How to Order Custom Metal Labels for Bags and Clothing: A 7-Step Checklist
A 7-step checklist for ordering custom metal labels and logo plates: placement and fixing, shape and size, logo method, material, finish, artwork and sampling.
Short answer: decide where the label goes and how it is fixed first, because that sets the back of the label (prongs, sewing holes, screws or adhesive). Then choose the shape and size, the logo method, the material and the finish, send vector artwork, and approve a physical sample. A laser-engraved logo on one of our standard blanks needs no new mould; a raised, recessed or cut-out logo, or a custom outline, needs a mould.
Metal labels and logo plates are often the only branding on a bag, a pair of jeans or a jacket, so they are worth getting right. Work through the seven steps below and you will have everything we need to quote and sample your label.
The checklist
1. Placement and fixing method
2. Shape and size
3. Logo method
4. Material
5. Finish and colour
6. Artwork
7. Sample, approve, produce
Step 1: Where will the label go, and how will it be fixed?
Start with the product, not the logo. A label on a leather bag front, a jeans waistband and a swimsuit strap each need a different back. Tell us the material and its thickness, so we can choose the right prong or post length.
Fixing | How it works | Best for | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
Prongs or posts | Legs go through the material and are bent flat, often over a backing plate | Leather and PU bags, wallets, thick fabric | |
Sewing holes | Two or more holes; the label is stitched on | Clothing, swimwear, knitwear, soft bags | |
Screws | Screwed through the material from the back | Bags and leather goods where the label must stay flat and firm | |
Self-adhesive | Adhesive pad on the back | Boxes, hard cases, accessories; no holes needed | |
Setting mould | Separated letters are set into the material with a mould | Wordmarks made of individual letters |
Prong-back plate with a backing plate. See the prong-back logo plate.
For separated letters, the setting mould is available at extra cost. Tip: if the label will be fixed by your factory, send them a sample first so they can check it fits their process.
Step 2: What shape and size should the label be?
Measure the area where the label will sit and leave a margin around it. Standard shapes such as rectangles, bars, ovals, rounds, squares and hexagons are quickest, because we already have them. A custom outline, for example the shape of your logo, needs a new mould.
Standard shapes with sewing holes. See the laser logo tags.
Small labels suit clothing: our round cut-out label is 15 x 15mm with two sewing holes. Bags and luggage usually take a larger plate.
Step 3: Which logo method should you choose?
Logo method | Look | New mould? | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
Laser engraved | Fine, flat marking on the surface | No, on a standard blank | Small runs, names, fine text, fast samples |
Raised (embossed) | Logo stands up from the surface | Yes | Premium bags and leather goods |
Recessed (debossed) | Logo sits below the surface | Yes | Subtle, durable branding |
Cut-out letters | Open letters inside a frame, or separated letters | Yes | Wordmarks and monograms |
3D relief | Sculpted detail with depth | Yes | Statement labels on shoes, bags and garments |
Raised cut-out letters in a 15mm frame. See the round cut-out label.
For raised, recessed and sculpted detail, see our metal labels and logo plates. A new mould is usually USD 70–150 in zinc alloy.
Step 4: Zinc alloy, brass or something else?
- Zinc alloy: our main material for labels. It is die-cast in a mould, so it reproduces raised logos and fine shapes well, and it takes plating in many colours.
- Brass: heavier and more solid in the hand, with a natural golden colour. Our brass blank tags are made for engraving or embossing.
Brass blanks ready for engraving. See the brass label tags.
For a full comparison read zinc alloy vs brass vs stainless steel.
Step 5: Which finish and colour?
Common finishes for metal labels include gold, light gold, silver, black, gunmetal, rose gold and antique brass, polished or matte. The same mould can be plated in different colours, so one label can match a gold range and a silver range without a second mould.
Light gold label with an engraved wordmark. See the metal label.
Always approve colour on a physical sample, not on screen. See how to choose plating colours for the 12 colours on our standard colour card.
Step 6: What artwork should you send?
- Best: vector artwork (AI, EPS, PDF or SVG) with the fonts outlined.
- For a first quote: a clear PNG or JPG of the logo is enough.
- Size and position: the label size in mm and where the logo sits on it.
- Colours: the plating colour, and any colour fill, with a Pantone number if you have one.
Very fine lines and very small text can be hard to reproduce on a small label. We check your artwork and suggest adjustments before the mould is made.
Step 7: How do sampling and production work?
- Send your inquiry with the details from steps 1–6.
- We confirm the design, price and any mould fee.
- We make samples for you to check fit, logo detail and colour.
- You approve the sample and keep one as the reference.
- Bulk production starts, matched to the approved sample.
- Samples: about 7–10 days
- New mould: about 10–20 days
- Bulk production: about 7–30 days depending on quantity and finish
- MOQ: 100 pieces per design
For a full list of what to include, see what to include in a custom hardware RFQ.
What should you send with your inquiry?
Item | Example |
|---|---|
Product and placement | Leather tote, front panel |
Fixing method | Prongs with backing plate; leather 2mm thick |
Shape and size | Rectangle, 40 x 12mm |
Logo method | Raised logo |
Material and finish | Zinc alloy, light gold, polished |
Artwork | Vector file (AI or PDF) |
Quantity | Per design and in total |
Frequently asked questions
What is the MOQ for custom metal labels?
100 pieces per design. Samples take about 7–10 days.
Do I need to pay for a mould?
Only for a raised, recessed, cut-out or 3D logo, or a custom outline. A new mould is usually USD 70–150 in zinc alloy. A laser-engraved logo on a standard blank needs no new mould.
How are metal labels attached to clothing?
Most clothing labels are sewn on through two or more holes. Thicker fabrics and denim can also take prong labels.
How are metal labels attached to bags?
Usually with prongs or posts bent over a backing plate, or with screws. Tell us the material and its thickness.
Can one label design be made in several colours?
Yes. The same mould can be plated in different colours, such as gold, silver and gunmetal.
What file format should my logo be?
Vector artwork (AI, EPS, PDF or SVG) is best. A clear PNG or JPG is fine for a first quote.
Ready to order your metal labels?
Send us your logo, the product and where the label goes, and we will suggest the fixing, size and finish and send samples. Request a quote or browse metal labels and logo plates, metal letters and prong-back blanks.