Same day t-shirt printing in London. Drop off by 11am, collect by 5pm.
Hang Tags and Swing Tags: What They Are and Why Clothing Brands Use Them business-printing

Hang Tags and Swing Tags: What They Are and Why Clothing Brands Use Them

Hang tags (also called swing tags) are the small cards attached to clothing items, bags, accessories and products by a cord or string. They are one of the most cost-effective branding tools available to clothing labels and product businesses.

What They Are Used For

Hang tags serve four main purposes:

  1. Brand identity: Logo, brand name, website and brand values. The front of the tag is usually the brand face.
  2. Size and fit information: Garment size, fit guide, available colours.
  3. Care instructions: Wash temperature, drying and ironing guidance. Often printed on the reverse.
  4. Pricing: Retail price, discount callouts, limited edition numbering.

Materials

Material Weight Look Best For
350gsm silk card Standard Clean, professional Most clothing brands
400gsm coated card Sturdy Premium feel Outerwear, denim, premium lines
Kraft paper Varies Natural, eco Sustainable brands, artisan
Foil board 350gsm Metallic sheen Luxury goods, gift brands
Recycled card 350gsm Matte, textured Eco-conscious brands

Finish Options

Matt laminate gives a matte, tactile finish. Gloss laminate produces vivid colour. Soft-touch laminate has a velvety feel and is popular with premium and fashion brands. Spot-UV can be applied to specific areas (logo, pattern) over a matt laminate to create contrast.

Single vs Double-Sided Printing

Layout Use
Single-sided Brand face only, back left blank or uncoated
Double-sided Brand face plus size, care or pricing on reverse

Double-sided is the standard for clothing brands. The front carries the logo and brand message; the reverse carries care and size information, keeping the front clean.

String and Attachment Options

  • Cotton string: Most common, professional, available in natural or black.
  • Elastic loop: Faster to attach, suits lower-price-point products.
  • Safety pin through eyelet: Used for clothing where a punched hole is not desired.
  • Ribbon: Premium attachment, used for gift products and luxury goods.

All tags are punched with a metal eyelet hole as standard.

Minimum Order Quantities

Quantity Price Range (per tag)
100 From £0.35 each
500 From £0.18 each
1000 From £0.12 each
2500+ Quote on request

Small orders are available without minimum run restrictions for independent brands launching their first collection.

For pricing and artwork templates, visit the hang tag printing service page.