Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Silicone labels and rubber labels made from soft PVC or TPU are cast emblems with embossed logos that withstand water, sweat, abrasion and many washes. Choose them when the product is sportswear, outdoor gear, swimwear or children’s items and the logo needs to be tactile and visible on the outside. Woven labels remain better for the inside of garments, while leather labels suit denim, leather goods and classic styles.
What are rubber and silicone labels?
Both types are produced by casting in a mould. The logo is not printed on the surface but is part of the material itself – raised, recessed or multi-level. Colours are applied layer by layer in the mould, so they do not wear off.
- Silicone – soft, flexible, pleasant to touch, withstands high temperatures. Suitable for items in contact with skin.
- Soft PVC rubber – dense, saturated colours and sharp relief; slightly firmer. Popular for bags, backpacks and accessories.
- TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) – durable and elastic, with good abrasion resistance; a good compromise between the two materials.
In practice, customers often mean all three materials when they say “rubber labels.” When enquiring, it is important to describe the product so the material can be selected according to its use.
Silicone, woven or leather labels – comparison
| Criterion | Silicone / Rubber | Woven | Leather |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logo type | Embossed, 2D or 3D | Flat, woven | Debossed, engraved, printed |
| Water and sweat resistance | Excellent | Very good | Natural leather reacts to water |
| Washing | Very good | Excellent | Limited for natural leather |
| Feel | Flexible, rubbery | Soft, textile | Natural, warm |
| Detail and small text | Good at sufficient size | Very good (HD) | Good with laser |
| Typical placement | Outside, sleeve, bag | Neck, seam, outside | Belt on jeans, jacket, bag |
| Style | Sporty, technical, children’s | Universal | Classic, denim, premium |
Also compare the options of leather labels if you hesitate between a technical or classic look.
When to choose silicone or rubber labels
Outdoor and sportswear
Jackets, windbreakers, leggings and kits get wet, sweat and are washed often. Silicone labels do not absorb water or deform, and the relief remains clear. They are often placed on the sleeve, chest or lower hem of the jacket.
Swimwear and beachwear
Chlorine, salt water and sun quickly wear out prints. The cast logo withstands these conditions, and the soft silicone edges do not irritate the skin.
Bags, backpacks and accessories
Here the advantage is visibility and firmness of the emblem. Soft PVC rubber provides rich colour and sharp contour visible from a distance. The label can be sewn along the edge, attached with rivets or placed on a zip puller.
Children’s clothing
Children’s items are washed very often and must be safe. Soft silicone without sharp edges is suitable, and all Polkom products have OEKO-TEX® certification.
Footwear
Sneakers and sports shoes use rubber emblems on the tongue or heel, where the label endures bending and abrasion.
Logo labels: 2D or 3D
In 2D design, the logo and background are on the same level with a flat top surface – clean and graphic, with a simpler mould. In 3D, the relief is voluminous and sculptural, with smooth transitions. 3D looks more premium and is visible from a distance but requires a more complex mould and sufficiently large logo elements. Detailed descriptions of both executions are in the silicone labels category.
Attachment methods
- Sewing – along a special edge or channel around the label; most reliable for washing.
- Heat pressing – with a press; convenient for elastic and functional fabrics where stitching would pierce the membrane.
- Rivets or eyelets – for bags, backpacks and thicker materials.
- Hook and loop backing – for removable emblems on tactical and uniform clothing.
For waterproof jackets, be careful: stitching through the membrane compromises waterproofing, so heat pressing or sewing to the lining is often preferred.
Logo design preparation
- Send the logo in vector format.
- Specify the size in mm and thickness if required.
- Define colours in Pantone – each colour is a separate layer in casting.
- Simplify very thin lines – relief does not cast cleanly below a certain thickness.
- Choose 2D or 3D and attachment method.
- Approve a sample on the actual product.
The mould is a one-time investment and is used for all subsequent orders of the same label.
Durability and care
The cast label usually outlasts the garment if a few rules are followed. Wash the product inside out to avoid abrasion of the relief in the drum. Avoid direct ironing on the label and drying on radiators. For bags and backpacks, clean the label with a damp cloth – aggressive solvents can dull the surface. If the label is heat-pressed, follow the washing temperature indicated on the care label, as very hot washing and tumble drying weaken the adhesive.
Silicone labels and patches
If you want a textile look but with a logo on the front, compare silicone labels with woven and printed patches. Patches are softer and lighter but lack relief. Silicone labels are more visible and technical. Many sports brands combine both: a silicone badge on the sleeve and a woven label on the neck.
Polkom – manufacturer of silicone, leather and woven labels
Polkom is a manufacturer of accessories for fashion, footwear and bags, as well as for perfumes, cosmetics, packaging and furniture accessories, based in Sofia with over 30 years of experience. We produce 2D and 3D silicone and rubber labels, leather and woven labels to your design, with samples before series production. We assist in choosing materials according to the product and usage. Browse all labels and send your logo via the inquiry form.
