When it comes to garment production, one often-overlooked detail is label placement. Getting it right can make a big difference in terms of brand identity, wearer comfort, and manufacturing efficiency. Whether you’re releasing a capsule tee or a full outerwear collection, understanding where to place your labels is crucial. In this article we’ll walk through the optimal label placement for four major garment types: T-shirts, hoodies, denim bottoms/jeans, and outerwear. We’ll also point you to how to detail your label requirements with specialists like Clothing Labels who offer custom solutions on their Our Products page.
1. T-Shirt
T-shirts are arguably the simplest garments, but label placement still requires careful thinking. The two most common labels are the main brand/care label and size/composition label.
Recommended placements:
- Main label: centred at the back neckline, sewn into the seam. This is the “classic” location and ensures branding is immediately visible when the garment is hung or worn.
- Size/composition label: often placed in the left side seam near the hem or just above the side seam inside the shirt. This avoids disturbing comfort at the neck and ensures compliance with regulatory requirements.
Why these placements work:
- The neck label is visible when the shirt is hanging, promoting brand identity.
- Placing the size/composition label at the side seam keeps it out of the wearer’s neck area (reducing irritation), but still accessible for care instructions.
- For custom label orders, you can check out their Sample packs at Clothing Labels.
Tips:
- If you use a printed neck label instead of a sewn one (for comfort or minimal branding), ensure the print is at the same location for consistency.
- On lightweight or knit fabrics, ensure the label is lightweight and smoothly sewn to avoid puckering.
2. Hoodie
Hoodies add a layer of complexity because of the hood and potentially heavier fabric. Label placement must account for these features.
Recommended placements:
- Main label: back of the neck, inside the body (under the hood when worn). Some brands instead go with a woven label on the hood’s edge or a rubber/heat-transfer label on the hood hem for a streetwear look.
- Side seam label: for care/composition and size, placed lower down the side seam or in the rib cuff area if you want a subtle brand flag.
- Optional extra label: on the hood’s drawstring channel or front pouch seam for extra branding elements.
Why these placements work:
- Neck placement remains standard and efficient for branding.
- The heavier fabrics and ribbed hems demand durable label materials (woven cotton, satin, etc) — see the broad material range listed on Clothing Labels’ “Our Products” page. %sitename%+1
- If you opt for a more fashion-oriented label placement (e.g., outside the hood rim), you capture extra visibility at the front of the hoodie.
Tips:
- Choose label materials that won’t irritate the wearer when layered (i.e., under a coat or jacket).
- Test the label placement in the hooded state (with hood up) to ensure visibility and comfort.
3. Denim (Jeans / Bottoms)
Denim presents quite different constraints — heavier fabrics, alternate seams (e.g., exposed waistband, rivets), and brand placements expected.
Recommended placements:
- Main brand label (e.g., leather or woven badge): on the back waistband or on the right-rear pocket area (above the pocket seam). This is a classic location for jeans branding.
- Inside care/composition label: on the left inside waistband or side seam near the pocket opening.
- Additional size label: small woven label on the pocket bag or inside waistband.
Why these placements work:
- The external waistband badge gives immediate brand recognition (especially in faces like vintage or premium denim).
- Inside waistband or side seam allows care information without interfering with the aesthetic or comfort.
- The heavier fabric allows for more robust label materials like leather or heavy woven labels — again referencing the “Our products” range at Clothing Labels. %sitename%
Tips:
- Make sure the label’s attachment doesn’t interfere with rivets, belt loops or stitching lines.
- If you use a leather patch, ensure the backing stitching is strong and lies flat.
- For inside labels, use smooth fabric (satin or printed) to reduce break-in irritation.
4. Outerwear
Outerwear — jackets, coats, parkas — adds yet further complexity: lining, multiple layers, often heavier weight, sometimes detachable hoods or decorative panels.
Recommended placements:
- Main label: inside the upper back, just below the collar seam (on the lining or shell depending on design). Alternatively, a woven/embroidered label on the outside chest or arm-pocket flap for branding.
- Size/composition/care: inside side seam of the lining, or on the inner placket flap (if the jacket has one). This keeps it accessible but not visible externally.
- Additional brand tag: outside on the cuff, zipper pull, or waistband (especially for streetwear outerwear).
Why these placements work:
- The standard inside back placement keeps the label hidden when worn, preventing exposure to elements and wear.
- Outer visible placements give branding opportunities without compromising garment function.
- Label materials must withstand heavier use, washes, and outdoor conditions. As noted by Clothing Labels, printed composition labels can be produced in cotton, satin, polyester and are designed for machine washing/drying. %sitename%
Tips:
- On waterproof or technical outerwear, ensure labels don’t compromise seam waterproofing or insulation.
- When using detachable hoods or parts, consider placing labels on the main body so they stay on regardless of configuration.
- Consider heat-transfer labels for linings to reduce bulk and add comfort.
Why Label Placement Matters
- Brand identity: Proper label placement maximises visibility and impact without disrupting the garment’s look or comfort.
- Comfort & wearability: Labels in awkward places can irritate the skin or affect how a garment drapes.
- Function & compliance: Size, composition and care labels must be accessible and readable (and in many markets, legally required).
- Manufacturing efficiency: Standardised placements reduce production errors and streamline sewing or attaching steps.
- Material suitability: Label materials and placement must match the garment’s fabric, use, washing conditions and longevity. For example, on their “Our Products” page, Clothing Labels highlight woven labels for premium garments and printed labels for versatile use. %sitename%
How to Plan Your Label Placement with a Supplier
- Define your garment types and label types (brand label, care label, size label, hang-tag).
- Choose materials for labels (woven, printed, leather, PVC) considering garment use and fabric weight. Check offerings like those at Clothing Labels. %sitename%+1
- Draft placements on tech packs or CAD drawings (e.g., “back neckline”, “left side seam 10 cm from hem”, “back waistband centre”).
- Request samples (like the sample pack from Clothing Labels) to review label feel, stitching, colour fidelity and placement. %sitename%
- Test prototypes—especially for stretch fabrics, outerwear linings or heavy denim—to ensure labels lay flat and do not cause puckering or discomfort.
- Document your decisions so that production sees the exact placement and insertion instructions.
Conclusion
Whether you’re working on T-shirts, hoodies, denim or outerwear, label placement is a small but highly influential part of your garment design and production process. By following the placement guidelines above you ensure brand visibility, wearer comfort and manufacturing reliability. And when you’re ready to bring your label ideas to life, check out the full Our Products range, view their Sample pack, and explore their Blog for in-depth label insights. If you want to learn more about the label-making process you can visit their About Us page or Contact them directly with your project ideas.