Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Woven labels for hats are used in two ways: an inside brand label sewn into the back seam or the sweatband, and an outside label that is a visible branding element on the front or side. For beanies, the most popular option is a small rectangular label, centre-folded and sewn into the cuff, while for baseball caps it is a label on the back or side of the crown.
Woven labels for hats – inside and outside
Inside label
The inside label carries the brand logo and sometimes the size. It is placed in the back seam of a knitted hat or under the sweatband of a cap. Comfort matters here, because the label is against the skin of the forehead or the back of the head. Soft damask or satin, a small size and an ultrasonic-cut edge or woven selvedge are recommended.
Outside label
The outside label is part of the hat's design. On beanies it is sewn onto the cuff at the front or side, and on caps on the side of the crown, the back panel or the adjustment strap. Different rules apply here: the label must be clearly visible, with good contrast and sewn on securely so it does not snag.
Hat types and the right label
| Hat | Label | Fold | Placement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cuffed beanie | small damask, outside | centre fold or straight cut | flag in the cuff seam or sewn on the front |
| Knitted hat without cuff | small damask | centre fold | in the back seam on the inside |
| Baseball cap | damask or HD | straight cut or centre fold | side, back or under the sweatband |
| Bucket hat | damask | centre fold | flag in the brim seam |
| Children's hat | satin | centre fold | in the seam on the inside |
Label size for a hat
Hats are small products, so the label must also be in proportion. On a beanie cuff the label is small and usually rectangular, with the logo on one line. On caps the side label is also compact, while the back label can be slightly larger. Before deciding on the size, place a paper template at actual size on the hat and photograph it – this way you will see the proportions.
Flag label in the seam
A very popular solution is a centre-fold label sewn into the side seam of the cuff or the brim seam so that it sticks out like a small flag. The visible part is small, so the logo needs clear, bold elements.
Sewing a label onto a hat
- Knitted hats – the label is caught when sewing the back seam or sewn by hand onto the cuff with loose stitches so it does not pucker the knit.
- Baseball caps – the outside label is sewn around the perimeter of the panel before the panels are joined; the inside label goes under the sweatband.
- Threads – polyester, in the colour of the label's base.
- Needles – ballpoint for knits, standard for dense fabrics.
Woven label or another material
On hats, woven labels compete with embroidery, leather labels and metal logo plates. Each has its own style:
- Woven label – clean, detailed, light; suitable for most knitted hats.
- Leather or faux leather label – heavier, vintage or outdoor style. See our leather labels.
- Metal plate – a luxurious, durable accent. See our metal logo plates.
Combinations are also common: a woven label inside and a leather or metal element outside.
Designing a hat label
- Use the simplified version of the logo – space is limited.
- Choose strong contrast – the outside label is seen from a distance.
- Consider the base colour against the hat colours – one label should look good across the whole range.
- If the hats come in many colours, consider two label versions – light and dark.
- With laser cutting you can give the label a shape – a circle or a shield.
Washing and wear
Hats are washed less often than clothes, but they are exposed to rain, snow, sun and sweat. A polyester woven label withstands these conditions and does not fade quickly in the sun. The inside label absorbs sweat, so it should be made of a material that does not retain moisture – polyester is suitable. If the hat is wool and hand-washed, the label will not shrink, but if the hat itself shrinks, a smaller label will cause fewer problems.
Common mistakes
- A label on the cuff that is too large and looks visually "heavy".
- Small text on an outside label that cannot be read from a distance.
- A hard edge on the inside label that irritates the forehead.
- A label sewn across the whole cuff, which prevents it from folding.
Size labels for hats
Most knitted hats are one size, but caps and children's styles often come in sizes. The size can be woven into the inside label or put on a separate small label next to it. For one-size hats, some brands put "One size" directly on the brand label so that a second label is not needed.
Woven labels for hats from Polkom
Polkom makes woven labels in small sizes, with folds and cuts suitable for hats, to your design. As a manufacturer with over 30 years of experience, we also offer leather labels and metal logo plates to combine with them. Send an inquiry with the type of hats and your logo.
