A Guide to Cotton Labels

Cotton labels offer a natural, tactile, and sustainable alternative to synthetic label materials. Whether you're creating a product that prioritizes comfort, sustainability, or artisanal style, cotton labels can help communicate your brand values from the inside out. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about cotton labels—from how they're made to where and why they’re used.

What are cotton labels?

Cotton labels are fabric tags made from cotton fibers, often chosen for their soft texture, organic appeal, and environmental friendliness. Compared to satin or polyester labels, which have a smooth and often glossy appearance, cotton labels feel natural and matte, making them ideal for products that embrace a handmade or eco-conscious aesthetic.

There are two main types of cotton used in label production:

• Conventional cotton: Widely available and more affordable, but may involve pesticide-heavy farming.
• Organic cotton: Grown without harmful chemicals and often certified by standards like GOTS or OEKO-TEX®, making it the preferred option for sustainable brands.

Manufacturing typically involves weaving or sourcing cotton fabric, printing or stamping the design, then cutting and finishing the label with techniques to reduce fraying or improve durability.

Uses of cotton labels

Cotton labels are incredibly versatile and are used across a wide range of products, especially those focused on comfort, natural materials, or sustainability.

Common applications include:

• Clothing – Especially babywear, organic fashion, and luxury loungewear. A cotton clothing label is gentle on the skin and aligns with organic apparel.
• Accessories – Bags, scarves, and wallets often feature label cotton tags that enhance the artisanal or handmade feel.
• Eco-conscious products – Brands focused on reducing plastic use often choose cotton tags as a biodegradable alternative.
• Artisanal and handmade goods – Cotton labels contribute to the crafted, personal touch in handmade products.
• Home textiles – Towels, bedding, and linen goods benefit from soft and natural labeling materials.

How to make cotton labels

Designing and producing a custom cotton label can be done either professionally or as a DIY project, depending on your needs and production scale.

Design tools:

• Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop for advanced control
• Canva or similar online tools for accessible design work

Printing methods:

• Screen printing – Bold, long-lasting designs
• Heat transfer – Versatile and great for complex graphics
• Digital print – Best for full-color or photographic designs

Fabric selection:

• Organic or unbleached cotton for a raw, natural look
• Textured cotton for visual and tactile appeal

Finishing options:

• Fray-resistant treatments to extend durability
• Folding styles: straight cut, center fold, end fold, Manhattan fold

While DIY label printing is possible with the right tools, professional production ensures consistency, quality, and durability—especially important for commercial products.

Cotton label regulations

Cotton clothing labels, like all textile labels, must meet certain legal requirements—especially if you're selling products in regulated markets like the U.S. or EU.

Key labeling regulations

United States (FTC):

• Must include fiber content, country of origin, and manufacturer or dealer identity
• Care instructions are strongly recommended

European Union (Regulation EU 1007/2011):

• Requires clear fiber composition and prohibits misleading terms
• Care instructions follow national guidelines but are typically expected

Certifications for sustainability and quality:

• GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)
• OEKO-TEX® Standard 100
• Fair Trade Certified

Placement rules vary, but labels are usually sewn into necklines, side seams, or hems for visibility and compliance.

History of cotton labels

Cotton labels have a long history rooted in traditional textile production. Before synthetics became dominant, cotton was the standard for both garments and their labels. As industrialization introduced polyester and other synthetic materials, cotton fell out of favor—primarily due to cost and durability.

However, with the rise of sustainability and a return to natural materials, cotton labels are enjoying a resurgence. Modern eco-conscious brands increasingly turn to cotton for its low environmental impact and skin-friendly qualities.

Regulatory changes over the years have also influenced how cotton tags are labeled, printed, and positioned on products.

Cotton labels for clothing

When it comes to wearable items, cotton clothing labels offer both function and comfort. They’re especially valued for garments where synthetic tags may irritate the skin.

Benefits for clothing include:

• Softness: Gentle against the skin, especially for babies or sensitive individuals
• Breathability: Prevents moisture build-up
• Comfort: Cotton is flexible and sits naturally against fabric

Popular uses:

• Babywear and kids’ clothing
• Organic t-shirts and loungewear
• High-end and sustainable fashion collections

Customization options:

• Custom cotton label printing in black or colored ink
• Dyed base fabrics for unique looks
• External or visible tags for branding or storytelling

Durability of cotton labels

While cotton labels are less resistant to wear than polyester or satin, they can still perform well with proper production techniques.

What affects durability:

• Washing and drying: Cotton may fade or fray with repeated hot washes
• Ink quality: High-quality, colorfast ink extends lifespan
• Edge finishing: Heat-cut or sewn edges reduce fraying
• Pre-shrinking: Helps prevent distortion after laundering

In general, a cotton label won’t last as long as a woven polyester one—but with care, it can withstand regular washing while maintaining its visual appeal.

Advantages of cotton labels

Cotton labels are a favorite among independent brands and eco-conscious creators. Here’s why:

• Eco-friendly: Biodegradable, plastic-free, and available in organic forms
• Hypoallergenic: Ideal for products worn close to the skin
• Aesthetic appeal: Natural texture and soft feel give a rustic or minimalist look
• Brand alignment: Supports ethical, low-impact, or slow fashion principles

These qualities make cotton labels particularly suited for businesses that emphasize transparency, sustainability, and customer well-being.

Disadvantages of cotton labels

Despite their appeal, cotton labels may not be the right fit for every product.

• Fraying risk: Unless finished properly, cotton can unravel at the edges
• Color fading: Ink may fade faster than on synthetic materials
• Shrinkage: Can occur during hot washes or drying cycles
• Less precision: Intricate details are harder to achieve compared to woven polyester tags
• Higher cost: Especially when using organic or certified cotton

Brands should weigh these factors when choosing the best label type for their products and values.

Should you choose cotton labels?

Cotton labels combine natural beauty with functional comfort, making them an excellent choice for brands focused on sustainability, handmade goods, or sensitive-skin products. While they may require more care and cost slightly more than synthetic options, the end result is often worth it—both for the maker and the customer.

If your products reflect ethical values, use natural materials, or appeal to customers who prioritize sustainability, cotton tags are a natural fit.

Ready to create your own custom cotton labels?

Visit Dutch Label Shop to explore our cotton label options. Upload your design, choose your fabric and printing style, and bring your vision to life with soft, sustainable quality.