Size Labels for Clothing Brands
A size label costs 5 cents. Customers see it once when they check the size, then forget it exists.
But if it’s missing, poorly placed, or wrong, they notice immediately. Negatively.
Size labels are functional. They tell customers what size they’re wearing. But they’re also a branding opportunity that reinforces professionalism and attention to detail.
Ralph Lauren, Levi’s, and premium denim brands use size labels as subtle brand touchpoints. Clean, well-designed, permanently attached to the garment.
Size labels are permanent brand assets that communicate professionalism and quality.
This guide breaks down why size labels matter, where they go, how to design them, and how to make them work for your clothing brand.
Why Size Labels Matter
Size labels serve one main function: tell customers what size they’re wearing.
But they also:
- Signal professionalism (brands with size labels feel more established)
- Reinforce quality (premium brands always have size labels)
- Provide permanent branding (stay with the garment for life)
- Help with resale (vintage clothing collectors use size labels to identify authentic pieces)
- Prevent returns (customers know the size they ordered)
A well-designed size label is functional, discreet, and aligned with your brand identity.
Cost: €0.03-0.08 per label. Impact: Permanent professionalism and quality signal.
Where Size Labels Go
Size labels are typically sewn into specific locations depending on the garment type.
T-shirts and tops:
- Inside the side seam (left side, near hip)
- Inside the back hem (center back, bottom)
Pants and jeans:
- Inside the waistband (center back or left side)
- Most common placement for bottoms
Jackets and outerwear:
- Inside pocket (inner chest pocket or side pocket)
- Inside hem or side seam
Hoodies and sweatshirts:
- Inside the side seam (left side)
- Inside the back hem
Shorts:
- Inside the waistband (center back or left side)
The key is consistency. Always place size labels in the same location for the same garment type.
Types of Size Labels
Printed labels:
- Cost: €0.02-0.05
- Material: Fabric with printed size info
- Perception: Budget, functional
- Best for: Budget brands, basic garments
Woven labels:
- Cost: €0.05-0.10
- Material: Threads woven together
- Perception: Premium, soft, durable
- Best for: Mid-tier to premium brands
Heat transfer labels:
- Cost: €0.03-0.08
- Material: Printed directly onto garment using heat
- Perception: Modern, no physical tag
- Best for: Comfort-focused brands, activewear
Embroidered labels:
- Cost: €0.08-0.15
- Material: Embroidered onto fabric tab
- Perception: Premium, tactile, luxury
- Best for: Luxury brands, premium denim
Choose based on your positioning and budget.
Design Tips for Size Labels
Your size label should be simple, legible, and functional.
Essential information:
- Size (S, M, L, XL, or numeric sizing)
- Optional: Your logo or brand name
Design principles:
Keep it minimal. Just size info. Don’t overcomplicate.
Make it legible. Clear, readable fonts. Size should be obvious.
Match your brand colors. Use your brand colors or neutral tones (black, white, gray, cream).
Use your typography. Match your typography for consistency.
Make it soft. If it’s scratchy, customers will cut it out.
Place it correctly. Side seam or waistband, not somewhere that rubs against skin.
How Size Labels Match Different Brand Types
Luxury brands: Woven or embroidered labels with refined typography, minimal design. Think Hermès, Ralph Lauren, premium denim.
Streetwear brands: Woven labels with bold branding, high contrast. Think Supreme, Stüssy, Off-White.
Sports/athletic brands: Heat transfer labels for comfort, or woven labels with performance branding. Think Nike, Adidas, Gymshark.
Sustainable brands: Organic cotton labels, recycled materials, minimal design. Think Patagonia, eco-friendly brands.
Minimalist brands: Simple woven or heat transfer labels with minimal text. Think COS, UNIQLO, Everlane.
Workwear brands: Durable woven labels, classic typography, functional design. Think Carhartt, Dickies.
Vintage brands: Retro-style printed labels, vintage fonts, nostalgic design. Think heritage denim, Americana.
Size Label vs. Neck Label vs. Care Label
It’s easy to confuse these three label types. Here’s the difference:
- Location: Inside collar (back of neck)
- Function: Brand name, logo, size
- Most visible label
Size labels:
- Location: Side seam or waistband
- Function: Size only (S, M, L, XL, etc.)
- Specific to pants, shorts, sometimes tops
- Location: Side seam or back hem
- Function: Washing instructions, fabric content, country of origin
- Required by law in most countries
Some brands combine neck label and size label (especially for tops). But pants and shorts always need a separate size label in the waistband.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Scratchy labels. If your size label irritates skin, customers will cut it out.
Poor placement. Labels sewn in spots that rub or irritate. Test placement before production.
Illegible text. Fonts too small, low contrast, hard to read. Size info should be obvious.
Wrong sizing system. Using S/M/L when your target market expects numeric (28, 30, 32). Match regional expectations.
No size label at all. Budget brands often skip this. It makes you look amateur.
Generic labels. No branding, looks like every other label. Even size labels should match your identity.
Sizing Systems by Region
Different regions use different sizing systems. Make sure your size labels match your target market.
USA:
- Tops: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
- Pants: Numeric waist (28, 30, 32, 34, etc.)
- Dresses: Numeric (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, etc.)
Europe:
- Tops: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL (or numeric 44, 46, 48, 50)
- Pants: Numeric waist in cm or European sizing (46, 48, 50)
UK:
- Tops: UK sizing (6, 8, 10, 12, 14, etc.)
- Pants: UK waist sizing
Choose the system that matches where you’re selling.
Sustainability Considerations
If you’re building a sustainable brand, your size labels should reflect your values.
Sustainable options:
- Organic cotton labels
- Recycled polyester labels
- Minimal ink usage
- Natural, undyed fabrics
Patagonia uses organic materials for all their labels. It aligns with their environmental mission.
If sustainability is part of your brand DNA, your size labels should reflect that.
How to Order Size Labels
Step 1: Decide what to include. Size info (required). Optional: small logo or brand name.
Step 2: Design your label. Use your brand colors, typography. Keep it simple and legible.
Step 3: Choose type. Printed, woven, heat transfer, or embroidered.
Step 4: Choose sizes. Order labels for all sizes you produce (S, M, L, XL, etc. or 28, 30, 32, 34, etc.).
Step 5: Find a supplier. Search for “custom size labels” or “custom woven labels.” Compare prices, minimums, quality.
Step 6: Order samples. Test feel, readability, durability before bulk ordering.
Step 7: Order in bulk. Most suppliers have minimums of 100-500 labels per size.
Step 8: Sew them in. Work with your manufacturer to place them correctly (side seam or waistband).
What to Do Next
Design your size label to match your brand identity. Simple, legible, professional.
Choose woven labels if your budget allows. They feel premium, last longer, signal quality.
Make sure they’re soft and well-placed. If they irritate customers, they’ll get cut out.
Use the correct sizing system for your target market (US, EU, UK).
Order labels for all sizes you produce.
Order samples before committing to bulk. Test quality, feel, readability.
Work with your manufacturer to place them correctly (side seam for tops, waistband for pants).
Stay consistent. Every garment should have a size label in the same location.
Your size label costs 5 cents. But it’s a permanent signal of professionalism and quality. It stays with the garment for its entire life.
Make it count.
