Name labels for helmets: cycling, skiing and skating
A name label on a helmet is best placed on the hard plastic shell or the small adjustment dial at the nape, not on the soft foam or the loose fabric pads inside. Choose a self-adhesive label, apply it to a clean, dry surface the evening before, and press firmly along the edges. Then the bicycle helmet, ski helmet, and skating helmet will find their way home after preschool cycling day, ski school, or hockey practice.
Here we explain where to place the label on different helmets, what it can withstand, what helmet experts say about stickers, and when another type of labeling is smarter.
Name label on a helmet: where it should go
A helmet usually consists of three parts: a hard outer plastic shell, thick shock-absorbing foam inside, and removable fabric pads. Lappu name labels adhere to plastic, so the shell is the right place. The pads are removed for washing and drying and can easily end up in the wrong helmet, and we do not guarantee that the label will stay on porous foam.
| Helmet | Best location | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Bicycle helmet | The back of the shell, where the surface is flattest, or the adjustment dial at the nape | The edges of the ventilation holes and the loose pads |
| Ski helmet | The shell at the nape, above the attachment point for the goggle strap | The ear pads and removable liner |
| Skating and hockey helmet | The shell at the back or side, a little away from the grille and visor | The grille and the soft pads |
Two labels are better than one: a clear one on the outside so the supervisor can see the name from a distance, and a small one on the adjustment dial or buckle as a backup in case the larger one gets scratched.
Is it safe to put a sticker on a helmet?
The Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute has reviewed the issue. Their conclusion is that stickers on helmets are rarely a practical problem, but some adhesives can damage certain plastics and cause small cracks, and a sticker can conceal damage. They suggest placing name labels high up, where the helmet rarely takes impacts, and asking the manufacturer if you are unsure.
How to make it easy for yourself:
- Read the instructions. If they say the helmet should not have decals, follow them and label the buckle or helmet bag instead.
- Place the label high up and toward the back, not over the forehead or temples.
- Replace the helmet after a major impact, even if you cannot see any damage. NTF reminds us of this and that children under 15 must wear a helmet when cycling. The new helmet needs a new label.
How to attach the name label
- Do it indoors, the evening before. The adhesive needs about 24 hours to cure. A label applied in a cold parking lot that same morning has less chance of staying on.
- Wipe the surface. The shell should be clean and completely dry. Dirt, road dust and moisture cause the edges to come loose.
- Choose the flattest surface. A shell with a pronounced curve can lift the edges of an oblong label. A round or square label follows a curved surface more easily.
- Press firmly for about 10 seconds. Go over the entire label, especially the corners.
Small or large label?
| Label | Fits on the helmet | Set and price |
|---|---|---|
| Large name labels | The outer shell, visible from a distance. The rest of the sheet is enough for a bag, bottle and other sports equipment. | 30 pcs, SEK 139 |
| Small name labels | The adjustment wheel, buckle, plastic part of the goggle strap | SEK 129 |
| Standard name labels | Smaller helmets and the care label in the helmet liner or base layer | 124 pcs, from SEK 139 |
What should be on the label?
A first name is enough for most people. If several children in the family have the same type of helmet, a surname works, so the same set can be used by siblings. A phone number fits on a second line, which is practical at a ski resort where a lost child or forgotten helmet needs to find its way back. All labels in a set have the same text. Medical details such as blood type, which some rally stickers offer, do not belong on a child's helmet.
A design or simple motif is a matter of taste. An animal or a rainbow helps young children who cannot read yet recognize their own helmet in the hallway.
When helmets change owners
Helmets are often identical, bought at the same store and hung on the same hooks. The most common situations where they get mixed up:
- Preschool cycling day and outings. Ten identical children's helmets in a pile by the gate. Also see how to label children's things for preschool.
- School skating day. Everyone takes off their helmet at the same time in the changing room.
- Hockey school. Same model, same club color. Read more in our guide to labeling hockey equipment.
- Ski school and the lift queue. Helmets on restaurant tables and in drying rooms.
If you rent a helmet at the ski resort, it should not be labeled with a sticker. Label the helmet bag or goggles instead. Find more about the trip in our ski holiday packing list.
What the label can withstand on a helmet
A helmet is not machine-washed, but it gets wet from rain and snow and is dried on a radiator. The labels withstand machine washing up to 60°C, tumble drying and dishwashing up to 60°C, so ordinary moisture is not a problem once the adhesive has cured. See what the name labels can withstand for details. We have not published any laboratory test for helmets and make no promises about how long the label will withstand scraping against asphalt or ice.
Rule of thumb: hard plastic shell, yes. Soft foam, silicone and fabric pads, no. If the manufacturer says no to decals, label the strap, bag or helmet liner instead.
Decal or name label?
If you search for helmet decals, you will mostly find decorations: large names in script for motorcycle helmets, team decals for baseball helmets and rally decals. They make attractive gifts, but are designed to be seen, not to help a child get their helmet back. For an adult's motorcycle or rally helmet, follow the manufacturer's instructions. For children's helmets, a small, clear name label is enough, and the rest of the sheet labels everything else in the sports bag.
When something else is better
Lappu only sells self-adhesive name labels. If the name is to go on a helmet liner without a care label, or on clothes washed at temperatures above 60°C, an iron-on label or sewn-in name band is safer. A name stamp works on fabric but not on a helmet shell.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I buy adhesive name labels for the helmet?
You design them online and receive them in your mailbox within a few business days. Large name labels are suitable for the shell, while small name labels fit straps and adjustment wheels. Shipping is SEK 25 and free for orders over SEK 199.
How do I design my own name labels?
In the design tool, you choose a motif, color and font and see the result immediately. Enter the child's name and preferably a phone number on the second line. All labels in the set will have the same text.
Can the helmet be labeled for free?
Yes, you can write the name inside the helmet. The Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute recommends a water-based pen and advises against pens containing solvents. However, the text wears off and cannot be seen from the outside.
Which name labels are cheapest?
Standard name labels cost from SEK 139 for 124 labels, approximately SEK 1.12 per label. Always include shipping when comparing prices. We show you how on the page about the cheapest name labels.
Can I use the same name labels for children's clothes?
Yes, standard name labels are placed on the care label and withstand machine washing up to 60°C. Lappu does not sell sew-on labels. If you want to sew one on, you need a name band from another supplier.