Clothing Size Labels – Woven and Printed

Size labels: a small detail that matters

The size label is the first thing a buyer checks in the shop and the first thing they look for at home when folding clothes. A clear, readable size makes selling easier, speeds up sorting in the warehouse and reduces returns caused by the wrong size. That is why a size label should be easy to find, comfortable to wear and visually matched to the brand's other labels.

Polkom manufactures custom clothing size labels – as small separate labels or as part of the main brand label. We make them in the colours and typeface of your collection.

Size types on the label

Letter sizes

The most widespread system for T-shirts, tops, sweatshirts, jackets and knitwear: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, 3XL and larger. Letter sizes are short and easy to read even on a very small label.

Numeric sizes

Used for women's and men's ready-to-wear (for example 34, 36, 38 or 46, 48, 50), for shirts sized by collar and for jeans sized by waist and leg, such as W32/L34. Numbers need a little more space, especially when there are two values.

Children's sizes

On children's and baby clothes, the size is most often given as the child's height in centimetres (for example 74, 86, 98, 110) or as an age – 6–9 months, 2–3 years. The two values are often shown together.

One-size and combined sizes

Hats, socks, gloves and accessories use markings such as "one size" or double sizes (S/M, L/XL). These can also be woven or printed.

Woven or printed size label

If your main brand label is woven, it makes sense for the size label to be woven in the same colour. If you want maximum softness or work with many sizes and variants, printed labels are more practical.

Formats, folding and placement

• Flat label – sewn along the edges under or on top of the brand label.
• Centre fold – sewn into the neck seam or side seam, where it sits like a small flag.
• End fold – the label lies flat and is sewn down on the left and right.
• Size built into the brand label – the size is part of the main label design, with a separate run made for each size.
• Size printed on the wash care label – an economical solution when you do not want an extra label.

The edges of textile labels are cut ultrasonically or with a hot knife so they do not fray. Labels are supplied cut and folded or on a roll, and when an order covers several sizes, each size is packed and marked separately.

Label size and readability

A size label is usually small, but it has to be readable at a glance. Separate size labels are most often made in a width close to that of the main brand label, so the two look like one unit. The font size depends on the label type: on woven labels the characters need to be slightly larger and bolder than on printed ones. For double values such as W32/L34 or 98 cm / 2–3 years, allow more space or two lines of text. If the label is centre-folded, check which part stays visible after sewing – that is where the size must be. If in doubt, we will send you a full-size mock-up so you can check the proportions before approving production.

Colour-coding sizes

Some brands use a different background or text colour for each size. This makes life easier in the warehouse and the shop – staff can find the right size at a glance. Colours are matched to Pantone or to a sample, so they stay in the style of the collection.

Size labels as part of a label set

A size label is almost always sewn in together with other labels. The easiest way is to order the whole set at once: main brand label, size label, wash care label and composition label. That way widths, colours and fonts all match. You can also browse every type of label.

How to order size labels

In your enquiry, tell us the size system, the list of sizes and the quantity for each, the label type (woven or printed), dimensions, colours and folding method. Send your logo if the size will be part of the brand label. We prepare a mock-up and a quote, and after approval we go into production. Minimum quantities and lead times are available on request. You will find the detailed steps on our How to order labels page.