Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
The most common cardboard hang tag sizes for clothing are narrow rectangles around 40 × 80 mm and 50 × 90 mm, squares about 50 × 50 mm and 60 × 60 mm, and circles with diameters between 40 and 60 mm. There is no mandatory standard – the size is chosen based on the product, the amount of information, and brand positioning. A good hang tag is visible from a distance but does not overshadow the garment.
Cardboard Hang Tag Sizes: Most Used Formats
The table below shows typical formats frequently used in the fashion industry. Use them as a guideline, not a strict rule.
| Format | Size, mm | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Small Rectangle | 30 × 50 – 35 × 60 | price tags, underwear, socks, baby clothes |
| Narrow Rectangle | 40 × 80 – 45 × 90 | shirts, dresses, t-shirts, trousers |
| Classic Rectangle | 50 × 90 (business card size) | universal format for most collections |
| Large Rectangle | 60 × 100 – 70 × 120 | jackets, coats, denim, sports and technical wear |
| Square | 50 × 50 – 70 × 70 | knitwear, accessories, modern minimalist look |
| Circle | Ø 40 – Ø 60 | children’s clothing, hats, scarves, gift items |
| Folded Tag (Booklet) | 50 × 90 folded size | tags with brand story, technology, multiple languages |
How to Choose the Size of Your Hang Tag
1. Based on the Amount of Information
Count the elements that need to fit: logo, model, colour, size, price, barcode, QR code, short text. The EAN-13 barcode alone takes about 30–38 mm width at normal scale, plus white margins on the sides. If both a barcode and QR code must appear side by side on the back, a tag narrower than 45 mm will look cramped.
2. Based on the Product
The tag should be proportional to the garment. A large tag on a baby bodysuit looks heavy, while a small tag on a winter coat gets lost. For small items like gloves, socks, and underwear, use smaller or round tags; for outerwear, choose larger, denser formats.
3. Based on Display Method
- On a hanger – the tag hangs from the sleeve, collar, or belt and must be visible from the side. Narrow vertical formats work well.
- Folded on a shelf – the tag lies on top or hangs in front. Square and classic rectangle shapes are more visible.
- In packaging – for online sales, the tag must fit inside the envelope without bending.
4. Based on Brand Positioning
Premium brands often choose larger formats with ample white space and thick cardboard. Mass-market brands prefer smaller, economical formats that fit all commercial information.
Hole, Corners, and Safe Zones
Tag size is not just width and height. Details affecting durability and printing quality are also important.
- Hole. Usually 3–6 mm diameter – depending on the thickness of the string or needle. The hole centre is placed a few millimetres from the top edge to prevent tearing.
- Eyelet. A metal or plastic eyelet reinforces the hole and adds a decorative accent. Allow some extra space around it.
- Safe zone. Text and important elements should be at least 3 mm inside the cut line.
- Bleed. Backgrounds and colour fields that reach the edge extend 2–3 mm beyond the shape in the print file.
- Rounded corners. A radius of a few millimetres softens the tag and reduces corner crushing in boxes.
Non-Standard Sizes and Shapes
If standard formats do not suit your brand, the tag can be die-cut into a custom shape – with a cut-out silhouette, asymmetrical corner, or window. Custom shapes require a die and are better suited for permanent brand tags rather than seasonal ones. Common custom shapes include circles, ovals, rectangles with clipped corners, ticket-style tags with serrated edges, and shapes echoing the logo. Check that barcodes and text fit within the rectangular inner zone, not just the overall shape.
A folded tag offers more space without increasing visible size. Folded, it matches a classic rectangle; unfolded, it provides double the area for text.
Tag Size in Relation to Other Garment Labels
The hang tag works together with sewn-in labels. If the neck has a woven label about 15–20 mm wide, and the hang tag is huge, the overall look loses balance. Choose proportions so both labels appear as part of one family – with matching logo, colours, and font style.
Common Mistakes When Choosing Tag Size
- The chosen format does not fit the barcode, which is then scaled down below normal size and becomes unscannable.
- The tag is larger than the packaging envelope and bends during shipping.
- The hole is too close to the edge, causing the cardboard to tear on first pull.
- Random sizes are used across collections, causing brand inconsistency.
Ready-made formats and custom options are available in the cardboard hang tags category.
Cardboard Hang Tags in the Right Size from Polkom
Polkom manufactures cardboard hang tags in standard and custom sizes, with holes, eyelets, rounded corners, or die-cut shapes. If you are unsure which format suits your product, send us a photo and a list of information – we will suggest a size and prepare a sample. Minimum order quantities depend on the item. Contact us for a quote.
