Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Clothing label production uses different technologies depending on the label type: woven labels are made on jacquard looms, printed labels by printing on satin or polyester tape, leather labels by stamping or laser, and cardboard labels by offset or digital printing and die-cutting. After that, almost all textile labels go through cutting and folding. Understanding the process helps you choose the right label and prepare a better design.
Clothing label production: the main technologies
| Technology | What it produces | Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Jacquard weaving | Woven label | Durability, texture, premium look |
| Printing on tape | Printed or care label | Fine text, lots of information |
| Stamping, foil, laser | Leather label | An external, distinctive brand mark |
| Printing and die-cutting card | Hang tag | Large area, finishing effects |
How labels are woven
Woven labels are made on jacquard machines. The design is first converted into a weaving program – every point of the logo is "translated" into an interlacing of warp and weft. The warp is usually one colour and defines the background, while the logo is built up from coloured weft threads.
Types of weave
- Taffeta – a looser weave, lower detail, an economical solution for simple lettering.
- Damask – a dense weave with fine polyester yarns that allows small letters and clear details. The most common choice for brand labels.
- Satin weave – a smooth, glossy surface and a soft touch.
Weaving is done on wide cloth with many labels side by side, which are then cut apart. You will find details of the options under woven labels.
How textile labels are printed
With printed labels the base is a ready-made tape – satin, polyester taffeta, cotton or non-woven material. The image is applied using various methods, such as thermal transfer, flexo or screen printing. The choice depends on the run, the number of colours and the wash-resistance requirements. The inks must be suitable for textiles so they do not rub off. Printing is preferred for care labels because it allows small text, many languages and care symbols.
Cutting and folding
After weaving or printing, the labels are separated. With hot cutting the synthetic tape is sealed at the edge and does not fray. With ultrasonic cutting the edge is softer and smoother – important for labels that touch the skin. Woven labels on wide cloth can also be cut with folded side edges.
Next comes folding. The most commonly used options are:
- a straight-cut label without a fold, sewn on all four sides;
- end fold, for sewing on two sides;
- centre fold, caught in a seam;
- Manhattan or mitre fold – for attaching as a loop.
How leather labels are made
The leather – genuine or faux – is cut into the label shape with a cutting die or laser. The logo is applied by hot stamping with a metal die (raised or recessed), with gold, silver or other coloured foil, or by laser engraving. Sometimes perforations for sewing are added. The final step is checking the edges and colour.
How cardboard labels are made
Hang tags are printed on sheets of card using offset or digital printing. They can then be finished with laminate, varnish, embossing or hot foil. Finally they are die-cut to shape and holes for hanging are punched. They are often supplied with a string or a plastic tag fastener.
Materials and raw materials
Label quality starts with the raw materials. Woven labels mainly use polyester yarn, because it is strong, does not shrink and keeps its colour in the wash. Cotton yarns give a natural look but are less resistant to fading. For printed labels, the tape is chosen according to feel: satin is smooth and glossy, polyester taffeta is stiffer and very durable, cotton tape is soft and matte, and non-woven materials are an economical option for temporary information. Leather labels use genuine leather of various thicknesses and finishes, or faux leather. Cardboard labels are printed on card of various weights, including kraft paper with recycled content. The choice of raw material directly affects the look, comfort and price.
The auxiliary materials are no less important: the threads for sewing on leather labels, the inks for printing on tape, the foil for hot stamping and the adhesives in some cardboard labels. They must be compatible with the main material and with the way the product is cared for, otherwise the label deteriorates sooner than the garment itself.
Quality control
A good manufacturer checks the labels at every stage:
- colour match with the approved sample;
- size and cutting angle;
- legibility of the smallest text;
- correct folding and no frayed edges;
- count and packaging by article and size.
What this means for your design
Knowing the technology, you can design better. For a woven label, avoid overly thin lines and very small text. For a printed label, think about the contrast between ink and tape. For a leather label, the logo must be simple enough to stamp clearly with the die. You will find all types in the clothing labels category.
Label manufacturer – Polkom
Polkom is a Bulgarian manufacturer and wholesaler of sewing accessories based in Sofia with over 30 years of experience. We make custom labels with your logo – woven, printed, leather and cardboard – produce fast samples and deliver across the EU. Send your design via our inquiry form and we will propose the most suitable technology.
