How Do Different Name Labels Work & Which Ones Are The Best?

There are lots of different name label products available. Each product works in its own way and has its own benefits and limitations, particularly when it comes to labelling different types of items. Learn more about name labels, how they work, and which ones are the best.

When many people think about the term "name labels", they probably think of sew in name tapes or iron on name tags. Stick on name labels, like Stikins, are the modern solution to the task of labelling personal belongings. Instead of sewing or ironing, they rely on the use of strong permanent adhesives to hold each label in place. Each type of name label has its own benefits and limitations, especially when it comes to labelling different types of belongings.

What Are Name Labels?

In its simplest form, name labels are simply that – labels with a name on them for the purpose of identifying the owner of an item. In the world of name labels, however, the term can be applied to a range of products, all of which identify the owner of the item to which a product has been attached. Examples of name label “types” currently available include stick on name labels, iron on name labels, name transfers, clip on name labels or “name tags”, and the more traditional sew-in name labels (or “tapes”). Each type of name label has its own method of application, along with its own set of benefits and drawbacks.

Why Do We Need Name Labels?

Name labels are one solution to the problem of items getting mixed up or lost. They are particularly useful in environments where a group of people with similar or identical sets of belongings share one confined space or set of facilities. The most common example (and perhaps the situation in which name labels are most effective) is schools; hundreds of students attend school armed with similar or identical belongings, all of which must be carried between classrooms (as well as to and from school) and is easily mixed up or misplaced. Adding a name label makes it clear to whom an item belongs (which prevents mix ups occurring) and, should an item go missing, it is easy for the school to notify the correct pupil that their belongings have been found. This means staff don’t have to waste time and money maintaining a “Lost Property” facility within the school and that parents don’t have to waste time and money replacing items that are often quite expensive and usually no more than a year old.

Likewise, name labels can be used to great effect in nursing and residential care homes; whether items are put through shared facilities (e.g. kitchens or laundries) or simply put down and forgotten about, staff will be able to easily identify the owner of an item and return it. This can prevent distress to the resident and save staff valuable time that they can spend on their scheduled tasks. Businesses can also use name labels to keep track of their assets, such as uniform and/or equipment that is assigned to or loaned out to employees. This can prevent them from wasting money on replacing items that have gone missing.

What Are The Benefits & Limitations Of Different Types Of Name Labels?

The three main type of name labels are sew-in name tapes, iron-on name tags, and stick on name labels.

Sew-in name tapes are the classic type of name label. They are usually thin strips of fabric that have been embroidered with an individual's name. They need to be sewn into place. Sew in name tapes offer excellent longevity (depending on your sewing skills of course!). They can also be removed if you want to hand items down to another child or dontate them. However, they can only be used to label fabric items, which means that parents will need to use other products to label different items. They take time to sew in and rely on a parent having some skill with a needle and thread.

Iron-on name tags are a newer solution. They are usually a form of iron-on transfer; when ironed over, the tag will partially melt and become a part of the item being labelled. Again, this offers good longevity (this time depending on your ironing skills!). However, like sew-in products, they are only suitable for fabric items and take time and care to apply correctly. Thicker tags won't lie flat, which can mean that the corners raise and catch on other surfaces. They also cannot be removed easily from clothing (unless applied onto the wash-care label and cut out).

Stick on name labels are the modern solution. They rely on a strong permanent adhesive to hold each label in place. This means they are the quickest and easiest product to apply. Generally speaking, it is possible to remove stick on name labels - although they may leave behind adhesive residue that will need cleaning with sticky stuff remover. The longevity of stick on name labels will depend on the adhesive used to make the labels - as will their flexibility when it comes to labelling different types of belongings. Some stick on name labels are only suitable for non-fabric items because the adhesive is not strong enough to survive the challenging conditions created by a washing machine. The durability of a label will also be affected by the pressure applied during the application (and any contact with the adhesive).

Other options include clip on name labels and name stamps. Clip on name labels offer a strong attachment and can be removed but they are often trickier to apply and bulkier in nature. They are only suitable for fabric items and do involve punching a hole in each item. Name stamps are a quick and easy way to label items but their longevity depends on the type of ink used. They are only suitable for fabric items, cannot be removed, and the clarity of the stamp will be affected by the colour(s) of the items being labelled.

Of course, you may simply be tempted to write your children's names in their belongings. This is a quick and simple way to label belongings. However, you will need to find a suitable laundry-proof pen, which means that items will be permanently marked. It is also tricky to label darker materials.

What Makes Stikins Name Labels Different From Other Name Labels?

Stikins name labels are made with a unique adhesive, which has been independently tested to ensure that it can withstand all elements of the wash-dry cycle, including repeat trips through the washing machine and the tumble-dryer (and they'll also go through dishwashers and microwaves). This means that you can use Stikins stick on name label to label fabric and non-fabric items. This includes school uniform and clothing, shoes and bags, lunch boxes and water bottles, soft toys and digital devices, and other personal belongings.

While we recommend that you take care when applying Stikins (making sure you touch the adhesive as little as possible and smooth each label firmly into place), you can still label your items in seconds.

Our name labels are made with smooth, flexible material that is gentle against skin. Each bright white, dirt-resistant, label is personalised with a bold black font. This classic combination is clear and easy to read for children of all ages. At just 30mm x 15mm, our name labels fit neatly onto items of all shapes and sizes. This makes them a discrete addition to belongings but also makes them really easy to find and read when you need them.

Name labels are a small product with big benefits.

Regardless of the type you use, name labels can be a life saver. Being able to instantly identify the rightful owner of an item saves time and money - and prevents emotional distress too. They are perfect for busy, shared environments where people's belongings may get mixed up or go missing - especially when those items are likely to be similar in appearance (like school uniform).

Most name label products are only suitable for fabric items and take time and care to apply correctly. Stick on name label products really are the simplest and easiest solution - although it is important to check if a product is suitable for all of the items you want to label.