Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
A label scratches most often because of hard edges, not because of the material itself. Heat-cut ends of synthetic tape harden, corners prick, and large multi-page labels at the neck rub against the skin. The solutions are a soft material such as satin, ultrasonic cutting or end folding, a smaller label at the neck and moving the care label to the side seam.
Why labels scratch
Customers cut labels out more often than brands assume. And with the label go the logo, the size and the washing instructions. There are several causes of discomfort, and they usually combine.
Hard edges
Synthetic tapes (satin, taffeta, polyester damask) are cut with a hot knife, which melts and seals the ends. If the temperature or speed is not set well, a hard plastic strip forms along the edge. It is the main culprit behind scratching.
Sharp corners
A rectangular label has four corners. If it is sewn at one end only, the free corners stick out and prick with movement.
Stiff material
Standard taffeta and dense woven labels are stiffer than satin. On a jacket this does not matter, but at the neck of a T-shirt it is felt.
Large size and many pages
A care label translated into ten languages and placed at the neck is like a small booklet rubbing against the skin.
The wrong place
A label sewn into the collar seam of a close-fitting top is in constant contact with the skin. The same label in the side seam is barely felt.
A label that does not scratch: solutions for the brand
1. Choose a soft material
Satin is the softest choice for labels that touch the skin. Cotton tape is also pleasant. Woven labels come in finer, softer versions suitable for the neck as well – see our woven labels.
2. Ask for ultrasonic cutting
Ultrasonic cutting seals the ends with high-frequency vibrations rather than a hot knife. The edge comes out thinner, smoother and softer. For lingerie, childrenswear and T-shirts this is one of the most effective changes.
3. End folding
With an end-fold label, both cut ends are folded under and sewn. This leaves no exposed edge against the skin. It is the classic solution for the neck of T-shirts and sweatshirts.
4. Rounded corners
If the label hangs loose, rounded corners reduce pricking. Discuss this option when ordering.
5. Split the information
Leave only a small label with the logo and size at the neck. Move the composition, symbols and translations to a separate label in the left side seam.
6. Direct printing instead of a neck label
On sportswear and lingerie, the logo and size are often printed directly onto the fabric – then there is no tape at the neck at all. The technologies for this kind of printing are described in our printed labels section.
Comparison of solutions
| Solution | Effect | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| Satin instead of taffeta | A softer surface | Lingerie, blouses, childrenswear |
| Ultrasonic cutting | Soft edges | All synthetic labels next to the skin |
| End folding | No exposed edges | T-shirts, sweatshirts |
| Care label in the side seam | Nothing large at the neck | All products |
| Printing on the fabric | No tape at the neck | Sportswear, lingerie |
What to check on the sample
- Run a finger along the edge in both directions – there should be no hard strip or "whiskers".
- Bend the label – it should bend softly without cracking.
- Sew it onto a garment and wear it for a few hours.
- Wash the sample – some edges become harder after washing and drying.
- Check that the corners do not stick out after sewing.
The label by type of garment
Not every product needs the same softness. On coats, jackets and jeans the label sits on a lining or waistband and rarely touches the skin – there a dense woven label is perfectly suitable. On T-shirts, lingerie, pyjamas, leggings and sports tops the label is in constant contact with the body, and movement and sweat increase friction. These products need the most careful choice. Shirts are in between: the collar label is felt, especially with a buttoned collar, so a mitre fold and a soft material are preferred. By asking "how many hours and how closely will this label touch the skin", you will quickly see where to invest in a softer label and where a standard one is enough.
What the customer can do
If a label already scratches, it is best not to cut it off at seam level, because a sharp stub remains. Instead, the seam should be carefully unpicked and the label removed completely. But it is easier not to get to that point – a soft label keeps the information and the brand on the garment.
Why this is a brand issue
A cut-out label means the customer cannot see the brand the next time they wear the garment, has no washing instructions and does not know the size when they want to buy again. In online shop reviews, "the label scratches" is a frequent complaint that lowers the rating of an otherwise good garment. A soft label takes a little more attention when ordering, but it protects both the product and the name.
Soft labels from Polkom
Polkom manufactures custom textile labels with your logo and will recommend the material, cut and fold so the label stays on the garment rather than in the bin. We make a sample you can try out and deliver throughout the EU. Send us a description of the product via our Contact page.
