Heat Transfer Labels
Tagless neck prints and heat transfers that never scratch – for sportswear, babywear and basics.
- Own productionLabel production in Bulgaria
- 10–20 daysAfter approval
- Proof in 24–48 hExpress design
- OEKO-TEX & GRSRecycled options
- From 1,000 pcsPer design
What a heat transfer label is
A heat transfer label is a print that is moved from a carrier sheet onto the garment with heat and pressure. Instead of a sewn tag, the brand name, size, composition and care information sit directly on the fabric, usually inside the neck. That is why heat transfer neck labels are often called tagless labels. Nothing is stitched in, so there is no edge to rub the skin and nothing for the wearer to cut out. We produce transfers in our own plant in Bulgaria, so ink systems, carrier papers and adhesive layers are selected and tested by the team that prints them.
Transfer types
Screen-printed transfers
The most common choice for tagless labels. Inks are screen-printed in reverse onto a release paper or film, then backed with a hot-melt adhesive. They give sharp lines, good opacity on dark fabrics and a thin, flexible film. Usually one to three spot colours are used for neck prints; more colours are possible for logos.
Silicone and HD transfers
Silicone transfers build up a slightly raised, soft-touch layer with very good stretch recovery, which makes them a strong match for performance wear. HD (high-density) transfers add thickness for a crisp 3D edge on logos. If you want a fully three-dimensional moulded badge rather than a print, see our silicone labels.
Reflective transfers
Reflective transfers contain glass microbeads that return light towards its source. They are used for logos and safety details on running, cycling and outdoor garments. Note that decorative reflective elements are not automatically certified high-visibility clothing; certified PPE has its own standards.
How heat application works
Every transfer has three parameters: temperature, time and pressure. As general guidance, many textile transfers are applied at around 130–165 °C for 8–15 seconds at medium to firm pressure, then the carrier is peeled hot or cold depending on the product. Low-temperature adhesives exist for heat-sensitive fabrics such as some polyester and elastane blends. We supply a parameter sheet with every order and recommend a test press on your actual fabric, because fabric weight, dye and finish all influence the result.
Tip: dye migration can tint white inks on sublimated or dark-dyed polyester. Tell us the fabric in advance and we will specify a blocker layer or a suitable ink.
Wash durability and fabric compatibility
Correctly applied transfers are designed to withstand repeated domestic washing without cracking or peeling. Durability depends on the adhesive matching the fabric, the press settings being followed and the garment being washed inside out at the temperature on its care label. Transfers work on cotton, polyester, cotton–polyester blends, elastane blends and many nylons; coated, water-repellent or very open-textured fabrics need a specific adhesive and a test first.
Why tagless labels suit sportswear and babywear
- No scratching — no cut edges or seams against the neck, a common complaint with sewn tags.
- Stretch — the print moves with knitted and elastic fabrics.
- Light and flat — invisible under base layers and compression wear.
- Permanent information — fibre composition and care symbols cannot be cut off by the wearer, which helps you keep information accessible as required by Regulation (EU) No 1007/2011. Read more in our guide to EU care label requirements.
For babywear, our production is OEKO-TEX certified and we use industrial-grade materials tested for harmful substances, so you can build products intended for sensitive skin. Some brands still add a small sewn care label in a side seam for multilingual text that would not fit in the neck print.
Typical heat transfer sizes
| Application | Typical size (mm) | Typical content |
|---|---|---|
| Small neck print | 30×30, 35×35 | Logo + size |
| Standard tagless neck label | 40×40, 50×50 | Logo, size, composition, care symbols |
| Wide neck label | 60×40, 70×50 | Full information, 2–3 languages |
| Large neck / back print | 80×60 | Extended text, multiple languages |
| Size-only transfer | 15×15, 20×20 | Size marking |
| Logo transfer (sleeve, chest) | 30×30 to 100×100 | Brand logo |
Many brands use one neck layout with a changing size field, which keeps artwork simple across a size run. Custom sizes are always possible; see also our label size guide.
Ordering, MOQ and lead time
Transfers are supplied on sheets or in rolls ready for your heat press. Our minimum is usually 1,000 pcs per design. Send your logo and text: our designers prepare the layout, including care symbols, and a digital proof typically follows within 24–48 hours through our express label design service. A physical sample can be made before bulk production. After approval, production typically takes 10–20 working days, delivered anywhere in the EU without customs; ask about express options if your schedule is tight.
Tell us your fabric, garment type and neck print size, and we will propose the right transfer and press settings. Request a quote or order a sample.
Frequently asked questions
What are tagless labels?
Tagless labels are heat transfer prints applied directly to the inside of the garment, usually at the neck. They replace sewn tags, so there is nothing to scratch the skin or to cut out.
What temperature are heat transfer labels applied at?
As general guidance many transfers are applied at around 130 to 165 degrees Celsius for 8 to 15 seconds at medium to firm pressure. Exact settings depend on the transfer and fabric, so we supply a parameter sheet and recommend a test press.
Do heat transfer labels survive washing?
Yes, when the adhesive suits the fabric and the press settings are followed, transfers are made to withstand repeated domestic washing. Washing inside out at the care-label temperature helps them last.
What size is a typical heat transfer neck label?
The most common sizes are 40x40 mm and 50x50 mm. Smaller neck prints start around 30x30 mm and wider layouts go up to about 80x60 mm.
Can I put composition and care symbols on a heat transfer label?
Yes. Fibre composition, care symbols, size and brand can all be printed on the transfer, which keeps the information on the garment permanently.
Get a price for heat transfer labels
Tell us what you need. We reply within 24 h on working days with a price and a recommendation.
Tell us about your labels
Send the label type, size, quantity and your deadline. We usually reply within one working day with a price and a recommendation.
- Usual MOQ 1,000 pcs per design
- Samples before production
- Production 10–20 working days
- Delivery across Europe