Custom Tagless Label Printing: Design, Cost & Requirements

Updated on 06/11/2026

Custom tagless label printing is the process of printing a brand’s logo, size, fabric content, care instructions and required manufacturer/origin details directly onto apparel, usually at the neck or inside hem, instead of sewing in a fabric tag.

If you’re on the lookout for a simple way to connect with customers and differentiate your brand, custom tagless labels are a personalized touch that requires little effort on your end. Customized labels hoist your product from generic to individualized in a few seconds

We’ll let you in on a little secret… customers notice the small touches! Even though it may go unnoticed during the initial unboxing,  during the lifespan of the apparel the recipient will be reminded of your business. It’s a great way to reinforce brand recognition, and an often-overlooked marketing tool. Over the years we’ve realized that tearaway tags are more often than not itchy, uncalled for, and frequently removed.

What Do Custom Tagless Labels Cost?

As of 2026, when using a pad printer,the average cost per tagless label is $0.003. That’s right, to print three care labels with a pad printer it costs you less than a single penny. To acquire a pad printer and necessary consumables to get started one can get a one-color tabletop pad printer for under $5,000 and the necessary inks, solvents, and hardeners around $300. Start-up costs for pad printing is relatively low compared to alternative methods of printing.

A spectacular choice for tagless label pad printing is the B100. The B100 pad printer hosts a 90mm VersaCup® which can print an image up to 80mm. That is 3.15″ of space to design. This is a tabletop machine and is an industry standard when it comes to tagless printing. Several hundred of these printers can be found installed in large garment tag manufacturers around the world! Join the big names in the industry by tagless printing on the same equipment they trust.

What Information Needs to Be on a Tagless Label

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), under the Textile and Wool Acts, garment labels must remain permanent and easy to read throughout the life of the product, while clearly listing key details like fiber content, country of origin, and the manufacturer’s identity.

Also, the requires that labels include complete care instructions and any necessary warnings to help prevent damage during cleaning or use.

Check out the page on the FTC’s website here to read further information on the matter.

Now that you’ve included all of the information that is required, you can consider the additional information that is important to you and your business:

The first additional piece of information to include on a custom tagless label is your logo! The neck label is a great location for an additional shameless plug. If room allows, consider adding a contact number, website, or social media handle.

It’s also important and expected to find the garment size on the care label. By including care instructions both educates and facilitates a longer lifespan of the garment. Care instructions can be written out in words or using representative icons.

From left to right, the three symbols of the care instructions mean: wash at or below 86° Fahrenheit, low temperature tumble dry, and do not iron.

How to Customize Tagless Labels

When it comes to customizg tagless labels, there are really two main decisions: finalized artwork design and color!

There are two routes to be taken when it comes to designing custom tagless labels: use an existing design or create a new one. There are numerous platforms to create your own design such as Adobe Photoshop or InDesign, or for those of us lacking digital design skills- Canva! Once you ‘ve finalized the label artwork and care instructions, the next steps include:

1. Choosing the print method (pad printing, screen printing or heat transfer).
2. Selecting ink color and confirming garment compatibility.
3. Creating or outsourcing the printing plate if using pad printing.
4. Printing directly onto the garment’s neck or interior area.
5. Testing for readability, feel and wash durability.

How Inkcups can Help with Tagless Printing

Once you are pleased with your chosen artwork, Inkcups can help with steps! We can create a proof for approval and then laser etch your plate. This is a great area to outsource to Inkcups as it eliminates the expense of a laser plate maker.  For more information, visit our dedicated page to Pad Printing Plate Etching Services.

While you create your artwork consider which color would best suit your design. The latest ink added to the pad printing ink offerings by Inkcups is the SB Eco Series for Apparel Tags which consists of 24 different color options. This ink shows soft hand properties which means upon touch it goes unnoticed.

Additional Resources

Here at Inkcups we believe in providing you with the most information to ensure a positive and productive printing process. We have many resources available to you, including:.

• Did you know that bedding, like sheets and pillowcases must have a label that includes the fiber content, country of origin and manufacturer?
• For all the visual learners out there, this page is for you. Still thinking about buying garment printer tags? Learn more about the benefits of printing them yourself.

Custom Tagless Printing FAQ

What is custom tagless label printing?

Custom tagless label printing is the process of printing label information directly onto apparel instead of attaching a sewn-in or tearaway tag.

What information should be included on a custom tagless label?

Most apparel labels should include fiber content, country of origin, manufacturer or RN information, garment size and care instructions.

What is the best printing method for custom tagless labels?

Pad printing is often a strong option for high-volume apparel neck labels because it offers a soft feel, durable output and low per-label cost.

Are tagless labels required to include care instructions?

In the U.S., the FTC Care Labeling Rule requires manufacturers and importers to attach care instructions to garments.