In this guide, you will learn how to apply sticker, iron-on and sew-on name labels to children’s clothing, shoes and equipment. We will go through in detail what the different label types are and how to use them, to make your life easier.
Children lose a large number of items when going to school or nursery, labelling everything will make sure that you save yourself money and we save the planet from unnecessary landfill.
We will also cover the use of name tags in care homes.
If you have a specific question, just jump to the relevant chapter using the links below.
How to stick on sticker labels
How to iron on iron on labels
How to sew on name tapes
Other ways to apply name tags
Where to put on labels
How can you remove name labels
Where to buy name labels
Name Labels for Care Homes
My Nametags recommendations
How to Stick on Sticker Labels
What is a sticker name label?
Stick on labels for labelling clothing or equipment can be seen as a multi-layered puzzle, from the top you have the ink, then the label, then glue and lastly the backing paper. We will look at each of these in more details:
Ink – This ink is used to print the personalised information such as name, information and decorations on the label. It needs to adhere to the label material, and should be water-resistant and rub/scratch resistant to be durable. It is possible to put a layer of lamination on top of the label, to protect the ink, but this makes the label more stiff and less comfortable. A lamination layer can also detach from the label (called delamination) over time, as water gets under the lamination layer.
Label – The labels are usually made from a plastic material. Cheaper labels are made from paper, but these are not good for surviving washing machines/dish washers or being lost outdoors. Plastic labels need to use plasticisers to soften the label, and it is important that the labels do not use phthalates as plastic softeners.
Glue – Stickers will use a strong adhesive to keep the label stuck to the equipment or clothing. The glue need to hold on in a wash cycle and outdoors. If a label has an inferior glue, the label will fall off after a few washes, but a good label will stick on clothing and stay on for numerous washes.
Backing paper – The labels are stuck onto a siliconised backing paper or backing sheet. The silicone makes it easy to remove the labels from the backing paper. Some companies do not remove the waste label material between the labels, making it harder to take off the labels.
Do stick on children’s name labels work?
The quality of sticker uniform labels has improved a lot over the last twenty years, and the majority of children’s name tags sold in the UK are now stickers. There are a number of reasons for name stickers being popular:
Easy to use – Just peel off and stick to clothes, shoes and equipment.
Stay on in the wash – when applied correctly, quality name stickers will stay on in the washing machine, tumble dryer and dishwasher.
One type fits all – with sticker name labels, there is no need to order multiple types, you can use stickers for all your labelling needs.
Many modern fabrics cannot be ironed – a number of acrylics and fleeces can not be ironed, so sticker name labels is the perfect solution.
What is a quality name sticker?
Anyone can make sticky labels, but there is a large difference between low quality stick on labels and high quality ones. Choose a company that has been around for a long time, and has won awards and has a number of positive reviews. Good customer service is important, but it is tricky to assess until things go wrong - look at reviews to get an idea. Here are some things to look out for.
| Area | High Quality | Low Quality |
|---|---|---|
| Company |
Queen’s Award, ISO 9001 or similar quality awards Been around for a long time A substantial number of reviews |
|
| Writing/print | Stays on in the wash for years |
Fades quickly Rubs off, needs heel protectors because the print is not resistant enough |
| Shape | Labels with rounded edges are more likely to stay on in the wash | Some companies cut their labels square, these labels are more likely to catch on other items/clothes and fall off |
| Glue | Does not fall off | Fall of quickly in the wash |
How to apply sticker name labels?
It is easy to apply sticker nametags, as long as you follow certain basic rules.
- Make sure the surface you apply the labels to is clean and dry.
- If you put the sticker school name labels on clothing, ideally put the labels on the care/washing label. If that is not possible, the brand label might also work.
- Try to make sure that no part of the sticky label goes out over the edge of any label or surface.
- Apply the labels from one side, and try not to get any air bubbles under the labels.
How to Iron on Iron On Labels
What is an iron-on name label?
An iron on nametag for labelling clothing contains multiple elements, and to better understand how such labels work, it might be helpful to look at the layers. Please note that iron-on name labels are only meant to be used on clothing and fabric items, do not use these labels on equipment.
Siliconised paper – Most iron-on name labels are delivered with siliconised paper. This paper protects the label and the ink from the high direct heat of an iron, and ensures that no part of the label sticks to the iron.
Ink – This ink is used to print the name, information and decorations on the label. It needs to adhere to the label material, and should be water-resistant and rub/scratch resistant to be durable. In addition, the ink needs to be very resistant to heat.
Label – The labels are usually made from a plastic material. Cheaper labels are made from paper, but these are not good for surviving washing machines/dishwashers or being lost outdoors.
Glue – Iron-ons will use a strong hot-melt adhesive to keep the label stuck to the clothing. When heated, it should transform from a solid to a more liquid state to better adhere to the clothing, and as it cools down it creates a strong bond.
Backing paper – The labels are stuck onto a siliconised backing paper. The silicone makes it easy to remove the labels from the backing sheet.
