Manufacturer · Fashion Accessories
There are six main types of clothing labels: woven, printed, textile (the general name for soft tape labels), care and composition, leather and cardboard hang tags. Each type has its role – woven and leather labels carry the brand, printed and care labels provide information on composition and care, and the hang tag sells the product in the shop. Most collections use a combination of three or four types.
Types of clothing labels at a glance
| Type | Main role | Strengths | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Woven label | Brand, logo | Very durable, premium look, does not fade | Neck of tops, shirts, jackets |
| Printed label | Brand or information | Fine text, lots of detail, cost-effective in large runs | Underwear, sportswear, care labels |
| Care and composition label | Composition, care, manufacturer | Meets legal requirements | Side seam of every garment |
| Leather label | Brand | Strong, full of character, relief logo | Jeans, jackets, bags, caps |
| Cardboard hang tag | Sales, price, barcode | Large area for message and branding | All products in retail |
| Textile label (general) | Brand, size, additional information | Soft, flexible choice of material | Size and auxiliary labels |
Woven labels
Woven labels are made on jacquard machines, where the logo and text are woven with threads into the tape itself. The result is a textured, dense surface that does not rub off and survives many washes. The finer the yarn and the weave density, the smaller the details that can be reproduced. They are the first choice for the main brand label in the mid and high-end segments. You will find more on the technology in the woven labels category.
When not to choose a woven label
If the label must contain a lot of text in a small area – for example a multilingual composition – or the logo has photographic gradients, weaving has limitations. In that case printing is a better solution.
Printed labels
With printed labels the image is applied to a ready-made tape – satin, polyester taffeta, cotton or non-woven material. Printing allows fine fonts, small symbols and more information. That is why it is widely used for care labels and for brands that want a minimalist, soft label. Satin gives a glossy, elegant look, while cotton gives a natural, matte one.
Care and composition labels
A care and composition label is not a separate technology but a function: it carries the fibre composition, the care symbols and the manufacturer's details. It is usually printed because it contains a lot of text. It is sewn into the side seam so that it does not irritate the skin. Without it a garment cannot be legally sold in the EU, so it is present in every collection.
Leather labels
Leather labels made from genuine or faux leather are debossed, hot-foil stamped or laser engraved. They are sewn on the outside of the product – on the waistband of jeans, on a pocket or on the brim of a cap – and are part of the design. They suit denim, workwear and smart-casual clothing, as well as accessories.
Cardboard hang tags
A hang tag is attached with a string or plastic tag pin and removed after purchase. It carries the brand, article, price, barcode or a QR code to the online shop. It can be enhanced with embossing, gold foil, lamination or kraft paper. It is the largest area for the brand's message at the point of sale.
Auxiliary textile labels
Besides the main types, a garment often has smaller textile labels with a specific job. The size label is sewn below or next to the main label and allows the same brand label to be used for all sizes. A batch number label helps with complaints and quality control. Some brands also add a small flag label on the outside of the side seam – woven or printed – which works as a subtle brand signature. These labels are usually made with the same technology as the main one, so the set looks unified.
How to combine label types
A good combination follows the roles, not fashion. Here are sample packages for different products:
- T-shirts and sweatshirts: woven or printed brand label in the neck, care label in the side seam, cardboard hang tag.
- Jeans: leather label on the waistband, woven label inside, care label, hang tag describing the fit.
- Underwear and sportswear: soft printed brand label or a label in the seam, care label in fine satin.
- Coats and jackets: wide woven brand label, separate size label, care label with details for the shell and lining.
Selection criteria
- Comfort. The neck label touches the skin. A soft printed label or finely woven damask irritates least.
- Durability. The more often the product is washed, the more important it is that the label does not fade.
- Amount of information. More text – printing rather than weaving. Logo only – weaving or leather.
- Brand positioning. Premium brands often combine a woven label with an embossed hang tag.
- Run and budget. The price depends on the technology, size and quantity – send a request for a quote.
You can browse all types in one place in the clothing labels category.
All types of labels from one manufacturer
Polkom is a Bulgarian manufacturer and wholesaler of sewing accessories based in Sofia with over 30 years of experience. We make all types of custom labels with your logo and colours, so that the collection's label package is consistent in style. We make fast samples and deliver across the EU. Send your design via our contact page and we will propose the right combination.
