Clothing label sizes and placement affect the look of a garment, how comfortable it is to wear and whether the buyer can find the information they need. A label that is too big for a T-shirt neckline scratches; one that is too small on a coat looks lost. Here are the standard sizes and positions used across the garment industry.
Label types by position
- Brand label – carries the logo, usually at the neck or waistband.
- Size label – a small label next to or sewn beneath the brand label.
- Care and composition label – with laundry symbols and fibre content, in the side seam.
- Outside decorative label – on the side seam, pocket, hem or sleeve.
Jacquard woven label LBL 0041 4.5 x 3.5 cm – branded design with woven letters, soft premium style, with logo
Metal tags E-2302 Nickel 1.5 x 1 x 1 cm – Triangular 3D shape, for laser branding
Metal tags E-2302 Gun Metal 1.5 x 1 x 1 cm – Triangular 3D shape, for laser brandingRecommended sizes at a glance
| Position / garment | Label type | Typical size |
|---|---|---|
| T-shirt or blouse neck | Woven, folded or straight | 4 x 2.5 to 6 x 3 cm |
| Sweatshirt, jacket or coat neck | Woven jacquard | 6.5 x 2.5 to 8 x 4 cm |
| Jeans and trouser waistband | Woven or metal | 8 x 3 to 10 x 4 cm |
| Side seam – care label | Printed satin | 3–4 cm wide, 6–14 cm long |
| Side seam outside flag | Woven, centre fold | 2 x 5 to 3 x 3.5 cm |
| Pocket, hem, hat | Metal plate | 1.5 x 0.5 to 3 x 0.8 cm |
| Blankets, home textiles | Woven or canvas | 7.5 x 5 to 10 x 9 cm |
These sizes are a guide – what matters most is that the label is in proportion to the item and to the fabric weight.
Exactly where each label goes
Neck
The brand label is centred on the back, 1–2 cm below the collar seam, or caught in the seam itself if it is centre-folded. The size label usually sits directly below it or to its right.
Side seam
The care label is sewn into the left side seam (as worn), about 10–15 cm above the hem. On trousers and skirts it goes 3–5 cm below the waistband in the side seam. That way it doesn't irritate the skin and is easy to find.
Jeans waistband
The brand label is stitched inside the back waistband, in the centre. Outside, a metal plate is often added on the right back pocket or the waistband – Bul-tex metal labels range from 1.5 x 0.5 cm to 3 x 0.8 cm in nickel and gun metal finishes.
Outside flag
A small folded tab peeking out of a T-shirt side seam or a pocket seam is a popular way to show the brand on the outside. Sew it in 5–10 cm above the hem.
Practical tips when choosing
- For fine jersey, choose a smaller, softer label so it doesn't create a lump.
- On children's clothing, always put the care label in the side seam, never at the neck.
- Allow 8–10 mm of seam allowance if the label is sewn into a seam, and factor that into its size.
- The size can be a separate small label or printed directly on the care label.
Frequently asked questions
What is the standard size of a neck label?
The most common sizes are around 5 x 2.5 to 6 x 3 cm for T-shirts and up to 8 x 4 cm for outerwear.
Which side does the care label go on?
By common practice, the left side seam, 10–15 cm above the hem. Above all, keep it in the same place across every style in your range.
Does the size label need to be separate?
No. Many brands print the size on the care label, while others add a separate small woven label next to the brand label.
Choose a size from our clothing labels and finish your garment with buttons and zippers from Bul-tex.
