Woven vs Printed Labels: Which Is Best for Your Garments?

When you’re building a clothing brand, every detail matters — and that includes the humble label. The decision between a woven label and a printed label may seem small, but it can significantly affect your brand image, garment quality, durability and cost. In this article we’ll compare the two, walk through when each is the best option — and how to decide what’s right for your garments.

What are woven and printed labels?

Woven labels

Woven labels are made by weaving coloured threads together on a loom to form the design, text and background of the label. As one provider explains: “Woven labels are one of the highest quality labels available … long-lasting … won’t fray or fade over time.” (Dutch Label Shop) They are often used by premium brands for branding pieces rather than long blocks of text. (Dutch Label Shop)

Printed labels

Printed labels are created by applying inks (via digital, screen or other methods) onto a substrate (satin, cotton, poly-blend) with your design. They tend to allow more colour variation, and finer detail, because you’re printing rather than weaving. (Weavabel) They are more commonly used for labels containing care instructions, lots of small text, or for lower-cost garments.

Key differences: cost, quality, durability & design

Here are the main areas of difference, along with how it might affect your garment label choice.

Cost

Printed labels tend to cost less, because the manufacturing setup is simpler. (Weavabel) Woven labels require looms, yarns, more set-up and hence higher cost. (Elite Labels)

Quality & Brand Perception

Woven labels often give a higher-end look and feel — more premium, more durable. “Woven labels are made by weaving threads … a soft finish … long-lasting” says one label-maker. (wunderlabel.com) Printed labels, though capable of very good quality, are often perceived as less “luxury” in feel — particularly if the substrate is less substantial. (Saralabels)

Durability & Wash-Resistance

Because woven labels incorporate the design through threads, they typically withstand many washes without fading or fraying. (Dutch Label Shop) Printed labels may fade or degrade sooner, depending on inks and substrate. (Bellabadges)

Design Flexibility

Printed labels win when your design uses many colours, gradients, photographic elements, or you need fine detail. Woven labels have limitations (number of thread colours, fine detail). (Dutch Label Shop)

Turnaround Time & Minimum Order

Printed labels typically have faster production and lower minimums. Woven labels take longer setup. (Bellabadges)

When to Choose Woven Labels

You should lean toward woven labels when:

You’re positioning your brand as premium or luxury. The woven texture and durability communicate higher quality.
You want the label to be part of the tactile feel of the garment (e.g., sewn onto the neck or visible brand tag).
The design is relatively simple (logo, brand name, minimal text) and you don’t need lots of small print. Woven labels work best for larger, bold text. (Fashinza)
You expect the garment will be washed many times (e.g., outerwear, premium denim) and need label longevity.
You’re okay with a higher upfront cost and longer lead time.

When to Choose Printed Labels

Printed labels are often the better option when:

Your design uses many colours, gradients or intricate detail (for example a label with artwork or lots of text).
You have a smaller budget, or you’re doing a small run or sample. Printed labels tend to be more cost-efficient.
You need faster turnaround, or flexible quantities.
The label is for care instructions, size/size chart, or is hidden inside rather than a prominent branding element.
You’re targeting lower cost garments, or the brand position doesn’t require the luxury finish of a woven label.

How to decide for your garments

Here’s a handy checklist you can walk through:

Brand positioning: Is your brand premium or budget? The label needs to reflect that.
Label application: Will the label be seen (branding) or hidden (care/size)? Visible labels benefit from woven.
Design needs: Do you have many colours, gradients, photographic elements, or small text? If yes → printed. If simple design → woven likely works.
Durability/wash frequency: If garments are washed/reused heavily, woven gives an edge.
Budget & lead-time: Smaller runs, faster needs → printed may be better; large production and long term use → woven may justify the cost.
Material compatibility: Make sure the label material suits your garment fabric (e.g., feel on skin, weight, sew-in method).
Order size / minimums: Some woven labels may require higher minimums, so if you’re starting out small, printed gives more flexibility.

Bringing it all together

In summary: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The “best” label depends on your brand, your garment type, your budget and your design. Here’s a quick summary table:

Label Type	Strengths	Considerations
Woven	Premium feel; durable; conveys quality	Higher cost; design colour & detail limitations; longer lead time
Printed	Maximum design flexibility; lower cost; faster production	Slightly less premium feel; durability may be lower; may fade with wash

For example, if you’re launching a high-end outerwear line, using a woven label could reinforce your luxury positioning. If you’re producing fast-fashion pieces or children’s wear where cost and flexibility matter more, a printed label might be ideal.

Why it matters for your brand

While labels might seem like a minor detail, they play a key role in how your garments are perceived. As one industry article puts it: “Labels are crucial for clothing … selecting the perfect label for your brand is a fine task and needs to be done with perfection. Otherwise, you risk jeopardising your entire range’s look.” (Nanjing Jiamei Garment Accessory Co.,Ltd)

A label that feels cheap or fades quickly can undermine the quality of the garment and the brand promise. Conversely, a well-chosen label adds that final touch of professionalism, reinforces branding and tells the customer that you care about the details.

Final Thoughts & Next Steps

If you’re deciding now:

Consider ordering samples of both woven and printed labels from a trusted supplier so you can feel them, test wash durability and check how they sew into your garments.
If you haven’t yet, visit the product range of a reputable label specialist (for example see their Our Products page) to compare materials and finish.
Think about your next run: for your first collection you may choose printed labels for cost savings, and upgrade to woven when your brand scales.
Update your metadata and label placement early in your garment development process — so you avoid surprises at production stage.
Invest in high-quality files: whether printed or woven, your design needs to work at production scale. Make sure your artwork is clear, vector-based, and colour-matched.