Name labels have been around in the US since ancient Egypt. Today, you'll find them everywhere. They come in many forms, from woven, printed, or iron-on, to sewn, or even stickers. Whatever the format, they help us label and organize our personal items. But did we always label personal items? How have name labels changed over time?
Origins in Ancient Egypt
Name labels have been around for a long time. Even in ancient Egypt, people marked their belongings to show who owned them. Unlike today, the production methods of name labels back then were very simple. These early markings were often in the form of engravings on objects or notes written on papyrus. The owners of valuable items wrote simple signs or letters with ink or paint on the surface of objects. People in the Middle Ages used labels with names to mark clothing and possessions, especially in monasteries and noble houses.
Revolution in the 19th century
As industry boomed in the 19th century, name labels really took off. They became more durable and easier to read.
As more and more clothing was produced and labeling became more popular, more producers wanted to label their goods. Schools, boarding schools, and the military also started using name labels for clothing, luggage, and books to avoid confusion. The names were usually written or printed by hand. Handwritten labels were common, and the writing could be artistic and decorative, especially on high-value items. There were no self-adhesive name labels yet. Consumers sewed the labels on, attached them to the items with pins, strings, or ribbons.
New Technologies of the 20th Century
In the 20th century, the USA saw huge leaps forward in technology, opening up a whole new world of possibilities. Name labels on paper became more and more popular because they were cheap and easy to produce. The invention of iron-on labels also changed the way we label clothing.
In the 1930s, R. Stanton Avery came up with the first machine-made, self-adhesive label sheet, which changed the game when it came to using name labels. The new labels were a breeze to apply and stuck to all sorts of surfaces. During World War II, name labels really took off because they were practical and quick to use. After the war, they were used in more and more areas. Social institutions, companies, and events started using name labels to identify people and make communication easier. These labels quickly became an essential part of everyday life in many private households.
New Innovations in the Latest Decades
New technology has made labeling easier. The DTF printing process makes high-quality, detailed name labels. DTF lets you print text and images directly onto a film, which you can then use for labels. QR codes are also used for name labels. They can hold more information and can be read with a smartphone. This makes name labels more than just informative; they're also interactive. There are now many different types of name labels.
Wunderlabel offers a comprehensive range of popular name labels, including classic woven labels, modern print versions, practical iron-on labels, and stickers. Our labels are suitable for a variety of applications and can be used to avoid confusion and add a personal touch to any item.
