The right hang tag string or fastener depends on two things: the product the tag hangs on and how the tags are applied, by hand or by tagging gun. It is often the last decision on the order and the first one regretted. The wrong loop leaves a pulled thread on a knit, the wrong fastener snaps in transit, and a tag that looked right on the sample table spins around the neck of a bottle. Someone on the packing line may also have to attach 8,000 of them in a day without marking the product. Below, the common attachments for custom printed hang tags are compared by look, application speed and product fit.
Which attachment suits which product?
Match the attachment to the product and to how the tags are applied. Cotton or polyester string suits most clothes, bags and gifts; elastic suits jewellery and fine items; a pin suits delicate fabrics; plastic fasteners with a tagging gun suit high-volume tagging where decoration matters less.
| Attachment | Look | Speed of application | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton string loop | Natural, soft, can be dyed | Medium; threaded by hand or pre-threaded | Apparel, bags, gifts, bakery goods | Fraying; colour bleeding if wet |
| Polyester or nylon cord | Smooth, strong, glossy options | Medium | Outerwear, bags, heavier items | Looks less natural; can slip if not knotted |
| Waxed cord or twine | Rustic, strong | Medium | Craft, leather, candle jars | Can leave residue on pale fabric |
| Elastic loop | Stretchy, discreet | Fast; loop is slipped over the item | Jewellery, hosiery, hair accessories, small goods | Can lose elasticity; not for heavy items |
| Safety or brass pin | Metal pin, tag attached with a loop | Medium | Delicate fabrics, knits, silk | Pin can scratch; compliance and safety for children's items |
| Plastic fastener (barb, T-bar, loop-lock) | Clear or white plastic | Fastest with a tagging gun | Volume tagging in warehouses, basics, socks, towels | Looks utilitarian; fastener can pull through weak fabric |
| Ribbon or raffia | Decorative | Slow; tied by hand | Gifts, bakery, seasonal | Tying consistency |
What is a pre-threaded hang tag?
A pre-threaded hang tag arrives with a string loop already passed through the hole. It saves time on the packing line because the tag only needs to be slipped over a hanger, a handle or a garment neck. A separate string supplied with the tags is cheaper to produce but adds a threading step at the customer's side.
Pre-threaded loops can be closed with a knot, a plastic loop-lock or a looped slip knot. The loop length determines where the tag hangs, so state it when ordering. Final string material, length and threading method are confirmed at quotation.
How long should hang tag string be?
For a loop, a finished length of about 10 to 20 cm (roughly 4 to 8 in) is typical; for a separate string supplied to be tied by the customer, add enough length to knot around the product. The right length depends on the product: a garment hanger loop needs less, a bottle or bag handle needs more.
- Small jewellery or accessories: 6 to 10 cm loop.
- T-shirts, knitwear, folded garments: 10 to 15 cm loop.
- Coats, bags, handles: 15 to 25 cm loop.
- Tags tied by hand around bottles or jars: 25 to 40 cm of cord or ribbon.
A loop that is too long tangles on hangers and in packing; one too short pulls the tag against the product and makes it hard to read.
Drilled hole, punched hole or eyelet?
A drilled or punched hole is the simplest and cheapest; an eyelet (a small metal or plastic ring) reinforces the hole for tags that are handled a lot, hung under load or fastened with a gun. A plain hole in a thin tag can tear out at the edge when the tag is pulled.
- Plain hole, about 3 to 5 mm: most tags, light use.
- Eyelet: heavier items, premium look, repeated handling.
- Reinforcing patch or paper washer: an alternative to an eyelet that keeps the tag fully paper.
- Slit or slot: for fasteners that pass through a flat slot instead of a hole.
Hole position and edge distance are covered in hang tag sizes and shapes. Eyelets add a metal part, which is relevant if the tag has to be separated from the paper stream.
How do tagging guns and plastic fasteners work?
A tagging gun inserts a thin plastic fastener through the tag and the product, with a bar or T-shape on one side and the tag on the other. It is the fastest way to attach many tags and is common in warehouses and for basics such as socks, towels and woven goods.
What matters for a good result:
- Fastener length must suit the fabric thickness and the tag hole.
- The tag needs a hole or slit sized for the fastener.
- Fine knits and silk can be pulled out of shape; pins or loops are safer.
- Fasteners are plastic; if a lower-plastic or paper-only approach is a brand goal, use a string loop.
Compatibility between gun, fastener and tag hole should be checked on a trial before a full order.
What are the safety points on children's items?
For children's clothing, long loops, cords and drawstrings are regulated or covered by standards, so a loose long string on a tag deserves a check. In the EU, EN 14682 deals with cords and drawstrings on children's clothing; whether a detachable tag string falls within it depends on how the tag is attached and how the item is classified.
Practical steps: keep loops short on children's garments, avoid pins and sharp metal on baby items, make sure fasteners cannot detach into small parts, and ask your compliance contact or testing laboratory what applies to your product and market. This is general information, not legal advice.
Which string material and colour should you choose?
Cotton in natural, black or a brand colour is the default; polyester gives a stronger, glossy loop in more colours; elastic is often black, white or clear. Match string colour to the tag and the product: a contrasting colour is a brand feature, a matching colour is discreet.
- Natural cotton with kraft board: classic craft look.
- Black or white cord with white coated board: clean, premium.
- Metallic or colour cord: seasonal or fashion tags.
- Check colour fastness if the product may get wet or be washed with the tag attached.
Hang tag attachment checklist for a quotation
Send the following via contact or the packaging RFQ template:
- Product type and what the tag attaches to.
- Attachment: cotton, polyester, waxed cord, elastic, pin or fastener; colour.
- Loop length or tie length; knot or loop-lock.
- Hole type: plain, eyelet or slit; hole diameter.
- Pre-threaded or supplied separately; packing format.
- Children's items or special safety requirements.
- Whether tags will be applied by hand or by tagging gun.
For the tag board and size, see hang tag materials. Return to the hang tags hub for the full guide.