Custom Labeling, Packaging & Branding Solutions for Knitwear Brands
Branding is a critical part of custom knitwear manufacturing. While yarn, stitch, and fit determine the garment’s quality, branding elements—labels, hangtags, packaging, and logo applications—define how customers perceive the product.
For OEM/ODM factories working with fashion brands, boutiques, corporate uniform clients, and DTC e-commerce labels, providing professional branding solutions is essential for delivering a complete, retail-ready product.
This guide explains every branding component available for custom knitwear programs, including labeling, packaging, logo techniques, compliance requirements, sustainability options, and factory-level workflows for managing commercial brand identity.
Why Branding Matters in Custom Knitwear
Brand identity is created through visual and physical elements that accompany the garment:
Brand logos
Labels
Hangtags
Packaging
Barcodes
Care instructions
Retail folding
Gift presentation
Brands must deliver a consistent visual signature across all products.
OEM/ODM factories help brands:
build premium presentation
enhance perceived value
streamline logistics
improve customer experience
support large-scale retail operations
Branding is especially important for:
fashion designers
corporate uniforms
school uniforms
boutique brands
influencer apparel lines
premium gifting programs
Types of Labeling for Knitwear
Labeling communicates brand identity, fiber content, and washing instructions while meeting global compliance standards.
Brand Woven Labels
The most common and premium option.
Types:
Damask woven
Satin woven
High-density woven
Jacquard logo labels
Advantages:
Durable
Clean appearance
Professional finish
Used on necklines, side seams, plackets, or hems.
Printed Heat-Transfer Labels
Ideal for seamless or sensitive garments.
Benefits:
No scratching
Lightweight
Suitable for sportswear or loungewear
Applications:
WHOLEGARMENT knitwear
Fine-gauge viscose knits
Baby knitwear
Care & Content Labels
Required by international laws.
Labels must include:
fiber content
washing instructions
country of origin
size
care symbols (ISO or ASTM)
Factories help ensure regulatory compliance for:
EU market
UK market
US FTC labeling laws
Japan and Korea labeling standards
RFID / QR Code Labels
Used for:
inventory management
anti-counterfeit systems
store back-end integration
e-commerce scanning
product data access
High-end brands increasingly request woven labels with embedded RFID chips.
Logo & Branding Applications for Knitwear
A logo can be applied through multiple techniques, depending on material, cost, and brand identity.
Embroidery Logos
A classic method for knitwear.
Best for:
cardigans
uniforms
workwear
school sweaters
premium branded pullovers
Pros:
durable
textured visual effect
supports small shapes
Jacquard Logo
Knitted directly into the garment.
Best for:
high-fashion designers
luxury knitwear
crewnecks with patterns
intarsia logo artworks
Pros:
premium appearance
cannot peel off
part of the fabric structure
Intarsia Logo
For large, detailed artwork.
Best for:
fashion knitwear
graphic sweaters
seasonal collections
Pros:
crisp and vibrant shapes
multi-color control
artistic flexibility
Silicone or Rubber Patch
A modern, streetwear-inspired branding option.
Ideal For:
designer hoodies
athleisure knits
oversized sweaters
accessories
Applications include shoulder patches, arm labels, or chest brand marks.
Metal Logo Plates
Premium branding for luxury knitwear.
Best for:
women’s cardigans
luxury co-ords
premium dresses
Leather Patch
A durable branding option for:
workwear
outdoor knitwear
rustic vintage styles
Custom Packaging Solutions
Packaging is an important part of brand presentation and logistics.
Polybag Packaging
Standard retail solution.
Features:
printed branding
recycle-friendly versions
biodegradable options
Required for export compliance.
Recycled Polybag
For brands with eco requirements.
Material Options:
rLDPE (recycled low-density polyethylene)
biodegradable corn-based materials
Custom Cardboard Boxes
Used for:
premium retail
gifting
designer collections
Customization:
embossing
gold foil printing
matte lamination
textured surfaces
Vacuum Packaging (For Bulk Shipments)
Reduces volume for transportation.
