Labels: The most important component of a garment

Nonwoven labels offer several advantages, especially for large-scale production, where they prove to be highly cost-effective, inform Ravishankar Gopal M.

All of us, as consumers of ready-made garments, have likely encountered discomfort from scratchy labels sewn into shirts and T-shirts. More than once, I have found myself reaching for scissors to remove an irritating label in pursuit of comfort. Curiosity led me to inspect not only my own clothes but also my spouse’s, and I was surprised to discover that even among renowned brands, the main labels used in both men’s and women’s garments were much the same in terms of feel and construction.

What was more telling, however, was that while attention is lavished on the graphic appeal of brand name labels and their visual prominence, there seems to be scant regard for the tactile experience of the wearer. Wash care labels and brand logos often prioritise durability and legibility—ensuring the label outlasts the garment itself—while comfort fades into the background as a secondary concern. This imbalance suggests that for most manufacturers, the lifespan and appearance of labels overshadow the importance of wearer satisfaction. In earlier times, most labels were made from viscose-based materials with a satin-like appearance and texture. The printing on these labels tended to fade after just a few washes—generally around thirty wears—since they were usually created from viscose filament yarn and featured either printed or woven designs. While these older labels were soft to the touch, their fragility meant they would wear out relatively quickly, though this did not seem to concern either sellers or buyers at the time.

Over the years, however, labels have evolved into powerful marketing tools—serving as prominent brand identifiers and designed to endure as long as the garment itself. This article aims to explore the various options available to garment manufacturers when choosing the right type of label in terms of cost, appearance, durability, and wearer comfort. It is my hope that this discussion will encourage industry designers to select appropriate labels for men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing, as well as home textiles. Looking ahead, the eco-friendly aspects of label production will undoubtedly come to the forefront, compelling manufacturers to meet ever-increasing sustainability requirements.

Garment label types

Below are few different types of garment labels;

Woven labels: Nonwoven labels are durable, soft, and feature a premium textured finish. Though moderately priced to high, they are ideal for fashion and luxury brands seeking quality and comfort.

Printed labels: These labels offer moderate durability, with potential fading over time. They have a simple appearance and come in various colours. Extremely soft and comfortable, they are cost-effective—ranging from low to moderate—and are ideal for care instructions, fast fashion garments, and innerwear.

Heat transfer (tagless) labels: These labels offer moderate durability and are either invisible or printed directly onto the fabric, maintaining a sleek appearance. They provide outstanding comfort with no irritation to the skin, making them ideal for innerwear, sportswear, and baby clothing. The cost remains moderate, balancing affordability with user comfort.

Satin labels: These labels offer moderate durability and feature a glossy, elegant appearance. They are very soft to the touch, ensuring comfort for delicate skin. With a moderate cost, they are particularly well-suited for lingerie and premium children’s wear.

Damask woven labels: These labels are exceptionally durable and feature a detailed, high-end appearance. They offer a soft feel, combining comfort with luxury. Though relatively high in cost, they are ideal for designer and premium garments that demand superior quality and aesthetics.

Taffeta labels: These labels offer good durability and have a crisp texture that lends a structured appearance. While comfort is moderate and they may feel slightly scratchy, their low to moderate cost makes them suitable for outerwear and uniforms where resilience and clarity are prioritised.

Leather/faux leather labels: With superior durability and a rugged look, these labels suit denim, jackets, and outerwear, though not meant for direct skin contact.

PVC/rubber labels: These labels offer very high durability and a bold, modern appearance with a 3D effect. Though low in comfort as they are used on exterior surfaces, they are ideal for sportswear and outdoor gear, with a moderate to high cost.

Nonwoven labels: These labels provide fair durability and a simple, printable appearance. They are soft to the touch, highly cost-effective, and best suited for disposable, sustainable, or budget-friendly garments.

We will examine in detail the nonwoven based labels which of great importance in the current context.

Nonwoven-based labels in garments: Performance and cost effectiveness\

Nonwoven labels can be cut into virtually any shape or size with minimal waste, offering additional savings.

What are nonwoven labels?

In the ever-evolving landscape of garment manufacturing, the quest for greater comfort, sustainability, and affordability has led designers to explore a diverse array of labelling materials. Among these, nonwoven-based labels have emerged as a noteworthy solution, offering a blend of softness, printability, and cost-effectiveness that challenges traditional woven and printed alternatives. As the apparel industry strives to reconcile consumer comfort with production efficiency and environmental responsibility, nonwoven labels find themselves at the intersection of these crucial priorities.

Unlike their woven or knitted counterparts, nonwoven labels are crafted by bonding fibres together through mechanical, thermal, ultrasonic or chemical processes. The result is a versatile substrate that can be tailored for different applications. Common materials used in the production of nonwoven labels include spunbond polypropylene, spunbond polyester, spunlace- cotton, viscose/polyester, needlepunch polyester, and increasingly, biodegradable options such as polylactic acid (PLA). Each of these materials delivers unique performance characteristics, making nonwoven labels suitable for a range of garment types, from fast fashion to premium loungewear.  This is equally applicable to Kid’s wear and Home Textiles.

