When it comes to your product, what’s the first thing your customer notices? The label. It’s not just a piece of packaging - it’s your brand’s handshake, your first impression, and often, the very thing that convinces someone to pick your product off the shelf. In today’s fast-paced, visually driven world, great custom labels act like a mini billboard, working overtime to grab attention, spark curiosity, and create a lasting emotional connection with your customers.
But a strong product label design is about more than just aesthetics (though that’s definitely part of it). It’s about reflecting your brand’s personality, telling a story that resonates, and standing out in a crowded marketplace. Whether you’re an established company or a small business just starting out, investing in thoughtful, creative label designs can mean the difference between a one-time purchase and a loyal fanbase.
To inspire your next label creation - or help guide you as you embark on your packaging journey - we’ve rounded up six incredible examples of label designs that get it right. From playful to sophisticated, these designs show how packaging can elevate a product and keep your brand front and center. Let’s dive in!
Dyro Gin’s packaging design beautifully captures its Italian roots and artisanal essence. The label bursts to life with intricate botanical illustrations on foil, placing the spotlight on its all-natural ingredients. Its bold, metallic leaf-focused design celebrates the premium botanicals that make this gin special, making it a delight for both the palate and the eyes.
Get the Look: Say goodbye to traditional foiling, by printing on synthetic silver labels. By adding an extra layer of white ink under the artwork, you can decide which elements should shine and which should stay flat (non-metallic).
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(SOURCE: Dyro Gin)
Faith & Sons Rum brings its Portuguese heritage to life with an unforgettable label creation. The highlight? A detailed engraving of the legendary Portuguese ship Botafogo, known for its 366 cannons and fiery reputation. Striking pink embossing adds a layer of modern luxury, ensuring the brand name truly stands out - both visually and conceptually. It’s a brilliant blend of storytelling and shelf appeal.
Get the Look: Using Synthetic silver label stock can help you create a foiled effect at a fraction of the cost of traditional embossing. To create a contrasting non-metallic background, simply add an extra layer of white ink beneath the artwork.
(SOURCE: Faith & Sons Rum)
Austrian wines from producer Gut Oggau grab attention with minimalist, black-and-white labels featuring hand-drawn portraits. Each design represents the “personality” of the wine, brought to life by a German artist using detailed descriptions. Featuring only a portrait, the wine’s name, and a vintage year, these labels are simple, playful, and striking. For anyone exploring custom wine label printing, this clean, graphic design stands out amidst the clutter of text-heavy wine labels, making Gut Oggau bottles effortlessly memorable on the shelf.
Get the Look: Use uncoated paper wine labels for a premium textured finish. These labels withstand condensation and stay intact even in an ice bucket.
(SOURCE: Gut Oggau Wines)
When Thirst Craft reimagined Haze Craze IPA for a wider audience, they infused the design with vibrant Pop Art inspiration. Renamed Brooklyn Pulp Art: Hazy IPA, the label draws from the iconic styles of Roy Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol, creating instant visual familiarity. With bright, bold graphics and background elements hinting at tropical flavours, this beer label design is both a conversation starter and a standout on the shelf.
Get the Look: Use waterproof synthetic polypropylene to create a label that not only looks great but also resists tearing, moisture, and chemicals.
(SOURCE: Thirst Craft)
Hoogesteger, a Dutch fresh fruit juice company with over 55 years of tradition, has mastered the art of clean, modern design. Their labels are die-cut to replicate the shapes of the fruits inside, playfully breaking the barrier between packaging and product. Minimalist typography and the cursive ‘By Hoogesteger’ signature add a personal, heritage-inspired touch. This design radiates freshness - both inside and out. For brands looking to design stickers that tell a compelling story, this serves as perfect inspiration.
Get the Look: Print the shape and colour of the contents of the bottle directly onto a rectangular synthetic polypropylene label to cut-down on die-cut costs.
(SOURCE: Hoogesteger)
Bearded Buffalo Company, a US veteran-owned brand specialising in premium grooming products, nails effortless style with its updated packaging. Designer Emily Holt cleverly worked within the constraints of their existing logo and packaging shape, creating a design that feels rugged yet refined. With natural tones and mixed typefaces, the simple round labels evoke old-world charm that’s straightforward and undeniably masculine. The design complements the brand’s focus on practicality for men who prefer no-fuss grooming solutions, making these label designs as functional as they are striking.
Get the Look: For cost-effective, eco-friendly solutions, use circular paper labels. Smaller details, like expiry dates or product information, can be clearly printed without compromising readability.
(SOURCE: Emily Fights Crime )
A well-designed label is far more than just packaging - it’s a powerful marketing tool. It can tell your brand’s story, forge emotional connections with your customers, and make your product stand out in a crowded marketplace. Each of these six examples highlights how thoughtful details and creativity can elevate a product while keeping your brand front and center.
If you’re a small business aiming to craft labels that resonate and reflect the essence of your brand, remember: it’s all about striking that balance between form and function. Great design doesn’t just sell a product - it builds trust, tells a story, and turns first-time buyers into lifelong fans. So, which of these designs has inspired you? It’s time to take the next step with us here at LabEX and create labels that your customers will never forget.
