What are Labels and Motif? Label vs Motif

MD. ZUBAER JISAN

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Ever wonder if a small piece of fabric attached to clothing accessories known as a label holds a major significance? In clothing, garments without trimmings and accessories are like a boat without a sail. Labels and motifs play separate but essential roles in garment manufacturing. 

Labels are needed trimmings that convey informational tags, usually attached to the inside of any apparel. Labels usually provide important details of the garment, like size, origin country of manufacturing, care guidance, composition of forming materials, and price. 

Motifs make garments more fashionable for consumers and are one type of decorative design that adds a sense of style. Embroidery patterns, printed graphics, applique, etc. are attached outside the garment as motifs to replicate a unique visual appeal. Labels and motifs are a blend of functionality and form.

Label in Garments Industry 

The label is a tag or mini-catalog for garments to be worn and conveys valuable descriptions. It is a mandatory trimming attached to apparel before selling in the marketplace.

Label
Image of Label

Labels are used to contain many types of information, such as fiber and yarn composition, fabric composition, care inspection, manufacturing country name, trademark, company name, size of individual garments, price tag, etc.

Types of Garment Labels:

Garment labels can be classified into two types:

  1. Main Label.
  2. Sub Label.

Sub-labels used in garments:

  1. Size Label
  2. Care Label
  3. Price Label
  4. Flag Label
  5. Composition Label
Types of Garment Labels
Different Types of Garment Labels

Besides this, there are a few labels that differ according to the method of attachment to the clothing:

  1. Woven Label
  2. Heat Transfer Label
  3. Printed Label
  4. Metal Label
  5. Leather Label
  6. PVC Label

International Care Labelling Codes

A care label is an integral part of articles of clothing that contain some internationally recognized signs or symbols indicating the care instructions of a particular garment. From suitable washing methods to dry cleaning, every bit of information is used as a code on the label. 

The care labels convey instructions to the sales personnel and consumers buying the product about the appropriate treatment of the required garment and the other materials used in its production. Apparel manufacturers provide this necessary information about the clothing. 

The product life cycle of any textile item solely depends on correct labeling and care compliance with the proper information on the care label. A care label also prevents unwanted damage to any textile article or clothing during the application of care processes. 

International Care Labelling Codes
Some International Care Labelling Codes

The ISO system 3758 1991, commonly known as GINETEX, an International Association for Textile Care Labeling, was established in 1963 in Paris. It was first introduced in Europe around 1950. The GINETEX care labeling system has five symbols for washing, bleaching, ironing, drying, dry cleaning, and an extra one for wringing. An international trademark was protected by careful labeling to control the correct application. The ownership of this international trademark is preserved by GINETEX. Before a product passes through the pipeline of consumers, retailers, and textile manufacturing companies, the care labeling system gives suitable information through the care label instructions. 

The following information is commonly included on care labels, while the regulations may differ from nation to country:

  • Care symbols
  • Fiber content (percentage)
  • Size (L, M, X, XL, etc)
  • Country of Origin
  • Additional information.

The symbols and their meanings are shown in the following.

Washing Symbol:

SymbolCare InstructionsMeaning behind the symbol
unnamed 1Normal Machine Wash Garments can be washed using hot water, detergent, agitation, and any machine designed for garments washing.
pasted image 0
Machine Wash (cold)Maximum temperature 30°C or 85°FRinsing normal
pasted image 0 1Machine Wash (warm)Maximum temperature: 100°F/40°C.Normal Rinsingspinning as usual
pasted image 0 2Machine Wash (hot)Maximum temperature: 120°F/50°C.Normal Rinsingspinning as usual
pasted image 0 3Machine Wash (hot)Maximum temperature: 140°F/60°C.Normal Rinsingspinning as usual
pasted image 0 4Machine Wash (hot)Maximum temperature: 160°F/70°C.Normal Rinsingspinning as usual
pasted image 0 5Machine Wash (hot)Max. temperature: 200°F, or 95°C.Normal Rinsingspinning as regular
pasted image 0 6Machine Wash (continuous press)The garment is machine washed only with the setting meant to preserve the permanent press, which includes a cold rinse before a low spin.
pasted image 0 7Machine Wash (gentle press)Garment is machine washed only on the setting can be used as gentle agitation and less time for delicate items.
pasted image 0 8Hand WashGarment is washed by the flow of water, detergent and hand manipulation.
pasted image 0 10Do not washGarment can’t be safely washed. Dry cleaning is applied.
Washing Care Label

