Abstract
The purpose of this study is to investigate the types and functions of brand labels on clothing. We surveyed the materials and manufacturing methods for brand labels by visiting the label stores and label manufacturers. 200 pieces of children's wear were surveyed. The label attributes that were studied were: the number of labels, the location of the labels, the attachment system for the labels, the color of the labels, the materials used to make the labels, manufacturing methods, and the size of the labels. From this investigation a brand label was classified into a main label and a point label. The main results were: 1. Materials such as fabrics, nonwovens, leather, suede, rubber, PVC, silicone, and metals are used for brand labels. The manufacturing methods for brand labels are weaving, printing, high frequency, heating, and molding. 2. More than 54% of clothes have more than two brand labels attached. This percentage exceeds the attaching of only one brand label in rate. An inside brand label is located at a certain place. This inside label uses only fabric material reflecting inherent brand color and design. The outside brand label is located at several places with consideration of the clothes design. This label uses various materials, colors, and characters matching with the clothes. As for the size, an inside label is mainly medium in size, whereas an outside label is small. 3. A brand label is classified into a main label (first label) and a point label (second label), which are defined as follows. A main label indicates the brand name and is located inside at a certain place using an inherent brand design and a fabric material. A point label is an additional label to express brand image and is located outside at various places for decoration using various characters and design and materials.