When you’re creating garments or accessories, choosing the right custom labels is a key step. Below you’ll find a comprehensive FAQ that covers the most common questions about custom labels — from materials and design through ordering and lead times. Use this guide to make informed decisions, and when you’re ready, check out our product range, sample options, blog, and contact details.
(Useful links: Our Products, Samples, Blog, About Us, Contact)
1. What types of custom labels are there?
Custom labels come in various types depending on material, application and brand aesthetic. Some common ones:
- Woven labels (thread-based, durable) — often used for premium garments. Dutch Label Shop+2Elite Labels+2
- Printed fabric labels (satin, cotton, polyester) — good for detailed logos, full-colour. Contrado USA+1
- Iron-on or heat transfer labels — for easy application especially in smaller runs. itsminelabels.com+1
- Care labels / wash-care tags (these may be separate or part of the label strategy) — indicated in label guides. Dutch Label Shop+1
Understanding the type you need helps with material choice, finishing, and cost.
2. What material should I choose?
Material matters for durability, look and feel, and washing behaviour. Key considerations:
- For a natural feel (eco-brands, children’s wear) cotton labels are ideal. Dutch Label Shop+1
- For a luxury sheen and full colour print, satin or polyester fabric labels work well. Contrado USA
- For simplicity and cost-effectiveness, standard woven polyester labels are a safe bet.
- Consider the washing environment: if the garment will be washed frequently or exposed to harsh conditions, material choice is more critical. Dutch Label Shop
Also, think about your branding: the label is part of your product’s presentation, so the material should align with your brand values.
3. What about size, fold, and finishing?
These details often get overlooked but they matter:
- The label size needs to be appropriate for the garment and placement. If it’s too small, text can become unreadable. For woven labels, minimum letter size matters. Étiquettes Tissées+1
- Label fold: For example, loop-fold, each-end fold, flat/mitre-fold. The type depends on where and how it’s sewn in. Elite Labels
- Edge finishing (cut, heat-seal, sewn border) influences durability and appearance.
- Printing or weaving process may limit the number of colours or effect (for woven). Elite Labels+1
When you plan your artwork and layout, factor in these finishing details.
4. How many labels do I need to order? What are minimums and lead times?
A common area of concern for brands, especially smaller ones:
- Many suppliers have minimum order quantities (MOQs) depending on material and process. For woven labels, MOQs might be higher. Étiquettes Tissées
- Some printed label providers offer very low minimums or even no minimum for full colour. Contrado USA
- Lead time: For custom woven labels, sample stages and production may take several days to weeks. Étiquettes Tissées+1
- For printed labels or simpler jobs, turnaround can be faster. TLP
Tip: If you’re starting out, consider ordering a small sample run first, then scale up once your design and placement are confirmed.
5. Designing your label: artwork, colours & logo
Your label design is your brand’s ambassador; it should be clear and high-quality. Some design pointers:
- Provide artwork in correct formats (AI, EPS, PDF) where possible. Some printers prefer original formats over flattened bitmaps. TLP
- Choose colours carefully: for woven labels especially, the number of thread colours may be limited and exact Pantone matching may cost more. Étiquettes Tissées+1
- Make sure text is legible: If the label size is small, avoid ultra-fine fonts or too many elements. Contrado USA
- Preview proof: Check whether the supplier offers a digital or physical proof before production. Many do. planetlabel.com
Remember: The label is a small piece of the puzzle but often observed up-close by customers, so quality matters.
6. Cost: What drives label pricing?
Several factors contribute to the cost of custom labels:
- Material type (cotton, satin, woven polyester) – more premium materials cost more.
- Number of colours / complexity of design (especially for woven or special finishes). TLP
- Quantity: Larger orders often reduce unit cost due to scale. Contrado USA
- Finishing and folds, special effects (embossing, metallic threads) increase cost.
- Packaging, delivery speed, sampling may add extra cost.
Tip: Get quotes from your supplier with all variables clearly defined (size, material, colour count, fold, quantity) so you can compare.
7. How do I order and what’s the process?
The process typically goes like this:
- Choose the label type, material, size and finishing.
- Submit your artwork (or request design assistance if available).
- Receive a proof (digital or physical) for approval. Many suppliers require approval before production. ChromaLabel
- Production begins once proof is approved and payment is settled.
- Labels are cut, finished, quality-checked and shipped.
- You receive your labels, then integrate them into your production/sewing process.
It’s useful to order sample packs or swatches if available, so you can evaluate fabric, colour and finish before committing to a full run.
8. Washing, durability & compliance issues
Important for garments, especially if you aim for longevity or premium positioning:
- Ensure labels are compatible with the garment’s care instructions (wash, tumble, dry, iron). Some materials withstand more than others. Contrado USA
- If you include care symbols or instructions, make sure they comply with local regulations or standards.
- For children’s clothing, or export markets, certain material certifications or wording may be required.
- For iron-on labels: some applications (e.g., knitted or crocheted items) may not be suitable for heat transfer. itsminelabels.com
Good practice: Run a test wash to see how the label holds up, and check comfort / feel (especially for children’s wear or soft fabrics).
9. Branding, sample orders & linking with other services
Your custom label can do more than just list size or care:
- Use it to reinforce brand identity: colours, logo, brand tagline.
- Sample orders: Many suppliers offer sample packs so you can feel the material and see colors before full production. Elite Labels
- Consider how the label interacts with hang tags, packaging, and other brand touch-points. A cohesive brand feel matters.
- If you run a blog or have content marketing (which you likely do – see your Blog link), you can explain to customers how your label choices reflect brand values (e.g., sustainability, quality).
10. When should I contact a supplier / what questions to ask?
Before placing an order, make sure you ask your label supplier:
- What are your minimum order quantities for my label type?
- What lead time should I expect from proof approval to delivery?
- What materials and finishing options do you offer?
- Can you match specific thread colours or Pantones?
- What file types do you accept for artwork?
- Can you provide a sample or sample pack?
- What happens if there is a production error or mis-print? What’s your guarantee or return policy?
- What are shipping costs and global delivery options (if relevant)?
- Are there additional charges for folds, special finishes, or rush orders?
Asking these upfront saves time, avoids surprises, and helps you plan production around label delivery.
11. Why custom labels matter
It’s worth stepping back and recognising why investing in good custom labels is meaningful:
- They elevate your brand’s perceived value — a well-designed label conveys professionalism.
- They improve customer experience — clear size, care and brand info helps your buyer feel confident in the product.
- They support brand recognition — every time a customer sees the label, it reinforces your identity.
- They can reflect your values — e.g., if you use sustainable materials, soft fabrics for children, or minimalist design.
- They are a small cost relative to the garment, but a big opportunity in brand presentation.
12. Summary & next steps
In summary:
- Choose the label type that suits your brand and garment: woven, printed, iron-on etc.
- Select material based on durability, feel and brand alignment.
- Pay attention to size, fold, finishing and design readability.
- Get clear pricing based on quantity, colour count and finishing options.
- Submit good artwork, request a proof, understand lead times and shipping.
- Order a sample if possible, test wash durability and comfort.
- Use your label as a brand touchpoint, not just a functional tag.
When you’re ready, explore our full Our Products range, request a Sample pack, read our Blog for extra tips, learn more About Us and Contact our team for a quote or any specific questions.