Bleaching Symbol:

SymbolCare Instructions
Lc0i7VWJHcafEVr cY686vfo yx1r9P3C3A9mN7Ih3zvYwVcg9pXhcF0fgW8UnNdjjKIgQY RAZrty01 RmLlPeDd4OaUguJIIpmj5su0ObATpTHBN22MhUCDvAnzHkt1Dm4CJEfatqJ1dJg5tOc65MBleaching is allowed
MqHsKl7F7S5ziFspweNNeb2mzNGr3f0VWSrigfB29O5I3Pv8lrP2C8RwaCP7ENBTZ23SRn2pgYAHb3zlZ rbZPoRUR7oCaIZLqYYPv7DrgmUpcX2A2G3Nodva4s0UUoknGIPra1yA3g rSOjrMj7pJUOnly chlorine bleaching is applicable
W 9zUqowInh50n6 aMzeezOZ8Vo6PGZl8g4TG7nVp XSkYASkNgeT6djA058IVfha3jalZ88XRIo RUKO6vKfRPvnP7Xh9TNFw 8Y6UeJ2qHinTTka6gHliPAku3UGOPcExQ6vMD9qvZgfkQU96w wMOnly non-chlorine bleaching is applicable
V8VNj1kdZq6RBEQTrloo7ID7YpHqfeoivrm9xZdONNtIrNo Bleaching is applicable
Bleaching Care Label

Drying Symbol:

SymbolCare Instruction
1MUBrSWCC u7Wl1DAsjoGTumble dry (regular)
ZK rCPkjyUXMxb2hr7hYHbKFf26bkQwHdsYqqpftcLvxnSK3jVsng6xfRWKuyjHFWhDUetSti6CGDb6YWynxTumble dry (regular, low heat)
X3d5eQkFYwGH35wctMtYH3o szR44y NDNFtzZWZnkxIVO3J0wZWViKqlfsZ3cpX SFCsQHCDGFfDuE3QX3Tumble dry (normal, medium heat)
AfhWSJunS2cS356 sS6UvjJ9criPrFpkEKBvvw8ZUpKy2asBfEcyYBLpAduyglGzirpGDvz9eeAf8TNTM IECycvNyNHrz7ITumble dry (normal, high heat)
OUx3RdNdJkBCCn08S0 3F3pv6YNQ 0d0qUgvNSlgUIH 36QpbJmU0f80W4m8tLsK jeuWMgCuq ZWiRgsgOYg08Npd UX7IEuCzbTjiNIoFiyTeOwBbQKdnni9KOtucfU XUFQUoqgJdbN38J0wSWHQTumble dry (normal, no heat)
IYq odMSSbbmg2toIhwphrIX6s8 ceOOWh 9cE1x3sVlag0mz3NATzMz9KVbV4pnfH04mp ysUahAgjzwct6ixu3tfzySbR325WU EFJdxxukH4whxiGC5WsTVcoYZNCdkWBiEetHABD4AUnxGzW d4Tumble dry (permanent press)
npkjQxro1G6RxpTMudvYo0qDDza3cbWdEqPZHIoljfktQSTJGRySpAHwDz4FJFuk9o3jDet QDb5O6q9r3QANiyOwfIRtAfvucNouWMDg1S mVXONUi4OCTfG93y VcPHC Peu5GTAuBR GRqz5dH 8Tumble dry (gentle)
TaC5DurF s1wheRC7fvsybpFvvlAPaKWHU3aQmRlLK 1UOA9k7ihcOSfDgmbf 0b9Df1JWrSJJ LY0J34NS9tr2UcHCu8DpZDNo7TTFWv8Mg2sTlgBXnzUaFenfeVCSDyYiZA GlRXm m 4LNIWpCQDo not tumble dry
pdk560ZJ25xT7hrBf6 XyM9bO0ydneD4GLxjHgl6Qvk O90n66j dsdgjguF880mb9VH3naL9UdwvUDc47O3uyTAlHuv80I13TYAngPl1ufe4yj5ucVZI2VqeVcYRgMyztfV6 eB1VchPftjYyvIEe4Do not dry
Drying Care Label

