13 sticker types (and where to use them)

Stickers are one of the most fun and flexible tools for design, branding, and personal expression. But when it comes to choosing the right one, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. The truth is, there are many different types of stickers, and each is made with specific sticker materials, finishes, and formats for a reason.

Whether you’re looking to boost your brand visibility, decorate a laptop, or label your product packaging, this guide to the top 13 sticker types will help you find the perfect sticker for your needs.

1. Vinyl stickers

If you need stickers that last, vinyl stickers are the MVP. Made with durable vinyl and other durable materials, these are resistant to water, scratches, and fading. They’re designed to handle both indoor and outdoor use, and they shine on laptops, tumblers, vehicle decals, or even as shipping labels.

The white ink printing makes for bold, vibrant designs, and they’re available in multiple sticker formats, including roll stickers, sheets, and singles. They also offer excellent weather resistance, so your designs stay sharp in rain, heat, or snow.

Explore custom vinyl stickers

2. Shaped stickers

Custom sticker shapes let your design shine exactly the way you imagined. Whether it's a flower, star, or custom mascot, shaped stickers are perfect for giveaways, brand promotion, or fun personal projects.

One of the most popular formats? Square stickers, which give you that crisp, clean layout with plenty of room for creative sticker design.

See our custom circle stickers

3. Die cut stickers

Die cut stickers are sharply trimmed to the outline of your design, offering a polished, professional appearance. Ideal for business branding, cut stickers like these are commonly used in product labels, thank-you inserts, or as unique merch.

The high quality vinyl ensures durability and a premium look, and they work across various surfaces. These stickers are also a perfect way to showcase detailed designs with crisp, clean lines.

4. Kiss cut stickers

Want something easier to peel, with room for extra info? Kiss cut stickers come with extra adhesive backing, making them ideal for creators and brands that want to include social handles, QR codes, or extra branding.

Great for artist packaging and sticker sheets with decorative elements. If you’re building a versatile sticker collection, kiss cuts make it easy to mix, match, and display your favourite styles.

5. Clear stickers

Clear stickers are perfect for that sleek, no-background look. Designed with a transparent background, these work beautifully on glass surfaces, bottles, and minimal branding needs. The transparency makes them ideal for showing off the product underneath.

They're a favourite in product packaging for their clean visual appeal.

6. Transfer stickers

Transfer stickers are all about clean lines and precision. They’re usually single-colour vinyl and come without any background, making them perfect for window decals, outdoor signage, and car decals.

Thanks to the transfer layer, they’re easy to apply exactly where you want them.

7. Holographic stickers & glitter

When you want sparkle or shine, holographic stickers and glitter finishes are where it’s at. These come with a shiny and reflective surface that draws the eye.

Ideal for artists or brands creating standout promotional materials, these styles turn the ordinary into unforgettable. They’re a must-have for any serious sticker collection.

8. Foil stickers and metallic foil

Shiny, sleek, and oh-so-premium. Foil stickers come in metallic finishes like gold, silver, or rose gold. These are great for upscale gift tags, luxury branding, and formal certificates.

They add a reflective surface and work well in high-end promotional displays or classy packaging labels. If you’re after detailed designs with a luxurious edge, foil is the way to go.

9. Fluorescent stickers

Need to grab attention fast? Fluorescent stickers in bright neon shades are designed to stand out, especially in bold branding or high-energy campaigns.

Perfect for increasing brand visibility, these are great for promotional items, event labels, or anything that needs to scream "look at me!"

10. Biodegradable & eco-friendly stickers

For sustainable branding, biodegradable stickers made from sugarcane fibre or wood pulp are a great choice. They're compostable, vegan, and ideal for eco-conscious consumers.

Use them to show your values while still maintaining high-quality sticker design with clean aesthetic appeal.

11. Window stickers

Whether you're working on retail displays or car branding, window stickers are designed to stick to glass on the inside or outside. You can even get static cling stickers if you want to reposition them later.

They’re commonly used for shopfront promotions, logos, or simple decorative purposes.

12. Heavy duty & special use stickers

Built to handle the tough stuff, these are your go-tos for outdoor use, heavy handling, and exposure to outdoor elements. From floor stickers in busy shops to equipment tags and thermal stickers, they’re all about durable sticker material that can remain firmly attached and resist fading.

You’ll often find them in industrial settings, warehouses, or anywhere where performance and toughness are top priorities.

13. Novelty, fun & custom stickers

Sometimes you just want something fun. Whether it’s quirky sayings, cute designs, or unique custom shapes, these cut stickers are made for personal use, artist shops, or just collecting cool designs.

You can even create stickers in different finishes like high gloss, embossed stickers, or domed stickers for extra flair.

Final thoughts

There are more than a dozen types of stickers, and each one serves a purpose depending on where and how you’ll use it. A few final tips:

• Pick vinyl stickers or die cut stickers for all-round durability
  
  
• Try clear stickers or transfer stickers if you love clean, minimal looks
  
  
• Choose holographic stickers, foil stickers, or metallic foil for extra shine
  
  
• Go with biodegradable options for sustainability
  
  
• Don’t forget about cut stickers and kiss cut stickers for ease and creative control
  
  
• Consider floor stickers, window decals, and static cling stickers for retail and signage
  
  
• Keep building your sticker collection with styles that suit your vibe, brand, or audience
  
  

From bold to minimal, luxe to eco-friendly, your next favourite sticker is out there—ready to stick, shine, and stand out.

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