Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Hang tags with string save the garment factory a whole operation: instead of tags, strings and locks arriving separately, they come pre-assembled and ready to attach. Polkom is a manufacturer of custom hang tags (swing tags) – we make them in any size, with excellent print and finishing quality, and deliver them as a ready set: a tag with a string locked by a plastic seal pin, or a tag with a self-locking string. The minimum order quantity is 1,000 pieces.
In this article you will see what the set consists of, how the two locking options differ, which finishing techniques make a hang tag recognisable and how ordering works.
What a hang tag with string set includes
A hang tag with string has three parts. The first is the card tag itself – with the brand logo on the front and product data on the back. The second is the string: cotton or waxed cord, thin polyester cord, satin ribbon or an elastic loop. The third is the lock that keeps the string closed once it is attached to the garment.
When you order hang tags as a set, the string is already threaded through the hole of the tag and ready to close. All that is left for the factory is to pass it through the buttonhole, neck label or belt loop and lock it. Across runs of thousands of garments, this makes a real difference in packing time and in the number of mistakes.
Seal pin or self-locking string: which to choose
Both options solve the same task – the tag must not fall off or be moved to another item – but they are applied differently.
String with plastic seal pin
The cord is passed through the tag and the garment, and its ends are fixed in a plastic seal: the pin goes into the socket and locks. The seal cannot be opened without cutting the cord. This means the price tag cannot be removed and hung on another product, and an intact seal shows that the item has not been worn – useful for returns from an online shop.
Self-locking string
With a self-locking string the lock is part of the cord itself. One end is passed through the hole and the garment and closed in one movement, with no separate seal. This option is quick to apply and has a lighter, discreet look, which is why it is often chosen for lingerie, knitwear and children's clothing.
| Option | How it closes | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| String with plastic seal pin | the pin of the seal locks into the socket | protection against tag swapping, return control, outerwear, denim, bags |
| Self-locking string | the cord closes on its own, with no separate part | fast application in large runs, lingerie, knitwear, children's clothing |
If you want the lock to carry the brand logo too, take a look at our hang tag string locks with a logo plate. How to choose the spot on the garment where the tag hangs is explained in the article how to attach a tag to a garment.
Finishing techniques that make the tag recognisable
Plain board becomes a brand element through finishing. Most techniques can be combined in one tag – for example an embossed logo, an eyelet and textured board.
Embossing and blind embossing
With embossing, the logo is raised above the surface and can be felt with the fingers. With blind embossing the logo is raised but not printed – only the shape remains on the board. Blind embossing is preferred by brands with a minimalist look: the tag looks clean, yet on touch it is clear it has been made with care.
Cut-out logo
The logo or part of it can be cut through the board. On a double tag, the cut-out shape reveals the colour of the second layer underneath, creating an effect without a single extra print colour. A cut-out is a good way to make the tag stand out from others on the rail. More about shaped tags in the article on round hang tags and other shapes.
Metal eyelet on the hole
The eyelet reinforces the hole the string passes through. Without it the board can tear when a customer pulls the tag or when the garment is crushed in the carton. The eyelet is also a decorative detail: it can match the colour of the other metal accessories on the item. The metal eyelets we use are nickel free.
Double tag
A double tag consists of two layers of board – joined together or hung on one string. The front card carries the logo and the back card the price, size and barcode. The front stays clean while the commercial information sits in one place. A double tag also offers more space for a short brand story or instructions.
Texture
Textured board has a tactile surface – with a linen, ribbed or other effect. Combined with one print colour and a cotton string it looks natural and premium without being overloaded with finishes.
| Technique | Effect | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| Embossing | raised logo you can feel | brands that want a tactile mark |
| Blind embossing | raised shape without print | minimalist and premium collections |
| Cut-out | logo cut through the board | double tags, effect with the colour underneath |
| Metal eyelet | reinforced hole, decorative detail | heavy items, denim, outerwear, bags |
| Double tag | two layers – logo in front, data behind | brands with more product information |
| Texture | tactile board surface | natural materials, handmade collections |
Hang tags in any size
We make hang tags in any size – from small tags for lingerie and accessories to large cards for coats, bags and home textiles. The size depends on the amount of information, the product and how it is displayed in the shop. A guide to the most common formats is in the article hang tag sizes, and for choosing the material see board for tags: weight and thickness.
How to choose the string for your brand
The string is a visible part of the tag and should suit the look of the collection. We most often use:
- cotton string – for natural fabrics, denim and eco collections;
- black or coloured cord – for minimalist tags, matching the board;
- satin ribbon – for lingerie, children's clothing and gift items;
- elastic loop – for quick application and a smooth surface;
- silver or gold string – for eveningwear and festive collections.
The string colour can be matched to the brand colour. More options can be found in the cords category.
Minimum quantity and how ordering works
The minimum order quantity for hang tags with string is 1,000 pieces. The order runs in a few steps:
- Enquiry – you send the logo, the required size, the board type, the finishes (embossing, cut-out, eyelet, double tag, texture), the string and lock type and the approximate quantity.
- Layout – we prepare a proposal for the placement of elements and agree on the colours.
- Sample – you approve the sample, which becomes the reference for the run.
- Production – we print, finish and assemble the tags with the strings.
- Delivery – you receive the sets ready to attach, with delivery across the EU.
Before sending the file, check the content on the back – article number, size, price and barcode. A checklist is in the article what to put on a hang tag, and printing methods are covered in hang tag printing.
Polkom – manufacturer of hang tags as ready sets
Polkom has worked with clothing, footwear and bag brands for over 30 years. Besides hang tags we make woven labels, string locks and cords, so the complete labelling set for your product comes from one manufacturer with one look. All our products are covered by an OEKO-TEX® certificate. Browse our hang tags and send us an enquiry with the size and finishes you need.
