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.
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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.
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:
- Main Label.
- Sub Label.
Sub-labels used in garments:
- Size Label
- Care Label
- Price Label
- Flag Label
- Composition Label
Besides this, there are a few labels that differ according to the method of attachment to the clothing:
- Woven Label
- Heat Transfer Label
- Printed Label
- Metal Label
- Leather Label
- 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.
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:
| Symbol | Care Instructions | Meaning behind the symbol |
 | Normal Machine Wash | Garments can be washed using hot water, detergent, agitation, and any machine designed for garments washing. |
 | Machine Wash (cold) | Maximum temperature 30°C or 85°FRinsing normal |
 | Machine Wash (warm) | Maximum temperature: 100°F/40°C.Normal Rinsingspinning as usual |
 | Machine Wash (hot) | Maximum temperature: 120°F/50°C.Normal Rinsingspinning as usual |
 | Machine Wash (hot) | Maximum temperature: 140°F/60°C.Normal Rinsingspinning as usual |
 | Machine Wash (hot) | Maximum temperature: 160°F/70°C.Normal Rinsingspinning as usual |
 | Machine Wash (hot) | Max. temperature: 200°F, or 95°C.Normal Rinsingspinning as regular |
 | Machine 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. |
 | Machine Wash (gentle press) | Garment is machine washed only on the setting can be used as gentle agitation and less time for delicate items. |
 | Hand Wash | Garment is washed by the flow of water, detergent and hand manipulation. |
 | Do not wash | Garment can’t be safely washed. Dry cleaning is applied. |
Bleaching Symbol:
| Symbol | Care Instructions |
 | Bleaching is allowed |
 | Only chlorine bleaching is applicable |
 | Only non-chlorine bleaching is applicable |
 | No Bleaching is applicable |
Drying Symbol:
| Symbol | Care Instruction |
 | Tumble dry (regular) |
 | Tumble dry (regular, low heat) |
 | Tumble dry (normal, medium heat) |
 | Tumble dry (normal, high heat) |
 | Tumble dry (normal, no heat) |
 | Tumble dry (permanent press) |
 | Tumble dry (gentle) |
 | Do not tumble dry |
 | Do not dry |
Ironing Symbol:
| Symbol | Meaning of Symbols |
 | Iron in any temperature |
 | Iron (low) Regular ironing, steam or dry, is performed at (110°C, 230°F) |
 | Iron (medium)Regular ironing, steam or dry, is performed at (150°C, 300°F). |
 | Iron (high)Regular ironing, steam or dry, is performed at (200°C, 390°F). |
 | Do not steamSteam ironing will harm garment, |
 | Do not iron |
Dry Cleaning Symbol:
| Symbol | Meaning of Symbols |
 | Dry clean |
 | Dry clean (any solvent) |
 | Dry clean (except trichloroethylene) |
 | Dry clean (petroleum solvent ) |
 | Dry clean (reduced moisture) |
 | Dry clean (short cycle) |
 | Dry clean (no steam) |
 | Dry clean (low heat) |
 | Do not dry clean |
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.
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:
- 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:
| Feature | Label | Motif |
| Purpose | Provides functional information | Adds visual decoration |
| Location | Typically on the inside seam or care instructions area | On the outside of the garment |
| Information Conveyed | Size, care instructions, fiber content, brand logo (sometimes) | Patterns, designs, logos (sometimes), graphics |
| Regulation | May be required by law (care instructions) | Not regulated |
| Material | Fabric (woven, printed), paper, leather, plastic | Fabric (embroidery, print), thread, metal, leather |
| Permanence | Meant to stay attached to the garment throughout its life | May be seasonal or follow fashion trends |
Reference:
- 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/
- 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/
- 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/
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.
