If you are in the market for printed labels, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will discuss the different materials that can be used for printing, as well as the procedures involved. We will also explore where on garments these labels should be applied. By the time you finish reading this article, you will be an expert on printed labels!

Let's start with the most common materials used for printed labels: satin, cotton, polyester and tyvek.

SATIN

Satin is our most popular material and the one most commonly associated with clothing labels. Satin polyester is a very soft material and is ideally suited for applications where the label will contact skin. The edges are woven while the ends are cut and sealed using our sonic knife, so you won't have to worry about the label unraveling. Labels printed on satin polyester do not fade in a home laundry but we don't recommend them for use in an industrial laundering environment. This material is not coated.

COTTON

Cotton is a soft, flexible, and environmentally friendly material, making it great for labeling a variety of items such as apparel, activewear, bags of all types, plush animals, and home textiles, to mention a few. Cotton labels are a really adaptable labeling alternative that can be tailored to fit any labeling requirement.

TYVEK

Tyvek is a synthetic material made from high-density polyethylene fibers. It is very strong and water resistant. This makes it a great choice for labels that will be subjected to harsh conditions, such as outdoor use or contact with chemicals. This is why it's fairly popular choice as a label for sports clothing (especially water sports!).

POLYESTER (OR POLY BLENDS)

Polyester is a synthetic fabric that is strong, durable, and resistant to shrinking, stretching, and wrinkles. It is often used in blends with other fabrics such as cotton or spandex. Polyester labels are well-suited for applications where the label will be subject to abrasion or high temperatures. They can also be used in situations where a high degree of water resistance is required.

Now that we have covered the different materials that can be used for printing, let's move on to the procedures involved. The most common printing techniques are screen printing and digital printing.

SCREEN PRINTING

Screen printing is a traditional technique that uses a mesh screen to deposit ink  onto the label material. This technique is best suited for large runs of labels (1000+) and can be used on a variety of materials, including satin, cotton, polyester, and tyvek.

The advantages of screen printing are that it is very versatile and can produce high-quality, long-lasting results using up to six different colors. The disadvantages are that it is a more labor-intensive process and has a higher initial setup cost.

DIGITAL PRINTING

Digital printing is a newer technique that uses lasers or inkjet printers to print your design directly onto the label material. This technique is best suited for smaller runs of labels and can only be used on certain types of materials, such as satin and cotton.

The fast setup time and lower labor costs make digital printing a more cost-effective option for small runs of labels. The main disadvantage of digital printing is that it is not as versatile as screen printing and cannot be used on all types of materials. Furthermore it can print a maximum of 4 colors on the labels

WHERE SHOULD I APPLY MY PRINTED LABELS?

Printed labels can be applied on the outside or inside of a garment in a variety of locations. The most popular location for satin labels is the neck area, either on the back or side of the garment. Cotton labels are often sewn into the seam of the garment. Polyester and tyvek labels can be applied using heat-seal adhesive or iron-on adhesive.

Here are some specific examples:

APPAREL

If you're applying a label to the outside of the garment, we recommend using a satin material in order to create a high-quality look and feel. For applications where the label will come into contact with moisture or harsh chemicals, we recommend using a tyvek material.

If you're applying a label to the inside of the garment, we recommend using a cotton or polyester material in order to create a durable and long-lasting label.

BAGS

When labeling bags, we recommend using a tyvek or satin material (the latter for a more high-class appearance). For applications where the label will come into contact with moisture or harsh chemicals, we recommend using a tyvek material.

PLUSH TOYS

For labeling plush toys, we recommend using a satin material in order to create a high-quality look and feel. Cotton labels are also an option, but they may not be as durable as a satin label.

OTHER ITEMS

Other items that can be labeled with printed labels include hats, scarves, and other accessories. For these applications, we recommend using a cotton or polyester material thanks to the durability associated with those materials.

Are you looking to buy printed labels? Check out our offering at https://labeloom.com/collections/printed-labels