For close-fitting tank tops, crop tops and ribbed vests, a printed label inside the neck is usually the better choice, because there is nothing to feel against the skin and nothing to show through thin fabric. A sewn woven tag still suits relaxed styles such as the muscle tee, where it sits away from the body and gives the garment a more finished look when the buyer opens it.
Most brands end up using both: tagless labels for tank tops and fitted crops, and a woven label for looser styles in the same range. This post explains what each option involves, what has to go on the label, and how we put it together with tags and packing.
What a printed neck label is
A printed neck label is your brand name, size and care details printed directly on the inside of the garment, just below the back neck. We usually apply it by heat transfer or screen print, in one colour, so it stays light and flat.
It suits:
- ribbed vests and fitted crop tops in rib knit or cotton-elastane, where the fabric stretches and a sewn tag can pull;
- tank tops with a narrow back neck, where there is little room for a tag;
- light or white fabrics, where a woven tag can show through from the outside.
Because the label is printed, the artwork needs to be clear at a small size. A simple wordmark reads better than a detailed logo. Send a vector file if you have one, and we check it on your sample.
What a sewn woven tag is
A woven tag is a small fabric label woven with your logo and sewn into the back neck seam. It feels more like a finished retail garment, and some buyers expect it on the shelf.
It suits:
- muscle tees and boxy crop tops, where the neck seam sits away from the skin;
- heavier cotton jersey, which hides the tag from the outside;
- brands that want a consistent woven label across T-shirts, hoodies and tank tops.
On a fitted tank top, a woven tag can curl or feel scratchy, so we usually suggest the printed label instead. It is your choice, and we will make it either way.
Side by side
| Printed neck label | Sewn woven tag | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | Flat, nothing to feel | A small edge at the neck |
| Shows through thin fabric | Rarely | Sometimes on white or light colours |
| Suits | Ribbed vest, fitted crop, tank top | Muscle tee, boxy crop, heavier jersey |
| Size shown | Printed on the label | Usually a separate size label or printed on the tag |
| Care details | Can be printed in the same label | Usually on a separate wash-care label |
| Look | Clean and modern | Traditional retail finish |
The wash-care label still matters
A printed neck label can carry care symbols and fibre content, but many brands still add a small wash-care label in the side seam. It gives space for fibre content, care instructions and any other details the destination market expects. Labelling requirements vary by country, so tell us where the garments will be sold and we confirm what the labels should carry at quotation. We do not give legal advice on labelling; the brand confirms its own requirements.
A typical tank top label set looks like this:
- Printed inside-neck label with brand name and size.
- Small wash-care label in the left side seam with fibre content and care symbols.
- Optional small embroidered or printed logo on the chest or hem.
- Hang tag on the outside, attached through the label or the side seam.
Hang tags and packing
Hang tags carry your brand story, price sticker area or barcode. On a sleeveless top, we usually attach the tag at the side seam label or the back neck, so the fastener does not mark thin fabric. Tell us whether you want string, a pin or a loop.
For packing, the common options are:
- folded and packed in bulk cartons, for stock that will be re-packed;
- folded with a size sticker on each piece;
- each piece in its own polybag with a size sticker and your barcode label, for online orders.
If you sell on a marketplace, send us the label and packing specification you need. We label and pack to that specification, and you confirm the current requirements with the marketplace. Our labels, tags and packaging page covers the options across our range.
What to send us
For tagless labels and tags on white label tank tops, send us:
- your logo as a vector file, and the wording for the neck label;
- which styles get a printed label and which get a woven tag;
- fibre content and care details you want shown, or ask us for the fabric details;
- hang tag artwork and how you want it attached;
- packing method and any barcode file.
We will show the labels on your sample so you can check them on the garment before production starts.