“All clothing items have a label option that will work,” says Dina Sweeney, chief merchandising officer for KIDPIK, a kid’s clothing subscription box and fashion brand, adding that you just need to consider what fabric you’re working with and what labeling method is best for it. “For instance, when it comes to heavyweight jackets and coats, using a sew-in label versus iron-on option is best,” she says. “The fabric content for these items often consists of poly and nylon.” While labeling clothes ultimately comes down to personal preference on fabric, budget, and desired permanency, we looked at key features like durability and adhesion, too, when researching the best options for you. The Name Bubbles School Labels Pack is our top pick because it’s versatile, and you can customize your labels. This pack also meets Sweeney’s compatibility recommendation because the labels are designed to stick on everything from water bottles to jackets. Here are the best clothing labels you can add to your cart. Although the Name Bubbles School Labels Pack is on the expensive side, we believe it’s the best in terms of quality, versatility, customization, and durability—and, therefore, worthy of our top overall pick. Busy parents will love the ease of no longer wondering how their little one’s emergency change of clothes got accidentally swapped with their friend’s at daycare or summer camp. Plus, you don’t need to reapply the labels frequently, burning through your brand-new stash. These tags are designed with a powerful adhesive that can stand up to numerous washes and wears. You can choose between laminated labels, designed to stick to a clothing item’s care tag, or un-laminated ones, which stick on the brand stamp inside a garment. Name Bubbles labels are also dishwasher-, microwave-, and freezer-safe, so the days of swapped lunch boxes and thermoses are also long gone. They can withstand the cold and condensation of lunch ice packs and the wear and tear of your child’s favorite water bottles.  The personalization options are also extensive. Their site allows you to plug and play, so you can view exactly what your labels will look like when they arrive. Choose from a large array of festive prints and classic colored backgrounds, plus 12 different fonts and over 46 motifs. Three lines of text are offered on some of their labels, so you can include an address and phone number with your child’s name. One downside: These stickers can be removed by tiny, picking fingers if found in an easily accessed part of an item. However, that isn’t a dealbreaker in our eyes because their versatility and customization options fit most families’ needs and then some. Price at time of publish: $39 for one-time purchase Amount: 89 labels | Dimensions: Varies | Shape: Varies | Color: Multiple colors available | Waterproof: Yes | Customizable: Yes The manufacturer recommends using a fine-tipped permanent marker to write on the labels and allowing the ink to dry before transferring a label to your clothing item. Be sure to allow these labels 24 hours to adhere to a garment before laundering them. If properly applied, the manufacturer claims these labels are permanent and should not fall off. Our only concern is that multiple washes over time will weaken the adhesive. The labels are also very small, measuring less than an inch high and wide, so longer names or added information may not fit. Despite these concerns, we think these labels are a great basic option for everyday, less-extensive needs. Price at time of publish: $13 Amount: 42 labels | Dimensions: 0.85 x 0.57 inches | Shape: Rounded rectangle | Color: White | Waterproof: Yes | Customizable: No This set also includes 64 multipurpose labels in small and medium sizes, which are dishwasher, freezer, laundry, and microwave-safe. From thermoses to ice packs, these labels can handle it all. A large backpack label and eight shoe labels are also included. You can customize these labels with your child’s name and phone number, plus choose between nine graphic designs inspired by interests like MLB or princesses. While we recognize this pack is well-justified in its pricing, we know it may not be within everyone’s budget. Despite its higher price point, we still love these labels for their multipurpose design and fun customization options that help your child easily recognize their belongings. Price at time of publish: $50 for 139 Labels Amount: 139 labels | Dimensions: Varies | Shape: Varies | Color: Multiple options | Waterproof: Yes | Customizable: Yes To apply these labels, cut the label off the roll, place it in the desired location within your garment, and iron it on high heat with a thin piece of gauze, muslin, or tissue paper between the iron and label. Allow a full 24 hours for the label to fully adhere before laundering. Keep in mind: The Haberdashery labels are made of 70 percent polyester and 30 percent cotton, so there is a chance they may shrink if washed in warm water. However, they are waterproof. Price at time of publish: $10 Amount: 100 labels | Dimensions: 2.4 x 0.4 inches | Shape: Rectangle | Color: White | Waterproof: Yes | Customizable: Yes Determined little ones could manage to pull these labels off, especially if placed in an uncomfortable and itchy location on clothing. We recommend placing these labels in an area your little ones cannot reach when wearing their clothes to ensure they last a long time. In addition, these labels may not be best for children with sensitive skin or sensory sensitivities, as they do have a plasticky feel. Price at time of publish: $9 Amount: 45 labels | Dimensions: Varies | Shape: Varies | Color: White | Waterproof: Yes | Customizable: No These labels can be ordered in multiple lengths and in both horizontal and vertical orientations. Starting your own clothing business or want to really distinguish your belongings from someone else’s? You can include personal branding or a character on the tag, along with a name and phone number. These labels are available in multiple colors and ink combinations, as well. We recommend using a sewing machine if you have access to one when it comes time to add these labels to clothing. Hand stitching would also be effective, but be sure to do multiple rows of stitching across the label end. Price at time of