For many years clothing manufacturers did not have any information displayed for the consumer on the product they were buying, that has changed now. With almost all modern manufacturers labeling their products.
You may think why is that so important if you like an item you can buy it but being able to understand the materials and the cleaning instructions for something that may have been expensive can help a garment last longer and continue to look good.
Because of the change in attitudes and regulations, many businesses have begun to help with the design of the labels for businesses making them more attractive and consumer-friendly, providing all the information that you need to help you choose the right product.
Understanding Where the Product was Made
The garment and fashion industry is worth billions of dollars globally in each and every country it is one of the most profitable businesses that require a huge chain of supply and people to make the clothes we wear. The need to constantly supply ourselves and our family with new clothes, from children’s wear, work clothes, casual attire and special clothes for weddings, for example, is only on the increase as the world’s population grows. But many of us do not consider the process and the origins of the clothes we wear.
Unfortunately across the world, there are many underpaid workers who work in terrible conditions for long hours every day and often at night just to provide us with the clothes that we wear. A reputable manufacturer will not usually work with these “sweatshops” as they have become known. The label or tag on the item you wish to purchase should contain the information of the country of origin in which it is manufactured and with the brand name a bit of research can often help identify whether your shirt or jeans were made in such conditions.
Whilst making the choice not to buy these products you think you are not helping people to stay in work the lack of sales can help producers of these products improve working conditions and improve pay for their workers.
It is Important to Know the Difference Between Fabrics
Whilst we all want to look good to others and for ourselves, comfort should play an equally important role, and choosing the correct fabric of our garment can make a huge difference in determining how we feel when we dress and the same also applies to linens and towels.
There are so many different types of fabrics to choose from when deciding what to buy. Satin is considered to be a luxury for bed sheets but is easily confused with sateen, checking the manufacturer’s label is extremely important to ensure buying the correct product. Both satin and sateen have very similar qualities.
Also, many people can have an allergic reaction to certain types of materials causing discomfort or even rashes or sores. It’s not just the fabric that can cause irritation; the chemicals and dyes used in the manufacturing process can also have an effect on people. Most people are not affected by this but if you do feel uncomfortable discontinue wearing it and be sure to check the label or tag for information to help you avoid buying a similar product.
Choosing the Correct Material for you
With so many synthetic and natural choices of materials available it is sometimes hard to know which will be best suited to your needs. Here some pros and cons of the most widely used materials we use today:
- Mixed Fibres such as rayon and Tencel are very cheap and great for absorbing. Also a very versatile material.
Not as good as polyester and the production is very damaging to the environment.
- Wool, wool has been used for centuries and is a natural source of textiles, creating warmth and comfort.
Whilst the animals are not harmed during a shearing it is still traumatic and many people choose not to buy woolen products. The animals providing the wool also consume a lot of water which is not environmentally friendly and wool can be a hard item to wash.
- Cotton which is one the most popular choices for many has been a fabric that has long been a favorite of tailors. Being a renewable and natural material it is relatively inexpensive and makes for light clothing for the summer months or playing sports.
Cotton does require a lot of land to produce which also means a lot of water for growth.
Choosing the correct fabric is something that we should all take seriously not just for comfort but the impacts it can have on the environment.
There are Legal Requirements When Labeling
You may have just designed and produced a fabulous product ready to hit the market but something that is to not be overlooked is the region or country and the regulations they impose on the way in which you label your new garment. Governments around the owls have imposed strict measures on the description that must accompany the item. If you made a shirt or suit in the United States and label it as so then you need to ensure the materials and labor originated in the United States or it will not comply with current regulations. The European Union also has similar practices in place along with the newly separated United Kingdom.
It would be very difficult to import or indeed export a product that does not have the correct information on its label. By just putting “Made in China” may have worked before many countries will not allow the sale of these items.
Fines are issued if customs departments check and seize your cargo that does not meet the standard and requirement laid out. For example, to export to the United States, it is important to follow their stringent guidelines.
The Different Types of Labels to Promote Your Brand
It may sound simple to label or tag your clothing but the importance of making the right choice and design is integral. Consumers often look at the information you have provided before even looking at the product can make a decision to buy or not simply on that. First impressions count but with many options on how to help your sales and make your brand stand out from the rest, it is also important to understand the methods used.
- Hang Tags are not sowed into the garment but are usually attached by a string. The better the design and print quality the more it says about the product.
- Woven or stitched labels are the most common that we use in the production process today. Due to the fine threads used more information can often be supplied to the consumer.
- Printed labels are usually found on the inside of garments usually used to provide information regarding cleaning.
There are other types of labels available for consideration but these are the most commonly used today.
Summary
Regardless of the product that you have produced, labeling is an important part that should not be overlooked, they can make a huge difference to sales and are incredibly useful to the consumer helping to promote your brand and instil confidence in your work.
