Garment labels – Types and Styles

A garment label is more than just a piece of fabric. It communicates with the customer. It is something that draws the attention of the customer to the garment. It describes what the product actually is. In todays times, labels actually help in selling a garment. Customers decide whether to buy a piece of apparel or not on the basis of its label.

What labels do?

Labels communicate to the customer what types of materials have been used in making the garment. They communicate how to care for the garment and other special instructions about it. They communicate the size of the garment. They communicate the name of the manufacturer. They communicate the brand. Different manufacturers use their own special type of labels to create their own distinct identity. A label might be custom-made by a manufacturer to make it unique. Beautiful, customized labels add to the beauty and style of the garment.

Each brand produced by the manufacturer is usually distinguishable on the basis of a special symbol, color or word. This is reflected through the label. The customer looks to the label of a garment to identify the brand and thereby, gauge the quality of the product.

Production of labels

Garment labels can be made using several fabrics, in different types of finishes and can be attached to the garment in different styles. These decisions depend upon the manufacturer.

Labels can be produced as individual pieces or in the form of a continuous roll. When the production is done in the continuous roll form, individual labels are then cut out and attached to the garment.

Fabrics used in labels

The fabrics that are commonly used in the preparation of labels are satin, damask, semi-damask and taffeta. In some cases, cotton, canvas and felt are also used in making labels. Satin is the most used fabric in preparing labels. Leather labels are generally used in case of jeans and pants. PVC labels are used in pants and bags. Satin is soft on the skin and looks very pretty initially. However, it is not one of the best fabrics to be used in labels because it is very thin and can snag easily. Labels made using taffeta are stiffer than those of satin and do not snag as easily. However, taffeta labels can irritate the skin of the customers. Damask and semi-damask are ideal fabrics for making labels. Damask labels are soft even after finishing and do not cause any irritation to the customer. Semi-damask is similar to damask in feel, but it costs lesser than damask.

Different kinds of finishing can be given to labels made from different fabrics.

Labeling styles

There are several styles in which a label can be attached to a garment:

1) One of them is the centre folded style, which is also called a loop label. Usually, such labels have the brand name and/or symbol on the front part, with the materials used as well as care instructions on the back of the label. This style provides the manufacturer with more space, so that all the necessary details can be included. It also takes care of the problem of the back of the label showing.

2) Another style is the end folded style, wherein the left and right sides of the label are tucked behind and stitched on to the garment.

3) Yet another style is the fuse cut or straight cut style, in which there are no folds and all the ends are sewn on to the garment. This style is also called the all ends finished label.

4) An iron-on label, as the name suggests, is a label that is attached by placing the label on the garment and ironing on it. The heat causes the substance on the back of the label to liquefy and stick to the garment. Such labels are highly durable and stick on in spite of repeated washing of the garment, but the durability is less as compared to a label that has been sewn on to the garment.

5) Sometimes, peel and stick labels are used in garments. These labels are very easy to apply and can be applied quickly. However, they are not very durable and might begin to peel off after a few washings. They are ideal for use on bags and other items which do not require continuous washing.

6) A mitre fold label is a label without any folds, which is cut off at a 45-degree angle at both ends and attached at the top.

Unique labels

Sometimes, unique labels are used by the manufacturer to give a special touch to the garment and to distinguish it from other brands or manufacturers. Some of the special types of labels used are:

1)Bead label: This type of label has beads attached to it, either by sewing them on or with the help of glue. The beads may be of a single color or of multiple colors. Such a label gives a unique look to a garment if it is attached to the back or the front portion.

2)Die cut label: A die cut label is a label that is produced using a block or die on account of its unique shape.

3)Pillow label: In this type of label, cloth is fashioned into a pillow cover and yarn is injected into it to make the label look like a label. The symbol of the brand and other important instructions are printed or woven onto the cloth. A pillow label can also be used as a zipper pull.

4)Studded label: This type of label has stones stuck on to it to create a unique effect.

5)Sequential numbered label: Such labels have numbers on each individual label in a sequential manner. This helps in identifying fake products, which have not been produced by the manufacturer.

Labeling is thus an important consideration for a manufacturer. It is silent advertising for the garment. The decisions regarding the fabric of the label and the style should be taken after proper consideration of various factors.