Where to Sew Woven and Printed Labels on Clothes: A Comprehensive Guide
May 29, 2023
10 min read
Custom labels are an integral part of the fashion industry, serving as branding tools and providing essential information on garments. When attaching labels to clothing items, it is crucial to carefully consider the optimal placement to enhance visibility, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the appropriate positions to sew woven and printed labels on various types of garments. From shirts and tops to pants, dresses, skirts, jackets, and outerwear, we will differentiate between different garments and provide visual examples, along with detailed explanations and practical tips, to help you achieve the perfect label placement.
Woven Labels
Woven labels are renowned for their high-quality fabric, intricate designs, and durability. They add a touch of sophistication to clothing items and contribute to brand recognition. Woven labels are clothing labels made from interlaced threads, producing high-definition text and logos with a premium fabric feel that withstands repeated washing without fading or peeling.
Shirts and Tops
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Neckline (back or side)Sewing a woven label on the back neck area is a classic and effective placement choice. It adds a professional touch and ensures that your label remains visible, even when the garment is worn. Labels are traditionally sewn inside the neck but can also be sewn outside on the back of the garment.Position it slightly above the seam to prevent it from being hidden or covered by collar folds.
B
Hemline (left or right)Attaching a woven label near the hemline of a shirt or top can be an elegant option, particularly for longer shirts or tunic-style tops. This placement allows for a discreet display of your label and adds a unique touch to the garment.Ensure the label is centered and aligned with the garment's overall design to maintain a balanced aesthetic.
C
Chest (above pocket)Sew the woven label on the chest just above the chest pocket to better showcase your brand. Popular on workwear, polo shirts, and casual button-downs where the label doubles as a visible brand identifier.
Pants and Jeans
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Waistband (inside or outside)Sewing a woven label on the inside or outside of the waistband allows for discreet branding without compromising comfort. Inside placement keeps branding discreet and comfortable; outside placement (common in denim) makes the brand immediately visible from behind.For inside waistband placement, use a contrasting thread color to make the label easier to locate when needed.
B
Back pocketAttaching a woven label to the back pocket of pants or jeans adds a stylish detail that catches attention. This is a signature move for denim brands — think of the iconic patch labels on premium jeans.Position towards the upper corner of the pocket so it stays visible and doesn't interfere with the pocket opening.
Hats
A
Front (centered)The most prominent placement. A centered front label gives your brand logo maximum visibility and is standard for caps, beanies, and structured hats where the front panel is the focal point.
B
Back (above closure)Placing a label above the closure or strap at the back of the hat is common for brand names and secondary branding elements. Works well for snapbacks and trucker caps.
C
Side panel or seamSome hats have a side panel or a seam where a label can be sewn. This placement offers a unique positioning that can add visual interest to the hat design.
D
Inner sweatbandFor a more discreet approach, you can sew the woven label on the inner sweatband of the hat. This placement ensures that your branding is still present but not as visible to the outside world.
Printed Labels
Printed labels offer versatility in design, allowing for vibrant colors, bold graphics, and additional information. They are often made of smooth, flexible materials. Printed labels are flexible fabric labels produced using flexographic, screen, or digital printing, available in satin, cotton, Tyvek, and polyester — designed to carry care instructions, size information, and brand details in a single lightweight label.
Dresses and Skirts
Dresses and skirts offer unique opportunities for label placement. The goal is to keep the exterior clean while making care and brand information easily accessible from the inside.
A
Waistline (inside)Sewing a printed label near the waistline on the inside of the garment ensures that the label remains hidden while providing essential brand or care information. This placement is ideal for maintaining a seamless look on the exterior of the dress or skirt.Opt for a lightweight and smooth fabric for the printed label to prevent any discomfort around the waistline.
B
Side seamAttaching a printed label on the side seam of a dress or skirt allows for a discreet yet easily visible placement. It contributes to the overall branding while maintaining the aesthetic appeal of the garment.Align the label with the seam and ensure it lies flat against the fabric, maintaining the smooth silhouette of the dress or skirt.
Jackets and Outerwear
Jackets and outerwear provide opportunities for creative label placements. Depending on the style, labels can make a visible brand statement or remain discreetly hidden in the lining.