Ironing Symbol:

SymbolMeaning of Symbols
l1s67OHxf9lNDz3IKvNatMCT AC90codXUMGTbbAzASGJlQbu5YJRjjERS5RdX1kSQx18FbUkc6DK3gcZPPc9L 5G86HiSPlJ6XslAsUx3KSyAkkKn30MJDIApdxl7sMGm QfSdz WOFt6vcDjee06cIron in any temperature
wGIU0w2S44wzuW4A d996 z3G6bhDNE8M Z616mX1w0MKVAhxj9gXPpkzAEeFsu9EzFS1cjGvnJsPxahq YwCf3HFtuyTP6rizR9ICGl3wTWZWh4 ch59CpU693r0pWbm33wK0Lnrqy Ua11YIh v4gIron (low) Regular ironing, steam or dry, is performed at (110°C, 230°F)
iGdAs2SaBU5ZBKUgkfoSEpne9jAdmP8R9qf94 k5TBpjozYV2 aoZx2J7M4uO Ov01TIrnqrsrHTsfX 6ZlCopI1AKimfOlh22XGEb6X1qtosjLu2XM6f 3wyYr55ikO99au2SLjYovo8W6Fybf2ueMIron (medium)Regular ironing, steam or dry, is performed at (150°C, 300°F).
gFnFW6syo7 K5e9C5Dy eMbvgeL6MNyaf8ppb0yWFA9rcPmm7g8XhrpjgyAhnF1Z64Pv8fNdSYRVDsBf4pFC7kOr7GBNSR04L YTgLjuDkNPQVJ52gz8CV52TIron (high)Regular ironing, steam or dry, is performed at (200°C, 390°F).
cj2Ge7cR37X71fooYljtbNgau7WwWjAGvht1NC9MsQHbYjKNlyo4SuNk uJKSL4G6xpPbvISmTYqE6QAJqnTx0aCaQ6BoTsczPKZaCMlRvdCNpi3gPwYDjoZCSMs3TDnkjyoc 228DHNWbVmJyQ 3C4Do not steamSteam ironing will harm garment, 
gJN3KO8anJ5EL2V0C9kosNOgnh97 F4PnZWkAP0N4F7KKMGqVU2YPyyzs2W1VvE r oG4EqSyCWBZe5EfNhmXsarWzUXTqAHcUY7JVBdBAk5LMdDo not iron
Ironing Care Label

Dry Cleaning Symbol:

