Hang tags are small labels attached to products, particularly clothing, that serve as “silent salespersons.” They are not only an important representation of brand image but also act as a bridge connecting consumers to the product. Hang tags carry essential information such as brand details, product descriptions, and care instructions. Additionally, through their unique materials, shapes, and printing techniques, they reflect a brand’s craftsmanship and pursuit of excellence in the finer details.
Hang Tag Materials
- Paper Hang Tags
Common materials include coated paper, kraft paper hang tags, and white cardboard. Paper hang tags are lightweight, easy to print on, and relatively low-cost, making them suitable for most daily consumer goods. Kraft hang tags are especially popular for eco-conscious brands due to their rustic and sustainable appearance. - Plastic Hang Tags
Made of materials like PVC and PET, plastic hang tags are waterproof and resistant to wear, making them ideal for products requiring higher durability. These tags are often used for outdoor apparel or products that need to endure harsh environments. - Metal Hang Tags
Crafted from materials such as aluminum and stainless steel, metal hang tags are premium and textured, often used for high-end products or occasions emphasizing brand image, like luxury hang tags or coach hang tag designs. - Leather Hang Tags
Made from natural or synthetic leather, leather hang tags are soft and luxurious, making them suitable for fur, leather clothing, or denim products. - Textile Hang Tags
Materials like ribbons or hemp ropes are used to create textile hang tags. These are soft, lightweight, and commonly used for casual clothing or as hang tag strings for other tag types.
Hang Tag Shapes
- Standard Shapes
Rectangles, circles, ovals, folded shapes, triangles, and pocket-style designs are common for printable hang tags and printable hanging price tags. - Custom Shapes
Using die cut hang tags, brands can create customized hang tags of various shapes to enhance product uniqueness and appeal. For instance, bottle hang tags are popular for beverages or cosmetics, while custom shapes can emphasize a product’s theme.
Hang Tag Printing Techniques
To create stand-out custom hang tags, brands can choose from a variety of printing techniques:
Lamination: Enhances glossiness and durability, commonly used for luxury hang tags.
UV Coating: Creates a special glossy finish and protective surface.
Foil Stamping: Adds metallic sheen for visual appeal, making embossed hang tags and black hang tags particularly striking.
Embossing/Debossing: Raises or recesses designs to add texture and elegance.
Creasing: Adds folds for a professional finish.
Color Printing: Includes flexography, offset printing, and screen printing for custom hang tag printing.
3D Printing: Adds dimensional effects for a unique look.
For specific branding needs, black hang tags custom printing is a popular choice, offering a sleek, modern aesthetic that works well for high-end custom clothing hang tags or custom apparel hang tags.
Information Printed on Hang Tags
Manufacturer’s Name and Address
Hang tags must clearly state the manufacturer’s name and address. For imported clothes, the country of origin can suffice.
Product Name and Fiber Content
Must use standard fiber names, avoiding slang, scientific terms, or foreign words.If different parts of the garment have varying fiber compositions, they must be labeled separately (e.g., Fabric: Pure Wool, Filling: 100% Polyester, Lining: 100% Viscose).
Care Instructions
Washing: Specify whether machine washing or hand washing is recommended.
Bleaching: Indicate whether chlorine-based bleach can be used.
Ironing: Specify the method (direct, with cloth, or steam) and temperature.
Dry Cleaning: State whether dry cleaning is allowed and the type of cleaning agent.
Drying: Specify drying methods (e.g., hanging dry, air dry).
Barcodes
Barcodes on hang tags serve three primary functions:
Automatic Reading and Identification: Scanners can read barcodes to identify product codes, determine pricing, and facilitate checkout.
Sales Data Analysis: Barcodes enable the classification, aggregation, and analysis of sales data, aiding business management.
Information Feedback: Barcodes transmit sales information back to production units, reducing delays in production and supply chain communication.
For added security, customized hang tags may include two-dimensional barcodes to safeguard brand interests and consumer rights.
QR Codes
QR codes enhance consumer engagement by embedding:
Information about garment care, sizes, colors, and product options.
Videos or stories about the brand.
Access to promotions, discounts, or online stores for direct purchase.
QR codes simplify the shopping process and connect consumers with the brand, creating a seamless shopping experience.
Hang Tag Production Process
- Design and Layout
Using tools like hang tag templates and professional graphic design software (e.g., Adobe Illustrator/AI or Photoshop/PS), the hang tag design is finalized and approved by the customer. - Plate Making
Once approved, designs are transferred to PC films (film sheets) to create PS printing plates. - Proofing (Sample Creation)
A sample is created for customer approval before mass production. Proofing methods include sample-making machines, digital proofs, or simplified proofs. - Imposition (Layout)
This step optimizes the arrangement of custom hang tags on large sheets for cost-effective printing. - Exposure (Plate Burning)
Designs are exposed onto light-sensitive plates, transferring onto materials like screens or photopolymer plates. - Printing
- Ink adjustments ensure vibrant and accurate colors, especially for black hang tags printing or kraft paper hang tags.
- Post-Printing Processing
Additional treatments are applied, such as lamination, embossing, foil stamping, UV coating, die-cutting, punching holes for hang tags with string, or attaching hanger tags for retail displays. - Quality Inspection
The finished retail hang tags are inspected for defects, then packaged and shipped.
Popular Uses for Hang Tags
Clothing Hang Tags: Provide essential branding and care information for apparel.
Custom Hang Tag: Fully personalized to reflect brand identity.
Hang Tag Gun: Used to attach hang tags securely to clothing or products.
Personalized Hang Tags for Clothing: Adds a unique touch to custom garments.
Hanging Name Tags: Common for events, trade shows, or retail displays.
Whether it’s customized hang tags for retail, apparel hang tags for clothing, or black hang tags for luxury goods, the right hang tag design elevates a product’s branding and consumer appeal.
Choosing the Perfect Hang Tag
From kraft hang tags for eco-friendly brands to embossed hang tags for premium products, selecting the right material, design, and printing method is critical. Consider your target audience, product type, and branding needs to create the perfect custom clothing hang tags or custom apparel hang tags.