Irons
When ironing on children's name tags, you want to have high heat. On most irons, you can select three dots or a Linen/Cotton setting, or just turn the dial to maximum, before applying the iron.
Most people assume that all irons are the same, and it does not matter which one you use. Sadly, irons vary a lot, and it is useful to know the differences. The main difference between irons is that some irons can be set to a very hot temperature, whilst cheaper or newer irons tend to have a lower maximum temperature.
Do not use the steam function when applying iron onto the name labels. The water from the steam could get into the hot-melt glue and weaken the glue.
Do iron on labels stay on?
When iron on name labels first were released several decades ago, the hotmelt glue that they used was not great, and these first iron on name labels could not compete with sew ons. However, in the last 15 years, the quality of the glue has increased, and the best companies now offer 10 year guarantees that their labels will stay on in washing machines and tumble dryers.
How long do iron on labels last?
The nature of the modern hotmelt glue for iron on nametags means that these labels will stay on for as long as your child or elderly relative will be using the garment.
Are iron on labels any good?
Iron on school labels are excellent for natural fabrics like wool or cotton, that can take high heat. However, they require a high heat to apply, so some fabrics like fleeces might melt or be damaged by the heat of the iron.
Troubleshooting applying iron-on name labels
What can go wrong when applying iron on name tags?
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Label not staying on the clothing at all | Your iron might be too cold. Maybe it is not plugged in, or set on a very low setting. |
| Label corners still not staying on | Iron the label and the corner for longer. You might have a colder iron, so need to iron for a longer time. |
| Labels falling off in the wash | If your labels are falling off in the wash, they were probably not attached properly. You need to reapply with either more heat or a longer time. |
| Print melting on the labels | Did you use a silicone paper between the label and the iron? Try not to move the iron, just set it down and keep it still for the required time. |
| Silicone paper stuck to label | Your silicone paper is not siliconized enough. If you have lost the silicone paper that came with the labels and tried to use baking paper instead, you might need to contact the company to ask them to send more proper silicone paper. |
| Clothing is melting | Iron on labels need a lot of heat to melt into the fabric. Some fabrics, like acrylics or fleece materials, cannot take so much heat. Either iron at lower temperatures for a lot longer, or use name stickers instead. |
How to Sew on Name Tapes?
What is a sew on name tape?
Unlike iron on and stick on name labels, sew on name tapes use no glue to fix the label, instead relying on you sewing it on.
Different sew on name tapes
Embroidered – these name tapes are usually made from white bleached cotton or a cotton-like plastic material. The name is embroidered on the name tape, and you can usually choose the thread colour and the writing style.
Printed – these are a cheaper way to create a classic-looking name tape without the expense. They are typically made of plastic. Make sure that the print quality is high and the ink is sufficiently water resistant.
Write yourself – This is the simplest version, just a fabric strip that you write on yourself and a permanent marker. The problem with permanent markers is that they tend to fade in wash.
Do sew on name tapes work
Sew on nametapes will stay on, if your sewing is good enough and if you have chosen high quality name tapes. Lower quality fabric labels might be printed, and the print might fade, but proper sew on labels should be embroidered and stay on.
How do you sew a label by hand?
Some name tapes are cut into the perfect size, whilst others are delivered on a roll. If you have roll of clothing labels, cut off the correct length. Decide what thread to use. Thread your needle with a thread about 25cm long. Tie a solid knot at the end of the thread.
If you select to sew all along the label you have to decide on what type of stitch you would like to use. You can read more about this on the Takelessons website.
Running stitch – Easiest stitch.
Blanket stitch – covers the label and is hard to remove. Not great on flexible clothing as they do not stretch.
Whip stitch – faster than blanket stitch. Can look very nice with contrasting coloured stitches.
Is this the traditional English solution?
Cash’s name tapes were launched in England and the UK in 1870s. Originally, the company made silk ribbons in Coventry, a centre for textile manufacturing. However, after just over 100 years their machines were too old and people started migrating from sew on clothing labels to iron on and stick on name labels.
Other Ways to Apply Name Tags
There are alternative ways to apply name tags to clothing, that are less common.
Embroidering name
Some school uniform shops might offer to embroider your child’s name into the blazer or school uniform. You could also embroider a child’s name into each garment yourself.
Getting help putting on name labels or name tapes
The obvious answer to get help with ironing or sewing might be that grandparent who lives nearby. If you have a nanny or domestic help, you might also ask them.
Applicators for name labels
Some systems try to find other easy to apply ways to apply name labels to clothing, such as press and click, snap on or snappy tags applicators. Often they end up with plastic bits that might itch or annoy your child.
Laundry stamps
Another seemingly perfect solution is to use fabric stamps or laundry stamps for your children's clothing. When using laundry stamps, the ink will often bleed through the fabric to the other side.
Permanent markers
Permanent markers or laundry markers are easy to buy and to use to write your kid’s name into clothing. However, most permanent markers will fade and they often bleed through the garment.
Where to Put on Labels
What kind of item would benefit from an iron-on nametag?
