For independent labels, streetwear collectives, and growing fashion brands, woven labels are the detail that makes your garments feel finished, credible, and premium. They carry your brand identity inside every piece—surviving wash after wash while staying soft against the skin. If you’re based in the UK and want reliable quality with clear guidance from artwork to delivery, this page breaks down options, best practices, and how to get started.
Explore the full range on Our products, or jump ahead to request a sample pack to feel the difference before you order.
Why woven labels?
- Long-lasting branding: The design is woven into the fabric itself (not printed), so it resists fading and friction.
- Premium handfeel: Damask weaves deliver crisp detail with a smooth finish; ideal for neck labels and hem flags.
- Flexible placement: Neck, side seam, sleeve, hem, waistband, beanie cuff—woven works almost anywhere.
- Consistent identity: Colours, weave density, and finishing stay consistent across collections.
Popular weave types & finishes
Damask (the go-to): High pick density for sharp text and logos; excellent legibility at small sizes.
Taffeta: Lightweight, slightly stiffer—great for outerwear or when you want a structured look.
Satin: Subtle sheen for a refined, luxury appearance (think womenswear, occasionwear, lingerie).
Folds & cuts
- Straight cut: Clean rectangle, sew on top/bottom or all around.
- Centre fold: Classic neck label; folds in half with sewing at the top.
- End fold: Tucked ends for soft edges on neck seams.
- Manhattan fold: Polished top fold; often used for premium pieces.
- Mitre fold: Hanger-style tabs—nice on knitwear or scarves.
- Loop/hem flag: A small folded tab that peeks from the hem or side seam.
Backings & edges
- Sew-in (most common): Maximum durability.
- Iron-on: Helpful for tricky placements or delicate fabrics; always test on production fabric.
- Soft edges / heat-cut: Prevents fray while keeping comfort next to skin.
Design for legibility (micro surfaces = micro rules)
Designing for a 20–45 mm canvas is different from designing a logo for social. Keep these rules in mind:
- Contrast wins: High contrast between background and motif improves readability at 6–8 pt equivalent.
- Simplify: Remove hairline strokes and unnecessary outlines; preserve core shapes.
- Mind the spacing: Increase letter-spacing slightly and avoid cramped multi-line copy.
- One hero element: Prioritise either the wordmark or the symbol—cramming both reduces clarity.
- Test at size: Print your label at 100% scale on paper; if it reads cleanly there, you’re set.
Want inspiration? Browse the Blog for guides on artwork prep, placement, and label copy that actually helps customers (e.g., sizing clarity or care cues).
Materials & sustainability options
Woven labels are typically polyester for durability and colourfastness, but you can align with your brand’s sustainability goals:
- Recycled yarns (rPET): A lower-impact option that still delivers sharp detail.
- Organic cotton blends: Softer, matte look—great for natural or heritage aesthetics.
- Low-impact dyeing: Ask for dye processes that meet your policy or standard.
Tip: match label character to garment personality—streetwear loves high-contrast damask; heritage or outdoor pieces often suit matte, earthy tones.
Sizing & placement cheat sheet
- Neck labels: 25–45 mm width works for most tees and sweats.
- Hem flags: Small (e.g., 15–25 mm wide) so they don’t distort drape.
- Beanies: Folded loop labels sewn into the cuff edge—keep the height compact.
- Denim/leather patches: Use woven brand tabs at coin pocket or rear pocket seam.
If in doubt, make a physical mockup: hold the printed label size against a sample garment to check proportions and stitch lines.
Workflow: from artwork to sewn-in
- Define the use case (neck, hem, side seam).
- Choose weave / fold (damask + centre fold is a safe universal start).
- Prepare artwork (vector preferred; outline fonts, include HEX/Pantone references).
- Confirm size (width × height) and sew allowance.
- Order a sample to validate colour, edge softness, and legibility.
- Approve & go to bulk once you’re happy with feel and detail.
You can request a sample pack to compare weaves, edges, and folds side-by-side before locking specs.
Quality checks that matter
- Readability at arm’s length: Your logo should be instantly recognisable.
- Edge comfort: Especially for neck labels—rub against the skin to test irritation.
- Colour fastness: Cold/warm wash tests to ensure no bleed or fade.
- Fray resistance: Inspect edges after handling and a test wash.
- Consistent tension: Labels should sit flat after sewing; no puckering.
Care, size & compliance (at a glance)
Your woven brand label often sits alongside care and size information. Ensure your total label set (brand label + care/size/ fibre content) meets the markets you sell to. If you’re unsure, our team can share best-practice templates and pointers to relevant standards. Start by exploring the range on Our products and reach out via Contact for guidance.
Pricing signals without surprises
Costs depend on size, weave density, number of colours, finishing, and quantity. To keep budgets clean:
- Lock artwork early (every revision can change yield and price).
- Standardise sizes across products where possible.
- Batch orders by season or capsule to hit better price breaks.
- Use the same base label in multiple placements (neck + hem) when it fits your aesthetic.
Want a quick feel for quality/finish before pricing? Grab a sample pack.
Who are woven labels perfect for?
- Streetwear & merch: Hem flags and neck labels that hold up to heavy wear.
- Premium basics: Minimal wordmarks that feel intentional and soft.
- Knitwear & beanies: Folded tabs and cuff labels with clean edges.
- Kidswear & babywear: Softer edges and careful placement for comfort.
- Denim & workwear: Rugged tabs that survive abrasion and frequent washing.
FAQs
Can you match my brand colours?
Yes—share HEX/Pantone references in your artwork notes. We’ll advise on the closest achievable weave colours.
What file format works best?
Vector files (AI, PDF, EPS, SVG) with fonts outlined. If you only have raster, export 300 dpi at actual size and keep contrast high.
What if I need different sizes (S/M/L) on the same label?
Use a separate size pip or integrate size into a companion label. It keeps your brand label consistent through seasons.
Do you offer sustainable options?
Yes—ask about recycled yarns and low-impact processes that align with your brand story.
Want to see, feel, and compare options before ordering? Request a sample pack. For specs, quotes, or a quick call about your project, head to Contact. Learn more about our story and how we work on About us, and keep learning via the Blog.