What are name tags for clothes?
"Name tags for clothes" covers two different products that people search for with the same words.
- Inside name labels: small printed or woven tapes, usually iron-on or sew-in, that go on the inside of school jumpers, PE kits, coats and kids' clothes so lost items find their way home.
- Outside name patches: visible embroidered or woven patches, often 8 to 10 cm wide, worn on workwear, hospitality uniforms, club jackets, scouting uniforms and team gear so other people can read the name.
The right choice depends on one question: does the name need to be seen?
Inside labels vs outside name patches
| Inside name labels | Outside name patches | |
|---|---|---|
| Main use | School uniforms, kids' clothes, care homes | Workwear, uniforms, clubs, teams |
| Typical size | 1–1.5 cm high, 4–6 cm long | 8–10 cm × 2.5–5 cm |
| Made by | Printing or weaving tape | Embroidery or weaving |
| Attaching | Iron-on, sew-in, stick-on | Sew-on, iron-on, Velcro |
| Visible when worn | No | Yes |
| Per name | Usually dozens per sheet | Each name is a separate design |
Irish Customized Patches makes outside name patches and name tabs. For inside ownership labels, specialist label printers are usually the cheaper option.
Which name patch type should you choose?
### Embroidered name patches Embroidered name patches have raised thread lettering on a twill base with a merrowed or heat-cut border. They are the classic look for workwear, mechanics' shirts, hospitality aprons and club jackets. Lettering should be at least about 6 mm tall to stay clear, which suits names and short job titles.
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 MOCKUPWoven name patches
Woven name patches are flatter and thinner, with finer detail. Choose woven when you want a name plus a small logo, a long name in a small space, or a smart, low-profile look on blazers and hospitality uniforms. Woven lettering stays legible down to about 3 mm.
PVC name tabs
PVC name tabs are moulded rubber. They suit outdoor teams, security and tactical-style uniforms where patches get wet and muddy. They are almost always backed with Velcro.
Which backing works best for name patches?
- Sew-on is the most durable and the best choice for garments washed every week, such as chef whites and work polos. - Iron-on is quick for cotton and polycotton, but add a few stitches for daily wear. Our guide on how to iron on a patch covers the method. - Velcro (hook and loop) lets you swap names or roles on the same jacket. It is popular for shared uniforms, rotating staff and security teams. See Velcro patches explained.
How do you order name patches for a whole team?
Each different name is a separate design, because each one is set up and checked individually. With a 5-piece minimum per design, most teams order a few of each name, for example one per uniform. Practical tips:
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- Send the names as a typed list, in a spreadsheet or email, so spelling is copied exactly.
- Include síntí fada (accents) where they belong: Seán, Aoife, Órla. We reproduce them on the mockup so they can be checked.
- Decide on one layout for everyone: name only, name and role, or name and small logo.
- Keep the same size, colour and backing across the team so the set looks uniform.
Name patches for workwear and uniforms
For trades, hospitality and security, a name patch often sits on the left chest with the company logo on the right, or the logo on the chest and the name on a sleeve. Our workwear embroidery and logo patch guide covers layouts and the trade-off between patches and direct embroidery. For schools, crest placement is covered in school crest badges for Irish uniforms.
How long do name patches last?
A sew-on embroidered or woven name patch usually lasts as long as the garment itself. Iron-on name patches on heavy-wash garments can lift at the corners over time unless they are also stitched. Wash uniforms inside out at 30–40°C and avoid tumble drying at high heat to keep colours and edges sharp.
What this guide is based on
This guide draws on the name patch and name tab orders Irish Customized Patches produces for workwear, clubs and uniforms, and on the questions customers ask about application and washing. We make outside name patches from 5 pieces per design with a free digital mockup and free delivery anywhere in Ireland. Request your free mockup.