A
Collar or lapelSewing a printed label on the collar or lapel of a jacket can enhance branding and make a statement, especially on tailored or formal jackets. This placement ensures that your label remains visible when the jacket is worn.Use high-quality stitching techniques to secure the label firmly, as the collar or lapel may experience more movement and stress during wear.
B
Inner liningAttaching a printed label on the inside lining of a jacket allows for discreet branding without affecting the overall appearance. This placement offers a subtle and sophisticated touch, visible only when the jacket is unbuttoned or partially opened.Ensure the label is sewn securely to prevent it from shifting or bunching up when the jacket is worn or taken off.
Quick Reference: Garment Type and Recommended Placement
Garment
Label type
Recommended placement
T-shirt / casual top
Woven or printed
Back neckline (inside)
Formal shirt
Woven
Back neckline or chest above pocket
Tunic / oversized top
Woven
Hemline (left or right)
Jeans / denim
Woven patch
Outside waistband or back pocket
Trousers / chinos
Woven or printed
Inside waistband
Dress
Printed (satin or cotton)
Inside waistline or side seam
Skirt
Printed
Inside waistline or side seam
Jacket / blazer
Woven or printed
Collar/lapel (exterior) or inner lining
Outerwear / coat
Printed (Tyvek or satin)
Inner lining or back neck
Cap / structured hat
Woven
Front panel or inner sweatband
Beanie / soft hat
Woven or printed
Inner sweatband or side seam
Which Label Type Should You Use?
Choose woven when the label will be visible on the exterior of the garment, when you want a premium tactile feel, or when the design includes a logo with fine detail. Woven labels hold their shape and color through 60+ wash cycles.
Choose printed when the label needs to carry a lot of text (care instructions, size, fabric content, country of origin), when it will sit directly against skin, or when you want to combine brand and care information in a single label. Printed satin labels are the softest option for neck and waist placements.
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Where is the best place to sew a label on a shirt?
The most common and professional placement for a label on a shirt is the back neckline, sewn on the inside at the centre back seam. This keeps the label visible when the shirt is laid flat or on a hanger, and accessible to the wearer for care instructions. For a more distinctive look, labels can also be placed on the outside back neckline or on the chest above a pocket.
Where do you put a label on jeans?
Jeans typically use two label placements: a woven patch label on the outside waistband at the back (the classic denim brand identifier) and a printed care label on the inside waistband. Premium denim brands often use a leather or woven patch on the back waistband as a signature branding element.
Should labels be sewn on the inside or outside of a garment?
It depends on the label type and purpose. Care labels and size labels are always sewn on the inside — at the neckline, waistband, or side seam. Brand labels can be sewn either inside or outside depending on the aesthetic: inside for a clean, minimal look; outside for visible branding.
What is the standard placement for care labels on clothing?
The standard placement for care labels is the left side seam of a garment, approximately 15–20 cm from the bottom hem. On shirts and tops, care labels are also commonly placed at the back neckline. In many countries, care label placement is governed by labeling regulations that require the label to be permanently attached and easily readable.
Can I combine my brand label and care label into one?
Yes. Labeloom's printed labels can include your brand name, logo, size indication, care symbols, fabric content, and country of origin all in a single label. This reduces the number of labels inside the garment and gives a cleaner finish. Satin and cotton printed labels are the most popular choice for combined brand and care labels.
How do I attach a woven label without sewing?
Woven labels can be attached using iron-on adhesive backing, which is available as an add-on when ordering from Labeloom. Iron-on labels are popular for items that are difficult to sew, such as hats, bags, and accessories, or for small brands without access to industrial sewing equipment.
As you should now understand, proper placement of woven and printed labels on clothing items significantly contributes to brand recognition and the overall appeal of your garments. By strategically sewing labels in suitable positions, you can effectively showcase your brand, provide necessary information, and create a professional look. When determining label placement, consider factors such as garment type, customer comfort, and brand identity — and feel free to experiment with various placements to find the best fit for your unique clothing line.
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Written by the Labeloom Manufacturing Team
Labeloom has been producing custom woven and printed clothing labels from its Hong Kong facility since 1996, working with thousands of clothing brands worldwide — from independent designers to large-scale manufacturers.
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