Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Textile labels for clothing are chosen based on three questions: how close the label will be to the skin, how often and how the garment will be washed, and what information the label must carry. For underwear and children’s clothes, soft satin is best; for mass-produced composition labels, polyester taffeta; for eco collections, cotton tape; and for brand logos, woven labels.
Below we will examine each of these criteria and provide examples by garment type, so you can prepare an accurate inquiry to the manufacturer.
Textile Labels for Clothing: The Four Main Materials
In garment manufacturing, a “textile label” means any tape or fabric label that is sewn or permanently attached to the garment. The base material can vary, each with its own logic.
Satin
A smooth polyester tape with a glossy face. It is soft, does not pill, and does not scratch when the edges are cleanly cut. Suitable for underwear, blouses, dresses, baby clothes, and anything that touches the neck. Satin can be single-sided (glossy on one side) or double-sided.
Polyester Taffeta
A denser and stiffer tape with a matte, slightly paper-like feel. It holds print well, does not shrink, and is very durable in washing. Therefore, it is the preferred base for composition labels with a lot of text, sewn into side seams.
Cotton Tape
A natural, matte look and warm feel. Suitable for organic collections, children’s clothes, linen and cotton garments where satin would look too “synthetic.” Keep in mind that cotton may shrink slightly on the first wash.
Woven Polyester (Damask)
For woven labels, the logo is not printed but woven with threads. These labels are the most durable and have a clearly defined relief. More details can be found in the woven labels section.
How to Choose According to Garment Type
| Garment | Recommended Material | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Underwear, pajamas, bodysuits | Soft satin, printed | Does not scratch, thin and invisible through fabric |
| T-shirts and blouses | Satin or woven label with soft folding | Balance between softness and presentable look |
| Jeans, jackets, coats | Woven label, leather or cotton | Durable material for heavy fabrics |
| Children’s clothing | Satin or cotton | Softness and natural feel |
| Composition labels in mass production | Polyester taffeta or satin | Readable print, resistant to many washes |
| Workwear | Taffeta or woven label | Resistant to intensive washing |
Printing or Weaving
The choice of base is related to the technology. Satin, taffeta and cotton are usually printed, while woven labels are produced on jacquard looms. Printing allows fine text, many lines, and data changes (size, batch) without new setup. Weaving gives a more luxurious and durable result, but very small text loses legibility. If in doubt, also check printed labels for typical applications.
Size and Folding
Size depends on the placement. Neck labels should be small enough not to show above the neckline, while composition labels in side seams can be longer and have several pages. Folding also affects comfort:
- Straight cut – label sewn around the perimeter, convenient for inside jackets and bags;
- Center fold – label sewn into the seam, visible as a small “flag”;
- Edge folding – edges folded back and sewn with two seams, no sharp edges;
- Mitre (diagonal) fold – for hanging labels in collar seams.
Edge Softness
Many complaints about “scratchy labels” come not from the material but from the edge. Thermally cut synthetic tape edges can become hard. Ultrasonic cutting and edge folding reduce this problem. For underwear and children’s clothes, explicitly request soft edge finishing and a sample to test on skin.
What Information to Include
It is best to divide the information among several labels rather than overload one:
- Brand label – logo, possibly website;
- Size label – small, next to the main label;
- Composition label – fibre content according to Regulation (EU) 1007/2011, care symbols per ISO 3758, country of origin and article number.
For mandatory fibre content information, see the composition labels section.
Common Mistakes When Choosing
- Hard neck label on a T-shirt – the customer cuts it out and the brand disappears.
- Font too small on woven label – letters merge.
- Dark label on light, thin garment – shows through the front.
- Cotton label without pre-washing sample – shrinks and puckers the seam.
- No space for seam – text is stitched over.
Brief Checklist Before Inquiry
- What garment is the label for and what fabric is it made of?
- Will the label touch the skin directly?
- At what temperature will the garment be washed?
- How will it be attached – in seam, around perimeter or by ironing?
- How many variants are needed – one design or different sizes and compositions?
Answers to these questions are enough to get a specific recommendation for material and technology at first contact.
Textile Labels from Polkom
Polkom is a Bulgarian manufacturer of accessories for fashion, furniture, footwear and bags with over 30 years of experience. We produce textile labels to your design and logo – from satin, taffeta and cotton, in the required size, folding and colour, with a sample before serial production and delivery across the EU. Send us your logo, garment type and approximate quantity via the Contacts page and receive a material recommendation and offer.
