage tags
A luggage tag (for a suitcase, backpack or travel bag) is a separate accessory that hangs from the handle. It is used both by the owner to recognise their luggage and by brands – as a branded gift or an accessory for travel products.
Typical construction
- Body – two bonded or stitched pieces of leather or faux leather.
- Details field – a card with name and phone number, visible through a window or hidden under a flap to protect personal data.
- Strap – a leather strap with a buckle, a snap or a metal ring.
- Logo – debossed, engraved or foiled on the front.
Sizes
Luggage tags are usually the size of a business card or slightly larger, to hold a standard details card. The shape is rectangular with rounded corners, but for gift series it can also be a silhouette – a suitcase or an aeroplane, for example.
Who they suit
- Bag and luggage manufacturers – as an add-on to the product.
- Travel agencies, hotels and companies – as a corporate gift with a logo.
- Fashion brands – as a gift with an order or a travel collection.
Sizes of leather labels for bags
| Position | Approximate size |
|---|---|
| Front panel of a backpack or bag | 6–10 cm wide |
| 4–6 cm | |
| Handle or strap (strip) | 1.5–3 cm wide |
| Inside label in the lining | 3–5 cm |
The size should be proportional to the bag – a small patch on a large backpack looks lost, a large one on a wallet looks intrusive.
The label as part of the bag's construction
In a well-designed bag the leather patch is not simply "stuck on" top but is part of the construction. It can cover a seam, reinforce the point where the handle is attached or serve as the base for a key ring. Such solutions make the label functional and justify a heavier material. Discuss with the pattern maker whether the label will carry load – if so, plan for rivets and a stronger thread.
Caring for leather labels on bags
Bags are not machine washed, but they get wet in the rain and suffer abrasion. A genuine leather label is cleaned with a damp cloth and occasionally treated with a colourless cream. Faux leather only needs wiping. If the label has foil, avoid harsh cleaners that could rub it off.
Leather labels for bags and luggage from Polkom
Polkom manufactures leather labels for bags, backpacks and accessories in genuine and faux leather – debossed, laser-engraved or foiled, with rivet holes where needed. We also offer the metal accessories for the same product. Send your design and dimensions via the contact page.
