Name Label Types Explained: Which One Should You Choose?

When it’s time to label your child’s clothes, shoes, bottles, or gear, one question often pops up: Which type of name label should I use? Stick-on labels, iron-on labels, mini labels, large name labels, and pencil labels all have their strengths. And with the correct label in the right place, your items will stay marked for longer and remain durable.

Here’s a simple, straightforward guide to the many different types of name labels — and what they’re best suited for.

Stick-on Labels: The Everyday Favorite That Works for Almost Everything

Stick-on labels, often just called name labels, are the most popular type — and for good reason! They’re easy to use, hold up well, and can be used on all sorts of items at daycare, school, and home.

Just press them onto a clean, dry surface, and you’re done. Quick, easy, and durable.

These are perfect for:

• Lunch boxes and water bottles
• Backpacks, gym bags, and pencil cases
• Toys, books, and sports gear
• Clothes with a synthetic care label (like jackets, sweaters, outerwear)

💡 Pro tip: When labeling clothes, always stick the label onto the care tag. Never put it directly onto the fabric. That way, it stays in place when it gets tossed into washing machines and dryers.

Our stick-on labels are waterproof, which means that they’re made to withstand dishwashers, washing machines, rainy walks to preschool, and plenty of active play. Many parents start with these because they cover most needs and are easy to apply when something new needs labeling. They’re absolutely our go-to favorite!

Iron-on Labels: The Best Option for Clothes Without a Care Tag

Not every piece of clothing has a care tag made from synthetic material—and that’s where iron-on labels come in! Wool sweaters, socks, and seamless onesies are great examples of items where stick-on labels won’t hold, but iron-on labels will!

These labels are designed to be attached directly to the fabric and are durable enough to stay in place wash after wash.

To apply: Place the label inside the garment, cover it with a piece of baking or parchment paper, and press with a hot iron for a few seconds. Once properly attached, they’ll hold up in both the washer and the dryer.

Iron-on labels are perfect for:

• Wool sweaters and onesies
• Seamless baby bodysuits
• Socks and shoes
• Any clothing without a care label or with a rough, fabric-only surface

💡 This is the only type of label we recommend for tagless garments. Unfortunately, our stick-on labels simply won’t hold directly on fabric.

Many families choose to keep both stick-on and iron-on labels at home, so they’re ready for anything that needs labeling, no matter the material. However, there’s also another label in our store that many parents adore: our mini labels.

Mini Labels: For All the Little Things

Mini labels are made for items that are just too small for a standard label. All the tiny things that need marking but don’t have much space. They’re just as durable as our larger labels but in a more compact format — and they hold up great, even on items used daily.

Mini labels are ideal for:

• Sunglasses, hair clips, and small jewelry
• Toys and stuffed animals
• Chargers, earbuds, and other small electronics
• Tiny items that easily go missing at daycare or on outings
• Books, notebooks, and other small school supplies

Many parents find that these items tend to disappear or end up in the wrong backpack. That’s why our mini labels are a go-to for busy parents. They’re subtle but clear enough for kids and grown-ups to tell who something belongs to.

💡 They’re also great for labeling craft supplies, markers, rulers, and other belongings that are often shared or mixed up.

Large Name Labels: Easy to Spot for Everyone

Large name labels work just like our standard stick-on labels but with bigger text and bolder designs, which makes them easier to see, both for kids and adults at daycare or school. When you label something with a large name label, there’s no doubt who it belongs to!

These labels are especially great for:

• Backpacks, duffel bags, and gym bags
• Lunch boxes and water bottles
• School supplies like books and binders
• Items stored in shared spaces or common shelves

Large name labels are easy to recognize from a distance, which makes them especially helpful for younger children who can’t read yet but know their favorite design or color. They also come in different sizes and shapes, so you’ll always have the proper label for the job.

💡 Many parents like to use large name labels for the most critical items and combine them with stick-on or mini labels for everything else their children own.

Pencil Labels: The Best Tags for School Supplies

When everything in a pencil case looks the same, pencils, erasers, and rulers can easily go missing or end up in the wrong hands. Our pencil labels are slim, discreet name stickers designed specifically for small surfaces that can’t fit a standard label.

They’re perfect for:

• Pencils and colored pencils
• Pens and markers
• Rulers, erasers, and compasses
• Scissors and other small school essentials

These labels are built to handle daily wear and tear—even when they’re constantly in little hands throughout the school day. They also work great at home for labeling art supplies, craft materials, or small items kids like to bring along with them while on the go.

💡 Best of all, our pencil labels pair nicely with stick-on and mini labels to keep everything in the backpack and on the desk clearly marked and easy to return to its proper owner.

Which Labels Should You Choose?

It all depends on what you need to label! Here’s a quick guide to help you make your decision:

What you’re labeling	Recommended label
Clothes with a care tag	Stick-on Labels
Clothes without a care tag	Iron-on Labels
Pencils and pens	Pencil Labels
Rulers and erasers	Pencil Labels
Backpacks and gym bags	Large Name Labels
Lunch boxes and water bottles	Stick-on or Large Name Labels
Small items (hair clips, toys)	Mini Labels

Mix and Match – or Choose a Ready-Made Label Pack

Many parents like to keep a few different label types on hand so they’re always ready for whatever needs labeling. We offer carefully curated label packs that include a mix of different label types. These are perfect when you’re labeling lots of things at once!

👉 Check out our name label packs to get everything you need, all in one convenient bundle!