Clothing Identification

By: Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com
Updated May 22, 2024
Marking clothes to make them easier to identify and select is a valuable skill for students, whether they are braille readers or non-braille readers. Discuss the following methods with the student.

Braille Labels for Braille Readers

Braille tags are commercially available and can be sewn onto the tag or the inside seam of clothing. These small metal tags have color and pattern words in braille, making identification easy for braille readers. To avoid skin irritation, they can be sewn to the bottom hem or another inconspicuous location.

Handmade Braille Labels

Alternatively, labels can be made by brailling on durable but not too thick plastic. This provides a customized labeling solution for braille readers.

Button Coding System for Non-Braille Readers

For non-braille readers, buttons of different shapes can be used to match items or represent colors. These buttons can be sewn into the inside hem of clothing for discreet labeling.

Iron-On Tape Method

Iron-on tape can also be used for labeling clothes. Cut the tape into various shapes and develop a system for matching shapes, similar to the button method. Iron-on tape provides a non-intrusive labeling option.

Safety Pins as a Coding System

Safety pins can be used to identify colors by using one pin to stand for one color, two pins for another color, and so on. This coding system is simple yet effective for non-braille readers.
Regardless of the method chosen, it's important to place the pins or indicators in inconspicuous locations to maintain the appearance of the clothing. Keeping a list of the coding system in an accessible format ensures that students can easily reference and understand their labeling system.

ECC Instruction

Teaching Strategies
Compensatory Skills
Concept Development
Alternative Communication
Emergent Literacy
​Access Print
​Access Environmental Print
Pre-Braille 
Braille Code
​​Braille Formatting
​Braillewriter​​Slate & Stylus​​Tactile Graphics​Nemeth Code​Access Classes​Abacus ​Organize​​Study Skills​Time Management​​​​Listening Skills
Assistive Technology
Social Skills
Self Determination
Self Determination Skills
Sensory Efficiency
Sensory Input
​​​Sensory Areas & Rooms​​​Auditory ReadinessVisual Efficiency Skills​Optical Device Instruction​Tactual Efficiency​Tactile Readiness ​
Independent Living
Personal Care
Hygiene & GroomingPersonal HealthHousehold Skills
Shopping & Consumerism
  • Shopping
  • Grocery Stores
  • Grocery Shopping
  • Expiration Dates
Eating & Table MannersClothing IdentificationTelephone
  • Telephone Use
Food PreparationMoney & Budget
  • ​Money & Budget
  • Money Management
  • Receipts​
  • Payment Methods
  • Buying or Packing Lunch
  • Personal Belongings
  • Paying with Checks
  • Interpret a Warranty
  • School Fundraisers
  • Housing Decisions
  • Paying Bills
  • Vending Machine Purchase
Service Agencies
  • Service Agencies
​Safety
  • General Home Safety
  • Emergencies
  • Evacuations
  • Seeking Shelter
  • Accidents & First Aid
  • Internet Safety
  • Safety
  • Using Locks
Orientation & Mobility
Recreation & Leisure
Career & Vocational
Job AwarenessMaintain Job
  • Address Employer Concerns
  • Maintain Employment
  • Following School Rules
  • Work Related Skills
  • Assuming Responsibilities