Performance characteristics

• Durability: Nonwoven labels provide fair to good durability, especially suited for short- to medium-use garments. While they may not rival the longevity of traditional woven labels in heavy-duty wear, they easily meet the demands of most casual clothing.

• Printability: The smooth, even surface of nonwoven materials makes them excellent canvases for high-quality printing. Whether through digital, flexographic, or screen-printing techniques, nonwoven labels deliver sharp graphics and clear text, which is essential for brand identity and wash care instructions.

• Comfort and feel: Perhaps the most compelling advantage of nonwoven labels is their soft and flexible texture. Many options can be skin-friendly, reducing the irritation often associated with stiffer, woven tags. This is particularly important in garments for children, intimate apparel, and activewear, where wearer comfort is paramount in dry and wet conditions.

Cost effectiveness

In addition to their performance benefits, nonwoven labels are often more economical to produce. The manufacturing processes required for nonwoven fabrics are generally less resource-intensive and faster than weaving or knitting, resulting in lower material and labour costs. Furthermore, nonwoven labels can be cut into virtually any shape or size with minimal waste, offering additional savings. For brands focused on high-volume production or rapid fashion cycles, the affordability and scalability of nonwoven solutions are significant advantages.

Sustainability and the future

As environmental consciousness permeates the textile industry, nonwoven labels are also adapting to greener standards. Biodegradable fibres such as PLA and recycled content are becoming more prevalent, allowing manufacturers to offer labels that not only feel good but also minimize environmental impact. This eco-friendly shift is expected to accelerate as both consumers and regulators demand greater transparency and responsibility from garment producers.  Increasingly cotton based wet laid nonwovens with high strength and performance have been developed by some European wet laid nonwoven makers.

Nonwoven-based labels represent a smart convergence of comfort, printability, and cost efficiency in modern garment design. While they may not yet completely replace traditional woven labels in all applications, their advantages are undeniable—particularly in fashion segments where softness, clarity, and affordability are non-negotiable. As the industry continues to innovate, nonwoven labels are poised to play an increasingly central role, setting new standards for both performance and sustainability in apparel labelling.

Performance characteristics and cost effectiveness of nonwoven labels

• Durability: These labels offer fair durability, making them a good choice for garments intended for short- to medium-term use.
• Printability: Nonwoven labels support a variety of printing techniques and consistently deliver excellent results.
• Feel (Hand): They are soft and flexible to the touch, and can be suitable for contact with the skin.
• Moisture Resistance: Their resistance to moisture ranges from moderate to good, depending on the specific type of nonwoven used.
• Sustainability: Labels made with biodegradable or recycled fibres offer strong sustainability benefits.

Cost effectiveness

• Nonwoven labels are highly economical, particularly when produced in large quantities.
• They generally have lower manufacturing costs compared to woven or satin labels.
• Cutting and shaping these labels produces very little waste.
• They are especially well-suited for single-use garments or low-cost apparel.

It may be relevant here to get into some detail the well-known Nonwoven processes and successful manufacturers.

These nonwoven processes allow for a wide range of label properties, from softness and pliability to strength and sustainability, depending on the fibres and bonding methods used. Manufacturers can tailor nonwoven labels to meet the requirements of specific applications, such as care and size tags for low-cost garments, innerwear, disposable apparel, medical clothing, or fast fashion items. They are also gaining traction in sustainable and private label sectors due to the availability of biodegradable options like PLA. Cotton and fibre based wetlaid nonwoven is a new alternative.

Current use and manufacturers

Companies offering or capable of producing nonwoven labels include:

• Avery Dennison (Global)
• Finotex (Global)
• CCL Industries (Global)
• ITL Group (UK/Global)
• SATO (Japan/Global)
• Local Nonwoven Suppliers (India, China, Vietnam,Turkey)

Their adaptability makes them suitable for a spectrum of uses, from single-use garments to fast-moving consumer fashion, where cost and function outweigh the need for long-term durability.

It is relevant to list some limitation which can be overcome proper design of nonwovens by experts using different raw material and processes.

Limitations

Performance characteristics

Nonwoven materials possess a unique set of qualities that make them attractive for labeling and apparel applications. Their durability is generally fair—well-suited for short- to medium-use garments, though less ideal where long-term strength is required. They excel in printability, readily accommodating a wide range of printing techniques to deliver vibrant, precise graphics. In terms of tactile experience, nonwovens are soft and flexible, often providing a hand feel that is gentle and skin-friendly. Moisture resistance ranges from moderate to good depending on the selection of fibres and bonding method, which can be tailored for specific requirements. Importantly, nonwovens stand out in sustainability, especially when fabricated from biodegradable or recycled fibres—offering a compelling solution for resource-conscious brands and consumers.

Best use cases

What are Nonwoven processes – some details

Nonwoven labels are made from fibres bonded together mechanically, thermally, or chemically, rather than being woven or knitted. They can be produced from materials like:

• Polypropylene and polyester
• Polyester, Polypropylene, Blends
• viscose/polyester, bico polyester, bico PP, cotton, blends
• polyester, viscose, cotton, PLA, bico polyester and PP
• – polyester, cotton, viscose, PLA, Recycled fibres
• –  Polyester, cotton, viscose, PLA, Flax,Hemp, Recycled fibres
• – short cut polyester, PP, Pulp, bico fibres PP and PET and bio binders

Some more details technology used in nonwoven labels. This can be interest to the discerning reader.