SymbolMeaning of Symbols
CLphI dDFGzva1lFbYf5BHC3H5Jip5PmXdPA92z3DpHRpRJoXkKymPxcJyrgri0DOO 0yKaTvak1cjFlhm3Ut1sXyTgRtjkDry clean
EBtR3vjFQTQD BnilFJBJkHZdDPdhPPHiTqMMKSaKIY8ReGcnVIFPnvGJc3zfY3REjIQLIyLnKpTr7VasNv3oAcpFWMrQF24ICM5J0KpUW5wPWfwQiE1933CErDXoOZ6akBQHE1zweeOXYVXm1IVa3sDry clean (any solvent)
ifP3TutHUcT L7pvUdwxYfxqCmj8brU28C8ukwykOarn3m s tcDdB QUHa73FFBnZbjNb hz7FdWWgMNqrJAZy8xHB7wOef2XkNdXWfC3UtJ0 cRWNVW7c61KhQXZ0aXHcQABd dNGJplsE8UvanIDry clean (except trichloroethylene)
17a4XGzfhuI k l5YGCYaRvCPkLYxuoIrVmzfxrL3ZMACPPjrmxtNCzrD7mO1RrzV6IjFeDSWGyqU37pJ3v1lAQTimHO Z oaMxid6Oqo7YfxAoDenRKrufo07qRffe3HyX7bk4gVyGb z0QqCKjd9gDry clean (petroleum solvent )
kcqJN0VwmGG mSYXtaoz92BWWSiNairiM77ZOilNk1hzZjykmu49DlIlSZMhSYsODMEnu9gAjmlUSIx01il2Auh yr2MLxr BBsgUrafr72vOwVtoZdK5jLCkOd6Kon6pHrZNCtUjS1nFLYVSqOAqs4Dry clean (reduced moisture)
Dry clean (short cycle)
bwQJHEnbz yLlOANL2Z8lpxOlC2auMGkdnJSYxdFUvJj5acnEJG0RlthyKHXWprwaLK3iy4oHsymIdh7nFUE2pyQ1 LjXk9h0ve QwpqlFUznpXFmLmDo20P4FQ 1cq6Ind8qQFkXz9cDF2hOaGbzKwDry clean (no steam)
DmDry clean (low heat)
9rC3hR4zr9HlpEnjV0m4hePQUcy3FVh0pW QEglXRcoxMO44am4xcsXsyM6 nmOChJXfhmo9eIU95xN7R7I9jNP8c52A5anQgQJoOAlApvPhxdFWruHkbXEJ3MmLA52NpPTnwiCNM3SMaMP9iGe TwDo not dry clean
Dry Clean Care Label

Motif in the garment industry

A motif is a decorative figure that helps garments enhance the main theme while increasing attraction and making the garment more fashionable. Usually, motifs contain the company or brand name, trademark, etc. The pattern, design, etc. of a dress depends on the required theme. Motifs help reflect images or forms that gradually hold the theme.

Motif in the garment industry
Image of motif

A pattern or design can create a blend of the identity or characteristics of a cloth. Often, motifs are considered repeated designs. It holds significant value by caring for the main point of design on the garment. Nowadays, embroidery and printing techniques have been used to set up a motif.

Types of Motif:

Fashion designers frequently use new motifs. There are so many concepts to make motifs, such as nature, architecture, geometric designs, and so on. Some motifs are:

Types of Motif
Different Types of Motif
  • A plant motif
  • The floral theme (flower)
  • A traditional motif
  • There are many more geometric motifs.

The key difference between label and motif used on a garment is:

FeatureLabelMotif 
PurposeProvides functional informationAdds visual decoration
LocationTypically on the inside seam or care instructions areaOn the outside of the garment
Information ConveyedSize, care instructions, fiber content, brand logo (sometimes)Patterns, designs, logos (sometimes), graphics
RegulationMay be required by law (care instructions)Not regulated
MaterialFabric (woven, printed), paper, leather, plasticFabric (embroidery, print), thread, metal, leather
PermanenceMeant to stay attached to the garment throughout its lifeMay be seasonal or follow fashion trends
Label vs Motif | Difference between label and motif

Reference:

  1. Noor Ahmed Raaz. Textile Marchendising. Differences between Label and Motif. [Internet]. October 5, 2015. [cited 2024 April 12]. Available form: http://textilemerchandising.com/differences-between-label-and-motif/
  1. Jahanara Rony. Fashion2Apparel. Uses of Motifs in Textile and Fashion Design. [Internet]. December 23, 2021. [cited 2024 April 12]. Available form: https://fashion2apparel.com/uses-of-motifs-in-textile-and-fashion-design/
  2. Mazharul Islam Kiron. Textile Learner. International Care Labeling Code with Images. [Internet]. February 13, 2012. [cited 2024 April 12]. Available from: https://textilelearner.net/international-care-labeling-code/

About the Author

MD. ZUBAER JISAN

Jisan Zubaer is majoring in textile engineering at DWMTEC and exploring the fields of material science, wearable technology, nanomaterials, and smart textiles. a sustainability enthusiast who wants to combine the best aspects of engineering with sustainable fashion.Presently working as a content writer, Jisan's love of books and articles gives his diverse profile more nuance. As a project developer, he works to integrate sustainability and innovation into the future.

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