I print my labels so I don't really have answer to your question. With cotton, you should be fine without a wash away on top. I do use a wash away on top with twill, corduroy, towels, velveteen, knits, etc.; but I have never felt that I needed it with cotton. You might try a wash away with a label and see if the label looks better. My gut reaction is that the label will look just as well without the wash away.