Grand Canal — Headwear Supply
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Silicone & PVC Labels for High-Performance Gear | Grand Canal

Silicone & PVC Labels for
High-Performance Gear

Designed to flex, last, and stay sharp — where fabric labels fail.

Used on hats, bags, sportswear, outdoor gear & tech accessories.

Silicone and PVC labels on performance gear

Are You Running Into These Issues?

Labels peel or curl after a few washes on hats or gear?

Traditional woven labels look cheap on athletic or outdoor products?

Logo needs more dimension, but embroidery feels too thick or stiff?

Small runs with multiple colorways aren't cost-effective with traditional methods?

Why Not Use Traditional Methods?

We're not here to trash other techniques — they're great for certain applications. But when it comes to performance gear, there are clear limitations.

Method
Not Ideal When...
Woven Label
High friction, moisture exposure, or repeated flexing
Embroidery
Product is ultra-light, close-to-skin, or needs a smooth finish
Heat Transfer
Durability matters — it can crack or fade over time

This is where silicone & soft PVC labels make sense.

Silicone vs PVC: How to Choose

Silicone label example
Silicone

Choose Silicone If You Value:

Premium feel with maximum durability

  • Ultra-soft, flexible touch
  • High-end / technical aesthetic
  • Resistance to high temps & UV exposure
  • Best for outdoor & performance applications
  • Premium pricing tier
PVC label example
PVC

Choose PVC If You Value:

Bold branding with cost efficiency

  • Strong 3D relief & visual impact
  • Cost-effective for larger runs
  • Vibrant color options
  • Great for streetwear & sports gear
  • Mid-range pricing tier

Real Applications, Real Products

Performance caps with silicone labels

Headwear

Performance Caps & Snapbacks

Backpacks with PVC labels

Bags & Packs

Backpacks & Duffel Bags

Athletic apparel with silicone branding

Sportswear

Athletic Apparel & Jerseys

Outdoor gear with durable labels

Outdoor Gear

Jackets & Technical Wear

How Brands Are Making the Switch

Streetwear brand hat

US Streetwear Brand

Switched from woven labels to soft PVC on their snapback collection after customer feedback about stiff embroidery. Result: Better comfort ratings and significantly fewer returns related to label irritation.

(Details shared upon request)

Outdoor gear backpack

Outdoor Gear Company

Needed labels that could withstand extreme weather conditions on their technical backpacks. Chose silicone labels for UV resistance and flexibility. Labels maintained integrity even after 18 months of daily outdoor use.

(Details shared upon request)

Athletic performance cap

Athletic Apparel Brand

Moved from heat transfer to PVC labels on their performance caps when they noticed cracking after repeated washing. PVC provided the 3D effect they wanted while maintaining wash durability.

(Details shared upon request)

Customization: What's Possible?

🎨

Colors & Matching

Pantone color matching available. We can create gradients and multi-tone effects. Full CMYK spectrum for complex designs.

📏

Thickness & 3D Levels

From ultra-thin (0.5mm) to high-relief (5mm+). Multiple levels in a single label for dimensional branding.

🔗

Backing & Attachment

Sew-on backing, heat-seal adhesive, or direct molding. We'll recommend the best method based on your application.

📐

Size & Tolerance

From micro labels (10mm) to large patches (150mm+). ±0.5mm tolerance on precision details.

Surface Finish

Matte, glossy, semi-gloss, or textured. Different finishes can be combined in one label.

🔍

Detail Limitations

Line thickness: minimum 0.3mm. Text: minimum 4pt for legibility. We'll optimize your design for molding if needed.

Helping You Avoid Common Mistakes

When NOT to Use Silicone or PVC:

  • Internal garment labels (comfort woven is better)
  • Extremely high-heat environments beyond specs (industrial)
  • When you need a traditional fabric aesthetic

3 Design Issues We Catch Before Production:

  • Text too small to mold clearly (we'll suggest alternatives)
  • Color combinations that won't pop on your base material
  • Detail that's too intricate for the chosen thickness level

How We Help During Sampling:

  • Test attachment method on your actual material
  • Verify color match under different lighting
  • Adjust dimensions for optimal visual impact

Sample to Production: The Process

1

Design Review

We check your artwork and suggest optimizations for molding

2

Mold Creation

Custom mold produced and confirmed with you

3

Sample Approval

Physical sample sent for your testing and approval

4

Mass Production

Full production run begins after your green light

5

QC & Delivery

Quality inspection and careful packaging for shipment

Typical timeline depends on design complexity. We'll give you a realistic estimate after reviewing your artwork.

Common Questions

Is there a minimum order quantity?
MOQ varies by complexity and material. Silicone typically starts at 500 pieces, soft PVC at 300 pieces. Contact us for project-specific minimums.
Can these labels be used beyond hats?
Absolutely. We see them on bags, jackets, footwear, tech cases, and more. If it needs durable, flexible branding, silicone or PVC can work.
Will the label crack in cold weather or harsh conditions?
Quality silicone labels are designed to remain flexible in extreme temps (-40°C to 200°C). PVC has good cold resistance but slightly less than silicone. We'll recommend the right material for your environment.
How does color hold up after repeated washing?
Both materials are highly resistant to fading. Silicone slightly outperforms PVC in UV exposure. Proper curing and quality pigments are key — which we ensure in production.
Can you help optimize my logo for molding?
Yes. Our design team reviews every file and suggests adjustments for line weight, spacing, and detail level to ensure the best molding outcome. This is included in our process.

Ready to Upgrade Your Branding?

Whether you need a quote or just want feedback on your design's feasibility — we're here to help.