Manufacturer · Fashion Accessories
The most common sizes of cardboard hang tags for clothing are narrow rectangles of around 40 × 80 mm and 50 × 90 mm, squares of around 50 × 50 mm and 60 × 60 mm and circles 40–60 mm in diameter. There is no mandatory standard – the size is chosen according to the product, the amount of information and the brand's positioning. A good tag is visible from a distance but does not cover the garment.
Hang tag sizes: the most used formats
The table below shows indicative formats most often found in the fashion industry. Use them as a starting point, not a rule.
| Format | Size, mm | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Small rectangle | 30 × 50 – 35 × 60 | price tag, underwear, socks, babywear |
| Narrow rectangle | 40 × 80 – 45 × 90 | shirts, dresses, T-shirts, trousers |
| Classic rectangle | 50 × 90 (business card) | a 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, a modern minimalist look |
| Circle | Ø 40 – Ø 60 | childrenswear, hats, scarves, gift items |
| Folded tag (booklet) | 50 × 90 when folded | tags with a story, technology, several languages |
How to choose a hang tag size
1. By the amount of information
Count the elements that need to fit: logo, style, colour, size, price, barcode, QR code, short text. An EAN-13 barcode alone takes up about 30–38 mm in width at normal magnification, plus quiet zones on the sides. If the back must carry a barcode and a QR code side by side, a tag narrower than 45 mm will be overcrowded.
2. By the product
The tag must be in proportion to the garment. A large tag on a baby bodysuit looks heavy, and a small tag on a winter coat gets lost. For small items such as gloves, socks and underwear use small formats or round tags; for outerwear, larger and heavier ones.
3. By the display method
- On a hanger – the tag hangs from a sleeve, collar or waistband and must be visible from the side. Narrow vertical formats work well.
- Folded on a shelf – the tag lies on top or hangs at the front. A square or classic rectangle is more visible.
- In packaging – for online sales the tag must fit in the bag without bending.
4. By positioning
Premium brands often choose a larger format with lots of white space and heavy card. Mass-market brands prefer a smaller, economical format that holds all the commercial information.
Hole, corners and safe zones
A tag's size is not just width and height. The details that affect strength and printing also matter.
- Hole. Usually about 3–6 mm in diameter – depending on the thickness of the string or tag pin. The centre of the hole is placed a few millimetres from the top edge so the card does not tear.
- Eyelet. A metal or plastic eyelet reinforces the hole and adds a decorative accent. Allow a little more space around it.
- Safe zone. Text and important elements must be at least 3 mm inside the cut line.
- Bleed. Backgrounds and colour areas that reach the edge are extended by about 2–3 mm beyond the shape in the print file.
- Rounded corners. A radius of a few millimetres makes the tag softer and reduces corner crushing in the carton.
Non-standard sizes and shapes
If the standard formats do not suit the brand, the tag can be die-cut to a custom shape – with a cut-out silhouette, an asymmetric corner or a window. A non-standard shape requires a cutting die, so it is better suited to permanent brand tags than to seasonal ones. The most common non-standard shapes are circles, ovals, rectangles with cut corners, "ticket" tags with a notched edge and shapes that echo the logo. With these, check that the barcode and text fit in the rectangular inner zone, not just in the overall dimensions of the shape.
A folded tag is a way to get more space without increasing the visible size. When folded it is the size of a classic rectangle, but when opened it offers twice the area for text.
The size and the garment's other labels
The hang tag works together with the sewn-in label. If the neck has a woven label about 15–20 mm wide and the hang tag is huge, the look loses balance. Choose proportions in which both labels look like part of one family – with the same logo, colours and font style.
Common mistakes when choosing a size
- A format is chosen in which the barcode does not fit and is reduced below normal magnification, after which it does not scan.
- The tag is larger than the packaging bag and bends during shipping.
- The hole is too close to the edge and the card tears at the first pull.
- Random sizes are used for different collections and the brand loses recognition.
You will see ready formats and custom options in the hang tags category.
Hang tags in the size you need from Polkom
Polkom makes cardboard hang tags in standard and custom sizes, with a hole, eyelet, rounded corners or a die-cut shape. If you are not sure which format is suitable, send us a photo of the product and a list of the information – we will propose a size and prepare a sample. Minimum quantities depend on the article. Contact us for a quote.
