Iron-on name labels
An honest guide to iron-on labels: what they are, when they are the right choice and when a self-adhesive name label is sufficient. We only sell self-adhesive labels - and we will tell you when they are not enough.
For those who want the answer right away: Does the garment have a sewn-in care label? Then a self-adhesive name label is sufficient, as it is quicker and does not require an iron. Does the garment lack a care label, is it hand-knitted in wool, or will it be washed at very high temperatures? Then an iron-on name label (iron-on label) from an iron-on supplier is a better fit.
for garments with a care label
What are iron-on name labels?
Iron-on name labels, also called iron-on labels, are labels with heat-activated adhesive on the back. You place the label on the fabric, heat it with an iron, and the adhesive melts and bonds with the fabric fibers. Unlike self-adhesive labels, they therefore adhere to the fabric itself, not to a care label.
This makes them particularly effective on fabric that lacks a smooth label to stick to: hand-knitted garments, wool, socks, hats and mittens.
When is an iron-on name label the right choice?
- Home-knitted and hand-knitted garments without a care label, such as wool vests and cardigans.
- Socks, hats and mittens, where a sticker has little to adhere to.
- Clothing washed at very high temperatures, for example in industrial laundry facilities at care homes.
- Garments where you want a permanent label that stays in the fabric.
In these cases, an iron-on label is a better fit than a self-adhesive label. Lappu does not sell iron-on labels, but we think it is more important that you find the right solution than that we pretend to have a product we do not offer.
How to iron on an iron-on label
The method differs from that for self-adhesive labels. Here is a brief overview, based on the most common iron-on suppliers:
- Heat the iron. Use a high, dry setting (often the cotton setting), without steam.
- Place the label. Put the label on clean, smooth fabric where you want it.
- Add a barrier. Cover with baking paper or silicone paper so the label does not stick to the iron.
- Press. Press firmly for approximately 8 to 15 seconds, focusing especially on the corners.
- Let it cool. Let the garment cool before washing it.
Always follow the instructions from the supplier you buy the iron-on labels from, as time and temperature vary between products. The figures above are typical for iron-on labels and do not apply to Lappu's self-adhesive labels.
Iron-on vs no-iron - comparison
The most important question is usually not "which is best" but "which one suits my garment". This table helps you choose.
| Iron-on (iron-on labels) | No-iron (self-adhesive) | |
|---|---|---|
| Attachment | Heated into the fabric fibers | Sticks to the care label, no heat |
| Washing temperature | Often 90–95°C (supplier's specification) | 60°C |
| Suitable garments | Hand-knitted garments, wool, socks, without a care label | Purchased clothes with a care label |
| Other surfaces | No, textiles only | Also shoes, bottles, lunch boxes (plastic, metal, glass, leather) |
| Speed | Requires an iron and cooling time | Ready in seconds by hand |
| Sold by Lappu | No | Yes |
90 to 95°C refers to iron-on labels from iron-on suppliers. Lappu self-adhesive labels are specified for 60°C.
When is a self-adhesive name label enough instead?
For most purchased clothes, one self-adhesive label is enough because the garment has a sewn-in care label to attach it to. This means you can skip the iron, it is faster, and the same label also works on shoes, bottles, and lunch boxes.
Lappu self-adhesive name labels stick to fabric, plastic, metal, glass, and leather, withstand washing at 60°C, tumble drying, and dishwashing, and normally last an entire school year when applied to the care label and left to set for 24 hours.
Do your garments have care labels? Design your self-adhesive name labels. Want to learn more about how they work? See self-adhesive name labels or no-iron name labels.
Frequently asked questions about iron-on name labels
What is the difference between iron-on and no-iron name labels?
Iron-on labels are heat-applied directly to the fabric with an iron. No-iron (self-adhesive) labels are stuck onto the care label without heat. Iron-on labels are suitable for garments without a care label; no-iron labels are sufficient for most purchased clothing.
Does Lappu sell iron-on name labels?
No. Lappu only sells self-adhesive name labels. For hand-knitted garments, wool, and socks without a care label, we recommend an iron-on label from an iron-on supplier, and we're open about it.
When should I choose an iron-on label?
When the garment has no care label, is hand-knitted wool, or will be washed at very high temperatures, such as in an industrial laundry.
How do I attach an iron-on label?
Heat the iron on a high, dry setting, place the label on the fabric, cover it with baking or silicone paper, and press for approximately 8 to 15 seconds, focusing on the corners. Follow the supplier's instructions.
What temperature can iron-on name labels withstand?
Iron-on labels often withstand 90 to 95°C according to suppliers. This applies to their products, not Lappu's self-adhesive labels, which are made for 60°C.
Can I use self-adhesive labels instead?
Yes, if the garment has a care label. It's quicker, requires no iron, and the same label also works on shoes, bottles, and lunch boxes.
Are iron-on name labels suitable for care homes?
Often yes, because clothes there are washed at high temperatures in industrial machines. In that case, choose an iron-on supplier.
Do self-adhesive labels stay on socks?
Less effective than on a care label, because the sock's fabric moves freely. For socks and similar items, an iron-on label is more reliable.
Why parents trust Lappu
We would rather guide you to the right choice than sell you the wrong product. Lappu's self-adhesive name labels have a rating of 4.9 out of 5 based on approximately 44 reviews, are printed in the EU, and come with a customer satisfaction guarantee. If you need an iron-on label instead, we'll tell you plainly. Read our reviews.
Choose the right name label for your garment
If the garment has a care label, a self-adhesive name label is all you need, and you're done in seconds. If the garment is hand-knitted or has no care label, an iron-on label is a better choice.
Design self-adhesive name labelsCompare no-iron name labels