In the world of fashion and apparel retail, the little details make a big impression. One of the most under-appreciated yet powerful branding tools is the swing tag (also known in the UK as the “hang tag”). According to the definition, a swing tag is “an informational text attached to a garment … by thread or by a plastic joiner”. Wikipédia When designed well, it’s not just a label—it’s a mini-story, a silent salesperson at the point of purchase.
Here’s how you can design hang tags that don’t just hang—they sell.
1. Understand what a hang tag does for your brand
A swing tag serves multiple purposes:
- It identifies your brand visually—logo, typography, materials all say something about your identity.
- It shares key product info (price, size, materials, care instructions) in a compact way. GotPrint Blog+1
- It conveys a story or emotion—why you created the product, what your values are, what the customer is buying into.
- It acts as a mini marketing piece standing out on-rack, online, or at point of sale. As one label-supplier puts it, a hang tag “is one of the first things customers look at … a well-made hang tag says a lot about the brand.” %sitename%+1
When you realise these functions, you’ll see why the design matters so much—and why every tag is a chance to communicate more than just size or price.
2. Choose materials & finish that match your brand promise
Too often hang tags are an afterthought; but material and finish tell a story in themselves. Consider:
- Cardboard / Bristol board: common choice for swing tags; sturdy, good for printing full colour. Dutch Label Shop+1
- Eco-friendly paper stocks: especially if your brand emphasises sustainability. One paper-supplier emphasises how “hang tag papers … reflect the shared priorities of seller and consumer.” French Paper
- Premium finishes: matte, gloss, soft-touch, embossing, foil stamping—all add perceived value. vistaprint.com+1
- String, ribbon or cord attachment: the way the tag attaches—and even the colour/thickness of the string—can reinforce the premium or artisanal feel.
When your material and finish are aligned with your brand (luxury, eco, streetwear, craft), the tag doesn’t feel like an after-thought—it supports the product’s story.
3. Tell your story — keeping text concise yet meaningful
The content on your tag is limited by size, so you must make every word count. Here are best practices:
- Front side: Put your logo prominently, maybe tagline. This side will often be what the customer sees first. GotPrint Blog+1
- Reverse side: Use this for the key details: a short brand story, materials/care information, maybe a QR code linking to more.
- Keep text concise. A recommendation: “Try not to add too much text… use a QR code instead to link customers to your website.” GotPrint Blog
- Include a call to action or invitation: e.g. “Join our journey”, “Designed in Paris”, “Ethically made”, etc.
- Make it authentic: If your brand has a unique origin, process or value (e.g., small-batch production, recycled materials, local artisans), slip that into the tag copy. People buy stories as much as garments.
By designing with story in mind, your tag transforms from a purely functional item into a brand touchpoint.
4. Design for visual clarity & brand cohesion
Design matters. Here are some actionable design tips:
- Stick to your brand palette, fonts and visual style so the hang tag is instantly recognisable. GotPrint Blog
- Size & format: Standard hang tag sizes are around 2″×3″ (approx 5 × 7.5 cm) or 2″×4.25″. Choose a size that suits your product, imprint area and design need. GotPrint Blog
- Make the logo large and visibly legible—if someone only glances at your tag, your brand mark should register. GotPrint Blog
- Use both sides: Front for branding, back for story or product info.
- Add a hole punch for string/ribbon; placement matters for balance.
- Use finishes to elevate: emboss, foil, special cuts (die-cut shapes) all add tactile and visual interest.
- Think about readability: if you include small text (care instructions, mission statement) ensure contrast and legibility.
- Include a QR code or short URL: this allows you to keep the design clean while still giving access to deeper content (brand blog, sample ordering, etc).
When design and branding are consistent across your hang tag and other items (labelling, packaging, website), the result is a seamless brand experience.
5. Use your tag to drive action & connection
Effective hang tags don’t just identify—they invite. Here’s how to do that:
- Link to your website/blog: For example, you may guide them to your blog or label guide. On your site you have Your Products, Sample pack, Blog, About Us and Contact. Use the tag to point the customer to these.
- Offer a sample or bonus: A tag could mention “Visit us online for sample packs” (hinting at your sample page) or “Explore our label options”.
- Show your brand story: On the tag back, include one line like “Handcrafted in the UK using recycled materials” or “Small-batch production since 2018”.
- Encourage social engagement: “Tag us @YourBrand” or “Use #YourBrandStory” can build community.
- Highlight sustainability or unique selling point: If your brand emphasises eco-consciousness, regenerative materials or artisan craftsmanship, mention it. The paper stock itself might reinforce this.
- Make it feel exclusive: Even a subtle phrase like “Limited edition” or “Part of our collection” adds perceived value.
When your hang tag invites further engagement, it becomes more than packaging—it’s a portal into your brand world.
6. Practical execution: order, production & quality
Because your hang tag sits at the frontline of your product display, execution and quality matter:
- Choose the right supplier: Look for options that offer good material quality, proofing, and flexibility (for low-run and big run alike). Superlabelstore+1
- Order sample packs: Before committing large volumes, test the feel, finish, print quality, string attachment, durability.
- Consider quantities & turnaround: Many suppliers offer low minimums or fast turnarounds—important if you launch seasonal collections. Dutch Label Shop
- Ensure consistent print quality: Especially for brand colours, finishes, embossing/foil.
- Check attachment method: Is your hole punch correctly placed? Is the string/ribbon secure and visually in line with your brand?
- Think about logistics: Tags must arrive and be attached to garments efficiently without adding bottlenecks or waste.
- Keep tag inventory in sync with garment production so you avoid mismatches (e.g., old tag design on new collection).
High-quality tags show a brand invests in detail—and detail builds trust.
7. Summing up: Hang tags as brand storytellers
Your hang tag is not merely a label—it is your brand’s handshake with the customer. When designed with intent, it:
- Reinforces your brand identity and values
- Communicates key product information clearly
- Invites further interaction with your brand (via web, blog, samples)
- Elevates perceived value of your product
- Connects the physical and digital brand experience
If you’re working on your next collection or launching a new line, take the extra time to design your swing tags well. Plan the materials, story copy, design layout and how it ties into your overall brand narrative. As the supplier notes: the cardboard label (“cardboard labels … a well-made hang tag says a lot about the brand”). %sitename%
For inspiration and to explore material choices, finishes and ordering options, you can check out these pages:
- Our Products – for label and tag material options
- Sample – for ordering sample packs and comparing finishes
- Blog – for deeper insights into labels, materials and branding
- About Us – to get a sense of the craftsmanship mindset behind your tags
- Contact – for quotes, custom discussions and specialist needs
Let me know if you’d like me to draft a specific tag design brief or provide some tag layout templates!