The Complete Guide to Woven Labels
Updated November 13, 2026 · Written by the Sean Label team
A woven label is a clothing label whose design is woven into fabric on a loom using colored thread, rather than printed with ink. Because the logo, text, and borders are part of the fabric itself, woven labels are the most traditional and durable way to brand clothing, bags, and home textiles. This guide explains how they are made, which material and fold to choose, how to prepare your artwork, and what to expect for pricing and timing. Answers to 54 common questions follow at the end.
Quick facts: Sean Label custom woven labels
| Minimum order | 250 pieces (all labels in an order must be identical) |
| Starting price | From $195, rising with quantity (see current pricing) |
| Maximum size | 3 inches by 3 inches, up to 4 square inches at listed pricing (larger sizes by quote) |
| Colors | Up to 6 on damask labels; up to 3 on text-only hem labels |
| Material | Soft high-density damask using 30-50 denier yarn; satin and taffeta also available |
| Folds | Straight cut, center fold, end fold, miter fold, manhattan fold |
| Production time | 18-25 business days after design approval |
| Woven sample before production | $80 |
| Metallic (Lurex) yarn | $45 extra per order |
| US shipping | Free USPS Priority Mail with tracking, 2-4 days (Express upgrade available) |
How woven labels are made
Woven labels are produced on a jacquard loom. Your artwork is converted into a digital pattern that tells the loom which colored threads to raise as each row of the label is woven. Every color in your design needs its own thread loaded into the loom, which is why more colors mean more setup.
That setup, loading the threads and building the pattern, is the most time-consuming part of production. It costs about the same for a small run as a large one, which is why custom woven labels have minimum quantities, and why the per-label price falls as your quantity rises.
Woven label materials
- Damask is the most popular choice. Its fine, high-density threads reproduce small text and detailed logos with clarity, and the finished label is soft and durable. Our custom damask labels use 30-50 denier yarn.
- Satin has a smooth, silky feel and a shiny finish, which suits luxury garments, lingerie, and baby clothing. The shine can make some colors look slightly less vibrant.
- Taffeta is stiffer and more economical, and is often used for secondary tags such as care or content labels.
- Cotton has a natural, biodegradable feel preferred by organic and eco-minded brands, though it holds less detail than damask.
Not sure which fits your brand? Ask us and we'll help you choose.
Label fold styles
How a label is folded changes its look, its bulk, and how it is sewn.
- Straight cut: no fold, sewn flat.
- Center fold: folded in half with the design on the front. The standard choice for neckline labels.
- End fold: the short ends turn inward, giving a clean edge for labels sewn to the outside of a garment, such as a sleeve or hem.
- Manhattan fold: both ends turn in, then the label folds in half, creating a small pocket effect often used on higher-end clothing.
- Miter fold: the ends turn in at a 45-degree angle, used for labels that hang from a neckline or sleeve.
Use our free Label Fold & Seam Allowance Calculator to get a recommended fold and seam allowance for your fabric weight and placement.
How to design a woven label
- Use a vector file such as Adobe Illustrator (AI) or EPS so the artwork scales cleanly.
- Keep it bold and simple. Woven labels cannot reproduce photographs, gradients, or shading, and very fine lines can fill in.
- Choose contrasting colors. Our damask labels allow up to 6 colors; fewer colors usually give a cleaner result.
- Stay within 3 inches by 3 inches for listed pricing.
- Expect close, not perfect, color matching. Thread colors can differ slightly from screen or printed colors, and an exact match is not guaranteed.
- Consider a sample. A woven sample of your actual design is available for $80 before you commit to a full run.
Where to place a woven label
The most common placements are the center-back neckline, a side seam, and the waistband or hem. Choose your fold to suit the placement, and leave a blank margin so your logo is not caught in the stitch line. For heavier fabrics, a flat finish can be more comfortable at the neckline than a folded label. We always recommend sewing a test sample before a full production run.
Woven, printed, or stock?
- Woven labels are best for logos and brand marks that need to last and feel premium.
