If you’re launching a clothing line or want to upgrade your branding, one of the key components you’ll need to budget for is your garment labels. Custom labels are the finishing touch that takes your product from a hobby-item to a brand piece. But how much do custom clothing labels cost in the UK? In this article we’ll break down typical pricing, the factors that influence cost, and how to choose the right supplier for your needs.
1. Typical price ranges you’ll encounter
In the UK market you’ll find a wide spectrum of pricing, depending on quantity, label type, material, print method and finishing. For example:
- One supplier lists custom fabric labels from £56.40 for 100 woven labels with logo. Labelyourself
- Another carrier shows pricing such as £29 for 50 faux-leather labels, £18 for 100 printed satin care labels, and up to £368 for 1000 woven labels. bestlabels.uk
- Yet another UK print orientated site shows very modest quantities and small runs (though more for print on garments rather than woven labels) at lower per-unit cost. Blackwater Studios
So you’re realistically looking at anywhere from ~£0.30 to £3+ per label, depending on volume and quality. For very small runs the cost per label will be at the higher end; for large volumes it falls significantly.
2. What drives cost up (and down)
Here are the main factors that affect how much you’ll pay:
- Quantity (volume): The fewer the labels, the higher the cost per piece. Suppliers tend to offer very favourable unit cost at higher volumes.
- Material & finish: Woven labels, especially with logo, tend to cost more than simple printed satin or basic care labels. Leather or faux-leather, metallic or specialty threads add cost. bestlabels.uk+1
- Colour complexity & customisation: More colours, logo designs, special threads (metallic, sparkling) increase weaving/production complexity. For example, woven labels made with your logo from scratch. Wunderlabel+1
- Size & folding/finish: Labels that are larger or folded (neck folds, loop folds) require more material or more steps.
- Attachment method: Sew-in vs iron-on vs stick-on all have different production costs. For example, printed iron-on labels may be cheaper than fully woven sew-in. Wunderlabel+1
- Lead time and minimum orders: Some suppliers charge more or require bigger minimums for rush orders or small quantity runs.
- UK vs overseas production: Local UK manufacturers may cost more than overseas, but you might sacrifice shipping time or quality control.
3. How to estimate your cost for your brand
Here’s a simple way to estimate for your own brand:
- Determine the number of units you’ll produce (e.g., 500 garments) and how many labels per garment (neck label, care label, size label).
- Get quotes for different quantities: e.g., 100, 500, 1000 labels. Note the unit cost at each.
- Factor in your material finish (woven vs printed satin vs faux-leather).
- Add extras such as sampling cost, artwork setup, shipping/customs if overseas.
- Spread the cost across your garments to see unit cost addition.
Example calculation:
If you buy 500 woven labels for £120 (just as an illustration) that adds £0.24 per garment. If you then pay shipping + artwork of £30, you might be at ~£0.30 per garment for labels – which for many brands is acceptable. If you only buy 100 labels at £56, that’s ~£0.56 per garment (again, illustrative).
4. Why custom labels are worth the investment
While cost is important, custom labels offer value beyond just branding. They:
- Reinforce your brand identity and professionalism.
- Provide consumer trust (quality finish, sewn labels instead of cheap tag).
- Help with compliance (care instructions, fabric content) if you’re trading.
- Improve perceived value of your garments, enabling you to price higher or protect margin.
5. How to choose the right supplier and product
When selecting a label supplier, consider:
- Minimum quantity: Some suppliers allow very low minimums (useful for start-ups) while others require large orders.
- Material & durability: If your garments will be washed frequently or exposed to wear, you’ll want durable woven labels. For high-end, luxury look you might choose faux-leather or leather labels.
- Sample availability: Many suppliers offer sample packs so you can feel the material, check finish. Check for suppliers offering samples via “Sample” pages.
- Lead time & shipping: UK producer may offer faster delivery; overseas might be cheaper but longer shipping.
- Artwork/set up cost: Some include logo setup free; others charge.
- After-sales support: Suppliers who have blog resources, FAQs, guidelines for design (so your artwork works on woven loom) are helpful.
- Brand fit: Choose the look that matches your brand aesthetic — whether high-end luxury, streetwear, children’s garments, etc.
6. How this applies to your website and your brand
If you’re using your website to sell or promote, you’ll want to link to your product page, sample page, blog, about us, contact page etc. For example:
- Direct your visitors to the product range on your “Our Products” page at https://clothing-labels.co.uk/our-products/
- Offer sample orders via your “Sample” page https://clothing-labels.co.uk/sample/ so brands can test label materials.
- Use your blog ( https://clothing-labels.co.uk/blog/ ) to post helpful articles (like this) to boost SEO and educate visitors.
- Build trust by linking to your about us page https://clothing-labels.co.uk/about-us/ and include a strong call to action to your contact page https://clothing-labels.co.uk/contact/ for bespoke quotes.
7. Practical tips for UK brands
- Start small if you’re just launching: For your first collection, you might order 100–200 labels to keep cost low and test your market.
- Negotiate with your manufacturer: Ask for quotes for multiple quantities (100, 500, 1000) and figure the sweet spot for your unit cost vs leftover inventory.
- Keep your design simple: Too many colours or a complex logo may push cost up. Many suppliers recommend keeping text legible and colour contrast strong. contrado.co.uk+1
- Order a sample or proof: Before committing to 500+ labels ensure the physical quality (e.g., the fabric label colours, weaving clarity, fold finishing) meets your expectation.
- Make sure artwork is high quality: Providing vector artwork and clear colour references helps avoid delays or additional charges.
- Factor in lead time: Even UK-based suppliers may need a few working days for production. If you need labels in a hurry, expect higher cost or expedite fees.
- Think beyond just cost: The per-unit cost may be low, but if poor quality label undermines your branding, you’ll lose in perceived value. So invest wisely.
8. Final thoughts
In summary, custom clothing labels in the UK typically range from under £0.50 each for larger volumes and simpler materials, to £1-£3+ each for smaller runs, premium materials or complex designs. The exact cost depends heavily on quantity, material, finish and design complexity.
By sourcing multiple quotes, ordering a sample batch, and linking your label purchase to your overall brand presentation (via your site’s product, sample, blog, about and contact pages) you can make a smart investment that elevates your product and supports your brand identity.