Clothing Labels

5 Types of Labels Found on Clothing (And Why Brands Use Them)

Posted on by Denise Newton
03
Mar

When you look inside a shirt, jacket, or pair of jeans, you’ll almost always find at least one clothing label. These labels serve an important purpose. They identify the brand, provide sizing information, and explain how to properly care for the garment. Understanding the types of clothing labels used by apparel brands can help designers choose the right labeling method for their garments.

However, not all clothing labels are the same. Different brands choose different label styles depending on comfort, durability, branding goals, and garment construction.

Below are five of the most common types of clothing labels used by apparel brands today.

1. Tagless Heat Transfer Labels: A Popular Type of Clothing Label

Tagless labels, also known as heat transfer clothing labels, are printed directly onto the inside back neckline of a garment. Instead of a fabric label being sewn in, the information is transferred onto the fabric using heat and pressure.

These labels are extremely popular because they eliminate the scratchy feeling that traditional sewn labels sometimes cause.

Tagless labels can include:

  • Brand logo

  • Garment size

  • Manufacturer information

  • Care instructions

Because they are printed onto the fabric itself, they create a smooth and comfortable finish that many consumers prefer.

The downside is that printed labels may gradually fade over time after repeated washing and drying.

2. Side Seam Labels

Another common option is the side seam clothing label, which is sewn directly into a garment seam, usually near the hip area.

Side labels are often used when designers want the main brand label displayed at the neckline while placing care instructions somewhere less visible.

These labels are typically longer because they contain detailed garment information such as:

  • Fabric content

  • Washing instructions

  • Country of origin

  • Multiple language translations

Side seam labels may be produced as woven labels or printed fabric labels, depending on the design and the level of durability needed.

3. Inside Back Neck Labels

The inside back label is the traditional location most people associate with clothing tags. This label is sewn into the back neckline and typically displays the brand logo and size.

Inside back labels may be produced as either:

  • Woven labels, where the design is woven directly into the fabric using thread

  • Printed labels, where the design is printed onto the label material

Woven labels tend to last much longer because the design is part of the fabric structure rather than applied to the surface.

Some inside labels are sewn along the entire edge, while others are tack sewn at the corners, allowing the label to hang slightly away from the garment.

4. Hangtags (Removable Clothing Tags)

Hangtags are the labels attached to clothing when it is sold in stores. These tags are usually attached using:

  • Plastic fasteners

  • Safety pins

  • String loops

  • Tagging guns

Unlike sewn labels, hangtags are intended to be removed before wearing the garment.

They typically contain information such as:

  • Brand identity and logo

  • Retail price

  • Barcode or UPC code

  • Product details

Hangtags are especially common on higher-end garments because they help reinforce brand identity and retail presentation.

5. External Branding Labels (Leather or Patch Labels)

Some clothing brands also use external labels as part of their branding. These labels are often attached to the outside of the garment rather than hidden inside.

A classic example is the leather patch found on the back waistband of many denim jeans.

These labels serve a different purpose than care labels. Instead of providing garment information, they function primarily as visual branding elements that make the brand recognizable.

Because they are visible, these labels are often made from durable materials such as:

  • Leather

  • Faux leather

  • Heavy woven patches

  • Rubber or silicone patches

Why Different Types of Clothing Labels Matter

Clothing labels do much more than display a brand name. They help consumers understand how to care for their garments and provide important manufacturing information required in many countries.

For apparel brands, choosing the right label type can affect both the comfort of the garment and the perception of the brand.

Some brands prioritize durability with woven labels, while others focus on comfort by using tagless heat transfers.

Understanding the different types of clothing labels helps designers decide which labeling method best fits their product. Clothing labels do more than display a brand name. They also provide care instructions and important manufacturing details required in many countries. In the United States, apparel labeling must follow the Federal Trade Commission’s Textile and Wool labeling rules.

Why are clothing tags placed on the back of shirts?

The back neckline is the most common location for clothing labels because it allows brands to display their logo and size information clearly while remaining easy for consumers to find.

Common Questions About Clothing Labels

Why are clothing tags placed on the back of shirts?

Most clothing brands place the main label at the inside back neckline because it allows the brand name and size to be easily visible. This location also keeps the label out of sight when the garment is worn while still being easy for consumers to find.

How are tags attached to clothes?

Clothing tags can be attached in several ways. Some labels are sewn directly into the garment during manufacturing, while others are attached using plastic fasteners, tagging guns, safety pins, or string loops. Hangtags used for retail are typically attached using a tagging gun or plastic loop.

What side are clothing labels usually sewn on?

Care labels are often sewn into the left side seam of a garment near the hip area. This location keeps the label accessible while preventing it from interfering with the neckline branding label.

Why do some clothes have tagless labels?

Tagless clothing labels use heat transfer printing instead of sewn fabric labels. These labels are applied directly to the fabric and are popular because they eliminate itching or irritation caused by traditional sewn labels.