- Printed labels suit fine detail and small text and cost less. See our custom satin printed labels.
- Stock labels are pre-made in standard formats, ready to ship, with no design wait. Browse our ready-to-ship stock labels, including care labels and size labels.
Many brands combine a custom woven logo label with stock care and size labels.
How to order custom woven labels
- Choose the label type, such as our custom damask woven labels or text-only loop fold hem labels.
- Send your artwork and wording through our quote page.
- Confirm and approve your design. If you want to see the real thing first, order the optional $80 woven sample.
- Production takes 18-25 business days after approval.
- Your order ships free by USPS Priority Mail with tracking in the US.
All custom woven label sales are final once an order goes into production. See our Refund Policy and Store Policies.
Beyond clothing
Woven labels are not just for garments. They are also used on purses, luggage, rugs, towels, toys, bedding, pillows, yoga mats, and promotional items.
Frequently asked questions
The Basics
What is a woven label? A woven label is a clothing label whose design is woven into fabric on a loom using colored thread, instead of being printed with ink. Because the logo and text are part of the fabric itself, woven labels are the traditional, durable way to brand clothing, bags, and home textiles.
How are woven labels made? Woven labels are made on a jacquard loom. A digital pattern of your design controls which colored threads are lifted as the label is woven, and every color in the design needs its own thread loaded into the loom. Setting up the loom and the pattern is the slowest part of the process, which is why custom woven labels have minimum order quantities.
What is the difference between woven labels and printed labels? A woven label is built from thread, so there is no ink to crack or fade. A printed label has ink applied to the surface of a fabric such as satin or cotton, which allows finer detail and usually costs less. Many brands use a woven label for the logo and a printed label for care text. See our custom satin printed labels and the Sean Label blog for a full comparison.
Are woven labels durable? Yes. Since the design is woven in rather than sitting on top of the fabric, woven labels are the type most brands choose when they want branding to last through repeated washing.
Why do brands choose woven labels? Woven labels have a tactile, premium feel and carry a logo cleanly. They suit brands that want the label to look and feel like part of a finished garment.
What can woven labels be sewn onto? Clothing is the most common use, but woven labels also work on purses, luggage, rugs, towels, toys, bedding, pillows, yoga mats, bags, and promotional items.
Are woven labels itchy? It depends on the material. Damask and satin are soft, while taffeta is stiffer. For labels that touch skin, such as at a neckline, a soft damask or satin label with a center fold or a flat, sewn-down finish is the usual choice.
What is the difference between a woven label and a hem tag? A hem tag is a woven label, usually text only, folded in a loop and sewn into a hem or seam. It is a simple, affordable way to label garments and other items. See our text-only loop fold woven hem labels.
Materials
What is the best material for woven labels? It depends on the product and the look you want. Damask is the most popular choice because its fine, high-density threads show small text and detail clearly while staying soft and durable. Satin is smooth and shiny, taffeta is stiffer and more economical, and cotton suits natural or eco-minded brands.
What is a damask woven label? Damask labels are woven from fine, high-density threads, which lets them hold small text and detailed logos with strong clarity. Our custom damask labels use soft, high-density damask made with 30-50 denier yarn.
What is a satin woven label? Satin labels have a smooth, silky feel and a shiny finish, which makes them a popular choice for luxury garments, lingerie, and baby clothing. The shine can make some colors look a little less vibrant.
What is a taffeta woven label? Taffeta labels are stiffer and more cost-effective than damask. They are durable but less high-end, and they are often used for secondary labels such as care or content tags.
What is a cotton woven label? Cotton labels have a natural, rustic, biodegradable feel and are often chosen by organic or eco-friendly brands. They are softer than taffeta but cannot hold as much detail as damask.
Which woven label material is best for baby clothes? Soft materials such as damask and satin are the usual choices for baby and toddler clothing, along with a fold or placement that keeps the label away from direct skin contact. We also stock infant and baby size labels and toddler size labels.
