Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Woven size labels are small labels that display only the size – S, M, L, 38, 40 or 104 – and are sewn next to the brand label or in the side seam. They are usually made as separate labels so the same brand label can be used for all sizes. Most often, they are woven from taffeta or damask, folded in half, with a large, clear letter or number.
Woven size labels – separate or combined with the brand label
There are two main approaches, each with its advantages. The choice depends on the collection size and the number of sizes.
| Approach | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Separate size label | One brand label for all sizes; easy restocking; fewer stock variants | One more label to sew |
| Size woven on the brand label | One label, cleaner look; one sewing operation | Separate design and stock for each size; more complex planning |
For most brands, a separate size label is more flexible. Woven size on the brand label suits small collections with few sizes and brands that prefer a clean look with a single label.
Which sizes are marked
- Letter sizes – XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, 3XL.
- Women’s numeric sizes – European 34, 36, 38, 40, etc.
- Men’s shirts – collar circumference, e.g. 39, 40, 41.
- Trousers and jeans – waist width and length, e.g. W32 L34.
- Children’s sizes – height in centimetres, e.g. 92, 104, 116, or age.
- Universal – “One size” for scarves, hats and accessories.
Some brands include international size equivalents on one label, e.g. EU, UK and US sizes. This is convenient for export but requires more space and smaller text – printed labels are better suited here.
Fabric and folding
The size label is small and shows a large letter or number, so taffeta is sufficient and most economical. If the label is near the neck of a T-shirt, choose soft damask or satin with a soft edge. Folding is usually in the middle – the label is inserted into the collar seam next to the brand label or in the side seam next to the care label.
Where to place the size label
- Next to the brand label – most common; the customer sees brand and size together.
- Under the brand label – sewn in the same seam, partially covered.
- In the side seam – together with the care label, for garments without collars.
- Outside the trouser seam – used by some denim brands.
Colour coding
Some brands use different background or number colours for each size. This allows quick size recognition in the warehouse and store without reading. It is useful for large quantities and fast order processing. The downside is that multicoloured labels look less “branded”, so often a neutral background with coloured numbers or a small coloured edge stripe is chosen.
Size label design
- The size must be large and centred – it is the only information.
- Use the same font as the brand label for a unified look.
- Match the background colour to the brand label.
- If folded in the middle, the size should appear on both sides to be visible regardless of how it is sewn in.
- Leave a seam allowance so the number is not “cut off”.
Label size and legal requirements
The size label is not mandatory under Regulation (EU) 1007/2011 – which regulates fibre composition. However, size is a practical necessity for sales and returns, especially online. Treat it with the same care as the care label: the size must remain legible after many washes and correspond to the size chart published in the store. Woven labels are a reliable choice due to durability – the number does not fade.
Planning quantities
Sizes do not sell evenly. Middle sizes are usually produced in larger quantities, while extreme sizes are smaller. When ordering size labels, allocate quantities according to the production size scale, not evenly. Separate size labels are convenient here – if one size runs out, you order only that size.
Workshop organisation
In the workshop, size labels for different sizes look very similar and can be easily confused. Good practice is:
- each size packed separately and clearly labelled;
- size labels distributed together with cut pieces of the corresponding size;
- if colour coding is used, colours are consistent throughout the assortment.
Woven or printed size label
For a simple label with one letter or number, woven labels are durable and look higher quality. If the size label includes international equivalents, article numbers or other variable info, printed labels are more practical. Some brands print the size directly on the care label to avoid a separate size label.
Size labels from Polkom
Polkom manufactures woven size labels matching the brand label in style and colour. As a manufacturer with over 30 years of experience, we help you plan sizes and quantities. Send an inquiry with your size chart.
