The Spruce / Leticia Almeida

Labeling clothes can be useful for a lot of different reasons.

As children head off to camp for the first time, labeling clothes can help prevent mix-ups with bunkmates.

College kids can verify their clothing is identifiable when they head to thecommunal laundry room.

different methods of labeling clothing

The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

But labeling clothing isn’t a one-size-fits-all process.

Keep reading to learn aboutpermanent, temporary, and cost-effective ways to label your belongings.

Write the name on the tape and stick it onto the fabric.

labeling clothing with a laundry marker

The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

Cover the tape with a pressing cloth and heat with a dry iron for 10 to 15 seconds.

The tape will eventually peel after several washings, but is a good short term solution.

The indelible ink lasts through many trips through the washing machine and is quick to use.

stamp label

The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

The downside is that the ink can bleed through the fabric to the outside of a garment.

And, once it does,the stain is permanent.

Protect the outside of the garment by placing some cardboard under the label area to catch any bleeding ink.

iron on labels

The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

A good suggestion is to use the family’s last name only.

Laundry Stamps

Customized self-inking stamps can be purchased to mark clothing.

The ink can bleed through the fabric and is impossible to remove.

stick-on labels

The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

Iron-On Labels

Plenty of fabric stores and websites sell plain or customized iron-on fabric labels.

The plain labels can be personalized with a permanent ink laundry marker.

These are convenient, not too expensive, and will usually last through the life of the garment.

sew-in label

The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

And, if the garment is handed down, a new label can be ironed over the last one.

Some wearers also find them scratchy if placed near the neckline.

These are not quite as durable as iron-on labels and you may see them come off after multiple washings.

plastic hang tag clothing label

The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

To remove, just follow the guidelines forgetting rid of any sticky residue.

Sew-In Labels

Beautiful custom woven labels can be ordered to both identify and enhance your garments.

You must allow several weeks to place and receive your order.

The tag does not fade, is resistant to high temperatures, and can be removed.

You must order in advance and use a custom equipment to attach and remove the tags.