Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Woven or printed label – the answer depends on the purpose. A woven label is more durable and more premium and is the best choice for the brand logo. A printed label conveys more detail and text, allows gradients and is usually thinner, which is why it is the standard for care and composition labels and for very fine fabrics. Many brands use both types at the same time.
Woven or printed label – the main difference
With a woven label, the image is formed by the yarns themselves: the loom interlaces coloured yarns so that they "draw" the logo. With a printed label, the image is applied to a finished tape – satin, polyester taffeta, cotton or non-woven material – by thermal transfer, screen printing or another printing method. This difference determines everything else: durability, look, detail and price.
It is also important to be clear about terminology. In the trade, "textile label" is sometimes used as a general term for both types, and "satin label" can mean either a woven label with a satin structure or a printed label on satin tape. When you send an inquiry, specify whether the logo should be woven or printed, so that you receive comparable quotes.
Comparison by criteria
| Criterion | Woven label | Printed label |
|---|---|---|
| Image durability | very high, does not wear off | depends on the ink and tape; with cheap printing it may fade |
| Detail and small text | good, higher with HD | very good, suitable for long text |
| Gradients and photos | no | possible with some technologies |
| Number of colours | limited | more flexible |
| Thickness and softness | denser, with relief | thinner and smoother |
| Perception | premium, "branded" | functional, informative |
| Typical use | brand logo, external branding | composition, care, size, lingerie |
When to choose a woven label
- For the brand logo label at the neck or in the side seam.
- For external labels on pockets, sleeves, hats and bags, which are visible and subject to rubbing.
- When you want relief and a dense, "expensive" look.
- When the garment is washed often and the label must look good for years.
See the options in our woven labels category.
When to choose a printed label
- For composition, care symbols according to ISO 3758 and manufacturer information.
- For text in several languages.
- For very thin and delicate fabrics – lingerie, swimwear, sportswear.
- For labels with gradients, photographic elements or many colours.
- For labels with variable information – article numbers, batches.
More options are available in our printed labels category.
Comfort: which label scratches less
A printed label on satin tape is thinner and is therefore often felt less. But a well-made woven label in soft damask or satin, with ultrasonic cutting or a woven edge, is also perfectly comfortable. The "scratchy label" problem most often comes from stiff, hot-knife-cut edges or a label that is too large, not from the technology itself.
Durability in the wash
A woven label keeps its appearance as long as the garment lasts. A printed label can be just as durable if the combination of tape and ink is chosen correctly – for example thermal transfer on polyester tape. With unsuitable printing, however, the text may fade or crack after repeated washing. This matters for care and composition labels, because the information must remain legible.
Price: what drives it
With woven labels, the price depends on the type of weave, size, number of colours, cutting and folding. With printed labels – on the tape material, type of printing, number of colours and length. For both types, quantity is the strongest factor. It cannot be said unequivocally which is cheaper, so it is sensible to request a quote for both options for your specific design.
The combination most brands use
- Woven brand label – logo at the neck or in the seam.
- Printed care and composition label – composition, care, manufacturer, in the side seam.
- Size label – small woven or printed, next to the brand label.
This way the logo looks premium, while the information is complete and easy to change for each style.
Practical examples
A T-shirt and sweatshirt brand
A woven damask label with the logo, centre-folded and sewn into the neck; a printed care and composition label in the side seam; a small woven size label. A classic and reliable combination.
A lingerie and swimwear brand
A printed label on soft satin tape or a directly printed label, because every millimetre of thickness can be felt. If the brand insists on a woven label, it is small, satin, ultrasonically cut and sewn into a seam that does not touch sensitive areas.
An outerwear brand
A larger woven brand label, often in HD for more detail, plus an external woven label on the sleeve or pocket. Composition and care go on a printed label, because the information on jackets is usually more extensive due to lining and filling.
How to decide for your collection
Ask yourself a few questions. Does the label carry only a logo or also a lot of text? Is it visible from the outside or only inside? Is the garment thin, and does the label touch the skin? How important is a premium look for the brand's positioning? If the answers point to logo, visibility and premium, choose woven. If they point to text, function and delicate fabric, choose printed. If you have both needs, combine them.
Labels from the manufacturer – Polkom
Polkom manufactures both woven and printed labels to your design, so we can help you find the best combination for your collection. We have over 30 years of experience, produce samples quickly and deliver across the EU. Send an inquiry with your logo and a description of your products.
