When it comes to designing kidswear, every detail matters — from fabric choice to stitching, pattern, and most often overlooked: the label. The label inside a child’s garment may seem like a small detail, but it plays a vital role in comfort, safety and brand identity. In this article we explore how to choose labels for kidswear that prioritise safety and comfort, while also supporting your brand’s aesthetic and regulatory compliance.
Why labels matter in kidswear
For children’s clothing, the label does more than just identify the brand or size. It must:
- Be safe for sensitive young skin (no rough edges, scratchy materials or sharp print).
- Be durable through repeated washing and drying.
- Provide necessary information (e.g., composition, care instructions) to parents.
- Respect regulatory requirements (which can differ for children’s garments).
- Contribute to the brand’s identity in a way that doesn’t compromise wearability.
Choosing the right label materials and design therefore becomes a balance: it must meet functional and safety standards, while also aligning with brand presentation.
Prioritising safety and comfort
1. Skin-friendly materials
Kids have more sensitive skin than adults, so you’ll want labels that minimise irritation. Natural-fibre options (such as cotton), soft satin or smooth polyester prints can reduce itchiness. For example, the company behind Clothing Labels offers 100% natural cotton labels designed for sensitive skin. %sitename%+3%sitename%+3%sitename%+3
Printed labels (rather than woven) can also help: there is less raised texture. According to their sample pack description, they can use satin or cotton, with backgrounds that are white, ecru or black — ideal for minimal irritation. %sitename%
2. Seamless placement & no scratchy stitching
Beyond material, the way the label is attached matters. Avoid bulky hang tags inside children’s clothing, and choose labels sewn flat without thick edges or hard finishings. Consider heat-transferred labels or printed labels that adhere to fabric with minimal stitching. Some label producers offer self-adhesive printed labels for quick application and removal. %sitename%
3. Durability and laundering
Kidswear will often be washed frequently and treated roughly. The label must withstand washing and drying without fading, fraying or causing discomfort. For instance, printed labels on materials like polyester or polyamide are marketed as “machine washing and drying are no problem at all”. %sitename%+1
4. Clear and parent-friendly information
Labels must supply clear care instructions and composition to help parents look after the wardrobe properly and protect garments’ longevity. This also reduces risk that children will wear damaged garments that might pose hazards (loose threads, fading etc.). It’s also good branding — professional labels convey quality.
5. Regulatory compliance
Kidswear is subject to stricter standards in many regions (for example sizing, choking hazards, flammability, label content). While the label itself isn’t usually the hazard, the label’s material (for example small detachable tags) must not create risk. Proper labelling helps ensure traceability and compliance. For deeper reading on labels and regulations, the blog of Clothing Labels offers helpful posts like “Clothing Label Regulations in Europe: What Brands Need to Know”. %sitename%
Branding & design without sacrificing safety
While prioritising safety and comfort, you still want your labels to reflect the brand identity of your kidswear line. Here are some tips:
- Choose soft, pastel colourways or minimalist designs: For children’s clothing, friendly and gentle visuals work better than harsh or high-contrast prints.
- Keep label size appropriate: Large brand-dominant tags may irritate or flap; a small woven or printed tag placed at the back of the neck or side seam can be less intrusive.
- Consider side-seam labels: These are less likely to irritate the neck and are increasingly popular in kidswear.
- Use memorable yet subtle branding: Even on kidswear, the label is a brand touchpoint. But for comfort, favour soft yarns, flat weave and no exposed hard backing or stiff edges — all offered by specialised label makers like Clothing Labels. %sitename%+1
- Offer sample packs: Before large production, order samples to test how the label behaves in wash, drying, and when worn by children — Clothing Labels highlights a sample pack service for this purpose. %sitename%
How to choose your label supplier
Selecting a supplier to provide safe and comfortable labels for kidswear requires some due diligence. Here are criteria to check:
- Material options: Ensure they offer soft, smooth materials suitable for children’s garments (cotton, satin, soft polyester) rather than heavy or coarse materials.
- Washing/drying durability: Ask for proof or customer reviews that labels won’t shrink, fray or detach after repeated laundering.
- Customisation flexibility: You’ll want to tailor size, shape, finish (e.g., woven vs printed), positioning and branding. The aforementioned supplier says they provide woven, printed and embroidered options and “custom shapes, sizes and finishes”. %sitename%+1
- Safety consciousness: Do they understand kidswear-specific hazards? Do they offer advice on label placement, materials, and compliance?
- Sampling service: As above, ordering a small run or sample pack lets you test comfort and durability before committing to large production.
- Support and contactability: Being able to ask questions or request modifications easily is a must. For example, Clothing Labels provides a contact form with specifics (brand name, Instagram, label type) to streamline requests. %sitename%
Link to other relevant areas of your site
For those interested in custom labels, explore our full range in Our Products, where you’ll find woven labels, printed labels, size chips, cardboard labels and more.
If you’d like to evaluate label options beforehand, you can request our Sample pack and test materials, finish and comfort.
For further inspiration and industry insights, check out our Blog.
Want to know more about our team and approach? Visit About Us to see how we specialise in high-quality custom labels.
To start discussing your kidswear label project, please Contact us and we’ll be happy to guide you.
Final takeaway
When designing and producing kidswear, the label is more than a branding afterthought — it’s an integral part of the garment’s comfort, safety and identity. By choosing the right materials, ensuring safe placement, prioritising durability and working with a thoughtful label supplier, you can deliver clothes that children will happily wear and parents will appreciate. For custom labels optimised for kidswear, consider a supplier who understands the nuances of children’s apparel and offers sample-testing, flexible design and soft materials. Your brand and your young customers both benefit.