Why do clothing brands use woven labels?
A brand label tells the customer who made the garment and signals quality. For Irish knitwear makers, independent fashion labels, merch brands and craft businesses, woven labels are the usual choice because:
- Weaving holds small text and fine logos sharply, down to about 3 mm lettering.
- They are soft and flexible, so they do not scratch the neck.
- Colours and edges survive repeated washing better than many printed labels.
- They look and feel like a finished retail garment.
Woven labels are made the same way as woven patches, just in label sizes and folds. Our comparison of embroidered vs woven explains why weaving holds detail better.
Which label fold should you choose?
| Fold | How it looks | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Flat (heat-cut or laser-cut edges) | Single flat piece, all edges sealed | Hems, pockets, outside branding, blankets |
| End-fold | Both short ends folded under | Neck seams, sewn on all four sides |
| Centre-fold | Folded in half, sewn into a seam | Side seams, so the label sticks out like a tab |
| Loop-fold | Folded with both ends in one seam | Necklines and hanging loops |
| Mitre-fold | Ends folded at an angle, creating a hanging loop | Necklines of jackets and coats |
If you are unsure, say where the label will be sewn when you request a quote and we will recommend a fold on the mockup.
What size should a clothing label be?
- Neck labels: 4 to 6 cm wide, 1.5 to 2.5 cm high - Side-seam tabs: 2 to 3 cm wide, 4 to 6 cm long when folded - Hem and pocket tabs: 2 to 4 cm - Knitwear and blanket labels: 5 to 7 cm wide
See your artwork as a custom Ireland patch before you buy. Free digital mockup in 12 hours — 5-piece minimum per design. We do not produce until you approve.
GET A FREE MOCKUPKeep the logo simple at small sizes. Thin script fonts and tiny taglines can close up; a bolder font at the same size stays readable.
What must be on a clothing label in Ireland?
Garments sold in Ireland and across the EU must show their fibre composition, such as "100% merino wool" or "80% cotton, 20% polyester", under the EU textile labelling regulation. Care symbols are not legally required in every case but are expected by customers and retailers. Most brands handle this with two labels:
- A woven brand label with the name or logo
- A separate printed care label with fibre content, care symbols and size
Rules can change, so check current requirements with the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) or a trade body before you launch, especially if you plan to sell in other EU countries.
Outside branding: tabs, patches and leather
Many brands also put a small mark on the outside of a garment:
Ready to spec type, size, backing, and quantity? Open the quote form for a free 12-hour mockup and Ireland-wide shipping after approval.
GET A FREE MOCKUP- A flat woven tab on a hem or pocket
- A leather patch on caps, denim and bags, covered in leather patches for caps, denim and bags
- A small embroidered patch on a sleeve or chest
- A printed patch for full-colour artwork
Choosing colours
Most woven labels use two to four colours: a background and the logo, perhaps with an accent. Black on white, white on black, cream on navy and gold on black are popular because they read well at small sizes. Send Pantone references if your brand has them.
How many labels should a new brand order?
The minimum at Irish Customized Patches is 5 pieces per design, which suits samples and first drops. Most brands order labels for a whole collection at once because the price per label drops as quantity rises, and labels keep indefinitely. A different size or fold counts as a separate design. Our guide for small businesses and start-ups covers planning first orders.
What this guide is based on
This guide reflects how Irish Customized Patches advises fashion, knitwear and craft brands on woven labels and outside branding, together with the general EU requirement to show fibre content on textiles. It is not legal advice; confirm labelling rules for your products before selling. Request a free label mockup.