Should You Iron on, Stick on, or Sew on Labels?

If you are a parent reading this article, chances are you remember your primary school days very well. We all know losing things is a part of growing up, which is why each year over the December holidays or in the beginning of the new year, your parents would order a roll of sew-on labels customised with your name and surname. They would haul out the vintage sewing machine, and a two-day sewing marathon would begin, sewing labels on every item of clothing – from your white shirts and socks to uniforms, sports clothes, towels, swimming costumes, and more.

Back in the day, parents and grandparents would sew on labels to keep track of clothes, lunchboxes, and water bottles. But the days of time-consuming sewing is long gone. Technology has brought us other options like stick-on and iron-on tags. However, if you are still on the fence about your options, here is a sneak peek at the many differences between sew-on, iron-on, and stick-on tags.

Sew-On Labels: The Fashion Retailers Choice of Label

A durable option printed on satin materials; sew-on labels stitch into any clothing, including swimwear and active wear, which is why they are the go-to label for fashion brands and retailers. The material is soft against the skin, and you can personalise colour designs to include 2+ lines of text, including fonts and images. While they look spectacular on clothing, they are time-consuming for parents that do not sew, and they easily fray if not cut properly. The biggest flaw of these tags is that they are easy to remove by pulling out the stitches.

Iron-On Labels: Durable and Permanent but Limited

Iron-on name labels are a permanent solution that you iron into the clothing garment using a regular iron and board. Label companies now offer customised features that include a name and 2-3 lines in several colours for text. Since iron-on labels bond well with most fabrics, applying them is quick. They last through many washes without peeling off, making them perfect for those who do not sew or own a sewing machine. However, these labels will not stick onto hats, ties, scarves, swimming costumes, sportswear, water bottles, shoes, or notebooks. You will need stick-on tags for these items.

Stick-On Labels: Dependable and Versatile

Labelling solves the problem of keeping track of expensive clothes, technology, textbooks, and more. But the art of ironing and sewing is not for every parent. Luckily, there are alternatives like stick-on tags. Once used only for preschool and young primary school kids, a stick-on is also an excellent pick for elderly loved ones who have trouble keeping track of their belongings – and lazy varsity students.

These stickers stand up to washing machines and dishwashers. They are durable enough to stick on clothes, stuffed animals, lunchboxes, trinkets, and anything your little one drags out of the house. Dependable and versatile, they come in hundreds of colours and motif and character designs, and you can even personalise your own.

Whether you have one or more young children, have a forgetful elderly loved one, or you are looking for a little organisation around the house, labelling is a smart solution. It not only prevents valuables from ending up in lost-and-found, but it also makes things for the person reading the label easier.