Popular for sweaters with high loft.
Tissue Paper, Stickers & Inserts
Enhance premium unboxing.
Common for e-commerce and luxury brands.
Custom Hangtags & Printed Branding Materials
Hangtags communicate storytelling and brand value.
Materials Available
art paper
kraft paper
cotton paper
recycled paper
PET transparent tags
Print Options
gold foil
UV spot coating
matte/soft-touch surface
debossing/embossing
Functional Hangtags
QR serial tracking
care instruction cards
sustainability certification tags
Barcodes, SKU Systems & Retail Requirements
Factories help brands set up:
barcodes (UPC/EAN)
SKU generation system
size stickers
retail carton labelling
security tag compatibility
This is essential for:
department stores
chain retailers
franchise boutiques
warehouses
Sustainability in Branding & Packaging
Brands increasingly request sustainable components.
Eco Options
recycled woven labels
plant-based biodegradable packaging
FSC-certified hangtags
soy-based inks
recyclable shipping cartons
compostable polybags
Advantages
stronger sustainability claims
higher conversion for eco-conscious customers
compliance with EU/UK packaging regulations
Branding Development Workflow (OEM/ODM Process)
Professional factories handle branding with the same precision as product development.
Step 1 — Brand Identity Brief
Brand sends:
logo files
color guidelines
packaging requirements
reference samples
Step 2 — Material Proposal
Factory provides:
label types
hangtag paper options
packaging concepts
cost breakdown
Step 3 — Digital Mockups
Preview of logo placement and packaging.
Step 4 — Physical Samples
labels
hangtags
box samples
printed packaging prototypes
Step 5 — Brand Approval
Modified until brand confirms.
Step 6 — Mass Production
Synchronized with sweater production timeline.
Step 7 — Integration in Assembly
Labels added during:
linking
final stitching
finishing
packing
Step 8 — Final QC
label alignment
packaging accuracy
barcode legibility
Corporate Uniform & School Uniform Branding Solutions
Factories often produce knitwear for institutions requiring consistent branding.
Corporate Knitwear Branding
Includes:
embroidered logos
jacquard identity trims
color-matched plackets
office-appropriate packaging
School Uniform Branding
Includes:
crest embroidery
durable acrylic yarn
reinforced seams
colorfastness for repeated washing
label compliance for children’s wear
High-Volume E-Commerce Branding Support
DTC brands require:
individual SKU barcodes
premium unboxing experience
fast-scan warehouse labeling
consistent packaging
influencer-ready presentation
Factories often create:
influencer merch knitwear
limited edition drops
designer collaboration packs
seasonal gift bundles
Custom Branding for Knitwear Accessories
Factories extend labeling & packaging to:
beanies
scarves
gloves
shawls
balaclavas
socks
knitwear gift sets
Branding options:
leather patches
woven badges
metal tags
rubber labels
printed wraps
gift boxes
Common Branding Mistakes Factories Help Prevent
Size Label Inconsistency
Cause: mixing suppliers
Solution: standardized vendor list
Poor Color Matching
Cause: CMYK vs Pantone mismatch
Solution: Pantone TCX consistency
Incorrect Label Placement
Cause: unclear tech pack
Solution: factory placement template
Fragile Packaging
Cause: low-quality boxes
Solution: reinforced cardboard
Barcode Errors
Cause: manual input
Solution: automated SKU generator
Cost Structure for Branding & Packaging
Labels
$0.03–$0.10 per woven label
$0.05–$0.15 for heat-transfer
Hangtags
$0.03–$0.25 depending on finish
Packaging
polybag: $0.03–$0.08
recycled polybag: $0.05–$0.15
gift box: $0.25–$1.20
premium box: $1.50–$3.00
Logo Application
embroidery: $0.20–$0.80
jacquard: cost embedded in knitting
metal badge: $0.30–$1.50
Factories tailor cost based on branding complexity and order quantity.