“Tags” and “labels” cover a lot of ground in apparel — and each type is made with different equipment. Here’s every kind and how it’s produced, so you know exactly what you need.
1. Tagless Neck Labels (printed inside the neck)
Your brand name and care info printed directly inside the shirt’s neck, replacing the sewn tag. This is a perfect DTF job — gang-print your neck labels alongside your designs and press them in. Soft, durable, and scalable. Our DTF Starr printers do this beautifully.
2. Sewn-In Care Labels (satin ribbon tags)
The little wash-care tags on satin or nylon ribbon. These are best made with a thermal transfer label printer using resin ribbon — the standard for wash-durable, rub-proof care labels. (UV and DTF aren’t ideal for these.)
3. Woven Labels
Premium sewn-in brand labels made on a weaving loom — a separate process, usually outsourced for a high-end look.
4. Hang Tags (cardstock)
The printed tags attached to a garment (brand, size, price, barcode). Printed on card stock — and for premium tags with foil, gloss, or textured effects, a UV printer is a great fit. Plain high-volume tags are cheaper via digital or offset.
5. Leather Patch Tags
The trendy engraved leather patches on jeans, hats, and bags. Made with a laser engraver (like the xTool M1). Great for premium branding.
6. Barcode / Price / Size Tags
Made with a thermal label printer (direct thermal or thermal transfer).
Quick Reference
| Tag / label type | Best equipment |
|---|---|
| Tagless neck labels | DTF |
| Sewn satin care tags | Thermal transfer + resin ribbon |
| Woven brand labels | Weaving loom |
| Premium hang tags | UV printer |
| Leather patch tags | Laser engraver |
| Barcode / price tags | Thermal label printer |
Already running DTF? You can add tagless neck labels to your lineup today. Talk to us about tags & labels →