publish: $20 Amount: 100 labels | Dimensions: Varies | Shape: Rectangle | Color: Multiple options | Waterproof: Yes | Customizable: Yes The self-inking stamp is a great way to bring your kids in on the fun of labeling and organizing their clothes. It’s easy to apply and doesn’t require any heat-setting. If you’re worried about the ink drying out over time, you can buy a wooden stamp with a fabric ink pad. This ink is heat-set. That means it becomes permanent once you set it with heat from a hair dryer for 15 seconds. Allow the ink for both options to settle for 24 hours before tossing your clothes in the washer or dryer. While these stamps are labeled as permanent, we worry they may fade over time and after several washes. Price at time of publish: $19 Amount: 1 self-inking stamp (refill available) or 1 wood stamp and ink pad | Dimensions: Approximately 1.75 x 0.5 inches | Shape: Rectangle | Color: Black ink | Waterproof: Yes | Customizable: Yes Label everything from your kids’ gym clothes to water bottles, so it’s less likely they’ll disappear forever if lost. These labels are large enough to accommodate a first and last name, but longer names may need to be written smaller to fit. Sadly, there aren’t any customization options, but they’re easy to apply and a great, basic option for heavy-duty labeling of your child’s most-loved items. Price at time of publish: $13 for 60 Amount: 60 labels | Dimensions: 1.18 x 0.51 inches | Shape: Rectangle | Color: White | Waterproof: Yes | Customizable: No  Although we love the variety and fun styles offered by Minted, we wish the character count was uniform across all designs. While their design interface allows you to change the font size and orientation of the lettering, some longer names may be illegible on the small, round label options. Despite this inconvenience, we think these stickers are not only stylish but also a functional option for everything from snack boxes to water bottles. Price at time of publish: $40 Amount: Over 30 labels | Dimensions: Varies | Shape: Varies | Color: Multiple options | Waterproof: Yes | Customizable: Yes While we love the option of splitting this set, we wish the character limit were larger. Only 10 characters are allowed per line on these stickers, which does limit some longer names. This pack is priced for two names, which is a great starting point, but if you’d like additional names, each new name is $3 extra. We love that these stickers can be used on everything from lunch boxes to extra clothes, though, since they’re waterproof, dishwasher safe, and washer and dryer safe. Price at time of publish: $23 Amount: 96 labels | Dimensions: Varies | Shape: Varies | Color: Multiple options | Waterproof: Yes | Customizable: Yes This marker stays permanent through several washes, but it may fade over time, especially if frequently washed in hot water. Like other options, be sure to allow the ink to dry for 24 hours before running your garments through a wash cycle. When using fabric markers, it’s also best to label your child’s clothes near the tag or care instructions, so the label and information are easily identifiable by others. Price at time of publish: $6 Amount: 2 markers | Dimensions: Not listed | Shape: Not applicable | Color: Black ink | Waterproof: Yes | Customizable: Not applicable Our only concern with these labels is the online experience. There are multiple listings for the same product option, and the stock is also limited. You’ll want to pay attention to when new listings appear and be careful about what you’re adding to your cart. Price at time of publish: $12 Amount: 40 or 100 labels | Dimensions: 1.75 x 0.5 inches or 1.25 x 0.375 inches | Shape: Rectangle | Color: Multiple options | Waterproof: Yes | Customizable: Yes The bottle labels are self-laminating, meaning they come with an additional sheet of protective covers to add over your writing. This not only prevents the label from fading but also helps it withstand routine washing. Similar to other sticky labels, these clothing labels should be firmly adhered to your child’s clothes before they are tossed in the washer or dryer. Our favorite part of this pack is the daily use stickers, which can be used to label items like disposable snacks, drinks, or temporary items in your child’s daycare bag. Our only concern is the permanent and temporary labels could become mixed up if not stored carefully. We recommend storing the labels in their original packaging to avoid any confusion. Price at time of publish: $20 Amount: 138 labels | Dimensions: Varies | Shape: Varies | Color: Multiple options | Waterproof: Yes | Customizable: No Their clothing labels are available in iron-on or peel-and-stick form, as well, and can be purchased as squares or circles. There’s also an option to purchase a larger number of clothing labels (up to 144) at an additional cost. Sticky Monkey allows 25 characters for a name and an additional line of up to 15 characters for a phone number or address. There’s also a separate contact label included in each pack listing phone numbers and emails of your choice. In addition, sticker packs can be split between multiple children upon request. Price at time of publish: $34 Amount: Over 93 labels | Dimensions: Varies | Shape: Varies | Color: Multiple options | Waterproof: Yes | Customizable: Yes Additional multipurpose labels are also included to label personal belongings such as glasses cases, walkers, shoes, and more. Each label can include a name and a phone number or room number, depending on your needs. While we love the ease these labels create for anyone living in a nursing home, we wish they were more affordable. Some users may also need an extra set of hands when applying the iron-on labels. Despite these concerns, we still recommend these labels because of their high-quality and thorough design that stands out among other name-label packs. Price at time of publish: $44 Amount: 126 labels | Dimensions: Varies | Shape: Varies | Color: White or blue | Waterproof: Yes | Customizable: Yes Rectangular or square labels with sharp corners may peel off after several washes. Look for clothing labels with rounded edges for this reason. You’ll also want to purchase enough labels to take care of all of your child’s belongings for school, camp, or daycare.

