Mastering Labels and Tags for Your Product Line: A Complete Guide
When developing clothing or other sewn products, labels and tags might seem like minor details, but they play an essential role in branding, customer convenience, and legal compliance. From providing care instructions to reinforcing your brand identity, labels are powerful tools. Here's everything you need to know to help you choose, design, and place product labels and tags effectively.
The Reason Why Labels Are Essential
Labels do more than display your brand; they offer key details about the product's origin, composition, and care guidelines. They're also legally required for most garments, ensuring customers get transparent information about the fabric and care process. Ignoring these requirements can lead to complications, so understanding label guidelines upfront can save you both time and resources.
Three Categories of Labels
Depending on the product, there are three main categories of labels: brand labels, size labels, and care, content, and origin (CCO) labels.
The Brand Label: This label showcases your company name, logo, or both. It's the face of your product, adding a recognizable and trusted element to your product line.
The Size Label: Size labels guide customers to the right fit and may include additional designations, such as "Tall" or "Petite" if your product is a garment. Clear sizing labels improve the shopping experience for your customers and reduce returns due to sizing issues.
The Care, Content, and Origin Label (CCO): This label is required by law for most products; the CCO label provides fabric content, care instructions, country of origin, and your brand's RN (Registered Number) or legal business name. These details help consumers care for the garment correctly and offer transparency about its materials and origin.
Types of Labels
Choosing a label type is part of your product development process. The material and production method of your labels can affect both their durability and customer comfort. Before you choose a type of label, you’ll also need to consider the fabric and materials of your product. Not all types work for all materials. It's also essential to choose the type that meets your needs and doesn't cause your customers discomfort. Here are the three primary types of labels you'll choose from:
Woven Labels: These labels are often crafted from woven threads, making them durable and high-quality. Woven labels are often used for brand labels. They give a premium feel but come at a higher cost. Their intricate design pairs well with products made of heavier, high-quality materials, such as high-end coats, suits, or sweaters.
Printed Labels: Versatile and cost-effective, printed labels can be made with various materials and offer more flexibility in terms of quality. They are generally more affordable, with options ranging from basic plastic to soft, satiny textures. These are the most commonly used types of labels across a wide range of garments, accessories, and household goods.
Heat Set Labels: Directly printed onto the fabric, heat set labels are tag-free, making them ideal for athletic wear or items requiring a minimalist look. However, they may not work with all fabric types, as heat tolerance can vary.
When Are Labels Necessary?
While prototypes and non-commercial samples don't require labels, they become mandatory for products sold to the public. Here in the United States, the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) outlines specific labeling requirements, and additional agencies may come into play based on the product or your target market. Ensuring you meet these requirements early on can streamline your production process and prevent regulatory problems.
How to Choose and Strategically Placing Labels
Label placement impacts your brand perception and user experience. Here are some points to consider when deciding where to place your labels on your products for maximum impact:
Brand Labels
Brand labels are typically located where customers will see them first, such as the inside back of a shirt or waistband. In some cases, brands stitch the label visibly on the outside of the garment for an added style statement. If you're shipping products directly to customers, consider the unboxing experience as well. How will you fold your product so that the customer sees the brand label on the item they purchased?
Size Labels
Customers look for size labels when they're deciding on fit, so visibility is key here as well. Placing the size label near the brand label helps customers quickly check sizing. For online products, a more hidden location might work, but ensure it's accessible for easy size verification.
CCO Labels
CCO labels should be easy to find for those who need care instructions or material information. Placing it near the brand label can highlight special fabrics or quality indicators, like "100% Merino Wool," adding perceived value.
The next time you're shopping, take a bit of time to see where other companies are placing their labels. This will inspire you to decide on label placement for your products.
Additional Tips for Label Placement and Comfort
The type of label you choose affects both placement options and comfort. The first thing you need to consider is application space. Does your label have enough unprinted space at the edges to ensure secure stitching to your product? When adding a label to a curved neckline or complex shapes, you'll also want to allow additional space to account for alignment challenges.
Another factor to consider is fabric compatibility and comfort for your customers. A high-quality woven label might work well on a structured wool coat, but a heat set label may be better for a performance shirt where comfort is essential. Consider the texture and feel of each label against the skin and avoid materials that could feel scratchy or low-quality on soft fabrics.
Make Your Labels Your Brand Ambassador
Well-designed labels are more than functional—they serve as ambassadors for your brand. Choosing the right material, style, and placement ensures your brand stands out while giving customers the necessary information. Strategic label choices can enhance your brand's image, improve customer satisfaction, and keep your products compliant. Invest time in your labels, and they'll add lasting value to every piece in your collection and make your brand memorable long beyond that first purchase.
Work with a Professional Sewn Product Development Consultant
Hiring a professional contractor for sewn product development can fast-track your projects and provide you with high-quality results. I can answer all your label questions and a whole lot more. Contact us for more information on working with a Sewn Product Development Consultant.
