March 22nd, 2011
I took interest in origami out of the desire to impress a lady friend. I struggled with the basics and soon found myself amongst piles of crumpled but very beautiful square paper and none of the origami flowers I was after. As my struggles turned into folded masterpieces (thanks YouTube!) I developed an appreciation for how meaningful a fold can be. While not nearly as complex as a fold in origami, specifying the type of fold for a woven label can help give information while adding some style. 
Straight cut labels are probably the most ordered of clothing labels. With no folds they can be sewn on the top, left and right sides or all four sides no matter the size of the label. Straight cut labels are like the paper you use for origami – simple and beautiful.
A Die Cut label can have any number of shapes as specified and like the straight cut, it has no folds. Die Cut labels give the designer some added flexibility in their branding as the shape of the label is infinite. Is your dachshund the logo of your brand? We can make a die cut label celebrating his exquisite physique.
Center Fold labels are folded in the middle and can be applied to a sleeve or hem. I believe this is known as a ‘mountain fold’ in the origami world.
Loop Fold labels are also very common. Like the center fold labels, loop fold labels essentially halve the label in the center and are usually sewn into a seam. Because Center and Loop fold labels are dual sided, you can get fancy placing a message on both the front and the back of the label. Some choose to have the clothing care guidelines on the back side with the company name and logo displayed on the front. Loop fold labels are the valley fold of origami folds.
End fold Labels are usually horizontal with folds to the right and the left of the label. The resulting ‘flaps’ left behind are used to sew the label to the garment. A woven label using an end fold is often softer as there is no edge left from sewing.
The ends of a Mitre fold label are folded under and up creating tabs to be sewn into the garment leaving a classy finish. Mitre folds are most like pleat folds in origami.
What is the best fold for your woven label? Give New York Custom Labels a call. We’ve produced millions of garment labels and have the knowledge to help you maximize the use and feel of your woven clothing label.
Tags: center fold, clothing labels, clothing tags, die cut, end fold, fabric labels, fashion labels, fashion photography, garment labels, label folds, labels, labels for clothing, loop fold, miter fold, straight cut, Woven Labels
Posted in Branding, Design, Fashion Industry, Uncategorized, Woven Labels | 1 Comment »
December 9th, 2010
A lot of artistry and work goes into making those labels seen everyday sewn into clothes.
First, a design file or idea is submitted to the label company artist who uses computer software to make sure the label’s design matches the size and fold specifications needed for the type of label required
. The artist will also inspect the design details to be sure every aspect of the design and lettering will stitch properly. Finally, they will save the file at the proper resolution and send it for manufacturing.
Next, the label manufacturer loads the proper threads and calibrates the loom to the exact specifications for creating the client’s label design. Once the labels are woven, they have to be cut, folded and packed for shipping to the client.
Labels may look small and simple, but they require many people performing their jobs with precision and care to create professional-looking labels for clothing and apparel.
Tags: clothing labels, clothing tags, fabric labels, Woven Labels
Posted in Branding, Fashion Industry, Woven Labels | 6 Comments »
October 8th, 2010
A friend forwarded this helpful link on determining color harmony in design. Color Harmony is said to be achieved when two or more colors combine to form a pattern that is pleasing to the eye. Color harmony is an integral part of the designing process and should carry over from the product or garment to the label or tag design.
An earlier post on this blog brought up the Psychology of Color and how color choices can effect the consumer. This is a follow up to that earlier post. There may be cases where disharmony is used intentionally to evoke a certain emotional feeling. Whether a designer seeks harmony or disharmony in their color choices, the principles of color should be understood and carefully considered in any design project.
Tags: clothing designer, clothing labels, clothing tags, company branding, custom labels, Design, fabric labels, fashion design, fashion labels, fashion marketing, hang tags, labels, the fashion industry, Woven Labels, woven tags
Posted in Branding, Design | 5 Comments »
September 29th, 2010
If you are planning on starting a new clothing or accessory line, you’re going to need to design a logo to display on labels, tags, bags, business cards, and other merchandise. Here are a few quick tips to take to heart when designing your logo.
1. Test the logo out in a number of sizes. Your logo will need to be versatile. It can be printed larger on a bag or a hang tag than a label, so make sure it looks good in all sizes. Some designs lose clarity after being reduced below certain sizes.
2. Try to achieve balance. All of the logos above share one thing in common – balance. If your logo is not balanced it will not look right. It doesn’t have to be square, but make sure it’s not too wide or narrow, even the most creative logos have some form of uniformity in the design.
3. Your logo has to stand out, but it also needs to accurately represent your company. Think of your logo as if it were a person. What type of personality would it have? Would you hire it to work for you? If this concept is too abstract then just make sure the design you choose is one you can live with for the long haul. Don’t make an impulse decision. It is a sad thing when a designer pays to have their logo printed on everything and then decides they hate the design.
