How to Choose the Right Woven Label Size
Label size is driven by three factors: the complexity of your artwork, the fold type you are using, and where the label will be sewn. The most common mistake is specifying width without accounting for fold — a center-fold label at 60 mm flat appears as 30 mm visible on the garment.
The factors that determine label size
Logo and artwork complexity
- Complex logos need larger labels. Fine lines, small text, and tight negative spaces require more space to stay readable in thread. Simple wordmarks can work at smaller dimensions.
- More visual information = more space. Each element you add — a secondary text line, decorative border, additional color — increases the minimum size for the label to remain legible.
- Never size down to save money. An unreadable label damages brand perception more than it saves in label cost. Size to readability first. Use the minimum line thickness guide to check your design at any given size.
Fold type changes visible dimensions
- Center fold: visible width is half the flat width. Order at 60 mm flat for a 30 mm visible label. This is the most common sizing error.
- End fold: each short end folds back ~5 mm, reducing visible height. A 30 mm tall label shows ~20 mm visible.
- Manhattan fold: all four edges fold under, reducing both visible width and height in both dimensions.
- Flat sew-in: specified dimensions equal visible dimensions — no adjustment needed. Read the fold type guide before specifying dimensions.
Standard sizes by label type
Neck brand labels
T-shirts and sweatshirts: 45–55 mm flat (22–27 mm visible), 20–25 mm tall. Knitwear: 40–50 mm flat (20–25 mm visible) to avoid seam bulk. Baby garments: 35–45 mm flat, 15–20 mm tall in damask. Visible width should not exceed 35 mm for comfortable neck labels.
Size and care labels
Standalone size labels: 20–30 mm wide × 35–50 mm tall (flat sew-in). Combined size and care: 25–35 mm wide × 60–80 mm tall. Care-only labels: 25–35 mm wide × 50–70 mm tall. All are flat sew-in — specified dimensions equal visible dimensions.
Bags and accessories
Exterior bag labels (end fold): 50–70 mm wide × 20–30 mm tall. Tab labels for zippers: 20–30 mm wide × 40–60 mm tall before fold. Woven patch labels: 50×50 mm or larger — scale to the product. Use the logo labels guide for patch sizing.
Seam allowance check
Always measure the seam allowance on your specific garment before ordering. The label tab must fit within the distance from the stitch line to the raw edge. Most neck seams allow 10–15 mm, suiting a label height of 20–25 mm. Different manufacturers use different allowances.
Before you order
Design first, then size
- Finalize your artwork before deciding on dimensions.
- Design at the actual physical dimensions in mm — not pixels or arbitrary sizes.
- Check all elements against the minimum line thickness guide at your target size.
Use separate labels
- A combined brand + care + size label forces the label bigger and reduces clarity of each element.
- Separate labels for separate functions keep each label at the optimal size for its content.
- Order a sample pack to compare sizes against your actual garment.
- Center fold: order at double your target visible width
- Neck labels: 45–55 mm flat width is the standard range for adult garments
- Always measure the seam allowance on your actual garment before specifying height
- When uncertain, order a sample pack — physical scale judgment beats screen estimates