Why is a shirt label so important in the apparel industry?
Clothing plays a big part in how we look and how we feel. The right outfit has the power to make us feel uplifted and unstoppable. In 2023, the global apparel market achieved a worth of $652.94 billion.
Many elements go into making the clothing we love, like the thread colors, designs, and even the clothing labels. The humble shirt label has a lot to offer the apparel industry. Apparel and labeling go hand-in-hand for clothing brands big and small.
To learn more about the important benefits and uses of woven labels in the apparel industry, keep reading below for further insights.
Allows for brand identification
Nike, Adidas, and Levi's are some of the top apparel brands in the U.S. as well as globally. Often the first thing a person does when shopping is to look at clothing labels. A shirt label can help consumers identify a brand much easier.
The label serves as a visual cue, allowing customers to associate a particular shirt with a specific brand quickly. Consistent branding on labels builds brand recognition over time. This also helps build brand loyalty.
In the U.S., as much as 80% of shoppers are loyal to one brand. When consumers look at clothing labels and see a brand name they are familiar with and loyal to, it allows them to make informed purchasing decisions.
Provides consumer information
Aside from brand identification, a shirt label is also an important part of informing consumers. They look to clothing labels to provide them with valuable information such as the size, fabric content, and care instructions.
This information not only tells the consumer about the fit, size, or style of their shirt but also how to properly care for it. A well-informed consumer is a happy one.
Consumers don't want to spend their hard-earned money on a piece of clothing only to have it fall apart or get damaged from improper care. Using labels is a vital part of the apparel industry to prolong the life of the product and boost customer satisfaction.
Offers quality assurance
Using a shirt label allows you to build up a rapport with consumers. By verifying elements like fabric content, fit, and care instructions you're establishing the quality of your products.
Consumers will come to see your brand as one that offers consistent quality. For example, if your clothing brand utilizes high-quality cotton, your label will make mention of this. This can help your products stand out from the competition.
Apparel labeling allows you to attract discerning customers looking for reliable and trustworthy clothing options. Quality assurance through proper labeling can also lead to word-of-mouth referrals by customers who recommend your products to their friends, family, and co-workers.
Ensures regulatory compliance
Regulatory compliance is an essential aspect of the apparel industry. A shirt label serves the all-important purpose of helping clothing brands meet specific criteria for compliance. These regulations in apparel and labeling requirements will vary from region to region and specific industries like childrenswear.
In addition to fiber content, sizing, and care instructions, a shirt label may also list:
- Country of Origin
- Flammability Standards
- Allergen Information
- Ethical and Sustainable Material Use
- Chemical and Restricted Substances
Addressing these different aspects allows clothing brands to maintain and uphold certain regulatory manufacturing and labeling requirements. It also helps brands cater to consumers who are focused on only buying quality products that meet their high standards as well.
Assures legal compliance
Regulatory compliance relates to laws, guidelines, and rules within a particular industry or geographical region. However, legal compliance is equally as important. A clothing brand that does not adhere to proper regulatory compliance could be subjected to legal action.
Legal action could also occur as a result of injury or harm to the consumer. A label must stipulate the use of any chemicals or restricted substances that could potentially impact the brand's liability. Not meeting specific label requirements could be cause for legal action.
For instance, a shirt label that does not accurately convey safety information about flammability standards could result in a lawsuit. This is especially true if a consumer wearing it sustains any serious burns from the fabric catching fire.
Enables open transparency practices
Trust is vital with your customer base, especially when you consider that 66% of consumers consider transparency to be the most important quality in a brand. Your shirt label can help you bridge this connection of trust between a brand and its consumers. One way to do this is by offering a clear view of what the product is made of or how it's produced.
To further enhance transparency and traceability, some designers include scannable QR codes. These codes allow consumers to trace the origins of the product within the supply chain. They can view the origins of the materials to help ensure the most ethical sourcing.
Acts as portable marketing tools
So much is put into the branding elements on the outside of the shirt, when in reality, you've already got a great branding method inside the shirt. Clothing labels are small but mighty marketing tools.
Like the clothing itself, labels can also serve to display the brand's logo, tagline, or website address. A shirt label can communicate the brand's values and identity to the consumer. This serves as a constant reminder of brand recognition every time they put it on.
Facilitates market differentiation
In the apparel industry, there are potentially thousands of fashion brands out there. In a sea of different clothing brand options, it's important to do whatever you can to make your brand stand out.
Even a small detail like a shirt label can help your brand attract attention. High-quality woven labels can add to the overall aesthetic of the shirt. The feel and look of these labels enhance the shirt's style and show added attention to detail.
Consumers who are looking for a distinctive visual appeal will be more attracted to your brand. A high-quality shirt label is integral to helping to set your brand apart from the competition.
Verifies product authenticity
The apparel industry is often the victim of fraudulent activity. Phony manufacturers steal clothing designs from reputable companies and proceed to churn out wave after wave of cheap knockoffs marketed like the real thing.
Counterfeit products flood the market and undermine consumer trust. They also pose significant quality and safety risks for consumers and legitimate brands. This can sully the integrity of the overall purchasing experience.
Using clothing labels can help combat counterfeit products. An authentic shirt label may contain unique features or imagery. Some brands utilize holographic stickers or embossed logos to verify product legitimacy.
Doing this can make it easier for customers to verify the legitimacy of the product. As a result, you're also protecting the brand's reputation.
Contributes to perceived product value
High-quality and well-designed clothing labels don't just look good; they can also elevate the value of your clothing as well. Consumers are more likely to pay more for a piece of clothing if they feel it is worth the price. This means finding ways to make your apparel look its best.
Utilizing elements like a quality shirt label shows a commitment to quality. It also helps suggest superior craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Consumers will scrutinize every element of apparel to justify spending the retail price for it. So, even something as minor as a shirt label can have a big impact on influencing customer perceptions.
Adds to brand storytelling
Your brand's story is a prime way to connect with your customer base. By sharing your story with your customers, you endear your brand to them in the process. That's why some brands will take the opportunity to share their brand's story with consumers in whatever way possible, like through a shirt label.
Use your clothes labels to share key details of your brand's story with customers. Focus on areas like:
- Your brand's unique story
- The heritage behind your brand
- Your shirt's craftsmanship
- Your brand's values
- The inspiration for a particular collection
Whatever part of your brand storytelling you decide to include on your shirt label, make sure it's authentic and true to your brand identity.
Enhances the customer experience
Shopping for and wearing clothing is a multi-faceted experience. The fit, the fabric feel, and the look of the shirt all play an important role in the total customer experience.
Customers will have a tangible reminder of your brand that will help them foster a positive interaction. The tactile feel of the quality shirt label also adds to their impression.
Giving consumers a positive experience through quality clothing labels is crucial to the apparel industry. The label serves to improve post-purchase satisfaction and build brand recognition.
Elevate your brand with a custom shirt label from HiLabels today
A shirt label might seem like a small feature, but it has the potential to do big things for your brand. Custom woven labels are a great way to meet label requirements while also upping your brand's appeal.
HiLabels has over 27 years of experience in the apparel industry to serve you. We are a family-owned business specializing in custom labels, ribbons, zipper pulls, care labels, and patches. We serve businesses of all sizes, from small startups to larger well-known fashion brands.
Whether you need 10 or 10,000 clothing labels, contact us today and say "Hi!" to quality woven labels from HiLabels.
