Pages

Thursday, January 10, 2013

How Woven Labels Become Part Of The Garment

By Claire Bolton


Clothing has always been seen not only as a necessity but also a luxury. Centuries ago the average person had only one outfit that they wore every day. The wealthy could afford more. And clothing took an extensive period of time to make. To have clothing personally identified was a way of life. With the inception of the industrial revolution clothing began to come easier to have. More people began to have different changes of clothes. This eventually brought on the need to place a label on garments. The pinnacle of this is woven labels.

The industrial revolution brought about a creativity that had never been seen. Standard fibers such as cotton, linen, and wool could be woven and knitted into garments. Eventually polyesters and other man made materials would be processed into clothing. Many of these fibers had different properties. Shrinkage, elongation, and moisture content are just a few examples. When coupling this fact with the types of manufacturing processes there could be many variables that could affect the clothes. That meant that they could not be cleaned in the same ways.

A garment label became necessary so the owners knew exactly how to clean and maintain their clothes. This would make sure that a sweater worn today would not be three sizes too small the next. As an added plus they would also have size information. This was very helpful when department stores began to gain popularity. As a matter of fact, clothing stores may not have been as successful if it were not so easy to find clothing sizes.

A label was initially an afterthought. The clothing was initially the main focus. So the labels would be cheap in appearance when compared to the actual clothing. The labels could also be uncomfortable, irritating the neck or other parts of the body. So often they would be removed. The garment size and care information would be lost forever.

A screen printed label is very easy to prepare and inexpensive. Woven labels may not be as inexpensive as screen prints, but they are not cheap, either. When a customer reviews a garment they are more likely to get a better feeling when the labels are of a high quality.

A label made through weaving will maintain its shape. And the information they provide will weather the many washings and cleanings. Screen printing can slowly deterioration and become illegible. A woven label attached to well manufactured clothing could become family heirlooms. They could be passed down through multiple generations.

Label designs and information can be created by graphic designers. Virtually any design imaginable can be designed. The designs are saved as files and fed into the modern textile weaving machines. The information can be woven on both sides of the label.

Woven labels have made their mark by enhancing clothing. As clothing designers and manufacturers continue seeking to set themselves apart from the rest, there will be an increasing desire to use them in more creative ways. Whether square, rectangular, or even triangular, they will continue to add an extra fashion dimension to clothing.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment