Soft tactile identity
Discuss formulation, thickness, relief and surface feel for the intended placement.
Material comparison lab
Silicone vs TPU Labels
Silicone vs TPU labels is a product-development decision about hand feel, flexibility, relief, edge definition, garment compatibility and application. Compare like-for-like samples before fixing the specification.
Defined flexible construction
Review film structure, printed or moulded detail, edge shape and transfer layer.
Side-by-side brief
Compare the construction, not only the material name
| Buying field | Silicone route | TPU route |
|---|---|---|
| Surface | Specify matte, gloss, texture and tactile target | Specify printed, clear, matte or dimensional finish |
| Relief | Map raised and recessed zones | Define layers, height and edge profile |
| Flex | Approve thickness and bend recovery | Approve film gauge and stretch direction |
| Application | Validate adhesive system on garment | Validate transfer recipe and carrier release |
Use-case selector
Start with garment behaviour and placement
Performance apparel
Test stretch, recovery, sweat exposure and repeated care.
Outerwear
Check coating, seam access, surface texture and low-temperature limits.
Fashion branding
Prioritise hand feel, colour, relief and close-view appearance.
Bags and accessories
Review abrasion, edge contact and substrate thickness.
Material references
Inspect related silicone and TPU label constructions
Hand-feel review
Approve feel at production thickness
A thin swatch and a thick raised logo can behave differently even when they use the same material family.
Bend
Fold around the actual garment contour.
Recover
Release stretch and inspect shape memory.
Touch
Compare surface drag, softness and edge feel.
Artwork engineering
Translate the logo into manufacturable relief
Number each height, protect fine counters and state whether colour boundaries are raised, recessed or printed.
- True-size vector artwork
- Relief legend and cross-section
- Colour reference for every zone
Application route
Validate label, adhesive and garment as one system
Identify fabric
Composition, finish and coating.
Set recipe
Time, temperature and pressure.
Apply
Control platen and placement.
Condition
Allow bond to settle.
Test
Wash, flex and inspect edges.
Comparable sourcing
Quote both routes against one controlled brief
Same geometry
Hold finished size and relief intent constant.
Same quantities
Price identical version and tier counts.
Same backing
Use the same garment and application scope.
Same delivery
Match packaging, destination and commercial term.
Current catalogue
Database-connected silicone and TPU references
Custom 3D Silicone Heat Transfer Logo Patches
Silicone · MOQ 100
View product →3D Silicone Heat Transfer Labels for Clothing
TPU and Silicone · MOQ 100
View product →Custom TPU Heat Transfer Labels for Clothing
TPU and Fabric · MOQ 100
View product →TPU Heat Transfer Logo Labels for Clothing
TPU AND SILICONE · MOQ 100
View product →Custom TPU Heat Transfer Logo Labels
TPU Leather · MOQ 100
View product →Custom 3D TPU Rubber Logo Patches and Badges
TPU · MOQ 100
View product →What is the main difference between silicone and TPU labels?
Silicone and TPU are separate material families with different feel, structure and processing options. Compare approved samples at the intended size and garment placement.
Which material is softer for clothing?
Softness depends on formulation, thickness, relief and backing construction. Request a hand-feel sample rather than selecting from a material name alone.
Can both materials make raised logos?
Both can support dimensional effects, but fine detail, height transitions and edge shape must be reviewed for the chosen process.
Are silicone and TPU labels heat applied?
Heat-applied versions are available. The application recipe must be validated on the actual garment fabric, coating and finished colour.
Which is better for stretch fabric?
Choose after testing recovery, surface appearance and bond performance on the intended stretch direction and fabric composition.
What should an RFQ include?
Send artwork, size, relief map, colour references, garment composition, placement, backing, quantities and care expectations.
Compare both materials on your garment
Send the logo, placement, fabric, dimensions, quantities and care target for a focused material review.