Clothing labels have different names depending on their purpose and position. A neck label usually sits inside the back of a neckline, a hem tag adds branding at a garment edge, and a care label explains how to look after the item.
If you are choosing labels for your clothing brand or handmade range, it helps to separate four decisions: where the label goes, how it is woven, how it is folded and how it is attached. This guide explains the terminology so you can describe what you need.
What are the different labels on clothes called?
These names describe a label's job or location. They do not necessarily describe its material: for example, a neck label can be woven or printed.
| Label name | What it means |
|---|---|
| Brand label | Carries your business name, logo or other branding. |
| Neck label | A label positioned inside the back of the neckline, often showing the brand and sometimes the size. |
| Hem tag | A small branding label positioned at, or folded around, a garment's finished edge. |
| Side-seam label | A label attached at the side seam; it may carry care information or display branding. |
| Size label | Identifies the garment's size, either separately or as part of another label. |
| Care label | Provides washing and other garment-care information, often alongside fibre composition. |
| Swing tag or swing ticket | A removable tag used for retail information and branding. |
For the legal information you may need to include, read our separate guide to clothing labels and the law.
Label placement: where should clothing labels go?
Choose a position that suits the garment, the information you want to show and the way the label will be sewn. Check visibility from the outside as well as comfort against the skin.
Hem tag placement
A hem tag is usually a small brand label at the bottom edge of a T-shirt, sweatshirt or similar garment. It can wrap around the finished hem so part of the label shows on the outside. A sleeve edge is another option.
Decide which face of the tag will be visible and where the stitching will sit. Avoid putting important lettering across the fold or stitching line. Try the position on a finished garment before approving the label layout.
What size should a hem tag be?
There is no single size that suits every hem tag. The design, fold, fabric thickness and sewing method all affect the dimensions. A small paper mock-up is a useful way to judge the proportions.
When requesting a quote, distinguish the visible finished size from the full unfolded size. Allow space for the fold and stitching rather than making the artwork fill the whole label. We can help work out those allowances from your garment and design.
Neck labels: the tag at the back of a shirt
The label inside the back of a shirt or T-shirt is generally called a neck label or back-neck label. It commonly displays the brand name and may include size information. Depending on the fold, it can be sewn into the neck seam or stitched flat inside the garment.
Side-seam labels
An internal side-seam label is a familiar location for care and composition information. An external side-seam tag can instead provide discreet branding. Consider the label's length, feel and contact with the wearer when choosing this position.
Inner-pocket labels
The inside of a jacket or coat, near an inner pocket, offers space for a brand label. Check that the label and its stitching will not interfere with using the pocket or show through the outer fabric.
Sleeve labels and swing tags
A sleeve label can be a permanent fabric label sewn onto a sleeve or around its edge. A swing tag is different: it hangs from a temporary attachment and is removed before wearing. Make that distinction when describing your requirements.
Do clothing labels always go on the left?
No. Label position varies between garments and brands. For your own range, choose a practical position and describe it clearly to whoever is sewing the labels. Specify whether you mean the wearer's left or the left side when looking at the garment.
Can a side label tell you which way round to wear a garment?
A side label alone is not a reliable guide to the front and back. Check the neckline, shaping, fastenings and any instructions from the garment's maker rather than relying on the tag being on a particular side.
Label weaves: damask, satin and taffeta
With woven clothing labels, the design is formed from threads. The weave affects the detail and surface finish. Compare samples when choosing a label that will sit against the skin.
Damask
Damask is a useful choice for detailed logos and lettering. It can accommodate multicoloured artwork, although the final label size still needs to leave enough room for small details to remain clear.
Satin
Satin has a smooth surface and sheen. A woven satin label is different from a label printed onto satin fabric: one forms its design in thread, while the other has information printed on the surface.
Taffeta
Taffeta offers a more visibly textured weave. Consider it alongside damask and satin, checking how your lettering, colours and design look on a physical sample.
Label folds: how the label sits on the garment
The fold should suit both your artwork and the sewing position. Tell your label supplier which parts should show and which parts will be hidden in a seam.
Loop fold or centre fold
The label folds in half, with the two ends brought together for sewing into a seam. This can give you a front and back face for different information. Check that both faces read the right way up after folding.
Mitre fold
The ends are folded at angles to form two attachment points, often used at a neckline. If you also want the label to act as a hanging loop, discuss that intended use when specifying its construction.
Border label or flat label
A flat label is attached without a central fold. It can be sewn onto the face of a garment, with the artwork positioned inside the stitching area.
End folds and Manhattan book folds
End-fold labels turn the short ends under for stitching. A Manhattan or book fold includes an additional fold. The names alone may not tell the whole story, so confirm the shape and sewing arrangement with a diagram or sample. See our guide to label folds for more examples.
Label backings and attachment methods
Placement and backing are separate decisions. A hem tag or neck label still needs an attachment method suited to the garment and how it will be cared for.
Sew-on labels without adhesive backing
These labels are secured with stitches, either into a seam or onto the fabric surface. Leave an appropriate sewing allowance and follow the intended fold when attaching them. Our illustrated guide to attaching woven labels explains the options.
Iron-on and self-adhesive backings
Iron-on backing is applied with heat; self-adhesive backing uses a sticky layer. They are different products and should not be treated as interchangeable. Check compatibility with your fabric, application instructions and intended washing before choosing either. Test an application rather than assuming any adhesive label will withstand repeated laundering.
Ready to choose labels for your range?
Start with your artwork and the garment you want to label. Decide where the label will sit, its visible size, the fold and the attachment method. A photo or sketch of the intended position helps us understand your requirements.
Explore our clothing labels and tags, or order a sample pack to compare materials and finishes. If you are unsure about sizing or placement, contact GB Labels for help choosing labels for your garments.
- Pete