You can successfully put an iron-on nametag onto many different types of clothing and also some non-clothing items. Most things made of fabric that need to be personalised can benefit from iron-on school name labels.
Labelling shirts and blouses
Iron ons
The best place to put the iron-on is on the inside of the blouse or shirt near the neck. You could put the iron-on on the manufacturer’s label or right next to the manufacturer’s label.
Stickers
Stickers can be placed on the washing or care label of the shirts and blouses. These labels can be found down the side of the shirt or blouse and will usually say the size of the shirt, what washing temperature to use and where the shirt is made.
Labelling skirts and trousers
Iron ons
For school skirts and trousers the same rules applies – iron the nametags onto the fabric of the skirt or trousers right next to the manufacturer’s label, on the manufacturer’s label or onto the washing/care label.
Stickers
Stickers do best on smooth surfaces so the washing or care label is the optimum surface on any skirts and trousers.
Labelling Coats and Blazers
The key to labelling coats and blazers is to tell the person who is looking at it, who the owner is, and so it is best to iron the nametag in a location that is clearly visible on the inside of the jacket or coat.
Iron ons
Coats and blazers have synthetic linings. Apply an iron-on nametag to the lining near the neck area, taking special care to protect the fabric of the lining.
Stickers
Peel the sticker off the backing paper and stick it to the care or washing label on the inside side of the coat or blazer.
Labelling Socks
Iron ons
Iron-on name labels are great for socks. For discreet labelling, iron the nametags onto the outside underside of the sock, where you cannot see it because it is under the foot.
Stickers
Stickers work very well in most places but not on socks. This is because the socks stretch, they do not have a care label and often the fabric of the sock is not smooth enough to allow a sticker to adhere to it properly.
Labelling underwear
Iron ons
You can label your underwear on the inside or outside. Apply the nametag directly onto the fabric, being careful with the maximum temperature of the iron.
Stickers
The stickers can be put on the care/washing label if the underwear has one. If not, place it somewhere where the fabric is less prone to being stretched.
Labelling Gym Kit/Sportswear
Iron ons
If the kit is made of thin lycra, it is best not to put the iron-on onto the fabric of the garment because the high temperature of the iron may damage the fabric.
Stickers
Stickers work very well on very smooth synthetic materials. Name the sportswear by putting the sticker on the care/washing label or try putting the sticker directly on the fabric.
Labelling bed linen/towels/kitchen
Iron ons
Bed linen/towels/kitchen linen tends to have a high cotton component and can take high heat. An iron-on nametag works well for household linens.
Labelling shoes
Stickers
The best shoe labels are stickers, as they can easily be stuck anywhere inside a shoe. Labels under the tongue of the shoe are protected and will not rub against the foot, but they are not very visible.
Labelling school items
Stickers
Sticker labels are the best for labelling school items like pencils, lunch boxes, water bottles, books and other equipment.
How Can You Remove Name Labels?
What are the reasons for removing nametags?
Sometimes you want to remove school uniform labels from school uniform, clothing or equipment. You might want to hand the item down to a younger sibling or give to a charity shop or a friend.
How do you remove sticky name tags?
If you want to remove a sticky name tag from a school uniform, garment or equipment, you should be able to just peel it off. Depending on the label, and of how long it has been on the item, it might come off in pieces.
How to remove an iron on name label
An iron on label is usually fairly difficult to remove, as the glue ensures that the iron on label is glued deeply into the garment. The easiest solution might be to iron another label on top.
How can you remove sew on name labels?
Sew on labels are usually easy, but time consuming, to remove. Just unstitch the label and remove. Careful that you do not damage the fabric.
Where to Buy Name Labels?
Printing school labels in store
When buying school uniforms and children’s clothing, some shops can print school uniform labels while you wait. Whilst this sounds great, the quality is usually not great when printing in store.
Buying labels online
Buying name labels online is the standard way to order labels. You can design and personalise online, and labels are delivered quickly.
We offer the only Queen’s Award-winning name tags in the UK on the My Nametags website.
Name Labels for Care Homes
Do I need name labels in care homes?
If you or a relative is moving into a care home, assisted living or communal living accommodation, they will probably need name labels for all their personal possessions.
What labels do I need in a care home?
For a resident in a care home or nursing home, you need both iron on and sticker labels. Iron-on labels are used for all articles of clothing, whilst the stickers are used for shoes and everything else.
Where to put labels for care home residents?
Make sure you put name stickers on glasses cases, on the reading glasses or normal glasses themselves, pillboxes, favourite books etc. You can also put sticker nametags on shoes.
My Nametags Recommendations
What is the best way to label clothes?
When labelling children’s clothes, shoes and equipment, we would recommend that you use name stickers on almost everything. These labels are very quick to apply, and they stay on care labels in the wash.
What are the best name labels?
My Nametags is the market leader in the UK, as the quality of our name tags has been appreciated for more than 15 years. We are the only name label company with a Queen’s Award.
You can design your My Nametags labels online now.
