Care labels, also known as information tags or labels with composition and washing instructions, are one of the most underrated yet essential elements of any clothing collection. Their main role is to provide customers with necessary information about the composition of the material, care instructions and country of manufacture. However, in the era of conscious consumers, these labels also convey brand value, emphasising the brand's attention to detail and professionalism.
Care labels
In accordance with the EU directive on textile product labelling, labels must contain precise information about the composition of raw materials to help customers make informed purchasing decisions. Failure to comply with this obligation may result not only in consumer confusion, but also in legal problems for manufacturers. Therefore, properly selected labels are not only a formal requirement, but also a way to build trust in the brand.
Care labels are not only a way to meet legal requirements, but also a practical element that makes it easier for users to care for their clothes. Clear indications of composition and care instructions mean that consumers can enjoy their favourite products for longer, while manufacturers build an image of a brand that cares about quality and customer satisfaction.
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Care labels
Mandatory information on care labels
In accordance with applicable regulations, care labels must meet specific labelling requirements to ensure that consumers receive comprehensive information about textile products. Regulation (EU) No. 1007/2011 on textile fibre names and the labelling and marking of the fibre composition of textile products imposes an obligation to provide accurate, durable and legible labelling.
Here is the most important information that must be included on care labels:
- Raw material composition
Each fibre used in a textile product must be described in accordance with the names specified in Annex I to the Regulation. Examples: cotton, polyester, elastane. If the product contains more than one fibre, the percentage of each fibre must be indicated on the label, e.g. „80% cotton, 20% polyester”.” - The symbolism of washing, drying and ironing
Care instructions must be presented in the form of universally recognised symbols that indicate how to wash, dry, iron or clean a given product. Failure to provide such information may result in incorrect use and consumer complaints.
If you would like to learn more about the symbolism of washing, drying and ironing, we invite you to read our a compendium of knowledge about washing symbols. There you will find a detailed explanation of each symbol and practical advice on how to care for your clothes. - Country of manufacture
For textile products, the country of origin must be indicated, e.g. „Made in Poland” or „Made in the EU.” - Manufacturer or distributor details
For identification and contact purposes, the label should include information about the manufacturer, importer or distributor, such as the company name and address. - Batch number or product series (optional)
For some textile products, it may be useful to mark the production batch, which facilitates quality control and identification in the event of technical problems.
Printing technologies for care labels – how to choose the best type?
Choosing the right printing technology for care labels is a key factor that affects their durability, aesthetics and functionality. Each technology has its own unique advantages, allowing it to be tailored to specific requirements, such as the type of garment, intensity of use, or the characteristics of the logo and text on the label.
Thermal transfer printing is one of the most common solutions, but it does not boast the highest resistance to washing. Labels made using this technology are often used in workwear and sportswear. It is a good solution for small texts, such as detailed washing instructions or material composition. It is a more economical replacement for flexographic labels used in large production runs.
Sublimation technology, on the other hand, offers unlimited colour possibilities. It is the ideal choice if you want to reproduce complex graphic designs, full of details and tonal transitions. Sublimation is perfect for labels intended for everyday clothing or underwear, where aesthetics play a key role. Thanks to the possibility of printing on satin, the labels are both beautiful and pleasant to the touch, which is especially important for clothing worn close to the body.
For brands looking for eco-friendly solutions, cotton labels are an excellent choice. The natural material not only emphasises sustainability values, but also gives the labels a unique, handcrafted character. This is a popular option in children's clothing and among handmade brands. However, it is worth remembering that cotton labels, although aesthetically pleasing, are less durable than those made from synthetic materials such as nylon or satin.
In recent years, DTF iron-on patches have been gaining popularity. This modern technology allows patches to be applied directly to the fabric, eliminating the need for traditional sewing. Iron-on patches are extremely flexible and soft, making them ideal for children's and sports clothing, where comfort is a priority. They also offer great design freedom, allowing for the creation of unusual shapes and sizes that can be an interesting element of clothing design.
Each technology has its own unique applications and limitations, so choosing the right solution should be carefully considered. Whether your priority is durability, aesthetics or the eco-friendliness of the insert, at HUUFT you will find the perfect solution tailored to your brand's needs.
Where can I order care labels?
At HUUFT, we understand how important care labels are in building a professional brand image and complying with legal obligations. Thanks to our many years of experience and individual approach to each project, we offer not only the highest quality of workmanship, but also comprehensive support at every stage of order fulfilment.
We provide our customers with a wide selection of materials and technologies, allowing us to tailor care labels to every need. Whether you need minimalist, monochromatic thermal transfer labels for workwear or colourful sublimation labels for premium collections, we have a solution tailored to your project. What's more, we help you choose the right technology to ensure that the labels are durable, aesthetically pleasing and compliant with legal requirements.
The HUUFT team consists of experts who are happy to share their knowledge and experience to help you create labels that not only fulfil their practical functions, but also become an aesthetic addition to your collection. By choosing HUUFT, you not only get a top-quality product, but also the assurance that the care labels will perfectly match your vision and needs.
The ordering process at HUUFT
Working with HUUFT is a process designed for your convenience and satisfaction. We begin with a consultation to thoroughly understand your needs and expectations for your care labels. Next, our design team prepares visualisations that you can approve or refine together with us.
Once the design is finalised, we proceed to production, using the latest technologies and the best materials to ensure the durability and aesthetics of the labels. The finished labels undergo quality control and are then carefully packaged and shipped to the customer. What is more, we store all designs, allowing for easy and quick reordering in the future.
Summary
Care labels are not only a mandatory element of clothing, but also an important part of building a professional brand image. At HUUFT, we offer a wide range of solutions that combine functionality, aesthetics and compliance with applicable regulations. If you are looking for labels that meet all your requirements, please contact us. Our team will be happy to help you create labels that are perfectly suited to your brand and collection. Take advantage of our knowledge and experience – together we will complete your project to the highest standard!
