Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Size labels for clothing, batch numbers and barcodes are most often made with thermal transfer printing, because it allows every label to be different without new printing plates. You send a spreadsheet with the variants and quantities, and the labels are printed, cut and sorted by size or item. This way one order can cover the entire size range and all the styles in the collection.
What variable data is printed on labels
“Variable” is the term for data that differs from label to label within the same design. In clothing this is most often:
- Size – letter (XS–XXL), numeric (36, 38, 40…), children’s by height (86, 92, 98…) or combined.
- Item number or style – the internal code of the garment.
- Colour – the colour name or code.
- Batch number or production date – for traceability in case of a complaint.
- Barcode or QR code – for the warehouse, checkout or a link to online information.
- Serial number – for limited editions or items with a warranty.
Size labels for clothing – separate or combined
The first decision is whether the size will be on a separate label or added to another one. Each option has its own logic.
| Option | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Separate small size label | The brand label stays the same and is ordered in a large run; easy to change the size range | One more element to sew on |
| Size on the brand label | One label, a cleaner look | Each size is a separate variant of the main label |
| Size on the care and composition label | All the information in one place | The size is not immediately visible when trying on |
With a woven brand label, the size is most often a separate printed label sewn underneath it, or it is added to the care and composition label in the side seam.
Size systems and export
If you sell in several countries, think about how to write the size before ordering the labels. Letter sizes (S, M, L) are understood everywhere but do not correspond exactly between brands. Numeric sizes differ by country – the same women’s size is labelled differently in Germany, France and Italy. That is why many brands print several systems on one label at the same time, for example “M / 38 / 40”, or add a pictogram with the main body measurements according to the EN 13402 standard.
For children’s clothing it is clearest to state the height in centimetres (for example 104), possibly together with the age. For trousers and jeans, sizes by waist and leg length are used (for example W32 L34). Decide on the system once for the whole collection and record it in the spreadsheet so that there are no discrepancies between styles.
How to prepare the data
The safest way is a spreadsheet in which each row is one label variant. This way the manufacturer does not have to interpret emails and notes.
- Columns for each field – style, colour, size, batch, barcode, quantity.
- One row – one variant. Do not merge cells and do not write “same as above”.
- Barcodes as text. Format the column as text so that leading zeros do not disappear and long numbers do not turn into scientific notation.
- Exact quantities plus a small reserve for rejects during sewing.
- Clear indication of which design the spreadsheet refers to, if you have several types of labels.
Example structure
| Style | Colour | Size | Batch | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R-210 | Black | S | 2410 | … |
| R-210 | Black | M | 2410 | … |
| R-210 | Beige | S | 2410 | … |
Barcodes on textile labels
Textile is a less stable base than paper, so the barcode needs attention:
- Use a light tape and dark print – white or cream tape with black print gives the best contrast.
- Provide a quiet zone to the left and right of the code.
- Do not reduce the code below the recommended minimum size for the relevant standard.
- Test the scanning of the sample, including after washing, if the code needs to be read throughout the life of the item.
If the barcode is only needed in the shop, it is more practical to put it on the cardboard hang tag rather than in the garment.
Cutting, sorting and delivery
With labels in many variants, organising the delivery is as important as the printing itself. Discuss in advance:
- whether the labels should be cut and packed by variant, or on a roll in the order of the spreadsheet;
- whether there should be a separator label between variants on the roll;
- how the packs should be marked so that they can be easily distributed to the sewing lines.
For factories with automatic cutting, a roll is fastest. For ateliers that sew style by style, cut and grouped labels save sorting.
Common mistakes
- A spreadsheet with the wrong size sequence and quantities that do not match the cutting plan.
- No reserve – when there are sewing rejects, one size is left without a label.
- Different size formats between styles (M and 38 in one collection without explanation).
- A barcode on dark tape or at too small a size.
- Changes to the spreadsheet after sample approval without notification.
What the price depends on
The price of variable data labels depends on the number of variants, the total quantity, the type and width of the tape, the number of colours and the cutting and packing method. With many variants in small quantities, set-up weighs more. An exact price is given after a request for a quote with the spreadsheet.
Printed size labels from Polkom
Polkom is a manufacturer of accessories for fashion, furniture, footwear and bags, based in Sofia, with over 30 years of experience. We make printed labels with sizes, batches, item numbers and barcodes, produce samples and deliver across the EU. Send the design and the spreadsheet of variants via Contact to receive a quote.