Nonwoven technologies used in label making

Label making utilises various nonwoven technologies, each with unique materials, properties, and applications.

Spunbond nonwovens, typically made from polypropylene (PP) or polyester (PET), are known for being lightweight, durable, breathable, and printable. These are widely used for garment labels and hygiene product labels.

Meltblown nonwovens, composed mainly of polypropylene, feature fine fibres and good softness, though they are generally less durable. While not commonly used for labels alone, they are sometimes layered with spunbond materials—such as in SMS (Spunbond-Meltblown-Spunbond) structures—for use in label applications.

Spunlace (hydroentangled) nonwovens, made from polyester and viscose blends, offer high softness and a textile-like feel. These are printable and strong, making them ideal for high-quality garment labels where comfort and aesthetics are essential.

Needlepunched nonwovens, using polyester, viscose, or PP, are thicker and stronger but less flexible than other types. These are suitable for industrial labeling, such as for carpets and upholstery.

Wetlaid nonwovens, comprising cellulose, PET, or glass fibres, have a paper-like texture, are printable, and provide good dimensional stability. They are commonly used for paper-like tags and labels, especially in packaging and luxury goods.

Thermal bonded nonwovens, made from blends of PP or PET with low-melt binder fibres, are stiff, durable, and cost-effective. These are often used for mass-produced tags and labels.

Airlaid nonwovens, primarily cellulose-based, are soft and highly absorbent. However, their use in label making is limited to niche applications.

Stitchbond nonwovens, produced from materials such as polyester, polypropylene, recycled fibres, and cotton, have a soft and thick feel. These are typically used in active garments and winter clothing labels.

Advantages of nonwoven labels

Nonwoven labels offer several advantages, especially for large-scale production, where they prove to be highly cost-effective. They can be customised in terms of texture, thickness, and print compatibility to suit various product requirements. Many eco-friendly options are available, including labels made from recycled PET, biodegradable viscose, and cotton, aligning with sustainable manufacturing practices. Nonwoven labels are also compatible with multiple printing technologies such as thermal transfer, digital, and flexographic printing. Additionally, their soft and skin-friendly nature makes them ideal for use in clothing and hygiene products.

Leading global nonwoven label makers

Some of the global companies making nonwoven-based labels or label substrates are listed below.

Avery Dennison (USA) is a global leader in pressure-sensitive labels and RFID tags, and it offers nonwoven label stocks for textile and medical applications. UPM Raflatac (Finland) provides sustainable nonwoven and film label materials, and is well known for its bio-based and recyclable solutions. Sihl Group (Germany) supplies inkjet-printable nonwoven and paper label substrates with a focus on garment care labels and durable tags.

Kimberly-Clark Professional (USA) manufactures spunlace and airlaid nonwovens used in both labels and wipes, and it supplies substrates for hygiene and medical labeling. Freudenberg Performance Materials (Germany) offers spunlace and wetlaid nonwovens, particularly suited for garment care labels, known for their textile-like comfort and durability. Suominen (Finland) produces spunlace nonwovens that are used in a variety of high-end label applications.

In Asia, Unitika (Japan) manufactures polyester-based spunbond nonwovens for technical and garment applications, while Toray Industries (Japan) offers PET nonwoven films and laminates that are widely used in labeling and garment tags.

Emerging suppliers in Asia include;

• JJF (China): Spunbond and spunlace producers offering label-grade rolls.
• Welcron (Korea): High-performance spunlace for hygiene and wearable labels.
• Welspun Living and Ginni Filaments (India): Manufacturer of spunlace suitable for garment labels.

Applications in garments

Nonwoven materials are commonly used in a variety of label applications such as care labels, brand tags, and wash-resistant printed labels. They are also ideal for sewn-in soft labels, particularly in sensitive garments like babywear or undergarments, where comfort against the skin is essential.

Conclusion

There is considerable scope for development of new type of labels in the Garment and Home Textiles.  The first approach to various possibilities is described in this article with particular emphasis on the Nonwoven which is a cost effective and eco-friendly alternative available.  Use of bio based material and recyclable focused labels will be the next development in this interesting field.

About the Author:  

Ravishankar Gopal is a Chief Consultant at KS Technical and Management Consultants – Vadodara. He is a textile technologist and consultant in the field of technical textiles and nonwovens.  He has set up many projects in India and abroad for all Nonwoven technologies and specialised Technical Textiles.  Gopal has also developed many new products in this very unique textile domain. He has over 30 years of experience in setting up new green field projects in this sector. His on-going research and industry collaboration continue to drive innovation within the textile sector, supporting sustainable practices and the adoption of advanced material solutions. Through his extensive experience, he contributes valuable insights to the development of eco-friendly labelling options and the broader application of nonwoven technologies across the global textile industry.