4. Resist the temptation to make your logo look like an iconic brand. (ex. Coca Cola lettering, Nike-esque swooshes) Besides being on the fast track to a lawsuit, this idea is tired and cliche. If you can’t be original, consider hiring a designer instead of trying to do it yourself.
5. Logos are all about visual presentation. It’s fine if the “vines” in your logo represent your “growth” as an artist, but only keep that metaphorical element if it also increases the attractiveness of the design. Customers aren’t really interested in a symbol that tells your life story, they are drawn to logos that look good.
Finally, save your logo as a vector file so it’s easy to duplicate on a variety of mediums and start marketing yourself all over town.
If you have a logo and need it produced on labels and hang tags, or for more logo design advice, visit New York Custom Labels
Tags: advertising, Branding, clothing labels, clothing tags, company branding, custom labels, fabric labels, fashion design, fashion marketing, hang tags, hangtags, labels, labels for clothing, logo, logo design, the fashion industry, Woven Labels, woven tags
Posted in Branding, Fashion Industry | 4 Comments »
September 20th, 2010
From Gap and Banana Republic to Ralph Lauren and Burberry, the color blue is everywhere when it comes to popular clothing labels. An understanding of color psychology can help explain why. In worldwide surveys, the most popular answer to the question “What’s your favorite color?” is blue. This may be due to the fact that blue is the color we see when we look at a clear sky or spend time near the ocean. In that regard, we are literally surrounded by blue.
Studies have shown that certain shades of blue actually cause a calming effect on the brain. When customers are relaxed and calm, they are more likely to feel confident about making a purchase. In contrast, labels dominant in red and orange can get people very excited. This could be a positive or negative response depending on the environment and someone’s past experiences, so maybe designers just think blue is a safer bet.
How important is color when designing a clothing label or hang tag? Well, color is the first thing a customer notices, long before they read your brand name or sizing information. So if you are launching a new line, consider your colors carefully and ask yourself “do I feel blue?”
Tags: accessory designer, advertising, clothing designer, clothing labels, clothing tags, company branding, custom labels, fabric labels, fashion design, fashion labels, fashion marketing, labels, labels for clothing, new york custom labels, the fashion industry, Woven Labels, woven tags
Posted in Fashion Industry, Woven Labels | 3 Comments »
September 9th, 2010
Sharing and distributing business cards is not only necessary for promoting your business, it can be a fun way to display the personality of your company. If your company or brand does things a little differently than your competitors, you might want to consider handing out a Woven Business Card.
Woven business cards come in traditional business card sizes and can have up to four colors of background and text. The difference is a softer, flexible card with a smooth texture that “feels” significant in a person’s hand. I guarantee you that a person is less likely to throw away a card made of woven fabric vs. a paper card. Also, woven cards can go through the washing machine without being destroyed-so if your potential customer leaves your card in their back pocket, your important contact info won’t be washed away.
There are many attractive fonts and styles available in woven business cards and a pack of 500 will run you less than $150 bucks. Businesses have to get more and more creative to stay ahead. See if a woven business card might help your company get more referrals.
Tags: advertising, business cards, company branding, fabric labels, fashion marketing, labels, the fashion industry, woven business cards
Posted in Fashion Industry, Woven Labels | No Comments »
September 2nd, 2010
If you are a fashion designer, designing a unique hang tag for your product offers another opportunity to grab a shopper’s eye and turn them on to your brand.
Hang Tags can be made out of cardstock or damask, and can be woven or embroidered. Full color Hang Tags that make good use of professional photography work best.
Do you have a picture of an attractive model interacting with your product or wearing your design? Put it on your hangtag.
Always include your brand’s logo and any information that sets your brand apart from your competitors.
Have your finished Hang Tag design printed on both sides, since these tags can shift when hanging from a rack.
If you take the time to design a knockout hang tag, it can only enhance your potential for big sales.
Visit NYC Labels-Hang Tags for more information on how you can design and order your own Hang Tags today.
Tags: clothing labels, clothing tags, company branding, custom labels, fashion design, hang tags, labels, labels for clothing, new york custom labels, the fashion industry, Woven Labels, woven tags
Posted in Fashion Industry, hang tags | 3 Comments »
August 19th, 2010
Who Knows What To Wear On The First Day of School?
Students use various ways to express themselves. Some use words and slang, while others use symbols and icons in the world of fashion to tell the world who they are and what they want to say. When a person puts on clothes for the day, it is like they are declaring to the world their attitude for the day. This is why it is so important for clothing designers to observe the back-to-school fashion preferences of people. The back to school fashion market is one that every designer who makes clothes for school-age people should capitalize on.
There are those students who wear practically the same thing every day, but if they are going to attempt to reinvent their image, the end of summer early fall, when students return to school is the likely time that this makeover will take place. Designers should offer not only deep discounts around this time, but position their clothing brand as a step towards personal growth and a new self-image. This message can be reflected in everything from social media conversations to print advertising.
