Why clothing labels are so important in the apparel industry
Young designers might be so focused on the shape, colour, and cut of their dress, they may not give much thought to clothing labels that are added after production.
The same goes for consumers; how an item of clothing looks and what it costs tend to be the main concerns for buyers, but clothing labels shouldn’t be ignored so easily.
Clothing labels offer important information about the product, information which might just be the difference between an item being purchased or put back on the rack.
Clothing labels communicate the details of materials
One of the most important aspects of clothing labels is the description of the materials the item is made from.
Today’s consumers are more environmentally conscious than they’ve ever been, and not all materials are made the same way. With so many materials made from plastic (lycra, polyester, nylon for example), consumers now have a real ethical choice about which clothes to buy.
Plastic-based material is bad for the environment for a number of reasons. These materials are created from non-renewable natural resources, require a lot of energy to manufacture, and are not biodegradable.
An astonishing 60% of new clothes will end up in a landfill within 12 months, while a third of all materials in the supply chain will end up as waste before a garment even reaches the clothing rack.
A good clothing label will have detailed information about the material used to make the garment, allowing the consumer to decide whether or not to buy.
Care and Content labels
Proper care for a garment is of course important. Without it, some clothes might rip, shrink, or the colours might run if the warning on the label isn’t adhered to. Some fabrics shouldn’t even be put into a washing machine and need special treatment like dry cleaning.
Some materials react adversely to heat, and care and content labels will explain the correct temperature to wash them in, or if they are unsuitable for a tumble dryer. Knowing how to properly care for clothing means they will last longer, reduce the need to buy more items, and decrease the need for companies to produce more.
Branding
Clothing labels may be a necessity, but they’re also an opportunity for designers to promote their brand. Your clothing label doesn’t just have to have technical information on it about materials and temperatures; it can be used as a platform for your brand identity.
A great, recognisable brand builds trust with customers, encouraging loyalty, and can make the difference between success and failure of a company.
Clothing labels can show your logo, slogan, or a promise to the buyer. They can convey a message about your company’s commitment to sustainability or explain the eco-friendly manufacturing process of the garment.
Some brands use their clothing labels as a platform for humour, adding funny jokes or holiday wishes.
Types of clothing labels
Here at immago, we offer four main types of clothing labels.
Swing tags
Available in a range of materials, including paper-board, fabric, plastics, metal and even wood, our swing tags carry both brand messaging and item identification.
And at immago, we are always looking for that cutting edge in design and format, to create a look that truly complements your unique brand values.
Woven labels
While swing tags are removed after purchase, woven labels stay in the garment permanently.
We have over 40 years’ experience in the manufacture of woven labels, with our world-class artwork and design facilities combining with the latest yarn and weaving technologies to deliver the highest quality labels.
Non-Woven Labels
Non-Woven Labels are popular with emerging designers or a brand seeking a look and feel that is somewhat ‘different’ to the mainstream.
Non-Woven Labels can be manufactured from a wide range of fabrics, using a variety of imaging techniques, including printing, embossing, and embroidery.
Care & Content labels
Care & Content labels advise the consumer on how to look after their new purchase in order to get the best out of it.
We use the standard international symbols and terms which are universally recognised for care and content labels, as well as a range of soft, durable fabrics, all tested to the strictest standards.
Plantable seed labels
One of the latest offerings from us is a remarkable new type of label which consumers can bury after they remove it from the garment.
These plantable seed tags are made from a biodegradable eco-paper (post-consumer materials) with flower seeds embedded within.
When the paper is planted in a pot of soil, the seeds grow and the paper composts away. All that is left behind is flowers, herbs or vegetables, and no waste!
Let us handle your clothing label needs
While often overlooked, clothing labels are an essential part of the apparel industry.
They not only provide important information to your customers and represent your brand, but they’re also legally required to have the correct information, which is why it is so important to get it right in the first place.
We work with small and large businesses, recognising the importance of clothing labels as an essential part of delivering a successful end product.
There is no substitute for top-quality labelling and good design, and with almost 50 years of creating clothing labels, you can rely on us to get the job done right.
From basic nylon printed to beautifully woven silk, our global supply chain and contacts can produce and deliver the goods, where and when you need it.
If you would like to know more about our clothing labels, then please don’t hesitate to contact us today.
Our friendly and experienced staff will be happy to help in any way they can.