(How) Do Stick On Name Labels Work & Other Back To School FAQs

If you’re struggling to pick the perfect name labels to keep your back to school purchases safe, read our FAQs about stick on name labels for labelling your children's school kit.

Back To School FAQs About Stick On Name Labels

Here are our answers to the most frequently asked questions we receive about using stick on name labels to get your back to school supplies labelled.

What are stick on name labels?

Stick on name labels are a modern version of traditional name labels. Instead of using a needle and thread, stick on name labels use an adhesive to hold your name labels in place. This gives them a lot of advantages over sew in name labels. They’re much quicker and easier to apply (especially if sewing isn’t your thing). They can also be used to label all kinds of school supplies. For example, sew in name labels are only suitable for clothing and fabric items – like school uniform and P.E. kit. Stick on name labels, however, can be used to label fabric and non-fabric items (like shoes, bags, lunch boxes, and stationery).

Do stick on name labels really work?

Yes! Modern materials and manufacturing methods have made it possible to develop adhesives that will hold your name labels firmly in place – on a wide range of items and under a wide range of conditions.

Our stick on name labels are made with a unique adhesive, which has been specially developed to ensure that your labels will stick on and stay on. This adhesive, combined with an ultra thin and super flexible synthetic material, means our name labels will bond with all kinds of materials and surface types. They'll also stay put when labelled items are put through the washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher, microwave, or the kitchen sink. Plus, they’re incredibly soft, which means that they won’t cause irritation to sensitive skin when labelled items of clothing are worn.

Our labels have been independently tested using the BS EN ISO6330 wash test procedure for 60 washes at 40 degrees. They’ve also been thoroughly tested by thousands of parents across the UK who have bought our name labels year after year after year.

How do I apply stick on name labels?

Our name labels work just like any other adhesive label. You simply peel each label off the backing sheet (taking care not to touch the adhesive too much) and then apply it onto the item you want to label – making sure that you firmly smooth the label down for a few seconds to create a successful, even bond. There is absolutely no ironing or sewing involved.

Make sure that your item is clean and dry and avoid washing the item for 24 hours after labelling to allow the adhesive to fully strengthen and set. You will need to follow these guidelines for clothing and shoes:

• CLOTHING & FABRIC ITEMS: apply your labels onto the wash-care label (showing the care instructions) and not directly onto the fabric of the item itself.
• SHOES: apply your labels onto the side wall or beneath the tongue of each shoe. Avoid applying your name labels onto the floor of the shoe, directly beneath the foot, where the print will be worn away over time.

What items can be labelled with stick on name labels?

Stick on name labels are much more versatile than traditional name labels and Stikins ® labels are a truly multipurpose name labelling solution. Stikins can label clothing and fabric items like school uniform, clothing, P.E. kits, towels and linens, and soft toys. You can also apply them onto shoes, bags, lunch boxes, water bottles, stationery, books, and other essential kit needed for individual subjects or activities (including sports and performance based activities like music, drama, and dance).

The only items that Stikins ® labels don't work well on are items of clothing like socks, which do not have wash-care labels. The problem with socks is that they are designed to flex around the foot when you put them on, take them off, and while they are worn. This means that they don’t have a stable surface for an adhesive to bond with successfully. If you do choose to apply Stikins onto socks (as some of our customers do) you will likely find that your name labels will stay stuck for a short time but will start to peel away (or fall off entirely) over time.

Why should I choose Stikins ® stick on name labels?

Obviously, we think Stikins ® labels are the best stick on name labels ever. Over the years, we've continually updated our products to make sure that are the best they can be and continue to live up to our motto of name labels that really do just stick on and stay on.

Our latest version has a unique adhesive, which produces strong and efficient bonds on a wide range of materials and surfaces, along with a durable label material and printing ribbon. This ensures that your labels and your personalisation will stay put, clear and legible, for longer than ever before.

However, you don’t just have to take our word for it…

• Stikins ® labels have been independently tested using the BS EN ISO6330 wash test procedure for 60 washes at 40 degrees.
• We’ve received over 8,000 reviews from parents – over 97% of these reviews have awarded us four or five stars.

How do I order?

You can order online or by phone. Visit our order form page to order online. To order by phone, give us a call during office hours (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday).

You don’t need an account; simply select your pack size and personalisation for each pack you want to order, let us know your email and delivery address, and make payment. You can pay by credit / debit card, PayPal account (online orders only), or Apple Pay (online orders only).

When will my name labels be delivered?

We despatch orders received by 3pm (Monday to Friday) on the same day. Orders placed after 3pm, over the weekend, Bank Holidays, or during Easter / Christmas despatch next working day.

Standard delivery is free and uses Royal Mail’s first class service. First class post usually arrives next day but Royal Mail are currently experiencing some delays. We therefore advise that first class items may take up to seven working days to arrive.

Place Your Back To School Order Today

To place an order, visit our online order form or give our Customer Service Team a call. Alternatively, check out our website for more information, more FAQs, and our parent reviews.