Nothing identifies your business like your label. A high quality logo and label marks your business as professional and can even make a difference in sales. If you're just starting out and aren't sure what kind of label is right for you, Lisa from Clothing Labels 4U shares her expertise with us-
Woven Clothing Labels - Types and What You Should Know
Woven Clothing Labels vs. Printed Labels
Clothing Labels have two primary categories. The first is printed clothing labels. While generally inexpensive they have several disadvantages that make them an ideal choice for only a handful of uses. The most basic complaint about a printed label is that they fade. Whether it's through washing or as a result of skin oils reacting with the print, the fact is that a printed label does not stand up to standard wear. This reduces the branding aspect of the label completely. An illegible label does nothing for your business. The second choice is a woven label.
The Better Choice
Woven clothing labels are a better choice, but the choice to go woven brings about other decisions. There are four basic fabrics offered in woven labels: Damask, Semi-Damask, Taffeta, and Satin.
- Satin is the most popular choice, but not always the wisest. Satin is thin and can snag easily, making it more likely to be cut out than other labels. Though it looks very pretty originally, you need to keep the customer in mind when choosing your label.
- Taffeta is stiffer than satin and can stand up to a bit more snagging. However, with both satin and taffeta the finished edges of the labels can be stiff, leading to the prickly feeling labels are famous for.
- Semi-damask is a mid line choice when it comes to labels. It has many of the qualities of damask.
- Damask is a tighter weave fabric that remains very soft, even with finished edges. It’s a top choice when quality is a top priority for the seamstress. Damask provides the best finish with a smoothness that reflects style and comfort
Once the custom name, logo or text style and fabric choice are considered, you will need to decide on several finishing touches and choose the style that allows the most versatility for the future.
- The folded style eliminates the issue of having a raw back showing and allows room for care instructions. They come in two variations: a side folding label or a bottom folding label.
- A common way to attach a label is to order an end fold label that you tack down on the ends. However, this method is not flexible enough for most small-scale sewers and lacks the professional touch.
- You can ensure maximum flexibility by ordering labels that are finished on all sides with enough seam allowance to be used in a variety of ways.
Luscious Labels
When I started my business in 2004 I purchased my first professional labels from Luscious Labels. They were absolutely beautiful and the quality was amazing. I reordered a new size in 2006 with no problems. But in 2008 I tried several times to reorder and was unable to get a response. In the end I had to pay a setup fee with a new company instead of simply reprint labels from a company who already had all my information.
-Jen
Luscious Labels
Ordered four rounds from Carmen and at first quality and response was great... over the years things have grown lax and it's difficult to even get a response. My last order I didn't realize that my order had even gone through and I ended up ordering from an alternate company in the interim. Also, the ink quickly faded on this last round with all the hot washings that my items went through.
K.K.
Fancy Weaver
These labels are simply the best value out there. They may not be WAHM made but they sure do last! I had previously done all my business with a WAHM until I noticed that the quality of labels were slipping and it was difficult to get an order in... luckily a friend referred me to Fancy Weaver and their prices were great, service fantastic, and the labels have stood the test of being worn and washed into oblivion! Check for their auctions on ebay though because they tend to be cheaper than ordering direct. 4 stars because they aren't local or WAHM made.