Don’t Forget The Iron-On Labels: A Camper’s Secret Weapon
Camp season always has a way of sneaking up on us, parents. Between packing lists, gear checks, and last-minute errands on top of already busy schedules, it’s easy to overlook one small step that makes a huge difference: choosing the right labels for your child’s clothing and fabric items!
If your camper has ever come home missing socks, sweatshirts, favorite pajamas, pillow cases, or even their sleeping bag, iron-on labels may be the simple solution you didn’t know you needed!
Quick Answer / TL;DR
Name Bubbles iron-on labels are one of the best ways to label your kids’ camp clothing, especially items without tags, like socks, underwear, towels, sleeping bags, and bedding. Because they’re permanent and bond directly to fabric, iron-on labels help prevent mix-ups at camp and give clothing the best chance of coming home at the end of the session. They make it through every adventure at camp and won’t fade, peel, or fall off!
Why Iron-On Labels Are a Camper’s Secret Weapon
Iron-on labels may feel old-school due to the rise in popularity of stick-ons, but thanks to their super durability, they’ve become more relevant and popular than ever, especially for summer camp. Name Bubbles modernizes iron-on labels, combining durability, customization, and the coolest, most adorable designs, making them perfect for fun-filled camp days when kids are more focused on the next activity than on keeping up with their belongings.
Things are bound to get mixed up, especially in the bunk or at the campfire, and if you have one of our iron-ons on your kids’ clothing, that hoodie will always get returned. Parents prepping for camp often focus on what to pack. Iron-on labels focus on what comes back.
When Iron-On Labels Make the Most Sense For Camp
While our premium stick-on clothing labels are great for items with care tags, some clothing and fabric options don’t have them and need an extra layer of protection. Items like socks (most commonly lost at camp), under garments, and bedding require a permanent label that adheres directly to the fabric - que iron-ons!
Iron-on labels are especially helpful for clothing and fabric items that are frequently removed, don’t have a care tag, shared, or misplaced at camp, including:
- Socks and underwear (the most commonly lost items
- Tagless shirts and athletic wear
- Pajamas and loungewear
- Towels and blankets
- Bedding and sleeping bags
- Swimwear
- Stuffed animals / plush comfort items
While stick-on labels work perfectly for hard-surface items like water bottles and bug spray, and clothing with tags, parents often realize that once they start labeling, iron-ons quickly become their go-to for fabric-based camp essentials because of their reliability and durability! And, if you’re apprehensive about using iron-on name stickers because there are a couple of extra steps, we promise they’re super easy to apply!
How to Apply Iron-On Labels (Step-by-Step)
While not as simple as peel-and-stick, iron-ons are not difficult to apply and only take a few easy steps. Most parents can label an entire camp wardrobe in minutes, and all you need is a household iron and a piece of parchment paper (parents, we include parchment paper with every iron-on purchase!).
- Start with a clean, dry fabric surface (if the garment is brand new, we recommend washing and drying it before its first application; we’ve found that the iron-ons adhere even better when the fabric fibers are less tight).
- Peel the label from the backing (no cutting!)
- Heat a household iron to the cotton setting
- Place the label text-side up on the fabric
- Cover with parchment paper
- Press firmly for 15–20 seconds without moving the iro
- Check edges and repeat if needed
- Allow the label to cool and rest for up to 24 hours before use (this ensures maximum adhesion to the garment!).
Once applied, iron-on labels become part of the fabric and are NOT removable! No peeling, curling, or guessing which item belongs to whom! If you’re more of a visual learner, check out the video below, which shows just how easy it is to apply our iron-ons!
Why Parents Choose Iron-On Labels for Camp
This is where iron-on labels often win parents over. Beyond keeping track of belongings, solving tons of real-life camp problems, and saving parents time and money (no replacing things at the end of camp!), our iron-on labels have top-rated features that have helped parents for over 15 years!
- No scratchy tags: If you remove tags from your child’s clothes for comfort, iron-ons let you label clothing without worrying about skin irritation
- Reliable on most fabrics: If the fabric can be ironed, it can usually be labeled
- Direct fabric application: Perfect when there’s no tag or brand imprint to work with
- Holds up through washing and drying: Designed to stay readable and intact over time. Our iron-ons will still be stuck and bold even after your child has outgrown the clothing!
- Works on swimwear: Ideal for bathing suits and water-heavy activities (swim suits are up there with socks for the top things that get lost at camp)
- Easy to read: Clear names help counselors quickly return misplaced items
- Made in the USA with non-toxic materials
For many families, iron-on labels become a go-to solution long after camp ends!
How Iron-On Labels Fit Into Camp Prep
Since they only work on fabric-based items, Iron-on labels work best when used as part of a complete camp-packing plan. Many parents label clothing first, then move on to shoes, water bottles, sunscreen, sleeping bags, and other gear using either our laundry-safe or dishwasher-safe name labels.
If you’re preparing for overnight or sleepaway camp, iron-on labels pair especially well with a full packing checklist. With your child gone for over a week, iron-ons are a lifesaver that prevents digging through the lost-and-found at the end of summer! For a detailed overview of what to pack if your child is heading to overnight camp, check out our checklist What To Pack for Overnight Camp.
Making Camp Prep a Little Less Stressful
Sending your child to camp, while a bit stressful, is a big step toward making those core memories. Camp is about independence, confidence, and fun, not worrying about lost socks or missing pajamas. Iron-on labels give parents peace of mind and help campers keep track of their belongings without extra effort. Less time at the lost-and-found means more exciting camp adventures!
When it comes to labeling camp clothing, iron-on labels truly are a camper’s secret weapon. For all things camp prep, shop all our personalized camp labels and never step foot in the lost-and-found again!
FAQs: Iron-On Labels for Camp
Are iron-on labels better than stick-on labels for clothing?
Both our stick-on and iron-on labels are award-winning and trusted by thousands of parents - one isn’t better than the other. Iron-on labels are often the best choice for clothing without tags or printed labels, like socks and underwear.
Can iron-on labels be used on swimwear?
Yes! We highly recommend using them for bathing suits, as not only are they permanent, but they also have a matte laminate, making them even more durable for water activities.
How long do iron-on labels last?
When applied correctly, our iron-on labels are essentially permanent. They’re designed to last through repeated use and washing, making them ideal for camp clothing and beyond! We have parents tell us that they only use our iron-ons for kids’ clothes.
Should I label clothes before or after packing for camp?
While it’s tempting to start loading up suitcases and duffel bags as soon as things come out of the closet, always label clothing before packing. This helps ensure nothing is missed and makes the packing process faster and more organized!
Is there a camp value pack that comes with iron-on labels?
Yes, we have two! If you just want to label clothes, our camp clothing bundle includes both stick and iron-on labels. If you need to tag your child’s entire gear checklist, our sleepaway camp pack includes multiple sizes of stick-ons and our most popular iron-on label.