The back to school fashion market is not only about new clothes, it is about helping a person declare to the world that he or she is a new person, changed for the better, and willing to tackle the world and a new year head on. Take a look through current “Back To School” print ads from major department schools. Some deliver this message effectively, while others completely miss what the back to school fashion phenomenon is about.
There are students whose back to school fashion is based on what a certain group is wearing. Use social media, such as facebook and twitter to create a community around your new styles. Show groups of students dressed in your styles, rather than individuals. Early College and Highschool students are most influenced by the “tribe” mentality of advertising. In other words, you need to sell them on the fact that your clothing is what all the “cool” (meaning socially accepted) kids are wearing.
If you haven’t put together a back to school marketing strategy for your brand, it’s not too late. Get your message and clothing out there and let students know you can help them make this the best year ever.
For the most professional woven labels, care labels, and hang tags for your brand visit: NewYorkCustomLabels
Tags: "Back to School Fashion", clothing designer, clothing tags, company branding, custom labels, fashion design, fashion labels, fashion marketing, fashion photography, labels for backpacks, labels for clothing, new york custom labels, Woven Labels
Posted in Fashion Industry | 2 Comments »
July 12th, 2010
fashion designer look book
Look Books have been around for years but have recently become trendy again as a way to get noticed in the competitive fashion industry. The type of look book I’m referring to is the one that uses photos of real–yet attractive people, wearing your apparel or using your accessories in an informal “seen on the street” type setting. Even for designers who have a portfolio, an online look book can be an added promotion tool. Look books display your brand from the perspective of the buyer. It allows them to get an idea how they would look in your clothes running errands around town on a normal day. It gives clues into the demographic your brand is trying to reach and can give you an opportunity to show off your brand’s personality as well. Here are some quick Look Book tips:
1. Take around ten to twelve pictures to start (if you’re not good at taking pictures yourself, make friends with a photographer and agree to swap your products for shots, make sure you get pictures from different angels that show off your best designs in a variety of “on the town” locations. Take your pictures in the early morning or late afternoon (when the sun is not directly overhead) to avoid harsh shadows on clothing and faces.
2. It’s okay to use your friends as models to start, but choose people who fit not only your brand’s image, but the actual clothes as well (if you are a clothing designer). Also, celebrate diversity with your model selections. It’s great to see how your product looks against different skin tones and unique facial features.
3. Don’t just make it about the clothes. Include some interesting facts in the captions of your photos, for example, the model’s name or age and occupation, and the exact location and maybe even time of day the “look” was captured. Local businesses may be interested in trading products or services for a mention in your look book.
4. Consider the pros and cons of hosting your look book directly on your website or through a blog platform like WordPress, Blogger, or Tumblr. If you plan on updating your look book frequently I would suggest the blog format with a direct link to your website or online store.
5. Promote your look book by posting a link on twitter or facebook every time you add a new look. Include the link in your email signature and make it available as a PDF download to newsletter subscribers. This can be a great tool to keep you fresh in the mind of retail store owners.
For the finest woven labels and clothing tags in the industry, at the lowest prices visit: NYC-L
Tags: accessory designer, clothing designer, clothing labels, clothing tags, fashion design, fashion marketing, fashion photography, handbag designer, look book, Woven Labels
Posted in Fashion Industry | 5 Comments »
June 1st, 2010
With an influx of fresh new designers making statements in the fashion industry, this will be a landmark year for clothing label innovation. The continued growth of eco-friendly labels will ensure that materials such as bamboo and organic cotton will continue to rise in demand.
Synthetics that look and feel like genuine leather and suede will be popular options for brands that want the appearance and durability of these materials without the social criticism.
Three-dimensional and textured labels will continue to be popular. These labels use materials such as silicone or PVC that get injected into a mold to create a raised logo that jumps out from its background for a tactile and visually appealing design.
Laser cutting technology has made more intricately shaped labels or hang tags possible, expect to see less standard-sized labels in the marketplace as a result.
Labels that use a mix of materials like fabric, brushed metals, leather, and wood blended into a single design, as well as, labels that juxtapose modern materials with vintage lettering to create a fusion of styles reflects today’s modern brands.
Laser cutting technology has made more intricately shaped labels or hang tags possible, expect to see less standard-sized labels in the marketplace as a result.
With new processes and available materials invading the label industry on an almost monthly basis, these are only a few of the exciting elements we should see hitting the shelves and racks this year.
For the latest label designs at the lowest prices guaranteed, visit: NYC-Labels
Vineyard Sailbags Woven Label
Tags: clothing labels, clothing tags, fabric labels, Woven Labels
Posted in Fashion Industry, Woven Labels | 3 Comments »
