When it comes to garment branding and care-tags, the finish of your label can make a real difference in look, comfort and durability. Whether you’re designing for a fashion line or simply finishing apparel with a clean, professional tag, understanding the options is key. Here we’ll walk through the common label finishes — straight cut, end fold, centre fold, and others — and explore when and why each is used.
Why label finish matters
A label isn’t just a piece of fabric. It’s part of your brand identity, and it affects how consumers experience your product. The label finish can influence:
- how neatly the tag sits on the garment,
- whether raw edges are exposed (which may irritate skin),
- how the label is sewn in, and
- ultimately how the garment presentation reflects your brand.
If you’re working with a company like Clothing Labels (the site you linked to) offering a wide choice of textile labels — woven, printed, cardboard, etc. %sitename% — you’ll want to pick the label finish that best aligns with your brand and production.
Straight Cut Labels
A straight cut label is essentially the simplest finish: no fold, just a flat rectangle or square, cut straight at its edges. Dutch Label Shop My Pack Love+1
Features
- Flat profile, may be sewn on all four sides or along one side and/or inserted into a seam. My Pack Love+1
- The edges for synthetic materials are often heat-sealed to prevent fraying. My Pack Love
- Usually the most cost-effective because no folding steps are required.
Pros & cons
Pros:
- Lower cost in production.
- Simple to design and manufacture.
- Can be applied to a variety of placements (inside seams, hems, flat surfaces).
Cons:
- All edges may remain exposed unless sewn in, which could irritate skin or look less refined.
- Doesn’t hide the raw edges as neatly as folded options.
- May feel firmer at the edge if heat-sealed, and so less comfortable for tags that sit against skin.
Best applications
- Care labels or content labels inserted into side seams.
- Low-cost garments or bulk production where cost is a major factor.
- Flat application on internal linings or less visible areas.
End Fold Labels
An end fold label is one where the short ends (left and right) or the top/bottom are folded under to create smoother edges at those sides. Dutch Label Shop+1
Features
- Often the two long edges remain free (i.e., not folded) and the shorter ends are folded. Custom Clothing Labels
- The folded edges hide the raw material edge, making the label feel softer and look cleaner. signal-bg.com
- Usually sewn via the folded edges onto the garment surface (rather than inserted into a seam) though methods vary.
Pros & cons
Pros:
- The folded ends mean the visible part of the label is neat and free of raw fabric edge.
- Better comfort for tags that contact the skin at the neck, for example.
- Good choice for brand labels where appearance counts.
Cons:
- Slightly more cost than straight cut because there’s an extra folding step (and therefore more material allowance).
- Less flexible placement compared to straight cut labels because attachment is typically across the folded ends.
- If only the folded ends are sewn, the long edges might still lift unless secured.
Best applications
- Brand-identity labels sewn on necklines, jackets, sweatshirts where you want a premium feel.
- External labels on hems or cuffs where you want the label to lie flat and look finished.
- Cases where you want the tag to be visible and the brand to shine without bulk.
Centre Fold Labels
A centre fold label (also called mid-fold or loop fold in some texts) is folded in the middle — creating essentially two halves — and typically sewn into a seam. My Pack Love+1
Features
- The fold is down the centre of the label; the folded edge is often caught into a seam so you see a flap of the label on the outside of the seam and another side on the inside. My Pack Love
- Gives a neat, tucked finish because raw edges aren’t exposed.
- Can provide more surface area for branding/text because you have two “sides” of the label (front/back).
Pros & cons
Pros:
- Very clean, professional finish – no raw edges visible on the outward facing side.
- Great for branding since you can place a logo on the outside and information (size, care instructions) on the inside.
- Durable when sewn properly into the seam.
Cons:
- Requires that the garment has a seam into which the label can be sewn — less flexible for certain placements.
- The fold adds a little bulk – might be an issue on very lightweight garments.
- Slightly more complex production/attachment than straight cut.
Best applications
- Neckline labels in T-shirts, tops, sweaters where you want premium branding.
- Seam insert labels in dresses, jackets, premium garments.
- Side seam labels for care/size info when you want a clean finish.
Other Label Finishes Worth Knowing
Beyond the three above, there are further finishes you might encounter:
- Mitre Fold: where ends are folded at 45° angles to form tabs sewn into a seam—common in high-end garments for hang loops. hallmarklabels.com+1
- Manhattan Fold: a kind of blend of centre + end fold where extra folds hide raw edges, often used for hem tags or premium finish. hallmarklabels.com+1
- Custom shapes / die-cut labels: where labels are cut into special shapes, sometimes with sealed edges, for unique branding presence. These tend to cost more and are used in premium settings. Labeloom
How to Choose the Right Finish for Your Project
When evaluating which label finish to go for, consider the following factors:
- Brand positioning – Are you going for cost-effective mass production or a premium look? A straight cut might be fine for the former; a centre or end fold could support the latter.
- Placement – Think about where the label will go: inside seam, neckline, hem, external branding, etc. Some finishes suit certain placements better.
- Comfort & wearer experience – If the label is in contact with skin (e.g., neck), the feel matters. Folded edges may reduce irritation.
- Garment construction – Does the garment have a seam that allows a centre fold label? Is there a flat area better suited to straight cut?
- Budget and MOQ – More complex finishes often cost more. Simpler cuts help keep cost down.
- Design / text requirements – If you need lots of information (care labels, size, origin) you may need a finish that offers more surface area, e.g., centre fold.
- Production lead time – Simpler finishes tend to turn around faster.
Triggering Action & Internal Links
If you’d like to explore further and see all the label options available, check out our full range of products on our Our Products page.
Want to test materials or finishes before committing? Take a look at our Sample page to order sample labels.
For more insights into label design, branding and tips, visit our Blog where we regularly publish guides and articles.
To find out more about our company, our values and what makes us unique, read our About Us page.
Got questions or ready to talk through your label project? Head to our Contact Us page and we’ll be happy to help.
Conclusion
Label finishes may seem like a small detail, but they play a meaningful role in how your garments are perceived, how comfortable they are to wear, and how efficiently they’re manufactured. From the simple and cost-effective straight cut, to the refined and high-end centre fold, and the versatile end fold finishes — knowing your options helps you make the right choice for your production, branding and budget. By aligning label finish with your garment design, target audience and brand identity, you’ll ensure that your labels support rather than detract from the overall product experience.
If you’re ready to get started, check out our sample section to test finishes, review our product range for the right label material and finish, and don’t hesitate to get in touch — we’d be delighted to help bring your labels to life.