To source custom clothing labels from China effectively, define your label specs clearly, contact verified suppliers, test physical samples, and monitor quality control before scaling orders.
Whether you’re launching a new brand or upgrading product labels, China offers cost-efficient, fast-turnaround solutions across woven, printed, and heat-transfer labels.
Why Should You Source Clothing Labels from China?
China leads in label production thanks to its mature textile supply chain, fast prototyping, and wide material selection.
Key Advantages
- Competitive unit pricing—even at low volumes
- Label options: woven, printed, heat-transfer, TPU, leather, PVC
- Access to full-service suppliers (label + packaging + hang tag)
- Experienced in exporting and handling custom brand specs
🇨🇳 Major manufacturing hubs: Wenzhou (woven labels), Guangzhou (heat-transfer), Shenzhen (TPU/PVC), Yiwu (low-MOQ printing)
What Types of Clothing Labels Can You Choose?
The label you choose affects both brand perception and wash durability.
By Material
| Material | Features | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Polyester | Durable, color-stable | Woven or printed labels |
| Cotton | Soft, eco-feel | Organic brands, babywear |
| Satin | Glossy, luxury texture | High-end garments, lingerie |
| TPU | Transparent, stretchable | Activewear, seamless designs |
| PVC | Waterproof, embossed | Bags, jackets, outdoor gear |
By Process
| Process | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Woven | Logo/text woven into fabric | Premium branding |
| Printed | Ink or heat-pressed onto base | Budget-friendly detail |
| Heat-transfer | Label-free look fused to fabric | Activewear, minimalist tags |
🧵 Also consider: fold type (center, end fold), wash resistance, label stiffness.
How Do You Define Label Specifications?
Well-prepared specs speed up sampling and reduce misunderstandings.
Sample Label Spec Sheet
| Item | Example |
|---|---|
| Label Type | Woven satin |
| Size | 2.5 x 6.5 cm |
| Color | Pantone 426C (black), 100% white |
| Fold Type | End fold |
| Backing Option | Iron-on / Sew-on / Adhesive |
| Usage Location | Neckline / Side seam / Sleeve tag |
| Artwork File | AI/PDF vector with outlined text |
📂 Bonus Tip: Share clear mockups showing position on garment (flat sketch or product photo).
Where to Find Clothing Label Manufacturers in China?
Leverage multiple sourcing channels to find and compare suppliers.
Sourcing Platforms Overview
| Channel | Strengths | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Alibaba | Global reach, secure payments | Mix of traders & factories |
| Made-in-China | Industrial suppliers, direct quotes | Less intuitive UX |
| Global Sources | Export-focused, lower MOQs | Smaller database |
| Canton Fair | Touch & feel samples, relationship-building | Only 2x/year, travel needed |
| Referrals/Agents | Pre-vetted, language help | Added cost, trust needed |
🔍 For brand-level labels, prioritize verified factories that offer packaging coordination.
How Do You Contact & Evaluate Suppliers?
Go beyond price—look at response time, detail handling, and sample quality.
Factory Evaluation Steps
- Request full product catalog + client references
- Ask about ISO/BSCI certifications
- Request recent physical samples
- Check for label/packaging combo experience
- Optional: Virtual factory tour via video call
- Compare 3–5 suppliers using a scorecard
📊 Scoring Criteria: Communication, sampling accuracy, turnaround, pricing, export history.
What to Ask in Your Inquiry (RFQ)
The better your questions, the fewer the surprises.
Must-Ask Questions
| Question | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| MOQ per label type? | Defines feasibility for small brands |
| Sampling timeline & cost? | Avoids launch delays |
| Refundable sample policy? | Reduces development cost |
| Payment terms (deposit vs. balance)? | Plan cash flow |
| Wash-resistance guarantee? | Critical for consumer care instructions |
| Label QC process? | Prevents logo blur, fraying, fading |
🎯 Ask suppliers to provide pre-printed QC checklists—they likely already have one for bulk clients.
How to Approve Samples & Ensure Quality
Your “Golden Sample” is the blueprint for your final product.
Quality Approval Checklist
- ✅ Pantone color match
- ✅ No loose threads or fraying
- ✅ Clean fold edges (if applicable)
- ✅ Stitching or adhesive passes wash test
- ✅ No logo distortion
- ✅ Accurate sizing within tolerance (±1mm)
📦 Also confirm how they will pack: bulk roll, flat in bags, or individually labeled.
Production, Lead Time & Shipping Options
Keep production flowing with milestone updates and the right shipping method.
Label Production Workflow
- Approve artwork + Golden Sample
- Production (5–12 days typical)
- Mid-order photo check
- Final QC (internal or third-party)
- Shipping: Express (DHL) or Freight (for large orders)
| Shipping Mode | ETA | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| DHL/FedEx | 3–7 days | Urgent or small runs |
| Air Cargo | 7–15 days | Mid-size, cost-balance |
| Sea Freight | 25–45 days | Bulk orders >10,000 pcs |
Understanding Pricing & Payment Terms
Don’t just negotiate on price—balance speed, QC, and flexibility.
Sample Cost Structure
| Item | Example Unit Cost |
|---|---|
| Woven Label | $0.02–$0.05 |
| Satin Printed | $0.015–$0.03 |
| PVC/TPU Label | $0.05–$0.08 |
| Packaging | $0.01–$0.02 (per polybag) |
💰 Payment Methods:
- 30% deposit, 70% balance before shipping (standard)
- PayPal for sample orders (5–7% surcharge)
- Alibaba Trade Assurance for safe escrow-based orders
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding these can save time, money—and your brand image.
Frequent Pitfalls
- Using JPG instead of vector files (AI/PDF)
- Not testing wash durability
- Ignoring fold-line accuracy
- Relying only on digital sample approval
- Omitting sewing instructions with samples
- No agreed spec sheet or final sample record
🚫 Rushing production without QC almost always results in defects—slow is smooth, smooth is fast.
Conclusion
Sourcing clothing labels in China is straightforward—with the right specs, supplier selection, and sampling discipline.