Labels are easy to forget until the goods are finished, and then they become expensive to fix. If you sell denim or leather products in the USA, UK or EU, your labels need to carry the right information for your market. This guide explains the basics in plain language. It is general information, not legal advice, so always confirm requirements with your importer or a compliance adviser.
Why labels matter before production
A label is sewn into the product during manufacturing. If it is wrong, you may need to open seams, re-label every piece or delay a shipment. Settling label content and artwork before the sample stage costs nothing, while correcting it after bulk costs time. Tell us your requirements early and we sew the labels you supply.
The labels most products carry
Brand label
Your name or logo, usually woven or printed and sewn inside. Private label means yours goes on the product. Details are on our branding and packaging page.
Size label
Shows the size in the system your market uses. Jeans in the USA are commonly sized by waist and inseam in inches, while European sizing differs. Decide which system you need and whether you want more than one printed.
Fibre content label
States what the product is made of, such as cotton, elastane or polyester. For denim this is usually a short percentage list. Leather goods are treated differently, so ask your importer how leather and trims should be described.
Care label
Gives washing and maintenance instructions, using words, symbols or both depending on the market. Care instructions need to reflect how the product can actually be treated, so check them against the finished sample.
Country of origin
Many markets expect the country where the product was made to be stated. Products made by us carry “Made in Pakistan” where you want it included.
What to expect by market
USA
Textile and apparel products generally carry fibre content, country of origin and care instructions, and the company identity. Your importer or adviser can confirm what applies to your product. See our USA page for how we work with American brands.
United Kingdom
The UK has its own textile labelling rules covering fibre composition, separate from the EU since Brexit. Confirm what your product needs. Our UK page covers sizing and shipping.
European Union
The EU requires fibre composition to be stated on textile products under Regulation 1007/2011, and some countries expect the information in the local language, such as French, Italian or Spanish. REACH also restricts certain chemicals in dyed goods and leather. See our pages for Germany, France and Italy.
Chemicals and finishes
Dyes, washes and tanning can touch chemical rules in some markets. If your retail partners require test reports, tell us at the start. We confirm what is available at quotation, and you remain responsible for confirming compliance in your market.
How to prepare your label brief
- List every label the product needs: brand, size, fibre, care, origin.
- Write the exact wording, in every language you need.
- Supply artwork files for woven labels and hang tags.
- State the label positions, for example centre back neck or side seam.
- Confirm packaging requirements, such as barcodes or polybag warnings.
Add these to your tech pack so they are checked on the sample.
Check labels on the sample
When your sample arrives, read every label. Check spelling, sizes, symbols and placement, and wash the sample once to see how the labels hold up. Use the sample approval checklist and add labels to it.
Common mistakes
- Using a size system the market does not expect
- Printing care symbols that do not match the fabric
- Forgetting translations required by the destination country
- Placing labels where they irritate the wearer
- Changing wording after the sample is approved
Questions buyers ask about labels
Who decides what goes on the label?
You do, with your importer or adviser. We are the manufacturer: we sew the labels you supply and print the hang tags you specify. That keeps responsibility for market compliance clear.
Can I change a label after the sample is approved?
You can, but it may mean a new sample and a delay, so settle the label wording before approval. Small artwork changes are easier than changes to fibre or care information.
Do leather goods need the same labels as jeans?
Not always. Leather goods are often handled differently from textile garments, so ask your importer what applies to your product, then give us the exact wording.
Can you add a barcode or size sticker?
Yes. Include the artwork and position in your brief so it is checked on the sample and packed correctly.
Where we fit in
We sew in your labels, print your hang tags and pack to your brief, for brands shipping to the USA, UK, EU, Canada, Australia and beyond. See the full list on where we ship. When you are ready to plan your first run, request a quote.