Garment labels - Types and Styles

A garment label is more than just a piece of fabric. It communicates with the customer. It is something that draws the attention of the customer to the garment. It describes what the product actually is. In today"s times, labels actually help in selling a garment. Customers decide whether to buy a piece of apparel or not on the basis of its label.

What labels do?

Labels communicate to the customer what types of materials have been used in making the garment. They communicate how to care for the garment and other special instructions about it. They communicate the size of the garment. They communicate the name of the manufacturer. They communicate the brand. Different manufacturers use their own special type of labels to create their own distinct identity. A label might be custom-made by a manufacturer to make it unique. Beautiful, customized labels add to the beauty and style of the garment.

Each brand produced by the manufacturer is usually distinguishable on the basis of a special symbol, color or word. This is reflected through the label. The customer looks to the label of a garment to identify the brand and thereby, gauge the quality of the product.

Production of labels

Garment labels can be made using several fabrics, in different types of finishes and can be attached to the garment in different styles. These decisions depend upon the manufacturer.

Labels can be produced as individual pieces or in the form of a continuous roll. When the production is done in the continuous roll form, individual labels are then cut out and attached to the garment.

Fabrics used in labels

The fabrics that are commonly used in the preparation of labels are satin, damask, semi-damask and taffeta. In some cases, cotton, canvas and felt are also used in making labels. Satin is the most used fabric in preparing labels. Leather labels are generally used in case of jeans and pants. PVC labels are used in pants and bags. Satin is soft on the skin and looks very pretty initially. However, it is not one of the best fabrics to be used in labels because it is very thin and can snag easily. Labels made using taffeta are stiffer than those of satin and do not snag as easily. However, taffeta labels can irritate the skin of the customers. Damask and semi-damask are ideal fabrics for making labels. Damask labels are soft even after finishing and do not cause any irritation to the customer. Semi-damask is similar to damask in feel, but it costs lesser than damask.