Inside Label

The inside label is the tag on the interior of a garment, usually near the collar, where branding, care instructions, and size information are placed.
In custom garment printing, inside labels can be standard manufacturer tags or customised to reflect a brand’s identity. Many Australian businesses producing retail merchandise or private-label apparel choose to replace or customise inside labels to create a cohesive, professional finish.
Inside labels play both a functional and branding role, particularly in retail and promotional apparel.

Types of Inside Labels

Woven Labels

Woven inside labels are stitched into the garment and are commonly used in retail clothing. They provide durability and a premium look.

Printed Neck Labels

Printed inside labels, often called “tagless” labels, are screen printed or heat transferred directly onto the inner neckline. This method removes the need for a stitched tag and improves comfort.

Tear-Away Labels

Some blank garments come with tear-away manufacturer labels. These allow printers to remove the original tag and apply a custom inside label in its place.

Why Inside Labels Matter in Custom Apparel

Brand Identity

For retail clothing brands and merchandise lines in Australia, a custom inside label reinforces brand ownership. It transforms a blank garment into a fully branded product.

Professional Presentation

A customised inside label gives garments a polished, retail-ready appearance. This is especially important for fashion labels, gyms, music artists, and promotional campaigns selling apparel.

Compliance and Information

Australian consumer regulations require certain garments to display fibre content and care instructions. Inside labels help ensure compliance while maintaining brand consistency.

Inside Label Printing Methods

Screen Printed Neck Labels

This method involves printing size, brand name, and care information directly onto the inside back collar using soft inks. It creates a smooth finish with no irritation from stitched tags.

Heat Transfer Labels

Digital transfers can also be applied to the inside neckline. This method allows for detailed logos and multi-colour branding.

Sewn Custom Labels

Woven labels are stitched into the neckline during garment finishing. This approach is common for premium or fashion-oriented products.

Benefits for Australian Businesses

Custom inside labels support several business objectives.

They strengthen brand perception, especially for businesses launching private-label apparel or expanding into retail merchandise.

They enhance comfort by removing scratchy manufacturer tags, improving the wearer’s experience.

They also create consistency across product lines, helping establish a recognisable and professional identity.

For corporate clients producing event merchandise or long-term promotional apparel, custom inside labels elevate the overall garment presentation.

Practical Considerations

Minimum Order Quantities

Custom woven labels often require minimum production quantities. Planning ahead ensures cost efficiency.

Garment Selection

Not all garments are suitable for relabelling. Tear-away or blank-label garments are typically preferred when creating private-label apparel.

Placement Accuracy

Printed inside labels must be positioned correctly to avoid visible show-through on lightweight fabrics.

Wash Durability

Neck label prints must be cured properly to withstand repeated washing without fading or cracking.

Common Applications

Inside labels are widely used in:

Retail and streetwear brands
Gym and fitness merchandise
Music and event apparel
Corporate promotional clothing
Private-label business uniforms

They are less critical for temporary event shirts but highly valuable for garments intended for resale.

Inside Labels in Professional Garment Printing

Inside labels are a small detail with significant impact. They complete the garment by reinforcing brand ownership, ensuring compliance, and enhancing comfort.

For Australian businesses developing custom apparel beyond basic promotional use, investing in professional inside labelling supports long-term brand credibility and product quality. When integrated into a structured production process, inside labels help transform standard printed garments into fully branded, retail-ready apparel.