Custom Labels, Hang Tags & Packaging: A Brand Guide
The difference between a plain blank and a real brand is often the parts people overlook: the labels, tags and packaging. Some of it is pure branding — and some of it is legally required. Here's what you need on your garments and in the box.
Neck labels
- Woven — premium and durable; the classic branded label.
- Printed — soft against the skin, good for a minimal look.
- Tagless (heat-transfer) — printed straight onto the garment, no itch.
Care & content labels (this part is the law)
Most markets legally require a care label. In the US, the FTC Care Labeling Rule and the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act require fibre content, care instructions, country of origin, and the manufacturer/importer identity (RN). In the EU and UK, fibre composition labelling is mandatory, and care symbols follow the internationally recognised GINETEX / ISO 3758 system. Get this right — it isn't optional, and retailers check.
- Fibre content (e.g. "100% organic cotton").
- Care symbols (wash, bleach, dry, iron — ISO 3758 / GINETEX).
- Country of origin (e.g. "Made in Bangladesh").
- Size, and your brand / RN where required.
Hang tags & packaging
- Hang tags — carry your brand story, price and barcode.
- Polybags — protect the garment; consider recycled or compostable versions.
- Boxes, mailers, tissue, stickers, thank-you cards — the unboxing moment that earns repeat customers.
Sustainable options
If your brand leans sustainable, your finishing should match the story: recycled or organic label materials, water-based inks, recycled or compostable polybags, and minimal packaging. It's a small cost that keeps your claims consistent — the opposite of wrapping an 'eco' tee in virgin plastic.
We produce custom neck labels, compliant care labels, hang tags and packaging as part of your order, with embroidery and print in-house. Tell us your branding and we'll spec it with you.
Frequently asked questions
What labels are legally required on clothing?
Most markets require a care label showing fibre content, care instructions, and country of origin; the US also requires the manufacturer/importer identity (RN). The EU and UK require fibre composition, with care symbols following the GINETEX / ISO 3758 system.
What's the difference between woven and printed labels?
Woven labels are premium and durable — the classic branded neck label. Printed labels are softer against the skin and suit a minimal look. Tagless heat-transfer labels are printed onto the garment for no itch at all.
Do I need a care label on my clothing?
Yes — in most markets it's a legal requirement, covering fibre content, care instructions (wash symbols), and country of origin. It's not optional, and retailers check for it.
Can you make custom labels and packaging?
Yes — custom woven or printed neck labels, compliant care labels, hang tags and packaging are produced as part of the order, with embroidery and print handled in-house.
Free tools & guides for this
Sources & further reading
Have an idea? Let’s make it.
We manufacture from 100 pieces per style, with GOTS-certified organic options and photos at every stage. Send a sketch or a sentence — we’ll reply within a day.