Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Woven label sizes are defined by two measurements: width (height of the tape) and length. The right size depends on the position on the garment, the logo and the fold, because when folded part of the length is hidden. So start from the visible part you want the label to have after sewing, and calculate the overall length of the tape from that.
Woven label sizes – two measurements you need to know
- Visible size – how much of the label shows once it is sewn in.
- Overall size – the size of the tape before folding, including the turnings and the seam allowance.
When you write an inquiry, specify which of the two sizes you are giving. The easiest is to state the visible size and the type of fold – the manufacturer will calculate the overall size.
How the fold changes the size
| Fold | How the visible part is calculated |
|---|---|
| Straight cut | the visible size equals the overall size, minus the margin under the stitching around the perimeter |
| Centre fold (loop fold) | the visible part is approximately half the overall length, minus the seam allowance |
| End fold | the overall length minus the two turnings |
| Mitre fold | depends on the angle; the visible part is smaller than the overall length |
Approximate sizes by position
There is no standard size – each brand chooses according to its style. The table below gives a guide for common solutions. The measurements are the visible part and are only a starting point.
| Position | Approximate visible part | Note |
|---|---|---|
| T-shirt neck | narrow, about 1.5–2 cm high and a few centimetres long | a small label is more comfortable |
| Under the collar of a shirt, dress, jacket | slightly larger, often about 2–2.5 cm high | end fold |
| Outerwear | wider and longer | there is room and a need for visibility |
| Side seam (flag label) | small, about 1–2 cm visible part | centre fold or mitre fold |
| Size label | very small, about 1–1.5 cm | a bold number or letter |
| Pocket, sleeve, hat | according to the design | a template in real size |
How the logo determines the size
The size should not be chosen by position alone. A logo has a minimum size below which the text becomes illegible. If the logo is horizontal and long, the label must be longer; if it is square, taller. The smallest text in the logo determines the minimum height of the label. If you want a very small label, the logo must be simplified.
Proportion and white space
A label looks good when there is breathing room around the logo. A logo that fills the label to the edge looks crammed, and when sewn the stitching may run over the letters. A good rule is for the logo to take up about two thirds of the visible area.
Visibility versus comfort
When choosing a size there is always a compromise between brand visibility and wearing comfort. A larger label is more visible in the shop, on the hanger and in photos, but is felt more. A smaller one is more comfortable but requires a cleaner logo. A good solution is a small, comfortable neck label, with visibility achieved by an external label on the pocket or hem.
How to measure in practice
- Take a finished garment of your style.
- Cut out several paper templates in different sizes.
- Place them where the label goes and photograph them.
- Choose the proportion that looks best.
- Measure the visible part and send it together with the type of fold.
Tape width and production
Woven labels are woven in tapes, and the label width is linked to the way the loom is set up. With woven-edge labels the widths are limited by the loom set-up, so the manufacturer may suggest the nearest standard width. With labels cut from a wide fabric by ultrasound or hot knife, the width is more flexible. The length can usually be chosen freely.
Labels on a roll and automatic cutting
For larger runs, labels can be supplied on a roll and cut in the workshop with an automatic machine. In this case the size is given as the repeat step of the tape and its width. The manufacturer will adjust the design so that the machine cuts exactly between the labels. Specify in your inquiry whether you want the labels cut and folded or on a roll.
Size and price
Size is one of the factors that affect the price – a larger label requires more yarn and more space on the loom. But the difference is not always proportional, because the number of colours, the type of weave, the cutting and the quantity also play a role. If you are hesitating between two sizes, ask for a quote for both.
One size for everything or several
Many brands use the same label on all products. This is practical, but with very different products – T-shirts, jackets, hats, bags – it is better to have two or three sizes of the same logo. This way the label looks proportionate everywhere. It is best to plan these variants at once, in one file, together with the care and composition labels.
Common mistakes when choosing the size
- The overall size is given, but it is expected to be the visible size.
- The seam allowance for a centre fold has not been taken into account.
- The neck label is too large and flips outwards.
- The logo is reduced to an illegible size to make it fit.
You will find more branding options with different types of labels in the labels section.
Woven labels in the size you need from Polkom
Polkom makes woven labels in the size you need, with the fold and cut of your choice. As a manufacturer with over 30 years of experience, we will calculate the overall size and make a sample. Send an inquiry with the visible size and the logo.