What is denier? Denier is a measure of how thick a yarn is. Lower numbers are finer yarns. Our custom damask labels use 30-50 denier yarn, which is fine enough to produce crisp detail and a soft hand.
Design and Artwork
How do I design a woven label? Create your artwork as a vector file, such as Adobe Illustrator (AI) or EPS, so it can scale without losing quality. Keep the design simple with bold lines and clear fonts, and choose colors with strong contrast. Woven labels cannot reproduce gradients, shading, or very fine detail the way a printed label can.
What file format do I need for woven label artwork? A vector file such as AI or EPS is ideal. If you only have a different format, send it through our quote page and ask whether it can be used.
How many colors can a woven label have? Most woven label makers handle about 5 colors including the background. Our custom damask woven labels allow up to 6 colors, and our text-only loop-fold hem labels allow up to 3 colors. Each added color needs a separate thread, so fewer colors usually means a cleaner, less costly label.
Can you match my brand color exactly? We will try to get as close as possible, but a 100% exact color match is not guaranteed. Thread colors can look slightly different from printed or on-screen colors.
Can woven labels use metallic or shiny thread? Yes. Metallic (Lurex) yarn is available for an additional $45 per order. Ask us when you request your quote.
What is the maximum size of a custom woven label? The listed pricing covers labels up to 3 inches long by 3 inches wide, with a maximum of 4 square inches. If you need a larger label, contact us for a quote.
Can a woven label reproduce a photograph or gradient? No. Woven labels are built from solid thread colors, so photographs, gradients, and soft shading do not translate. Printed labels are a better choice for those designs.
Can woven labels have small text? Damask handles small text better than other woven materials because of its fine, dense threads, but there is still a limit. Very small or thin letters can fill in, so we recommend keeping text bold and checking your design with us before production.
Can I get a sample of my woven label before ordering? Yes. An actual woven sample of your design made before production is available for $80.
Do I need a designer to prepare my artwork? Not necessarily. You can send your logo and wording through the quote page and tell us what you need, or ask questions before you order.
Label Folds and Placement
What are the different types of label folds? The fold you choose affects how the label looks, feels, and attaches. A center fold is folded in half with the design on the front and is common for neckline tags. An end fold turns the short ends inward and suits labels sewn onto the outside of a garment, such as a sleeve or hem. A manhattan fold turns both ends in and then folds the label in half, creating a small pocket effect often used on higher-end clothing. A miter fold turns the ends inward at a 45-degree angle and is used for labels that hang from a neckline or sleeve. A straight cut label has no fold and is sewn flat.
Which fold styles do you offer on custom woven labels? Our custom woven labels are available as straight cut, center fold, end fold, miter fold, or manhattan fold.
Which label fold is best for a neckline? A center fold is the standard choice for a center-back neckline because it is low in bulk and comfortable against skin. On heavier fabric, a flat label sewn on both edges can feel less stiff than a folded one.
Which label fold is best for a side seam or hem? An end fold is a reliable default for side seams and hems because the folded ends tuck cleanly into the seam. On heavier fabric, a manhattan fold adds a more premium detail without looking out of place.
How much seam allowance do I need for a sewn-in label? It depends on your fabric weight and fold style, but as a rule of thumb, lighter fabric uses a smaller allowance and heavier fabric a larger one. You also need to keep your logo clear of the stitch line. Our free Label Fold & Seam Allowance Calculator gives a starting recommendation, and we always suggest sewing a test sample before production.
How do I keep my logo from being sewn over? Leave enough space between the logo and the edge that will be caught in the seam, and choose a fold that puts the stitching in a blank margin. The calculator above recommends a safe margin for your fabric and placement.
Where should I sew my woven label? The most common placements are the center-back neckline, a side seam, and the waistband or hem. Outside labels on pockets or the front of a garment are usually sewn flat with topstitching on all edges.
Ordering, Pricing and Timing
What is the minimum order for custom woven labels? Our minimum for custom woven labels is 250 pieces, and every label in an order must be identical.
