Choosing the right printed label for your products comes down to three things: the material it's printed on, the printing procedures used, and where on the garment it sits. Get those three right and you have a label that looks sharp, lasts through washes, and tells your brand story properly. By the time you finish reading this guide, you will be an expert on printed labels.
Label Materials: Which One Is Right for You?
The material your label is printed on affects how it feels against skin, how it holds up in the wash, and what printing techniques can be applied to it. Here are the four materials Labeloom offers for printed labels.
Satin
Satin printed labels are fabric labels made from polyester satin, printed using flexographic ink that resists home laundering and does not fade in normal wash conditions. The most popular choice for clothing labels. Satin polyester is soft against skin, holds color well through home laundering, and has a premium look and feel. Edges are woven; ends are sealed with a sonic knife so the label won't unravel.
Best for: neck labels, inner garmentShop satin printed labels →
Cotton
Cotton printed labels are natural-fiber labels suited for eco-conscious brands, withstanding 40+ wash cycles without fading. Soft, flexible, and eco-friendly. Cotton labels suit apparel, activewear, bags, plush toys, and home textiles. A natural choice for brands that want a more organic, sustainable feel.
Best for: seam labels, eco brandsShop cotton printed labels →
Tyvek
Tyvek printed labels are waterproof, tear-resistant labels made from high-density polyethylene fibers, rated for outdoor and chemical exposure, and water resistant in all conditions. Made from high-density polyethylene fibers, Tyvek is tear-resistant and waterproof. Ideal for outdoor gear, water sports apparel, or anything exposed to chemicals and harsh conditions.
Best for: outdoor, sportswear, bagsShop Tyvek printed labels →
Polyester
Polyester printed labels are synthetic fabric labels that resist shrinking, abrasion, and temperatures up to 60°C, making them ideal for workwear and activewear. Strong, dimensionally stable, and resistant to shrinking, stretching, and high temperatures. Often blended with other fabrics. Good where the label will face abrasion or repeated washing in demanding environments.
Best for: workwear, activewearShop polyester printed labels →
| Material | Soft on skin | Wash-proof | Waterproof | Eco-friendly | Ideal use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Satin | ✓ | ✓ (home) | — | — | Clothing, neck labels |
| Cotton | ✓ | ✓ | — | ✓ | Eco apparel, plush, bags |
| Tyvek | — | ✓ | ✓ | — | Outdoor, sportswear |
| Polyester | ✓ | ✓ | Partial | — | Workwear, activewear |
Printing Methods: Screen Printing vs Digital Printing
Once you've chosen your material, the next decision is how to print on it. The two main techniques are screen printing and digital printing — each with different strengths depending on your order size and design complexity.
Traditional, high-volume
A mesh screen deposits ink directly onto the label material. Best for large runs where consistency and color vibrancy matter most.
- Minimum run: 1,000+ labels
- Colors: up to 6 colors
- Materials: satin, cotton, polyester, Tyvek
- Cost per label: lower at scale
- Setup: higher initial cost
Flexible, small-batch friendly
Inkjet or laser printing applied directly to the material. Lower setup cost and fast turnaround, ideal for smaller orders or complex multi-color artwork.
- Minimum run: from 100 labels
- Colors: up to 4 colors
- Materials: satin, cotton
- Cost per label: higher per unit
- Setup: fast, no screens needed
Where to Apply Your Printed Labels
The placement of a label affects both the practical function (care instructions, size) and the brand experience. Here's a breakdown by product type.
- Apparel — exterior Use satin for a premium feel on the outside of garments. For exposure to moisture or chemicals (sportswear, outdoor wear), switch to Tyvek.
- Apparel — interior Cotton or polyester labels sewn into the neck seam or side seam are the standard. Both hold up through repeated washes and won't scratch skin.
- Bags Tyvek handles the functional requirements (durability, water resistance). Satin works well when the label is visible and brand presentation matters.
- Plush toys & soft goods Satin is the go-to for a high-quality look and feel. Cotton is an alternative, though slightly less durable for items handled frequently.
- Hats & accessories Cotton or polyester works well here — both are durable enough for items that see daily use and repeated handling.
- Activewear & sportswear Tyvek or polyester. Both resist moisture, abrasion, and high-temperature washing. Tyvek is the stronger choice for water sports.
Quick Reference: Which Material for Which Use Case
| If you need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| A soft neck label for everyday clothing | Satin | Silky feel, won't irritate skin, great print quality |
| An eco-friendly option for a sustainable brand | Cotton | Natural, breathable, recyclable |
| A label for outdoor or water sports gear | Tyvek | Waterproof, tear-proof, chemical-resistant |
| A durable label for workwear or activewear | Polyester | Resists heat, abrasion, and industrial washing |
| A small run with complex artwork | Digital on Satin or Cotton | No setup cost, fast turnaround, from 100pcs |
| A large run at the lowest cost per label | Screen on any material | Most cost-effective at 1,000+ pieces |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best material for custom clothing labels?
Satin is the most popular material for custom clothing labels. It is soft against skin, holds vibrant colours through home laundering, and gives garments a premium feel. For eco-conscious brands, cotton is the preferred alternative. For outdoor or sportswear, Tyvek is the most durable option due to its waterproof and tear-resistant properties.
What is the difference between screen printing and digital printing for labels?
Screen printing uses a mesh screen to deposit ink onto the label and is best for large runs of 1,000+ pieces, supporting up to 6 colours across all materials. Digital printing uses inkjet or laser technology, is cost-effective for small runs from 100 pieces, supports up to 4 colours, and works on satin and cotton only. Labeloom uses flexographic printing, which delivers sharp, wash-resistant results from as few as 100 pieces.
How many colours can be printed on a fabric label?
Screen printing supports up to 6 colours per label. Digital and flexographic printing supports up to 4 colours. Both methods produce vibrant, wash-resistant results on satin, cotton, polyester, and Tyvek materials.
Are printed labels washable?
Yes. Satin and cotton printed labels are wash-resistant in home laundry conditions (up to 40°C). Polyester labels withstand higher temperatures up to 60°C and are suitable for industrial laundering. Tyvek labels are waterproof and resistant to chemicals, making them the most durable option for harsh washing environments.
What is the minimum order quantity for printed labels?
Labeloom's minimum order for printed labels is 100 pieces, starting from $95. This low minimum makes custom printed labels accessible to small brands, Etsy sellers, and independent designers, not just large manufacturers.
Where should I place a printed label on a garment?
The most common placement for satin printed labels is the neck area, either at the centre back or side seam. Cotton and polyester labels are typically sewn into the inner seam. Tyvek labels can be applied using heat-seal or iron-on adhesive, making them suitable for exterior placement on bags and outerwear.
Ready to Order Your Printed Labels?
From $95 for 100 pieces — satin, cotton, Tyvek or polyester, with a free digital proof on every order.
