Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Hang tag strings are cords or ribbons used to attach a cardboard hang tag to a garment. The most widely used are cotton and waxed cords, elastic loops, satin and grosgrain ribbons, and ready-made strings with a plastic seal or a metal bead at the end. The choice depends on the brand's style, the speed of attachment and whether the string needs to protect against the tag being swapped.
Types of hang tag strings
Cotton cord
Natural, soft and versatile. It suits almost any collection and comes in many colours. It is tied in a knot or loop. The ends should be finished so they do not fray.
Waxed cord
Cotton or polyester cord impregnated with wax. Stiffer, with a slight sheen, it does not fray and holds the shape of the knot. It is often chosen for denim, leather goods and premium collections.
Elastic loop
A ready-made loop of elastic cord that is slipped through the buttonhole or the neck label. It is quick to attach and needs no tying. Suitable for mass production, childrenswear and underwear.
Satin or grosgrain ribbon
A flat ribbon tied in a bow or knot. It looks festive and elegant – for eveningwear, lingerie, baby and gift items. It can have a printed logo.
Linen or jute string
A rough natural texture for eco, linen and handmade collections. It works best with kraft tags.
String with a seal (seal tag)
A cord with a plastic or metal seal that closes once. It cannot be untied without cutting, so it protects against tag swapping and shows that the item has not been used.
String with a bead or tip
A cord with a metal bead or fixed tip at one end; the other end is threaded through and fastened. It looks finished and is quicker to attach than tying a knot.
Comparison of strings
| String | Look | Attachment speed | Tamper protection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton cord | natural | medium | low |
| Waxed cord | premium, vintage | medium | low |
| Elastic loop | practical | high | low |
| Satin ribbon | elegant, festive | low | low |
| Cord with bead | finished | high | medium |
| Cord with seal | branded, secure | high | high |
| Plastic tag pin | neutral | very high | medium |
Hang tag strings: how to choose
- Brand style. Wax and leather tones for denim, satin for womenswear and eveningwear, linen and jute for eco collections, elastic for sportswear and childrenswear.
- Production volume. In large runs every second of attachment counts. Elastic loops, strings with beads and seals are the fastest.
- Product type. On fine fabrics such as silk and jersey a tag pin can leave a hole, so a string through the buttonhole or neck label is gentler.
- Protection. If you sell expensive items, or online with a right of return, a seal shows whether the garment has been worn.
- Colour. Choose a colour from the brand palette or a neutral one – black, white, natural – that suits every colour in the collection.
String length and thickness
- Length. The tag should hang freely but not get tangled. When attached through a buttonhole or neck label, a loop of around 10–15 cm when laid flat is usually enough. A longer string is needed to go around a bag handle or belt.
- Thickness. A thin cord (about 1–1.5 mm) looks delicate and passes through small holes. A thicker one (2–3 mm) is more visible and suits large tags.
- Tag hole. The hole diameter must match the string. A thick cord or ribbon needs a larger hole or an eyelet.
Where the string is attached
The string usually goes through the buttonhole, the sewn-in neck label, a belt loop or around a handle. On garments without a buttonhole or label, a plastic tag pin can be shot into the seam with a tagging gun. When the brand cares about details, a string is the better choice because it does not pierce the fabric.
The string and packaging
When garments are folded and packed in bags for online sales or delivery to shops, the string must allow the tag to lie flat on the item. Long or stiff strings often leave a mark on folded fabric, and metal beads and eyelets can imprint delicate materials under pressure in the carton. For such items choose a soft cotton cord or a flat ribbon. With outerwear on hangers this problem is smaller, and you can use thicker, more decorative strings.
Branding the string
The string can carry the brand too – in a corporate colour, with a logo printed on satin ribbon or with a seal bearing a relief logo. When ordering several items (tag, string, seal) it is important to coordinate the colours in advance. You will find cords and ribbons in the cords and satin ribbon categories, and the tags themselves under hang tags.
Common mistakes
- A cord that frays because the ends are not sealed or finished.
- A string that is too long, so the tag twists and hangs below the garment.
- A string colour that does not suit half the collection.
- A hole too small for the chosen string – the tag tears during attachment.
Tags and strings from Polkom
Polkom makes custom hang tags together with strings, seals and eyelets, so everything arrives ready for attachment. We help you choose the string according to the collection and production volume. Minimum quantities depend on the article. Send an inquiry with the tag size and the type of string you want.
