How to Properly Pack and Label Kids' Clothes for Camp

Quick Answer: How to Label Clothes for Camp

The best way to label kids’ clothes for summer camp is with Name Bubbles premium name labels, which last through all camp adventures! Use a mix of our stick-on clothing labels and iron-on labels, depending on the type of garment. Stick-ons are perfect for clothing with tags and brand imprints (on tagless clothing); iron-ons are permanent and bond directly to fabric, making them perfect for all clothing types, especially socks and undergarments. Both types are laundry-safe, durable, waterproof, and resistant to sunscreen and bug spray. Keep clothes out of the camp lost-and-found all summer!

Camping Season Is Coming!

Whether your child is heading off to sleepaway camp, day camp, a nature program, or a family camping trip, one thing is guaranteed: their clothing will get mixed up, tossed around, borrowed, or lost.

That’s why labeling everything before packing is one of the most effective ways to keep your camper organized and help clothing return home at the end of the week or month.

In this guide, you'll learn:

• How to label different types of clothing with Name Bubbles' labels
  
• Which labels work best for various fabrics
  
  
• Smart packing methods to keep your little camper organized
  
  
• Pro-tips from real-life parents for stress-free camp prep

Let’s start with the most important part (and what we’re certified experts on): labeling!

Why Labeling Clothes for Camp Matters

Summer camps handle hundreds of nearly identical shirts, swimsuits, towels, and socks every single day. Without a label, your child’s things quickly disappear into the lost-and-found pile. Not only does labeling keep your child’s things organized in the bunk, but it also ensures all those expensive clothing items make it back home at the end of summer, saving parents time and money!

A clear, durable name label helps:

• Counselors return clothing faster
  
  
• Your child stays organized and independent
  
  
• Prevent mix-ups with bunkmates and other campers
  
  
• Save time and money replacing lost items

We’ve spent years gaining parent-approved tips from customers and staff, and they all say the same thing: “Label before packing, your future self will thank you!” We’ve also found that when a child has their clothing labeled, they're more apt to keep up with the garment; labeling creates a sense of pride and independence that children appreciate!

The Best Way to Label Clothes for Camp

1. Laminated Stick-On Clothing Labels (for care tags)

Stick-on clothing labels are our quickest and easiest option. You’ll find these on most children’s clothing as they’re simple yet effective! They work best on:

• Care tags
  
• Size labels

Why they're great:

• No ironing required
  
  
• Waterproof and laundry-safe
  
  
• Ideal for shirts, shorts, pajamas, swimsuits, and jackets

Use these on any garment with a tag! They stick easily and hold tight all summer and beyond! You’ll be surprised at how strongly these little labels hold! (Bonus: They’re versatile, and any leftovers can be placed on other gear, like water bottles!)

2. Unlaminated Sticker Labels (for tagless clothing)

Some clothes come tagless, with only a printed size or care label. In these cases, our stick-on labels can still work IF the fabric has:

• A printed care symbol
  
  
• A brand imprint
  

Important: Avoid placing these clothing sticker labels directly on fabric with no imprint, as they require a slightly textured surface to grip (like the brand imprint). 

3. Iron-On Labels (for socks, underwear, and tagless clothing)

Our iron-ons are permanent, and some parents opt for them for their unmatched durability and longevity. Iron-on labels are also essential for items that don’t have tags, such as:

• Socks
  
  
• Underwear
  
  
• Scarves
  
  
• Tagless tees
  
  
• Non-clothing items like pillow cases, bedding, and sleeping bags

Apply with a household iron and let them set for 24 hours. Iron-ons bond permanently to fabric, making them ideal for high-friction items that wash frequently. While iron-ons are a solution for labeling items like socks and underwear, you can add them to any clothing item for a permanent label.

Durability You Can Trust

For 15+ years parents have trusted us to deliver premium name labels that keep things out of the lost-and-found forever. We're the top choice for labeling kids' clothes for camp. Name Bubbles labels are:

• Waterproof
  
  
• Laundry-safe
  
  
• Sweat-resistant and play-proof
  
  
• Sunscreen and bug spray resistant
  
  
• Chlorine safe (laminated and iron-ons)
  
  
• Designed to last the entire camp season and beyond

Stick-ons can be removed when you’re ready to donate clothing, while iron-ons stay put permanently. We make all our clothing labels with premium vinyl and print them with fade-resistant, non-toxic ink. We proudly make all our name labels in the USA!

Tips for Labeling Clothes for Summer Camp

1. Label everything (really, everything)

Camps strongly recommend labeling every item that leaves your home, even socks and towels. Spending time and money on camp clothing and gear is a lot of effort, and the best way to protect that investment is to label things with a clear, bold, legible name label from Name Bubbles!

2. Apply labels to clean, dry surfaces

This ensures the adhesive bonds properly. A clean, dry surface ensures that no debris or moisture can interfere with the label adhering to the clothing.

3. Let them rest for 24 hours before washing or wearing

Allowing the labels to sit for 24 hours, without getting wet or washed, allows them to fully bond, ensuring the strongest hold. This is a crucial step to follow when labeling your child’s clothes for camp.

4. Don’t trim labels

Cutting labels weakens the adhesive edges. Always carefully peel the labels from the label sheet and follow all application instructions.

5. Keep a variety of label sizes

Different garments need different clothing label shapes. We have circle, square, rectangle, and mini clothing labels. Some parents prefer our x-small labels for discreet labeling, but for camp, we believe a standard-size clothing label is best so counselors can easily spot your child’s clothes! Shop our Camp Value Packs, which include name labels for both clothing and gear.

