Hangtags for Clothing Brands

A hangtag costs 15 cents. Most customers cut it off and throw it away within five minutes.

But in those five minutes, it determines whether they think your brand is premium or generic.

Supreme hangtags are simple red rectangles with white text. People keep them. Collect them. Some even resell them.

Off-White hangtags with zip ties became so iconic that people wear them on their clothes even after purchase.

Hangtags are throwaway brand assets. But they shape first impressions before customers even try on your product.

This guide breaks down why hangtags matter, what to include, how to design them, and how to make them work for your clothing brand.

Why Hangtags Matter

Hangtags are the first physical branding element customers see when they pick up your product.

Before they check the neck label. Before they open the packaging. Before they try it on. They see the hangtag.

Hangtags communicate:

• Your brand name and logo
• Price and sizing
• Product info (materials, care, origin)
• Your brand story or values
• Professionalism and quality

A well-designed hangtag makes your product feel intentional and premium. A cheap, generic hangtag makes it feel like fast fashion.

The difference costs 10-15 cents. But it changes perceived value by €10-20.

What Makes a Good Hangtag

Good hangtags are simple, clean, and aligned with your brand identity.

Essential elements:

• Your logo or brand name
• Size (S, M, L, XL, etc.)
• Price (if selling in retail)
• Barcode or SKU (if needed for inventory)

Optional elements:

• Tagline or brand motto
• Material and care info (though this can go on the care label)
• Sustainability messaging (for sustainable brands)
• QR code linking to your website, styling tips, or exclusive content
• Social media handles
• Limited edition or collaboration info

What NOT to include:

• Long paragraphs (no one reads them)
• Too many logos or graphics (keep it clean)
• Low-quality printing or materials (it cheapens your brand)

Keep it focused. Your hangtag should communicate quickly and clearly.

Different Types of Hangtags

Standard folded card: Most common. Folds in half, displays logo on front, info on inside. Works for most brands.

Single card: Flat card with logo and basic info. Minimal and clean. Good for minimalist brands.

Premium thick card: Heavier cardstock, sometimes textured or embossed. Signals luxury. Used by luxury brands.

Die-cut or custom shapes: Unique shapes that match your brand aesthetic. More expensive but memorable.

Zip tie tags: Made famous by Off-White. Industrial aesthetic, collectible, iconic.

Wooden or metal tags: Premium, durable, reusable. Used by high-end outdoor brands or workwear brands.

Choose the type that matches your positioning and budget.

Design Tips for Hangtags

Your hangtag should match your brand identity.

Use your brand colors. Your hangtag should use the same colors as the rest of your branding. Consistency builds recognition.

Match your typography. Use the same typography as your logo and website. Don’t introduce new fonts randomly.

Keep it simple. The best hangtags are clean and minimal. Supreme is a red rectangle with white text. Stüssy is black and white with their signature. Iconic and simple.

Make it readable. Text should be legible at actual size. If people need to squint to read it, it’s too small.

Test quality. Order samples before bulk production. Make sure the printing is sharp, the colors are accurate, and the materials feel right.

How Hangtags Match Different Brand Types

Luxury brands: Thick cardstock, minimal design, embossed logos, muted colors. Think Hermès, Chanel, Ralph Lauren.

Streetwear brands: Bold logos, high contrast, collectible designs. Think Supreme, Off-White, Stüssy.

Sustainable brands: Recycled paper, eco-friendly materials, sustainability messaging. Think Patagonia, Everlane.

Sports/athletic brands: Functional, clean, performance-focused. Think Nike, Adidas, Gymshark.

Vintage brands: Aged paper, retro fonts, nostalgic design. Think vintage Americana, workwear brands.

Minimalist brands: Simple, clean, no unnecessary elements. Think COS, UNIQLO, Everlane.

Making Hangtags Collectible

Some brands turn hangtags into collectibles. Instead of throwing them away, customers keep them, display them, trade them.

Supreme: Their simple red hangtags are instantly recognizable. People collect them.

Off-White: The industrial zip tie tag became iconic. People leave them on their clothes as a status symbol.

Limited edition drops: Special hangtags for collaborations or limited releases make them more collectible.

Unique designs per collection: Changing hangtag designs for each drop creates collectibility.

If you want hangtags to become collectible, make them unique, consistent with your brand, and tied to specific releases.

Sustainability Considerations

Most hangtags get thrown away within minutes. If you’re building a sustainable brand, this matters.

Sustainable hangtag options:

• Recycled cardstock
• Biodegradable materials
• Seed paper (can be planted after use)
• Minimalist designs that use less material
• Reusable tags (wooden, metal, fabric)

Patagonia uses recycled paper and includes sustainability messaging. It aligns with their brand DNA.

If sustainability is part of your story, your hangtags should reflect that. Otherwise, you contradict your values.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using generic templates. Your hangtag should be custom-designed to match your brand identity. Generic templates make you look like everyone else.

Overcomplicating the design. Too much text, too many graphics, too much information. Keep it simple and focused.

Poor quality materials. Thin, flimsy paper feels cheap. It lowers perceived value.

Inconsistent branding. Your hangtag colors, fonts, and logo should match your packaging, your website, your social media.

Not testing samples. Always order samples before bulk production. Check quality, colors, and overall feel.

How to Order Hangtags

Step 1: Design your hangtag. Use your logo, brand colors, and typography. Keep it clean and simple.

Step 2: Choose your materials. Standard cardstock, premium thick stock, recycled paper, wood, metal. Pick what matches your positioning.

Step 3: Find a supplier. Search for “custom hangtags for clothing” or “custom swing tags.” There are hundreds of suppliers online. Compare prices, minimums, and quality.

Step 4: Order samples. Never order bulk without testing. Check the print quality, the colors, the feel.

Step 5: Order in bulk. Once you’re happy with samples, order the quantity you need. Most suppliers have minimums of 100-500 tags.

Step 6: Attach them. Use string, plastic fasteners, or safety pins. Make sure they’re secure but easy to remove.

What to Do Next

Design your hangtag to match your brand identity. Keep it simple, clean, and aligned with your lifestyle branding.

Choose materials that match your positioning. Budget brands can use standard cardstock. Premium brands should invest in thicker, higher-quality materials.

Order samples from a few suppliers. Test quality before committing to bulk.

Stay consistent. Use the same hangtag design across all your products. Consistency builds recognition.

Your hangtag is a small detail. But it’s the first branded touchpoint customers experience. Make it count.