Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
A hang tag is attached to a garment in three main ways: with a plastic tag pin and a tag gun through a seam or a sewn-in label, with a string through a buttonhole or neck label, or with a cord and seal. The quickest method is the tag gun, and the gentlest on the fabric is a string through an existing opening. The right spot is visible, but chosen so that the pin or string leaves no mark on the face of the garment.
How to attach a tag to clothing: the three main methods
1. Tag gun and plastic tag pins
The tag gun drives a plastic tag pin (also called a “T-pin”, “tag fastener” or “tagging barb”) through the fabric and the tag with a hollow metal needle. The pin has a crossbar on one end and a head on the other, which hold it in place.
- Advantages: very fast, inexpensive, suitable for large runs.
- Disadvantages: the needle pierces the fabric and leaves a hole in fine materials; the look is neutral.
- Pin length: chosen according to the spot – shorter for thin fabrics and labels, longer for thick seams and denim.
2. String
A cotton, waxed or elastic cord, a satin ribbon or a string with a bead passes through a buttonhole, neck label, belt loop or handle and is tied or fastened.
- Advantages: does not pierce the fabric, looks more considered, can be in the brand colour.
- Disadvantages: takes more time to attach.
3. Cord with a seal
The string is closed with a seal that cannot be opened without cutting. It combines the advantages of a string with protection against the tag being swapped.
Step by step: attaching with a tag gun
- Load the strip of pins into the gun until the first pin sits in front of the needle.
- Push the needle through the hole in the tag.
- Aim the needle at the chosen spot – a seam, sewn-in label or loop – ideally between the threads, not through them.
- Squeeze the trigger fully – the pin passes through and separates from the strip.
- Withdraw the needle carefully without pulling the fabric.
- Check that the tag hangs freely and the front faces out.
For fine fabrics, use a tag gun with a finer needle and matching fine pins. Replace worn needles – a blunt needle breaks the threads.
Step by step: attaching with a string
- Prepare strings of the required length or use ready-made loops.
- Pass the string through the hole in the tag.
- Pass it through the buttonhole, neck label or belt loop.
- Tie a knot or fasten the bead or seal.
- Trim the excess ends if necessary and seal them so they do not fray.
Where to attach the tag
| Product | Recommended spot | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Shirts, blouses | neck label, top buttonhole, underarm seam | string or pin in the label |
| T-shirts, knitwear | neck label, side seam | pin in the label or seam |
| Trousers, jeans | belt loop, waistband label | string, pin, seal |
| Jackets, coats | neck label, zip, buttonhole, sleeve | string or seal |
| Dresses | neck label or side seam | fine pin or string |
| Underwear, swimwear | label, seam, hanger | fine pin or clip |
| Hats, scarves, bags | label, handle, fringe | string |
How not to damage the fabric
- The pin should go through the sewn-in label or the seam, not through the face of the fabric.
- With silk, satin, fine knits and leather, use a string through an existing opening.
- Do not attach tags with metal parts where they will be pressed against delicate material when folded.
- Cut the pin with scissors rather than pulling it when removing the tag – remind the buyer of this with a small note if the material is fine.
The tag on folded garments and packaging
When the garment is folded, the tag should remain visible and should not leave an imprint. It is usually placed so that it lies on top of the folded garment or peeks out of the bag. If the garments are packed in individual bags, check that the tag fits without bending. For online shipments, it is best to use a soft string without heavy metal parts.
Attaching tags to accessories and footwear
For products without seams and labels, the tag is attached differently. On shoes, the string passes through a lace eyelet or around the strap. On bags – around the handle or ring, and the string should be long enough not to press into the leather. On belts, the tag hangs from the buckle or the keeper. On jewellery and small accessories, an elastic loop is used, or the tag is a card to which the item itself is attached. In all these cases a tag gun is not suitable, because it would damage the material.
Organisation in production
Attaching tags is often the last operation before packing. To make it fast and error-free:
- prepare the tags sorted by style, colour and size;
- attach tags right after quality control, not before it;
- randomly check the size on the hang tag against the sewn-in label;
- use ready-made strings or strings with seals if the volume is large.
Cords and ribbons for strings can be found among our cords, and the hang tags themselves in the hang tags category.
Ready-to-attach tags from Polkom
Polkom manufactures custom hang tags supplied with strings, seals or eyelets already fitted, sorted by article, to save you time in production. We help you choose the attachment method for your products. Minimum quantities depend on the article. Send an inquiry with information about the collection and quantities.
