Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Labels on clothing are placed in established positions: the brand label and size in the back neck or under the waistband, the care and composition label in the left side seam, and external marks such as a leather label on the waistband, pocket or hem. The position is chosen so that the label is easy to find, does not irritate the skin and does not disturb the cut. Below you will find the placement by garment type.
Labels on clothing: basic rules
- Visibility. The buyer must quickly find the brand and size – that is why they are in the neck or waistband.
- Accessibility. The composition must be permanent and accessible – the care and composition label is sewn inside the seam, where it does not get in the way but can still be read.
- Comfort. Stiff labels are not placed where the garment is close-fitting – at the neck, or at the waist on lingerie.
- Strength. The label is caught in a seam, not just in a single layer of thin fabric, so that it does not tear.
- Consistency. Throughout the collection, labels are in the same positions.
Table: where each label goes
| Garment | Brand label | Size | Care and composition label | External mark |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-shirt, blouse | Back neck | Under the brand label | Left side seam | Flag label on the hem or sleeve |
| Shirt | Back neck or yoke | Next to the brand label | Left side seam | Rarely – a small label on the pocket |
| Jeans, trousers | Inner back waistband | Inner waistband | Inner seam or pocket bag | Leather label on the back waistband |
| Skirt, dress | Back neck or waistband | Next to the brand label | Left side seam | Optional |
| Jacket, coat | Lining below the collar | Under the brand label | Inner seam of the lining | Label on the sleeve or pocket |
| Lingerie, sportswear | Waistband or side seam | With the care label | Side seam | Usually none |
| Hat | Inner band | Inner band | Inner band | Leather or woven label at the front or side |
The positions given are established practice in the garment industry, not a legal requirement. The regulation requires the composition to be durable, legible and accessible, but does not specify the exact position.
The brand label
In the classic version, it is caught in the back neck seam, folded in the centre, or sewn at its ends on the inside of the neck. If the neck has a tape, the label can be sewn onto it. On garments with a high collar or hood, the label is placed lower so that it does not stick out. On coats it is often sewn onto the lining below the collar on all four sides – that way it is clearly visible when the garment is on a hanger.
The size label
It is most often caught in the same seam as the brand label – below or beside it. Some brands combine the size with the care and composition label, especially on lingerie, to reduce the number of labels in the neck area.
The care and composition label
The established position is the left side seam, as worn, a few centimetres above the hem. The label is folded in the centre and caught in the seam so that it hangs freely inside. On trousers it is often placed in the pocket bag seam or the inner waistband seam. You will find more about its content under care and composition labels.
Leather and external labels
Leather labels are sewn on the outside, usually on the right of the back waistband of jeans, on a jacket pocket or on the brim of a hat. They are sewn around the edge or through perforations, so it is important to choose a suitable thread and stitch length. See examples under leather labels. Flag labels – small folded labels – are caught in the side seam or hem and show the brand discreetly on the outside.
Labels on home textiles and accessories
The principles also apply beyond clothing. On bed linen, the care and brand labels are usually caught in the seam at one of the corners or next to the opening of the cover. On towels, the label is sewn into the hem on a short side, often as a hanging loop. On bags, the inner label is sewn to the lining or the inner pocket, and the external mark – leather or metal – sits on the flap or the front. In all cases the same rules apply: the label is easy to find, securely sewn and does not get in the way of use.
How labels are sewn on
- Caught in a seam. A centre-fold label is placed between the two layers of fabric and sewn together with the seam. Fast and strong.
- At the ends. An end-fold label is sewn with two short seams on the left and right.
- Around the edge. A flat label is sewn on all four sides – used for linings and leather labels.
- Loop. The label is folded into a loop and caught in a seam – handy for hanging the garment.
Common placement mistakes
- The neck label is too large and shows when worn.
- The care label is in the right seam on one style and the left on another – inconsistent.
- A label sewn into a single thin layer of fabric, which tears.
- A stiff label edge that touches the skin on lingerie.
- A leather label sewn with a thread that shrinks differently from the fabric.
You will find all types of labels in our clothing labels category.
Labels designed for your product – Polkom
Polkom is a Bulgarian manufacturer of garment accessories based in Sofia with over 30 years of experience. We make custom labels with size and fold suited to the sewing position, produce samples quickly and deliver across the EU. We also offer an accessory attachment service. Send a description of your product via our inquiry form. Minimum quantities depend on the article.
