Creating Custom T-Shirt Labels: A Step-By-Step Guide

Creating custom t-shirt labels is a great way to add a unique and memorable touch to your clothing line. Whether you're looking to brand your t-shirts with your company logo, add care instructions, or simply organise your wardrobe, custom labels are an excellent solution. With various methods such as pad printing, screen printing, and heat transfer, you can choose the best option for your needs and create stylish, comfortable, and informative labels. In this discussion, we will explore the process of designing and creating custom t-shirt labels, from choosing the right tools to selecting the appropriate printing methods. We will also provide tips and tricks to ensure your labels meet your high standards and effectively represent your brand.

Design a T-shirt label template in Photoshop

To design a T-shirt label template in Photoshop, follow these steps:

Step 1: Create a New File

Go to File > New and set the Width and Height to 1.18 in, and Resolution to 300 px/in.

Step 2: Create Guidelines

Press Control-R on your keyboard to show the Rulers. Then, using the Move Tool (V), click and drag from the ruler to the canvas to create a new guide. Create four guides and position each one 0.08 in away from the canvas.

Step 3: Create the Background

Go to File > Place Embedded, select the first background, and click Place. Set the Width and Height of the background to 8.74%, position it as desired, and name this layer "Wavy Lines". Double-click on the layer thumbnail to edit the contents of the smart object. In the new window, press Control-Shift-U to desaturate the background layer. Then, go to Image > Auto Tone and Image > Auto Contrast to adjust the layer tone and contrast. Press Control-S to save the changes and Control-W to close the window.

Step 4: Create the Label Content

Use the Rectangle Tool (U) to create a new rectangle shape layer, and set the dimensions as needed. Set the Fill Solid Color to #000000 and the Stroke Solid Color to No Color. Position and name this layer as desired.

Step 5: Add Text

Choose the Horizontal Type Tool (T) and set the desired font, style, size, alignment, and colour. In the Character panel, adjust the tracking as needed. Click inside the canvas and type your text, positioning the layer as required.

Step 6: Duplicate and Adjust Layers

As needed, duplicate layers using Control-J and adjust their positioning and dimensions.

By following these steps and making adjustments to suit your specific design, you can create a custom T-shirt label template in Photoshop.

Use woven clothing tags for increased product quality

Woven clothing tags are an excellent way to increase the perceived quality of your products. They offer a distinct and elegant way to leave a lasting impression on your customers. With woven tags, you can showcase your unique logo, brand name, and personalised message. The intricate details and vibrant patterns achieved through the damask weaving process create a professional and elegant look.

Woven labels are created using a jacquard loom, which weaves threads together to match the intended design. This process results in a higher quality label compared to printed labels. The use of woven labels in the apparel industry dates back to the 19th century and has played a critical role in branding, identification, and quality assurance. Today, they are an essential component of branding for fashion labels, communicating your brand identity through unique logos and designs.

Woven tags can be customised to meet your specific requirements, with options for different shapes, sizes, colours, and application methods. They can be sewn or ironed onto garments, providing flexibility in their usage. Additionally, woven labels are versatile and suitable for various products, including shirts, dresses, trousers, bags, coats, and even furniture tags.

By investing in woven clothing tags, you can elevate the overall perception of your products and reinforce your brand's image. They are an effective way to communicate essential information, such as brand name, country of origin, laundry care instructions, and material content. With their durability and ability to withstand washing and wear, woven tags ensure that this information remains accessible to your customers throughout the life of the garment.

Include company name, RN#, fabric contents, country of origin, and care instructions

When creating t-shirt labels, it is important to comply with legal requirements. In the US, textile products should meet general requirements for textile, apparel, footwear, and travel goods. This includes the manufacturer or dealer identity, the fiber content of the clothing, and the country of origin. Not following the law may result in penalties for your company.

The country of origin must be stated on the front of the label, in English. If the t-shirt sits on the neck, the label disclosing the country of origin must be placed on the inside center of the neck, either midway between the shoulder seams or adjacent to another label. Standard abbreviations such as "U.S.A." are acceptable, as long as the country is identifiable.

