Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Self-adhesive textile labels are fabric or tape labels with an adhesive layer on the back, applied without needles or thread. Cold adhesive labels (stickers) are suitable for temporary marking, packaging, and items that are not washed. For washable garments, heat-activated labels applied with an iron or press are more reliable, while sewn labels remain the most durable option.
What Are Self-Adhesive Textile Labels?
This term covers several different products in searches. It is important to distinguish them because their behaviour during washing varies significantly.
Cold Adhesive Labels (Stickers)
Textile base – usually satin or non-woven material – with pressure-sensitive adhesive and a peel-off paper backing. They are applied by hand. Convenient for marking boxes, personal belongings, school supplies, inside shoes, as well as for temporary warehouse marking or samples.
Heat-Activated Labels
The adhesive is inactive at room temperature. It activates with an iron or heat press and penetrates the fabric fibres. These are the closest alternative to sewn labels. More details can be found in our article about iron-on labels.
Combined Solutions
Some manufacturers first position the heat-activated label by ironing, then secure it with a few stitches. This combines precise placement with the durability of sewing.
Do Self-Adhesive Labels Withstand Washing?
Cold adhesive labels are generally not designed for washing. Water, heat, and detergents break down the adhesive, causing the label to peel off after one or several washes. Heat-activated labels last significantly longer if applied correctly – with sufficient temperature, pressure, and time – and if the fabric allows ironing. However, even these can lift at the corners after intensive washing, tumble drying, or on elastic fabrics.
| Type | Attachment | Washability | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sticker (cold adhesive) | By hand | No | Packaging, items, temporary marking |
| Heat-activated label | Iron or press | Limited | Garments without much stretch, children's clothes with names |
| Sewn label | Thread | Yes, unlimited | All garments and textiles |
When Are Self-Adhesive Textile Labels a Good Choice?
- Marking samples, patterns, and batches in the workshop.
- Labels for boxes, bags, and fabric packaging.
- Personal belongings of children – backpacks, shoes, lunch boxes.
- Products made from materials that do not allow sewing or ironing.
- Temporary information that the customer will remove – for example, product size on a hanger.
When Not to Use Them
- For brand labels on garments – a peeled-off label looks careless and harms the brand image.
- For care and composition labels – mandatory information must be permanently attached.
- On elastic, knitted, and very thin fabrics – the adhesive cracks or shows through.
- On materials sensitive to heat – coated nylon, some synthetics, and delicate fabrics (for heat-activated labels).
- On items washed at high temperatures or tumble dried.
How to Apply Correctly
- The surface must be clean, dry, and free of fabric softener.
- For stickers – press firmly from the centre to the edges and wait before use.
- For heat-activated labels – follow the recommended temperature and time 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 lower temperatures, without tumble drying.
How to Remove a Self-Adhesive Label
Stickers peel off slowly at a sharp angle, and adhesive residues can be cleaned with tape or a suitable textile cleaner tested on a hidden area. Heat-activated labels are reheated with an iron through paper and pulled off while the adhesive is soft. A slight mark may remain, especially on dark fabrics – another reason why brand labels should be sewn.
An Alternative for Brand Labels
If you want to avoid sewing, consider a soft label folded at the edges. It is sewn with two short stitches in seconds, does not itch, and stays in place throughout the garment’s life. For labels without a neck seam where no tape is desired, direct printing on fabric is an option – this technology is covered in the printed labels section. For temporary information, hanging cardboard labels remain the best choice.
Adhesive and Fabric Compatibility
Even a good heat-activated label lasts only as long as the fabric allows. Adhesive bonds best to smooth, dense cotton, polyester, and blended fabrics. On terry cloth and plush, it only adheres to the loop tips. It practically does not stick to water-repellent or silicone-coated fabrics. High heat may leave marks on wool and silk. Therefore, always test on a fabric sample, wash it, and check the corners before mass application. If corners lift after two or three washes, the label should be sewn or the technology changed.
What to Specify When Requesting a Quote
If you hesitate between adhesive and sewn labels, describe the product, fabric, washing temperature, and who will apply the labels – workshop, atelier, or end user. With this information, we can recommend the most durable solution and provide a sample to test on your fabric.
Textile Labels from Polkom
Polkom manufactures textile labels with logos for sewing and will help you choose a solution that won’t peel after the first wash. Send us a description of your product and care instructions via Contacts – you will receive a recommendation, sample, and quote.
