Why I Started Using Washable Labels For Clothes Lost Too Many Kids Clothes
Choosing the best washable labels for clothes is simple once you know what to look for. The easiest labels are the ones that stick to most surfaces, are easy to read, and survive frequent washing. Clothes labels can be a huge help for parents who struggle to keep track of their children’s jackets, towels, and school uniforms.
I honestly didn’t realize how much of my day would revolve around something as simple as washable labels for clothes. After my son started daycare and later school i found myself constantly losing clothes, jackets, shoes, and personal items that would get mixed up with someone else’s belongings.
- I started with permanent marker
At first i used permanent marker to write his name on all of his shirts and jackets. The marker worked fine for a while, but eventually began to fade after being washed multiple times.
- Then i tried iron-on labels
Next i moved on to traditional iron-on labels. The problem was i didn’t always have time to dig out the iron every time i wanted to label something. And some of the labels began to peel around the edges after a while.
That’s when i started researching washable labels for clothes.
How clothes labels have helped our family
If you have more than one child with similar clothes then you know how easy it is to mix them up. Daycare, school uniforms, jackets and coats can all look alike on young kids.
Placing a name label on clothes not only helps teachers and daycare staff identify who the item belongs to. It also prevents parents from accidentally losing clothes that end up being unintentionally packed into someone else’s backpack.
Parents can use washable labels for clothes for:
Daycare apparel
School uniforms
Jackets and coats
Sports uniforms
Personal towels and blankets
Kids hats
Camp clothes
Rather than having to stop and write my son’s name on each garment with permanent marker, i can quickly apply a label and move on.
Features to look for in clothes labels
When researching clothes labels i quickly learned that not all labels are made to be washed. Some brands look terrific when you apply them but begin to peel after only a few wash cycles.
The features i cared most about when selecting washable labels for clothes were durability, strong adhesive, and overall convenience.
Washable labels for clothes should:
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Stay put after washing
Kids clothes get washed multiple times per week. With picky kids who hate having their diapers changed, dirty clothes are used as weapons and tossed into the washing machine many times throughout the week.
You need a washable label that can stand up to repeated washings and dryer cycles. There’s nothing worse than opening the washing machine to see your labels floating around inside.
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Be simple to apply
I also wanted an option that didn’t require me to learn new skills or invest in expensive equipment.
Stick-on washable labels for clothes are convenient because they can be applied to any clean dry surface. I can label several articles of clothing in just a few minutes.
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Be easy to read
Having a label is no good if you can’t read the name on it. Printable label materials are designed to last. Names, phone numbers, or other info will be easy to read for a long time.
With young kids i like to use a name that they can recognize as theirs. Adding a symbol or emoji can also help children differentiate which towel, jacket, or shirt belongs to them.
Stick-on clothes labels vs. Iron-on clothes labels
The biggest competitor to stick-on clothes labels are iron-on labels.
Iron-on labels have been around for years and can be very durable. However they require both an iron and a flat surface you don’t mind getting slightly melted on.
Sticking-on clothes labels are very convenient, and can be applied in minutes without having to haul out the ironing board. They’re also great for fabrics that you don’t want to run through the dryer.
For busy parents, convenience is key.
Where i use clothes labels
I began by labeling my son’s school uniforms. Soon i discovered just how convenient washable labels for clothes can be.
Daycare clothes benefit from labels on shirts, pants, sweaters, jackets, and even blankets. Items like towels and sleeping bags can easily be labeled when my son goes to camp each summer.
I now use them on sports clothes and equipment whenever my son has group activities.
Washable labels for clothes can be used on:
Daycare outfits
School uniforms
Sports uniforms
Summer camp towels and blankets
Sports equipment
Kids jackets
Senior living clothing
Work uniforms
Hospital clothing
Of course there are many more ideas! The more i learned about clothes labels the more time i saved by using them.
Tips for applying washable labels for clothes
Make sure the surface is clean before applying your label. Dirt, moisture, and fabric softener can prevent the label from sticking.
After applying press firmly on the label. Make sure to rub firmly on the edges as this is where labels have a tendency to start peeling. Wait a few minutes before washing the labeled item.
These few steps will ensure your labels last as long as they are designed to.
Washable labels for clothes are a game changer
Losing clothing sucks. Especially when kids grow out of clothes, shirts, and jackets quicker than you can buy them. Thankfully washable labels for clothes can help you and your family keep track of personal items.
Washable labels for clothes are durable, easy to apply, and work great for just about any clothing material. They’re great for kids who attend daycare or school, but can be used for adults too. Hospital clothing, work uniforms, and even items at nursing homes can benefit from easy-to-read labels.
Clothes labels are my goto solution for keeping track of personal items. What started as a way to keep my son’s school clothes organized has now expanded to dozens of uses i never would have thought about.
If you find yourself losing shirts, clothes, or wondering where your kid’s jacket could possibly be…I highly recommend giving clothes labels a try.