6. Avoid using labels on items that kids put in their mouths

This one seems far-fetched, but we have to say it! As a safety issue, do not apply any of our clothing labels to items that children may put in their mouths, as saliva reacts with the adhesive on our labels and can cause them to come loose, posing a choking hazard.

Tips on How to Pack Clothes for Camp

1. Pack with extra bags

No matter what your child uses for their main camping bag (suitcase, duffle bag, trunk, etc), having zip lock bags of different sizes can help keep clothing safe and organized from toiletries that might leak. It’s always easier to find stuff when things are organized into small bags. Use zip locks or packing cubes for:

• Clean outfits
• Swimwear
• Socks and underwear
• Toiletries
• Dirty clothes (pack extras so your child can easily pack away dirty clothes before packing up at the end of summer)

Don’t forget to label these bags! (As we said earlier, label everything!)

Parent Hack:
Don’t forget the garbage bag. One of our favorite tips is to line your bag with a garbage bag. This way, everything is protected from unexpected rain, heavy morning dew, or an unexpected splash.

2. Pack essential camp clothing

You don’t want to overpack clothing, but you also don’t want to be without key pieces. While being practical when packing for camp is important, we also suggest:

• Extra socks
  
  
• Extra swimsuit
  
  
• Clothing with a UPF 50+ rating to block harmful UV rays
  
  
• Quick-dry drys
  
  
• Bug-repellent clothing (optional but very helpful)

While UPF 50+ clothing isn’t a must, it’s very helpful! Because, let’s face it, when they’re excited to get to the day’s adventure, kids may skimp on the sunscreen. And yes - label every single item, even the extras that may, or may not, get used! It’s better to be safe than waste money on lost clothing!

3. Roll, don’t fold

Another clothing tip that seasoned travelers and camp preppers swear by is rolling your clothes instead of folding them. Rolling helps your camper:

• Saves space
  
  
• Reduce wrinkles
  
  
• Find outfits easier

Try the clothing burrito method for each day. Lay the t-shirt down, put the shorts on top, then lay the underwear and socks down. Fold in half and roll. Now each day has a little packet of clean clothes. Bonus Tip: It’s not just about new clothing. A good habit to teach your kid is rolling dirty laundry, which helps keep things nice and neat.

4. Keep it simple

The temptation is to pack everything, so you or your little one is ready for anything that comes along. Luckily, that’s usually not necessary, so you can leave most of it at home. Try to pare down to just the essentials.

5. Use a packing checklist

Keeping a list of items you need and then checking them off as they’re packed is a great idea. Not only does this help you make sure you have the stuff you need, but you can use it year after year. If you stick to the same list, you can revisit and review it, so it becomes your official camping go-to list.

6. Let kids help pack

While it’s tempting to do all of the labeling and packing yourself, it’s important to get little ones involved in the preparation for their summer camp adventure. If your child is involved in the packing:

• They know where everything is
  
  
• They feel confident and independent
  
  
• They're more likely (hopefully) to bring items back

It also provides a sense of accomplishment while building responsibility and makes camp more exciting for them.

Final Thoughts: Labeling Kids' Clothes Before Camp

Packing and labeling your child’s clothing for camp doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With Name Bubbles’ labels, smart packing techniques, and a little preparation, your child can stay organized, confident, and ready for every adventure ahead (and parents can relax knowing there’s a layer of protection helping all those expensive things come back home).

If you’re looking for a complete overview of what to bring to camp, from clothing and shoes to toiletries and gear, make sure to read our Ultimate Guide to Packing and Labeling for Summer Camp.

Have questions about labeling or camp prep? We’re always here to help!

FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Labeling Clothes for Camp

Q: What’s the best way to label kids’ clothes for summer camp?

First, start with a personalized set of Name Bubbles’ premium clothing labels. The best method depends on the type of clothing. Stick-on clothing labels work well on care tags and printed label areas, while iron-on labels are ideal for socks, towels, and tagless items. Using a combination ensures every piece of clothing is clearly marked and comes home after camp. Our Camp Clothing Labels Pack includes a mix of iron-on and sticker name tags for clothing!

Q: Do I need to label every item my child brings to camp?

Yes, 100%! Camps strongly recommend labeling everything, including socks, swimsuits, jackets, towels, shoes, toiletries, and bedding. Labeling reduces mix-ups, helps counselors return misplaced items, and keeps the lost-and-found pile from swallowing your child’s things. It also helps save money by ensuring expensive gear and clothing come back home!

Q: Will labels stay on through washing and outdoor activities?

Name Bubbles labels are waterproof, laundry-safe, and designed to withstand sweat, sunscreen, bug spray, outdoor play, lake water, pool swims, and repeated wash cycles. Stick-ons stay secure for the entire camp season and beyond, while iron-ons are permanent.

Q: How long should I wait before washing freshly labeled clothes?

For best results, wait 24 hours after applying either stick-on or iron-on labels. This allows the adhesive to fully bond with the fabric and ensures long-term durability (this is a very important step, parents!)

Q: What items do parents often forget to label?

The most commonly forgotten items are socks. Every year, we hear from parents that their child always loses their socks at camp, and ask us how to label socks for camp. While socks often go unlabeled, these are also the items most likely to get misplaced, so labeling them with our iron-ons makes a big difference.

Q: Are iron-on labels safe for all fabrics?

Yes! Our iron-on labels work on most fabrics without any issues, but you should always follow the garment's care instructions. Avoid applying iron-ons to delicate materials that cannot tolerate heat.