The label should also include the identity of the company making, importing, marketing, distributing, or overseeing the product. This is usually the full legal name under which the company conducts business. However, companies often use unofficial trademarked names on their products, along with a Registered Identification Number ("RN") to identify the name the company uses to conduct business. RNs are issued by the Federal Trade Commission to individuals or entities inside the US that manufacture, import, market, or distribute textile, wool, or fur products.

The fiber content of the t-shirt should be listed on the label, with the percentages of each fiber type by weight, in descending order. For example, "90% Polyester, 10% Spandex". If the fiber content is less than 5%, it can be listed as "Other Fibers".

Finally, care instructions should be included on the label. This includes washing temperature, bleaching options, drying options, ironing temperature, and dry cleaning. As these labels will be close to the skin, satin labels are recommended for comfort.

Use soft, unnoticeable inks to get rid of itchy manufacturer tags

Itchy clothing tags are a common nuisance, but there are ways to get rid of them without damaging your clothes. One option is to use soft, unnoticeable inks to print the label information directly onto the fabric. This method is often used on garments that fit snugly to the skin, such as sports bras, t-shirts, and underwear, but it can eventually be used on all types of clothing. This way, you can avoid the discomfort and irritation caused by itchy tags.

Another option is to use a seam ripper to carefully remove the tag. First, check if the tag is sewn into the same seam that holds the garment together. If it is, using a seam ripper could damage the clothing, so it's better to cut the label off with sharp scissors as close to the seam as possible. If the label is not attached to the seam, use the seam ripper to push under one stitch at a time, gently pulling to loosen and remove each stitch. This method is effective but may leave a sharp edge that can be irritating. To avoid this, you can use hemming tape to cover the remaining edge of the label and secure it to the garment.

Alternatively, you can cover the itchy tag instead of removing it. One option is to use a tag comfort cover, such as Scotch Essential Tag Comfort Covers, which can help reduce the irritation caused by the tag. You can also use hemming tape to attach the label to the garment, ensuring there are no loose edges. However, be cautious when using an iron with delicate fabrics, as the heat can cause damage.

Some companies have started offering tagless clothing, where the label information is ironed or stamped directly onto the inside of the garment. This approach eliminates the need for itchy tags altogether and creates a more comfortable wearing experience for customers.

Pad printing, screen printing, and heat transfer are the three standard print methods

Pad Printing

Pad printing is a popular and widely used method for tagless t-shirt label printing. It involves using a pad printing machine with a silicone print pad that picks up ink from an etched plate and transfers the design onto the fabric. This process results in a thin layer of ink that is partially absorbed by the fabric, creating a soft and comfortable finish. Pad printing offers low startup and operating costs, instant dry time, high durability, and flexibility in production. It is also the most environmentally friendly option, as it uses less ink and produces less waste. The average cost of supplies per print is very low, at $0.003, and it requires fewer printing machines and operators compared to other methods.

Screen Printing

Screen printing, also known as silk screening, has been a traditional method for printing designs on t-shirts and other items. It uses a mesh screen and a squeegee to transfer ink onto the fabric. One of the advantages of screen printing is that it allows for more vibrant colours, even on dark-coloured fabrics. It creates a durable, long-lasting design that can withstand numerous washes. However, it is a time-consuming process, especially for designs with multiple colours, as each colour requires a separate screen. Screen printing also requires more chemicals and equipment and has higher setup costs, making it more suitable for larger orders.

Heat Transfer

Heat transfer is a recent innovation in fabric printing and has gained popularity in the last 20 years. It involves using heat and pressure to print images onto t-shirts. There are two main types of heat transfer methods: vinyl and digital print. Vinyl heat transfer uses a machine to cut out individual letters and designs from coloured vinyl, which are then pieced together and pressed onto the fabric. Digital print heat transfer, on the other hand, involves printing the design onto high-quality paper using a special solvent ink, which is then pressed onto the fabric with heat. Heat transfer is more cost-effective for smaller orders, easier to print complex designs with multiple colours, and produces high-resolution images. However, it is not ideal for darker-coloured shirts, and the designs may not last as long as screen-printed shirts.

Frequently asked questions