Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
RFID garment tags are labels with an embedded radio frequency chip and antenna, read contactlessly and at a distance without direct line of sight, unlike barcodes. In apparel, passive UHF chips are most common, integrated into hang tags or sewn textile labels. Retail chains require them to inventory stock and stores within minutes, reduce delivery errors, and speed up checkout. If your client requests RFID tags, here is what you need to know.
How RFID Tags Work in Apparel
Each RFID tag consists of three parts: a microchip with memory, an antenna, and a carrier (paper, cardboard, textile tape). The reader sends a radio signal, the chip harvests energy from it and returns its code. Passive tags have no battery, making them thin, lightweight, and relatively inexpensive.
- Frequency. Apparel retail uses UHF (in Europe around 865–868 MHz), following EPC Gen2 standard (ISO/IEC 18000-63).
- Range. From a few centimetres up to several metres, depending on reader, antenna, and packaging.
- Code. The chip carries a unique EPC number—usually linked to the GTIN (item barcode) and a serial number for the individual piece.
The difference from a barcode is that each garment has its own unique number, and an entire carton can be read at once without opening.
When Retailers Require RFID Tags
- Inventory. Stores scan thousands of items in minutes instead of hours.
- Goods receiving. Delivery is checked at the dock by carton contents.
- Omnichannel sales. Accurate stock enables online ordering with in-store pickup.
- Checkout and self-service. Some chains scan RFID at the register.
Retailers usually provide detailed specifications: chip type, encoding format, label position, tests, and approved inlay suppliers. Compliance is mandatory for goods acceptance.
RFID in Hang Tags or Sewn Labels
| Option | Advantages | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| In cardboard hang tag | Most common; does not affect garment; easy to encode and print | Removed at purchase; no post-sale use |
| Sticker on hang tag | Flexible; adds to existing design | Can be peeled off; requires space |
| In sewn textile label | Remains in garment—for returns, repairs, recycling | Chip must withstand washing and ironing; privacy concerns |
Most brands start with an RFID inlay laminated into a cardboard hang tag. The hang tag design must leave an area free of metallic foil and thick embossing over the antenna, as metal and dense layers interfere with the signal.
Anti-Theft Tags Are Not the Same as RFID
Anti-theft tags (EAS) use different technology. Hard plastic clips and anti-theft stickers operate on acousto-magnetic (around 58 kHz) or radio frequency (around 8.2 MHz) systems that only signal at the exit if the tag is deactivated. They do not carry unique codes and are not used for inventory. Some retailers now use RFID for theft protection, but mostly both systems coexist. Therefore, “electronic tags” can mean RFID, EAS, or electronic shelf labels.
RFID Tag Pricing: What It Depends On
- Inlay – chip type, antenna size, memory.
- Carrier – cardboard, sticker, textile tape, washable.
- Encoding and printing – programming each chip and printing corresponding barcode and text.
- Tests and approvals – when retailers require certified inlays and readability checks.
- Quantity – setup costs spread over volume.
Specific pricing can only be given based on the retailer’s specification—please send it with your inquiry.
Practical Tips for Your First RFID Project
- Request the full specification and approved inlay list from the retailer.
- Check whether encoding (EPC, GTIN, serial number) is done by the label manufacturer or by you.
- Coordinate label position relative to metal accessories—metal zips, buttons, and plates can reduce reading range.
- Test reading a full carton of packed garments.
- Plan a reserve of tags for encoding or attachment defects.
Are RFID Tags Needed for Small Brands?
If you mainly sell online or in a small own store, RFID tags rarely pay off: inventory of a few hundred items can be done with a barcode scanner. RFID becomes reasonable when volume is large, when you have multiple warehouses and stores, or when a retail partner requires it. In such cases, it is better to plan RFID at the hang tag design stage than to stick labels on finished tags. A good foundation is a consistent item code and barcode for each model, colour, and size—then switching to RFID is just adding a chip, not reworking the whole system.
Privacy and Sustainability
When the chip remains in the garment, the buyer must be informed. The EU recommends clear labelling and the option to deactivate the chip. If embedding RFID in a sewn label, indicate this on the label or hang tag. Regarding recycling, hang tags with inlays are easier to separate from paper than chips embedded in textiles.
Labels for Your Requirements
Polkom is a Bulgarian manufacturer of labels and accessories for fashion, furniture, footwear, and bags from Sofia with over 30 years of experience. Polkom does not produce RFID chips but manufactures garment labels—cardboard, printed, composite, and woven—with your logo, barcode, and text, designed to meet retailer requirements. Send your specification via the contact form and we will discuss the best solution.
