Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
A satin label for clothing is made from smooth polyester satin tape with a glossy face, on which the logo or text is printed or woven. It is soft, thin and pleasant against the skin, which is why it is preferred for underwear, blouses, dresses, pyjamas and childrenswear. It comes as single-faced or double-faced satin, in different widths and with different folds.
What makes satin different
Satin is a weave in which the threads in one direction "float" over several threads in the other. This makes the face smooth and light-reflecting, while the back is more matte. For labels this gives three practical advantages: a smooth surface that does not irritate the skin, a good base for fine printing and an elegant look that suits more expensive products.
Single-faced satin
Glossy on one side only. Printing is done on the face, and the matte side faces the fabric. It suits labels sewn around the perimeter or along the ends, where only one side is visible.
Double-faced satin
Smooth and glossy on both sides. It is used for centre-fold and hanging labels, where both sides are visible, as well as for care labels with text on the front and back. It feels denser and more luxurious.
Satin labels for clothing: printing or weaving
Satin labels are most often printed. Printing allows small text, several lines of information, care symbols and data changes between variants. Satin can also be the base of a woven label – then the logo is woven in while the surface stays smooth and glossy. Woven satin is softer than the classic damask woven label, but its details are less sharp. For a comparison with other technologies, see printed labels and the woven options in the same category.
Which products it suits
| Product | Why satin | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Underwear and pyjamas | Thin and soft, does not show through the fabric | Narrow label, soft edges |
| Blouses, dresses, shirts | Elegant look at the neck | Centre fold or mitre fold |
| Baby and childrenswear | Does not scratch delicate skin | Printed with textile inks, light base |
| Care labels | Legible small print | Double-faced satin, several pages |
| Home textiles | Smooth surface | Label in the seam with a mitre fold |
Tape and print colours
White, black and cream satin are the most common. Coloured satin is used when the label is part of the brand's design – for example a navy label with silver text or a powder-pink label for a baby collection. Print is most legible with strong contrast. Gold and silver effects look impressive but must be tested in the wash. The tape colour is matched by Pantone or to a fabric sample.
Sizes and folds
Satin labels are made in a wide range of widths – from narrow size labels to wide care labels. The size is determined by the position and the amount of information. The most commonly used folds are:
- centre fold – the label is sewn into the seam and hangs like a small flag;
- end fold – sewn on top of the fabric with no exposed edges;
- mitre fold – for collars and top seams;
- straight cut – for sewing around the perimeter.
How the edges are cut
Satin is synthetic, and when it is cut the edges must be sealed so they do not fray. This is done with a hot knife or ultrasonically. A hot knife is fast but can leave a slightly hard edge. Ultrasonic sealing is softer and is preferred for labels that touch the skin. For underwear and childrenswear, explicitly ask for soft edge finishing.
Care and durability
Polyester satin does not shrink or lose its shape in the wash. The label's durability depends mainly on the print. Textile inks designed for labels keep the print legible through repeated washing at normal home temperatures. If the product will be washed very hot or dry cleaned, mention it in your inquiry so that a suitable print can be chosen. Satin does not like very high ironing temperatures – iron the label through a cloth or from the reverse side.
Satin label or satin ribbon
Ateliers sometimes buy satin ribbon by the metre and cut labels themselves. This works for decoration, but ordinary decorative ribbon is not designed for printing and often has unsealed edges. Labels made from special label tape have the right density, a printable surface and proper edge finishing.
Common questions when choosing
- Does satin show through? White satin is dense, but dark print on it may show through very thin white fabric.
- Is it slippery to sew? Yes, it is more slippery than taffeta. Use clips instead of pins and a longer stitch.
- Is it suitable for sportswear? Yes, especially if it is end-folded and sewn on securely.
A set of satin labels
Satin is a convenient base for all the inside marking of a garment. The brand label, size label and care label can be made from the same tape, in one colour and with one font. This way the inside of the garment looks tidy, and the customer recognises the brand immediately. A practical solution is for the size label to be narrow and sewn into the same seam, directly below the brand label. The care label can be double-faced satin with several pages and sit in the left side seam. If the brand has several lines – for example main, children's and sports – the satin colour can distinguish them, while the font and logo stay the same.
Satin labels with your logo from Polkom
Polkom is a manufacturer of textile labels, including satin labels with your logo, in the chosen size, colour and fold. We advise you on single- or double-faced satin, make a sample before the series order and deliver across the EU. Send your logo and a description of the product via our contact page.
