Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Self-adhesive fabric labels are fabric or tape labels with a layer of adhesive on the back, attached without needle and thread. Those with cold adhesive (stickers) are suitable for temporary marking, packaging and items that are not washed. For washable garments, heat-activated iron-on labels applied with an iron or press are more reliable, and sewn-in labels remain the most secure option.
What self-adhesive fabric labels are
Several different products are lumped together under this name in searches. It is important to tell them apart, because they behave completely differently in the wash.
Cold-adhesive labels (stickers)
A textile base – usually satin or non-woven material – with pressure-sensitive adhesive and a peel-off backing paper. They are applied by hand. They are handy for marking boxes, personal belongings, school supplies and the inside of shoes, as well as for temporary marking in the warehouse or on samples.
Iron-on labels (with heat-activated adhesive)
The adhesive is not sticky at room temperature. It is activated with an iron or heat press and penetrates the fibres of the fabric. These are the closest substitute for a sewn-in label. You will find more about them in our article on iron-on labels.
Combined solutions
Some manufacturers fuse the iron-on label for positioning and then secure it with a few stitches. This combines precise placement with the durability of a seam.
Do self-adhesive labels survive washing?
As a rule, cold-adhesive labels are not designed to be washed. Water, heat and detergents break down the adhesive and the label peels off after one or a few washes. Iron-on labels last considerably longer if they are applied correctly – with sufficient temperature, pressure and time – and if the fabric can be ironed. Even they, however, can lift at the corners with very intensive washing, tumble drying or on stretch fabrics.
| Type | Attachment | Washing | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sticker (cold adhesive) | By hand | No | Packaging, belongings, temporary marking |
| Iron-on label | Iron or press | Yes, to a limited extent | Garments without much stretch, children's clothes with names |
| Sewn-in label | Thread | Yes, without limits | All garments and textiles |
When self-adhesive fabric labels are a good choice
- Marking samples, patterns and batches in the factory.
- Labels for boxes, bags and fabric packaging.
- Children's personal belongings – backpacks, shoes, lunch boxes.
- Items made of materials that cannot be sewn or ironed.
- Temporary information that the customer will remove – for example the size of a product on a rail.
When not to use them
- For the brand label on garments – a label that has peeled off looks careless and harms the image.
- For care and composition labels – mandatory information must be permanently attached.
- On stretch, knitted and very thin fabrics – the adhesive cracks or shows through.
- On materials that cannot withstand heat – coated nylon, some synthetic and delicate fabrics (for iron-on labels).
- On items washed at high temperatures or tumble dried.
How to apply them correctly
- The surface must be clean, dry and free of fabric softener.
- For stickers – press firmly from the centre outwards and wait before use.
- For iron-on labels – follow the temperature and time recommended for the specific adhesive, use a hard surface and protective paper.
- Do not wash the item for at least 24 hours after application.
- Wash inside out, at a lower temperature, without tumble drying.
How to remove a self-adhesive label
Stickers are peeled off slowly at a sharp angle, and adhesive residue is removed with a little sticky tape or a suitable textile cleaner tested on a hidden area. An iron-on label is reheated with an iron through paper and pulled off while the adhesive is soft. A faint mark may remain, especially on dark fabrics – one more reason why the brand label should be sewn in.
An alternative for brands
If you are looking for self-adhesive labels to avoid sewing, consider a soft end-fold label. It is sewn in with two short seams in a few seconds, does not scratch and stays in place for the whole life of the garment. For tagless necklines, where you do not want any tape at all, direct printing on the fabric is also a solution – this technology is covered in our printed labels section. And when the information is temporary, a cardboard hang tag remains the best choice.
Adhesive and fabric: compatibility
Even a good iron-on label holds only as well as the fabric allows. The adhesive bonds best to smooth, dense woven fabrics made of cotton, polyester and blends. On terry towelling and plush it only grips the tips of the loops. On fabrics with a water-repellent or silicone finish it practically does not bond. On wool and silk, the high temperature can leave a mark. So before fusing in series, always test on a piece of the actual fabric, wash it and see how the corners hold. If the corners start to lift after two or three washes, the label should be sewn in or the technology changed.
What to include in your inquiry
If you are torn between fusing and sewing, describe in your inquiry the item, the fabric, the washing temperature and who will attach the labels – a factory, an atelier or the end user. With this information we can propose the most durable solution and, if needed, a sample for you to test on the actual fabric.
Textile labels from Polkom
Polkom manufactures sew-in textile labels with your logo and will help you choose a solution that will not peel off after the first wash. Send us a description of the item and how it is cared for via our contact page – you will receive a recommendation, a sample and a quote.
