Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
The dimensions of woven labels are defined by two measurements: width (the height of the tape) and length. The correct size depends on the garment location, the logo, and the folding, because folding hides part of the length. Start by deciding the visible part you want the label to show after sewing, then calculate the total tape length from that.
Woven label sizes – two key measurements you need to know
- Visible size – how much of the label is visible after sewing.
- Total size – the length of the tape before folding, including hems and seam allowance.
When sending an inquiry, specify which of the two sizes you provide. It is easiest to give the visible size and the type of fold – the manufacturer will calculate the total length.
How folding affects the size
| Folding type | How the visible part is calculated |
|---|---|
| Cut edge | The visible size equals the total length minus the seam allowance around the perimeter. |
| Loop fold (folded in half) | The visible part is approximately half of the total length minus the seam allowance. |
| End folds | Total length minus two hems. |
| Mitre fold (envelope fold) | Depends on the angle; visible part is smaller than the total length. |
Typical sizes by garment location
There is no standard size – each brand chooses according to its style. The table below provides a guideline for common solutions. The measurements are visible parts and serve only as a reference.
| Location | Approximate visible size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| T-shirt neck | Narrow, about 1.5–2 cm height and a few centimetres length | Smaller label is more comfortable |
| Under collar of shirt, dress, jacket | Slightly larger, often about 2–2.5 cm height | End folds |
| Outerwear | Wider and longer | More space and need for visibility |
| Side seam (flag label) | Small, about 1–2 cm visible part | Loop fold or mitre fold |
| Size label | Very small, about 1–1.5 cm | Large number or letter |
| Pocket, sleeve, hat | Depends on design | Real-size template |
How the logo determines the size
The size should not be chosen based only on the location. The logo has a minimum size below which the text becomes unreadable. If the logo is horizontal and long, the label should be longer; if square, it should be taller. The smallest text in the logo determines the minimum label height. For very small labels, the logo should be simplified.
Proportion and whitespace
A label looks good when there is space around the logo. A logo that fills the label edge to edge looks crowded, and the seam may cover letters when sewn. A good rule is for the logo to occupy about two-thirds of the visible area.
Visibility versus comfort
When choosing the size, there is always a trade-off between brand visibility and wearing comfort. A larger label is more visible in-store, on hangers, and in photos but feels more noticeable. A smaller label is more comfortable but requires a cleaner logo. A good solution is a small, comfortable neck label combined with visible external labels on pockets or hems.
How to measure in practice
- Take a finished garment of your model.
- Cut several paper templates in different sizes.
- Place them where the label will go and photograph them.
- Choose the proportion that looks best.
- Measure the visible part and send it along with the fold type.
Label width and production
Woven labels are woven in tapes, and the label width depends on the loom setup. For labels with woven edges, widths are limited by the loom settings, so the manufacturer will offer the closest standard width. For labels cut from wide fabric with ultrasonic or hot knife cutting, the width is more flexible. The length is usually freely selectable.
Labels on rolls and automatic cutting
For larger series, labels can be delivered on rolls and cut in-house with automatic machines. In this case, the size is set as the repeat step of the tape and the width. The manufacturer will adjust the design so the machine cuts exactly between labels. Specify when inquiring whether you want labels cut and folded or on rolls.
Size and price
Size is one of the factors affecting price – larger labels require more thread and loom space. But the difference is not always proportional, as the number of colours, fabric type, cutting method, and quantity also play a role. If you hesitate between two sizes, request quotes for both.
One size for all or several sizes
Many brands use the same label size for all products. This is practical, but for very different items – T-shirts, jackets, hats, bags – it is better to have two or three sizes for the same logo. This way, the label looks proportional everywhere. It is good to plan these variants at once, in one file, together with care and composition labels.
Common mistakes when choosing size
- The total size is given but the visible size is expected.
- The seam allowance is not accounted for when folding in half.
- The neck label is too large and folds outward.
- The logo is reduced to an unreadable size to fit.
Find more branding options with different label types in the labels section.
Woven labels in the right size from Polkom
Polkom manufactures woven labels in the size you need, with folding and cutting of your choice. As a manufacturer with over 30 years of experience, we will calculate the total size and produce a sample. Send an inquiry with the visible size and logo.
