Starter Label Kit for a New Clothing Brand: What to Order First

Labels are one of the last things a new clothing brand thinks about and one of the first things a customer notices. The neck label is where your logo lives once the garment is worn, the care label keeps you compliant, and the hang tag is often the first piece of your brand a shopper touches in a shop or unboxing. This guide sets out a starter label kit for a first collection: what is essential, what is optional, how to plan quantities and which files to prepare so the first order runs smoothly.

The essentials: what every new brand needs

1. Main brand label

The main label carries your logo and, often, the brand name only. Most brands choose a woven label for its durability and quality feel, sewn into the back neck seam or the side seam. A damask weave gives sharp detail; satin feels softer. Printed satin labels or a tagless heat-transfer neck print are good alternatives for T-shirts and sportswear. Decide the fold early: centre-fold, end-fold and loop fold each sew in differently.

2. Size labels

Small tabs showing XS–XXL or numeric sizes, sewn next to the main label or into the side seam. Alternatively, the size can be printed on the care label or included in the brand label, one design per size. Our guide to size labels for clothing covers dimensions and size systems.

3. Care and composition label

This is the label that is legally required. In the EU, fibre composition must be shown on textile products under Regulation (EU) No 1007/2011, in the language of the country where the garment is sold. Care symbols are expected by customers and retailers. Read EU care label requirements before you write the content, and check the language rules if you sell in several countries. Care labels are usually printed on satin or nylon taffeta tape and sewn into the side seam.

4. Hang tag

The hang tag introduces the brand at the point of sale and carries the barcode, style number or a short brand message. A simple, well-made card tag with a string is enough for a first collection. For layout and finishing ideas, see our hang tag design guide.

Optional extras that build identity

• Accent labels: a small woven flag on the hem or pocket, a leather patch on jeans or caps, a nickel-free metal plate on outerwear, or a silicone label on sportswear.
• Patches: embroidered or woven patches for caps, hoodies and jackets.
• Packaging stickers: logo stickers for tissue paper, mailer bags and boxes, which make an online order feel complete.
• QR labels: a code that links to care information, your brand story or, in future, a digital product passport.

Starter kit checklist

Sizes are typical starting points; we also produce custom sizes.

Planning the first order

Minimum order quantities

The minimum order is usually 1,000 pcs per design. For a new brand, the smart move is to keep the number of designs low so that each one reaches the minimum comfortably. One brand label used across every style is far easier to order than a different label per product. Our article on woven labels minimum order explains how quantities work.

Splitting sizes

Size labels multiply quickly: five sizes are five designs. Ask how the total quantity can be divided across the sizes of one style, and split by your expected size curve rather than equally. Another approach is to print the size on the care label, keeping a single brand label for all sizes.

Care labels across styles

Each composition needs its own care label content. If your first collection uses three fabrics, you will need three care label versions. Group styles with the same fabric and care instructions under one label to reduce the number of designs.

Samples and proof

Our designers return a digital proof typically within 24–48 h. Check every word, symbol and percentage carefully at this stage. Physical samples are available before production, which is especially useful for your main label: you can feel the softness and check the colours against your fabric. After approval, production typically takes 10–20 working days, with delivery across Europe.

Timing

Order labels while your garments are being sampled, not after the fabric arrives at the sewing room. Labels have to be at the factory before sewing starts, and leaving a buffer for proof corrections avoids delaying the whole collection. The full process is described in how to order custom labels.

Files to prepare

• Logo in vector format: AI, EPS, PDF or SVG with outlined fonts. A PNG or sketch is also fine to start with, as our designers can redraw it; see express label design.
• Colour references: Pantone codes, or a physical fabric swatch to match.
• Composition per style: fibre names and percentages, for every fabric and lining.
• Care instructions: washing temperature, bleaching, drying, ironing and professional care for each fabric.
• Size list and quantities: exactly as they should appear, with quantities per size.
• Placement and fold: a sketch or tech pack page showing where each label goes.
• Hang tag text: front and back content, plus barcode or style number fields if needed.

Want to see what other labels look like before deciding? Browse our Labels 2026 catalogue for inspiration on weaves, folds and finishes.

Grow the kit with your brand

A starter kit does not need to be complete on day one. Begin with the essentials, keep the design system simple, and add accent labels, patches and packaging as the brand grows. Because artwork and specifications are stored after the first order, reorders are quick and consistent.

Frequently asked questions