How much do custom woven labels cost? Pricing starts at $195 for custom woven damask labels, and the price rises with quantity. See the current prices for 250, 500, and 1,000 pieces on the custom woven damask label page.
How long does it take to make custom woven labels? Production takes 18-25 business days after your design is approved. Shipping time is in addition to that.
Can I order fewer than 250 woven labels? Not as a custom design, because loom setup makes small woven runs impractical. If you only need a small quantity, our ready-to-ship stock labels start as low as 25 pieces on some styles, and custom printed satin labels start at 100.
Can I split one order between different designs or sizes? All labels in a custom woven order must be the same. Splitting an order between sizes is available at a minimum of 10,000 pieces per size with at least 5 size changes. See our Store Policies.
Why do woven labels have minimum order quantities? Setting up the loom and creating the digital pattern for your design is the most time-consuming part of making a woven label. That setup cost is the same for 100 labels as for 1,000, so manufacturers set minimums to make the run worthwhile.
How many woven labels should I order? Order enough for your current production run plus a small buffer for damaged garments and restocks, usually around 10-15%. Avoid ordering far more than a few months of expected need while your designs are still changing.
How do I order custom woven labels? Choose the product that fits your design, send us your artwork and wording through the quote page, and we will confirm the details. After your design is approved, production takes 18-25 business days.
What payment methods do you accept? We accept American Express, Apple Pay, Diners Club, Discover, Google Pay, Mastercard, PayPal, Shop Pay, and Visa.
Can I return or cancel custom woven labels? All sales on custom woven labels are final, because each order is made specifically for you. If you cancel before production starts, you receive a full refund. If we make a mistake outside normal industry tolerances, we replace the order with a correction. See our Refund Policy.
Shipping
How are custom woven labels shipped? Custom labels ship free by USPS Priority Mail with tracking for US buyers, and delivery typically takes 2-4 days. An Express upgrade (1-3 days) can be selected at checkout.
Do you ship woven labels internationally? Yes. Custom label orders to international buyers ship by USPS Priority Mail in about 3-10 days. See our Store Policies for international options and tracking.
How fast do ready-to-ship stock labels arrive? Stock labels ship within 1 day. US buyers get free First Class Mail with tracking, usually arriving in 2-5 days, with Express (1-3 days) and Priority (2-4 days) upgrades available.
Stock Labels vs. Custom
What is the difference between stock labels and custom woven labels? Stock labels are pre-made in standard formats, such as sizes, care instructions, or a flag, and ship right away. Custom woven labels are made from your own artwork, so they need production time and a minimum order. Most brands use both. Browse our ready-to-ship stock labels.
What kinds of woven stock labels do you carry? Our stock range includes care and laundry labels, letter size labels, number size labels, toddler and infant size labels, damask size labels, and American flag labels.
Can I mix stock label sizes in one order? Yes. Any size in a stock listing can be split between the sizes available in that listing. Buy the listing and add your breakdown in the notes at checkout.
Should I use a woven label for care instructions? Most brands print care instructions instead, because small, detailed text prints more cleanly than it weaves. If you prefer woven care labels, we carry pre-made options for common fibers on our care and laundry labels page.
Do you sell hang tags too? Yes. Ask us about custom hang tags through our quote page.
Care and Use
How do I wash a garment with a woven label? Follow the garment's own care instructions. Woven labels are made to hold up through repeated washing, but it is always sensible to wash and dry a test sample of your finished garment before production.
Can I iron a woven label? Many woven labels tolerate low-heat ironing, but heat tolerance depends on the thread and material. Test on a scrap, and avoid direct high heat on satin and metallic thread.
How do I sew a woven label into a garment? Most woven labels are sewn into a seam, such as the neckline or side seam, with the fold chosen so the stitching falls in a blank margin. Outside labels are topstitched flat around the edges.
Do woven labels fray? How a label's edges are finished depends on the fold and cut. A folded edge is enclosed in the seam, which prevents fraying where it is sewn. Ask us about the edge finish for your design when you request a quote.