Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
A woven label with heat seal has a layer of heat-activated adhesive on the back and is attached to the garment using heat and pressure – either with a heat press or, for small quantities, an iron. It is suitable for fabrics where sewing would pucker or damage the material, and for products where you want no visible stitching on the outside. For best durability, correct temperature, pressure, and time are essential, and for very elastic or delicate fabrics, a preliminary test is recommended.
How a woven label with heat seal works
The label is woven like a standard woven label, then a layer of heat seal adhesive is applied to the back. When heated, the adhesive melts and penetrates the fabric structure. Upon cooling, it hardens and bonds the label to the garment. The entire process takes seconds and requires no sewing machine.
When to choose heat seal
- Thin and slippery fabrics – chiffon, thin polyester, lining fabrics prone to puckering from stitching.
- Sports and technical garments – where seams could compromise water resistance or cause chafing.
- Finished products – when branding already sewn garments, T-shirts, or bags without unpicking.
- External labels without visible stitching – for a clean look on pockets or sleeves.
- Small batches and ateliers – when you lack a sewing machine for labels.
When sewing is better
- For very elastic knits and stretch fabrics – heat seal hardens the area.
- For heat-sensitive fabrics – some synthetics, leather, faux leather, velvet.
- For garments frequently washed at high temperatures or tumble dried.
- For folded labels sewn into seams – heat seal is ineffective there.
How to apply the label – step by step
- Prepare the fabric. It must be clean and dry. Pre-washing new fabric removes finishes that interfere with adhesion.
- Position the label. Adhesive side down, face up.
- Cover with a protective sheet. Use Teflon foil or baking paper to protect the label and heat press plate.
- Heat and press. Follow the temperature, pressure, and time recommended for the specific adhesive. When using an iron – no steam, firm pressure, do not move the iron.
- Let it cool. Do not touch or bend the label until fully cooled – the adhesive hardens as it cools.
- Check the corners. If any corner lifts, repeat pressing.
Pressing parameters depend on the adhesive type and fabric. The label manufacturer will provide recommended settings; always test on a fabric swatch.
Heat press or iron
| Criterion | Heat Press | Home Iron |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature uniformity | high | low, with cooler spots |
| Pressure | controlled and even | depends on hand pressure |
| Repeatability | excellent for batches | difficult |
| Suitable for | production | single pieces and samples |
Wash durability
A properly applied label withstands normal home laundering. Durability decreases if the adhesive does not reach the required temperature, if pressure is insufficient, if the fabric has finishes, or if the garment is frequently washed at high temperatures and tumble dried. Some brands combine heat seal with a few decorative stitches in the corners for extra security – this prevents shifting during sewing and peeling over time.
Combination: adhesive plus sewing
For higher-end products, heat seal often serves as a “temporary fixation”: the label is glued exactly in place, then sewn. This prevents shifting during sewing and ensures consistent positioning across all pieces. Use polyester thread matching the label colour – see sewing threads.
Fabric preparation and positioning in production
In batch application, the biggest challenge is consistent label placement on all pieces. Use a template or mark the heat press plate to position the label at the same distance from the collar or seam every time. When applying to finished garments, insert cardboard or silicone backing inside to prevent adhesive from sticking to the inner layer. For garments with seams or buttons near the label, use a backing that evens the surface; otherwise, pressure will be uneven and corners may not adhere.
Fabric type and heat seal
Heat seal can be applied on damask, satin, taffeta, and high-resolution labels. Satin retains face gloss but the label becomes slightly stiffer. Labels should have well-sealed edges because heat seal labels usually have straight cuts and all edges remain visible. Laser cutting enables shaped labels that look almost like patches.
Common mistakes
- Steam from the iron – moisture interferes with adhesion.
- Moving the iron during pressing.
- Bending the label before it cools.
- Too high temperature on sensitive synthetics – fabric shrinks or shines.
- Not testing on the same fabric.
Alternatives
If the fabric is heat-sensitive and you want no visible stitching, consider a small folded label sewn into an existing seam. For informational labels on thin fabrics, some brands use printed labels or direct printing. Learn more about different types of textile labels in the textile labels section.
Heat-seal labels from Polkom
Polkom manufactures woven labels with heat seal adhesive to your design and size. As a manufacturer with over 30 years of experience, we will advise you if heat seal is suitable for your fabric and produce a sample for testing. Send an inquiry.
