How Clothing Labels Are Made: Inside Label Production Step by Step

Every clothing label starts as a logo file and ends as thousands of identical pieces ready to be sewn, attached or applied. What happens in between decides how sharp the logo looks, how soft the edge feels and whether the 10,000th label matches the first. As a label manufacturer with our own label production in Bulgaria and more than 30 years of experience, we want to show you how the main label types are made in a label factory, step by step. Knowing the process helps you prepare better files, choose the right options and plan your timing.

Step 1: artwork check and technical preparation

Every order begins at the desk, before any machine runs. The artwork is checked for the limits of the chosen technique: minimum line thickness and text height for weaving, colour separations for printing, wall thickness for silicone moulds, relief depth for metal. Colours are matched to Pantone references or thread and ink charts. Then the file is converted into the format a machine understands: a weaving pattern, a printing plate or file, a cutting die drawing or a mould design. Our express label design team turns a logo or sketch into print-ready artwork and returns a digital proof, typically within 24–48 h.

How woven labels are made

Weaving on jacquard looms

Woven labels are produced on computer-controlled jacquard looms. The design is translated into a pattern that tells the loom which warp threads to lift for each pass of the weft. The weft threads in different colours form the logo; the warp, usually black or white, forms the base. Damask uses fine yarns for high detail, satin weave gives a smooth, glossy surface and taffeta a lighter, simpler texture. Many labels are woven side by side across the width of the loom, so one run produces long strips with dozens of labels in parallel.

Finishing the woven strips

After weaving, the fabric can be softened, starched for a crisper hand or back-coated to stop threads moving. A heat or ultrasonic cutter then separates the strips. Ultrasonic cutting seals the edges with high-frequency vibration, giving soft edges that do not fray or scratch. Finally, cutting and folding machines cut each label to length and fold it: straight cut, end-fold, centre-fold, mitre-fold or loop. See label fold types explained for the options.

How printed labels and care labels are made

Printed labels start with a tape of satin, nylon taffeta, cotton or synthetic material. Care labels with many variants are usually printed by thermal transfer: a heated print head transfers resin ink from a ribbon onto the tape, which makes it easy to change composition, size or language between labels. Larger runs of logos can be printed by flexographic or screen printing. After printing, the tape is cut and folded on automatic machines, or wound on rolls for customers who cut on their own equipment.

How hang tags are made

Hang tags are printed on board, typically 300–600 g/m², by offset or digital printing. Finishes follow: lamination, hot-foil stamping, embossing, debossing or spot UV varnish. A steel cutting die then punches out the shape and the string hole. Eyelets are set, strings are threaded and knotted if required, and tags are counted into bundles. For design ideas, read our hang tag design guide.

How silicone and rubber labels are made

Silicone and PVC labels are moulded. First a metal mould is engraved or machined from the approved design, with separate levels for 2D or 3D relief. Coloured liquid silicone or PVC is filled into the mould colour by colour, then cured with heat and pressure. After curing, the labels are removed, trimmed and inspected. Heat-applied silicone labels receive an adhesive layer on the back so they can be pressed onto fabric.

How metal labels are made

Metal labels are made in two main ways. Brass, aluminium and stainless steel plates are stamped from sheet with a hardened steel die that cuts the outline and forms the relief. Zinc alloy emblems are die-cast in a steel mould. Both are then deburred, polished, plated in the chosen colour, optionally filled with enamel or laser-engraved, and protected with lacquer. Prongs, holes or rivets are added for fixing. All our metal labels are nickel-free.

How heat-transfer labels and patches are made

Heat-transfer labels are printed in mirror image onto a release film, usually by screen or digital printing, and coated with a heat-activated adhesive. In the garment factory they are pressed onto the fabric at a set temperature, pressure and time, and the film is peeled away. Woven patches follow the same weaving process as labels, with extra steps for shaped cutting, merrowed or heat-cut edges and iron-on or sew-on backings. Embroidered patches are stitched on multi-head embroidery machines and then cut to shape.

Quality control at every stage

Quality control is part of each step, not just the end. The first labels off the loom or press are compared with the approved proof or sample for colour, size and detail. During the run, operators check samples at intervals. Before packing, labels are inspected for weaving faults, print defects, uneven cuts, wrong folds and colour drift. Textile labels can be produced in OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified qualities, and recycled polyester options are available with GRS certification.

Counting, packing and delivery

Finished labels are counted, bundled by design, size or variant and labelled clearly so the sewing room can find the right label quickly. Size labels and care label variants are packed separately and marked. Orders are then shipped across the EU. If labels go straight to your garment factory, we label the cartons with your style references.

How long label production takes

After proof and sample approval, production typically takes 10–20 working days, depending on label type, quantity and finishes. Tooling such as moulds and dies adds time to the first order only; repeat orders reuse it. For a detailed timeline from brief to delivery, read how long label production takes. The minimum order is typically 1,000 pcs per design.

Why working with a clothing label manufacturer in Europe helps

When weaving, printing, moulding and metal work are planned in one place, a whole label set can be produced to the same standard and delivered together. A dedicated contact person supports you at every step, technical questions get clear, informed answers, and your specifications are stored for consistent repeat orders. Learn more about ordering from our own production, or browse the Labels 2026 catalogue to see finished results.

Frequently asked questions