For retrofitting to cables I use these types of labels:

https://www.canford.co.uk/CABLE-MARKERS-RETROFIT-With-fitting-tools

For putting onto new cabling, I use these:

https://www.canford.co.uk/CABLE-MARKERS-PRE-FIT-Kits

I avoid all adhesive type labels, every time I've used them the adhesive has failed after a few years. However, an ex-colleague recommends these ones if you do want to do it that way:

https://www.canford.co.uk/CABLE-MARKERS-WRITE-ON-TAPE-Laminating

I tend to just stick with numbers for 'work' stuff, as there tends to be schematics and drawings to refer to so you can figure out the actual function of the cable in question.

Re: your comment on using your label maker. Unless you use the right label type, they're likely to fall off in weeks instead of years, in my experience. Although I think the fresher the label stock the better you might fare.

I find the permanent vinyl type adhere quite well, but I'm not sure if all label printers support them. I have a Dymo Rhino 6000 which will pretty much print on anything. The heatshrink stuff they sell was a godsend when I was rewiring the house. But it's expensive and you don't get much in a cartridge.