Application Method

There are three main types of application methods for clothing labels: iron-on, peel-and-stick, and sew-in. Iron-on and sew-in clothing labels are the most permanent options because they are secured to the fabric. If you purchase sew-in labels, we recommend using a sewing machine for the most reliable stitching that won’t unwind or fray over time. Iron-on clothing labels can peel or shrink after multiple washes, as well. However, they’re often more durable than peel-and-stick labels. In all cases, we recommend washing any clothes with labels in cold water to prevent the labels from wear and tear. While peel-and-stick labels are convenient for their quick adhesive method, they are the most likely to fall off over time. Other options include stamps and fabric markers, which can fade after multiple washes and also apply ink directly to your clothes and belongings.

Customization Options

Many online retailers offer customization options, such as adding characters, selecting colors, and changing the font on the label. Customization options help your child easily identify their clothes or belongings from another’s by looking for their favorite color, animal, or character. Some labels may offer customization options in the form of adding a name, phone number, or address.

Waterproof Design

You’ll know a clothing label has a waterproof design if it’s listed as dishwasher safe or laundry safe, or simply “waterproof.” This factor makes the labels much easier to apply, maintain, and care for. It’s key to look for a waterproof design if you want your labels to be durable and last a long time or if you hope to attach them to a water bottle or lunch box that may get wet. If you don’t mind switching out labels for fresh ones often, then this may be less important for you.

Why Trust The Spruce?

Emma Phelps is an updates writer for The Spruce and researched the products in this roundup, considering the design, functionality, and longevity of several clothing label styles and products. Emma has reviewed children’s products, including toys, craft items, and clothing, and has over 15 years of experience as an at-home seamstress working with a variety of clothing items and fabrics. She also previously wrote for Southern Living, covering fashion, lifestyle, and food content. If you’re looking for a more “traditional” label approach, you could stitch your child’s initials into small pieces of fabric and then sew them into your child’s clothing. You can also write your information on blank peel-and-stick labels, such as the Lil’ Labels Name Labels Pack or the Avery No Iron Kids Clothing Labels recommended in this roundup. We don’t recommend using fabric markers on silk or sheer fabrics, as they may bleed. Sweeney also advises against using iron-on patches on polyester, nylon, or spandex to avoid melting the fabric. Most iron-on labels are made out of a polyester blend that’s durable against washing and general wear. Peel-and-stick labels will adhere to fabrics like polyester, linen, and cotton. That style may not adhere well to fuzzy clothing items such as jackets, scarves, gloves, or sweaters. To learn more about clothing labels and how to best apply them and care for them, Emma chatted with Dina Sweeney, KIDPIK’s chief merchandising officer, who provided added insight on the most compatible fabrics, the best clothing items to label, and creative alternatives to traditional clothing labels.