Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Woven clothing labels are small tapes in which the logo and text are woven in coloured threads rather than printed. They are most often sewn at the neck, in the side seam or on the hem and serve as the brand's "signature". The choice comes down to four decisions: weave type, size, fold and attachment method.
Why brands choose woven clothing labels
The brand label is the first thing a customer sees when turning the garment over. A woven label looks dense, has texture and lasts as long as the garment itself. Unlike printing, the image does not sit on the surface but is part of the structure of the tape, so it does not rub off with washing, ironing or friction.
- Durability – colours and outlines stay clear after repeated washing.
- Premium feel – the texture of the weave suggests quality at first touch.
- Flexibility – the same design can be made in different sizes, folds and colourways for individual lines.
- Recognition – the logo is reproduced identically in every batch.
Weave types for the label
Most woven labels are made from polyester yarns, and the difference between the types lies in the density and the type of weave.
| Type | Surface | Detail | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damask | smooth, matte, soft | high | main brand label for almost all garments |
| Satin | glossy, very soft | medium | underwear, childrenswear, eveningwear |
| Taffeta | stiffer, coarser | lower | size labels, workwear, simple logos |
| HD (high definition) | smooth, very dense | highest | logos with fine text and thin lines |
For a label that touches the neck, damask and satin are the safest choice. Taffeta is suitable where the label does not sit directly against the skin or when budget is the priority.
Where the label is sewn on the garment
At the neck
The classic position for T-shirts, shirts, sweatshirts and dresses. Here a centre-fold label sewn into the collar seam is usually used, or an end-fold label sewn at the left and right onto the back yoke.
In the side seam
A convenient position for garments without a collar – leggings, trousers, skirts, underwear. The label is caught in the seam and stays almost invisible from the outside. Here it is often combined with a care and composition label with information on the fabric and care.
On the outside as an accent
Small woven labels on the pocket, sleeve or hem work as a discreet branding element. Be careful with the base colour, as it is directly visible.
Size and fold
The size depends on the logo and the position. A neck label for a T-shirt is relatively narrow, while a label on outerwear can be wider and longer. When deciding on the size, think about the visible part after sewing, not the total tape length – with a centre fold, half the label is hidden in the seam.
- Straight cut – for sewing on all four sides onto the fabric.
- Centre fold – for sewing into the collar seam or side seam.
- End fold – for flat sewing at the left and right.
- Mitre fold – for sewing into a side seam, with the label sticking out sideways.
What is woven on the brand label
Good practice is to keep the brand label concise: logo, sometimes a slogan or website. Information on composition, care and the manufacturer under Regulation (EU) 1007/2011 and the ISO 3758 symbols are better placed on a separate care label – this way you can change the composition by style without reworking the main label. The size is also usually a separate small label, so the same brand label can be used for all sizes.
How to choose the right woven clothing labels
- Determine which products they are for – thin knitted underwear and a heavy-fabric jacket have different needs.
- Choose the weave type according to the logo's level of detail and skin contact.
- Decide on the position and fold, then the size of the visible part.
- Define the colours – base and logo colours.
- Ask for a sample and sew it onto a real garment before approving the run.
If you are torn between weaving and printing, also look at printed labels – they are better suited to very small text and gradients.
Common ordering mistakes
- Too much text on a small label – the letters become illegible.
- Taffeta for a T-shirt neck label – it can feel stiff.
- A size specified without allowing for the fold.
- Colours not specified by Pantone or physical sample.
Caring for and washing garments with a woven label
A polyester woven label tolerates normal home washing and ironing, but there are a few practical details worth knowing at the design stage. If the garment is washed at a high temperature or steam-ironed, choose a label with well-sealed edges so it does not fray over time. For garment-dyed products, check with a sample whether the label base takes up the colour of the dye bath. On dark bases with very light lettering the contrast stays stable, because the colour is in the yarns themselves, not in a surface layer.
If the label will be sewn with a very fine machine stitch, leave at least a few millimetres of free margin around the logo – so the seam does not "eat" part of the letters.
Custom woven labels from Polkom
Polkom is a Bulgarian supplier and wholesaler of clothing accessories based in Sofia with over 30 years of experience. We supply woven labels to your design and logo, with a sample before series production and delivery across the EU. Send your logo, desired size and fold via our inquiry form and you will receive a quote.
