Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Woven labels for clothing are small fabric strips where the logo and text are woven from coloured threads rather than printed. They are usually sewn on the neck, side seam or hem and serve as the brand’s “signature”. The choice boils down to four factors: fabric type, size, fold and attachment method.
Why brands choose woven labels for clothing
The brand label is the first thing a customer sees when turning a garment inside out. The woven option looks dense, has texture and lasts as long as the garment itself. Unlike printing, the image is not on the surface but part of the fabric structure, so it does not fade with washing, ironing or rubbing.
- Durability – colours and outlines remain clear after repeated washing.
- Premium feel – the fabric texture signals quality at first touch.
- Flexibility – the same design can be made in different sizes, folds and colour variants for separate lines.
- Consistency – the logo is reproduced identically in every batch.
Types of fabric for the label
Most woven labels are made from polyester threads, differing mainly in density and weave type.
| Type | Surface | Detail | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damask | smooth, matte, soft | high | main brand label for almost all garments |
| Satin | shiny, very soft | medium | lingerie, children’s wear, evening wear |
| Taffeta | firmer, coarser | lower | size labels, workwear, simple logos |
| HD (high resolution) | smooth, very dense | highest | logos with fine text and thin lines |
For labels touching the neck, damask and satin are the safest choices. Taffeta suits labels not directly against the skin or when budget is a priority.
Where the garment label is sewn
On the neck
The classic spot for T-shirts, shirts, sweatshirts and dresses. Usually a label folded in half sewn into the collar seam, or a label with folded ends sewn left and right onto the back yoke.
In the side seam
A convenient place for collarless garments – skirts, trousers, underwear. The label is sewn into the seam and remains almost invisible outside. Often combined with a composition label with fabric and care info.
Outside as an accent
Small woven labels on pockets, sleeves or hems act as subtle branding elements. Be careful with the base colour as it is directly visible.
Size and folding
Size depends on the logo and placement. A neck label for a T-shirt is relatively narrow, while an outerwear label can be wider and longer. When determining size, consider the visible part after sewing, not the total length of the strip – folding in half hides half the label in the seam.
- Straight cut – for sewing on all four sides onto fabric.
- Folded in half – for sewing into collar or side seams.
- Folded ends – for tight sewing left and right.
- Mitre fold (pouch fold) – for sewing into side seams, with the label “sticking out” sideways.
What is woven on the brand label
Best practice is to keep the brand label concise: logo, sometimes a slogan or website. Fibre composition, care instructions and manufacturer info per EU Regulation 1007/2011 and ISO 3758 symbols are better placed on a separate composition label – this way you can change fabric info by model without redesigning the main label. Size is usually a small separate label to use the same brand label for all sizes.
How to choose the right woven labels for clothing
- Determine the product type – thin knit underwear or thick jacket have different needs.
- Choose fabric type according to logo detail and skin contact.
- Decide placement and fold, then the visible size.
- Specify colours – base and logo colours.
- Request a sample and sew it on a real garment before approving the batch.
If you hesitate between woven and printed, see also printed labels – better for very small text and gradients.
Common ordering mistakes
- Too much text on a small label – letters become unreadable.
- Taffeta for a neck label on a T-shirt – can feel stiff.
- Size specified without accounting for folding.
- Colours not specified by Pantone or sample.
Care and washing of garments with woven labels
Polyester woven labels withstand normal home washing and ironing but there are practical details worth knowing at design stage. For garments washed at high temperatures or ironed with steam, choose labels with well-sealed edges to prevent fraying over time. For garment-dyed items, check with a sample that the label base does not absorb dye. Dark bases with very light letters maintain contrast because the colour is in the threads, not a surface layer.
If the label will be sewn with a machine using very fine stitches, leave a few millimetres of free space around the logo so the seam does not “eat” part of the letters.
Woven labels made to order by Polkom
Polkom is a Bulgarian manufacturer of accessories for fashion, furniture, footwear and bags, based in Sofia with over 30 years of experience. We produce woven labels to your design and logo, with samples before serial production and delivery across the EU. Send your logo, desired size and fold via the contact form and receive an offer.
