How to Remove Tags from Clothes: The Best Methods

The clothing labels found sewn into most garments can be a real nuisance, as they're often itchy or uncomfortable. Luckily, if these tags bother you, there are easy ways to get rid of them and make your clothing sensory-friendly. We'll explain how to remove clothing labels, below, plus how to get rid of a security tag (just in case you found one of those on your garments, too).

How to Removing Clothing Labels Without Cutting

To remove a clothing label without cutting it, tape down the edges of the label with hem tape. Then, iron the hem tape in place so the label is adhered to the clothing.

Method 1

Method 1 of 5:

Removing Tags Without Cutting

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1
Line the label with hemming tape. If you don’t want to risk damaging the garment by cutting off the label, use hemming tape to adhere the label to the garment entirely. Cut a few small pieces of tape and place them along the sides of the label. Then, iron down the hemming tape to secure the label in place.
- Now your label has no loose edges and is completely fastened to your garment.
- Do not attempt this if your garment is made of a delicate fabric. The heat from the iron could damage your item.

Method 2

Method 2 of 5:

Cutting Off the Label

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1
Cut the label out as close to the seam as you can. Fashion designer Ira Lysa agrees that one of the best ways to remove labels from your clothes is to cut them off. Use a sharp pair of scissors and cut as close to the garment as possible without fraying the garment itself. A small strip of the label may remain behind, stitched into the seam.
- It’s possible that the freshly cut label may be itchy or irritating on the back of your neck. Some of the stiffer, more papery labels can cause this.
- After a few washings, the edge will likely soften; however, if you’re worried about this, avoid cutting the label off, using a tag comfort cover, or try a different method.^{[1]
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2
Cut a piece of hemming tape the width of the label and place it on the seam. Opt to use iron-on, no-sew hemming tape for this. Place the hemming tape across the bottom of the label. Once it's in place, iron the tape down.
- This method is also great for smaller tags that can’t easily be cut off.
- Do not attempt this if your garment is made of a delicate fabric. The heat from the iron can damage your item.

Method 3

Method 3 of 5:

Using a Seam Ripper

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Use a seam ripper if it won't ruin the seam of the item. Check for multiple tags or labels. Then, notice how the labels are attached to the garment. Is the label sewn into the same seam that holds the garment together? Look closely at the threads—if you pull out the tag stitching, will it cause the seam to loosen and unravel?^{[2]
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- If there are multiple tags, start with the top tag when you begin the removal process.
- If the seam will loosen, avoid using a seam ripper (since doing so could damage your clothing) and opt to cut the label off.
2
Push the tip of the seam ripper under one stitch. Make sure the seam ripper is resting on top of the label rather than underneath it when you begin.^{[3]
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- Pulling the top stitches out first lessens the chance of an accidental tear in your clothing.
- You can start anywhere, but it’s generally best to begin pulling stitches at the top right corner of the label.
3
Continue cutting the stitches until you've removed all of them. Rip out several more stitches in a row. Move right to left as you work and pull the stitches out consecutively.^{[4]
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- Be sure to be very gentle as you cut through the stitches so that you won’t damage your clothing with the sharp tip of your seam ripper.
- For a slightly faster removal, stop at about the halfway mark and pull the label up so you can see underneath.
4
Remove the threads in between and underneath the tags, as needed. Wrap your finger around the tag to expose the stitches underneath. Your label will be loosened at this point, and you can get your seam ripper through the threads underneath it quickly and easily. Rip through those stitches and continue alternating until all of the stitching is removed.^{[5]
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- Make sure to cut through each stitch.
There will probably be a few stray threads embedded in your garment after you remove the label. Carefully tweeze them out, making sure the threads are totally loose before attempting to pull them out.^{[6]
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Keep the label to reference garment care information. One downside to removing a label is that most of them include care instructions for that particular item. Hang on to it if you think you’ll need it in the future.
- If you don’t want to keep the label, make a mental note or write the information down and keep it in a safe place.

Method 4

Method 4 of 5:

Removing Outside Labels

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Examine the label. Outside labels are most frequently found on men’s suits and jeans in the form of a tiny patch or brand logo. Removing them with care is ideal so you don’t damage the garment.^{[7]
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- Another common example of an outside tag is one that you see sewn into an outside seam on a garment. Use tiny cuticle scissors to cut these off since they are normally quite easy to remove.
2
Slide a seam ripper or cuticle scissors under one stitch of the label. Make sure the seam ripper or the cuticle scissors are resting on top of the label when you begin. Gently pull up to cut through the thread. If you’re using cuticle scissors, make a tiny snip to easily cut through the stitch.^{[8]
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- You can start anywhere, but it’s generally best to begin pulling stitches at the top right corner of the label.
3
Move right to left as you work and pull the remaining stitches out. Pull them out consecutively. Be very gentle as you cut through the stitches so you won’t damage your clothing with the sharp tip of your seam ripper or scissors.^{[9]
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- Make sure to cut cleanly through each stitch before moving to the next.
There will probably be a few stray threads embedded in your garment after you remove the label. Make sure the threads are totally loose before attempting to tweeze them out.
5
Hide or cover tags you can’t remove. Occasionally, you will have garments with outside labels that simply can’t be removed because doing so would damage the garment or because the label is part of the garment itself. In these cases, there are a few options:
- Check with a tailor or dry cleaning professional to see if they can remove it for you.
- If the label is on your sleeve cuff, you can roll up your sleeves.
- Outside labels on the back pockets of jeans can be covered with a long shirt or jacket.
- Try using an iron-on patch to cover the label.

Method 5

Method 5 of 5:

Removing Security Tags

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1
Use a plastic bag to twist the tag off. Locate the security tag on your garment. Take the handle of a plastic grocery bag and slip it between the base of the tag and the fabric. Pull tight until the bag handle is wrapped around the base. Then, continue wrapping the handle around the tag until the needle in the tag releases.^{[10]
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- Keep in mind that it may take 10 or 15 wraps for the tag to pop off.
2
Use 2 forks to pop off the tag as an alternative. Take 1 fork and slide it between the base of the security tag and the garment with the prongs face down. Then, take another fork and wedge it between the other fork and tag with the prongs face up. Pry the second fork up to pop off the security tag.^{[11]
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- This method may require a bit of finagling and a few attempts.
- Be aware that this method may trigger any dye that might be in the security tag. Proceed with caution.

Community Q&A

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Question

How do I remove a label glued onto cotton garment?

Community Answer

In this instance you should take the garment to a tailor or dry cleaning professional for removal. Labels glued onto cotton fabric are unusual, but a professional can probably take care of this for you without damaging your clothing.

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How can I cover uncomfortable stitching in my clothing?

Community Answer

It depends on where the stitching is located on the garment and how much stitching you want to cover. One common instance is the itchy stitching on the inside of a shirt that has an embroidered logo on it. For this, there are stitch covering products on the market. They are usually sold in a roll and you can cut the size you need. They are usually made of a soft polyester or polymesh blend and they are invisible from the outside of the garment.

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How can I remove tags from a swimsuit?

Community Answer

You can remove swimsuit tags by cutting them, as stated above.

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Tips

Always assess your label before taking it off. Labels are made of diverse materials and sewn into clothing in various ways. You must remove them with care, or you may risk accidentally tearing your clothing.^{[12]
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Opt for tagless clothing. Some companies have stopped sewing tags and labels into their clothing to create more comfortable garments for their customers. Instead of a tag, the label information is ironed or stamped on the inside of the garment in the general area where a tag would normally appear.^{[13]
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Try taking the removed care label and attaching it with hemming tape elsewhere on garment where it won't bother you, such as side seam or the bottom hem.

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