When you make a hang tag for your product, you might get confused at the final step of the process as to which finishing you should choose: whether you should go with the matte one or the gloss one. There is no universal rule as to which one will be better among them. You should choose the one that you like or the one that suits your products. In this blog, you will learn about these two finishing techniques and which one you should choose depending on your product type. 

Difference between matte and gloss finish 

Before we go into the details of the two finishing techniques, let us look into the major difference so that we can understand the basics:

Feature	Matte finish	Gloss finish
Appearance	Non-reflective and glare-free	Shiny and reflective tags, mirror-like
Color impact	Soft and muted	Vibrant and sharp
Text readability	Very good	Can reflect under heavy lights
Fingerprint resistance	High	Low
Tactile feel	Velvet and natural texture	Smooth and plastic-like
Best used for	Luxury, organic products	Kid’s products

Matte finish

This finish has light-absorbing properties. It does not reflect light. Dealers use aqueous matte coating or apply matte lamination film. The hang tags that have a matte finish look luxurious and are mostly used for packaging that you want to give an organic and natural look. They have text printed in high quality, and it can be read from any angle. 

Pros and cons of matte finish 

The following are the pros and cons of using a matte finish:

Pros

When you use matte finishing, you get the following advantages:

• Easy readability

As it does not reflect light, it is easy to read for the customers even in highly lit retail shops and outlets. 

• Luxury look

The texture has a high-end luxury feel.

• No fingerprints

This surface doesn’t get fingerprints and develops a clean look during customer handling of the products. 

• Writable area

You can write on these tags using a pen or markers. 

• Premium font  

The delicate font style also gets printed without any image distortion. 

Cons

The following are the disadvantages of a matte finish:

• Scratches

This is more susceptible to scratches, due to which it is less long-lasting.

• Dull colors

A few colors might appear dull during printing because of matte coating. 

• Less protection against moisture 

They provide less protection as compared to the gloss finish.

Gloss finish 

This is a very reflective layer that gives a shiny look to the printing. This uses high-gloss UV coating or liquid-gloss laminate film over the printed paper. This coating makes the colors appear deeper and more vibrant. The products are more eye-catching and appealing on the shelves. The spot uv tags, when coated with a gloss finish, become less prone to hanghole tears. 

Pros and cons of gloss finish

Everything has both advantages and disadvantages. The same goes for gloss finishes as well. The positive and negative impacts of a gloss finish are as follows:

Pros

The following are the advantages of using gloss finishes:

• Vibrant color

The gloss finish makes the color look bright and vibrant as compared to when it appears uncoated.  

• Liquid resistance

This nonporous layer is more resistant to moisture, oils, and stains. 

• Structural durability

The shiny and glossy layers have more resistance and thus prevent the hang holes from tearing. 

• Visually appealing

As already told, the shiny layers make the product highly catchy and are recommended for kids’ items and related products. 

• Maintains color tone

This glossy layer, apart from making the product tags appealing, protects the color of the products and does not let it get dull. 

Cons 

The following are a few disadvantages of using a gloss finish: 

• High glare

As these have a reflective surface, it might be difficult to read the text from some angles in well-lit stores. 

• Unwritable surface

The glossy surfaces are not easy to write on; the ink from the regular markers or pens gets smudged easily. 

• Smudging 

These surfaces don’t have high resistance against fingerprint stains; hence, fingerprint marks are left on them after frequent customer handling. 

Which one to choose for hang tags depending on the products

Many people think that you can choose many finishes that you like based on your own perspectives and choices. Though it is right, you are free to choose any type of finish for your product, but you can explore which type of finish suits different products. Here are a few tips on when to choose which finishing option:

When to choose matte finish 

Here are the products for which you can choose matte finish:”

• Custom apparel tags can be used in a matte finish for luxury and high-end apparel and designer products. 
• A brown matte finish can be used for handmade candles, soap, and other products, as it gives an organic feel. 
• Antique and prestigious jewelry items have custom jewelry tags that have a matte finish to give that royal feel. 
• Products where you have to list ingredients and more text.
• Limited edition products’ or occasion-based products’ packaging is often coated with this type of finish. 

When to select gloss finish 

These eye-catching finishes are preferred for the following types of products’ packaging:

• Kids-related products’ packaging where you have to make the color look more vibrant.
• Birthday or gift items that have to be made bright and attractive.
• Sport-based products’ packaging or their tags can be coated in these durable finishes.
• An image-focused design of your packaging has more pictures than this; the finishing technique should be preferred.
• When you want your product to gain more consumers’ attention in the retail stores.

Which finish gives a more professional look

There is no such finish that we can say gives a more professional look. Hence, there is no such rule about a more professional finish. It depends on the industry of custom tags and the product, which finishing options to select. 

Conclusion 

Your product finish should reflect your unique identity and also maintain the image of your brand. The finish that you should choose depends on the type of products, as we have already discussed. 

A matte finish is recommend for luxury and organic products’ packaging, while a gloss finish is ideal for children or those products that have to be make attractive. 

One thing that you should look at is the environment in which your product has to be present. If it is in direct sunlight or a well-lit shop, then a matte finish is recommend. But if it’s a kids’ item, then you should go for a gloss one. So, before selecting the finish between gloss and matte, analyze your product type, the target audience, and the environment in which it has to be present.

Let’s say you’re getting a new product line ready to launch, and you’re on the hunt for a tag supplier. One website says “hang tags.” Another says “swing tags.” The descriptions look the same too. Hang tags vs swing tags are they same products?. That usually comes down to which part of the world someone’s ordering from. It’s the same idea as a sneaker versus a trainer. One shoe, two names, depends on where you’re standing. The name changes. What’s actually on your feet doesn’t.

Once you know that, ordering gets a lot easier. In this blog, we’ll go over why both terms are used. We’ll look at where you’re likely to come across each one. And we’ll cover what to actually pay attention to when placing your own order. That part matters much more than which word ends up on the invoice.

What Is a Hang Tag?

A hang tag is a small printed card attached to a product with a string. It’s not stuck on. It’s tied on, usually through a small punched hole near the top corner. You’ll find them on almost anything sold in a store these days, from shirts and jeans to candles. Besides for handbags and even furniture.

Most hang tags carry a mix of information of the size and price. This helps a lot of users to make informed decisions. So does the brand name and logo. Sometimes care instructions show up too. Or a short line about what makes the product worth buying. Some brands use the space to tell a quick story. Questions like what material and how it was made. Others just keep it simple and stick to the basics.

Common places you’ll spot hang tags:

• Clothing and apparel
• Shoes and footwear
• Handbags and accessories
• Jewelry
• Candles and home fragrance
• Gift items

If it’s something you’d pick up in a store and check the price on before deciding to buy it, there’s a good chance a hang tag is involved somewhere.

What Is a Swing Tag?

A swing hang tag is exactly the same thing, just under a different name. It’s still a small card. It still attaches with string or cord instead of glue. It still swings a little when the product moves, which is honestly where both names came from in the first place, one focuses on how it hangs, the other on how it swings.

“Swing tag” is the phrase you’ll hear more in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. Ask about the little card on a jacket in a shop in London or Melbourne, and swing tag is probably what comes back. Say hang tag instead, and people will still know exactly what you mean. It’s not a different product. It’s just regional.

Swing tags show up in the same places hang tags do:

• Apparel and fashion
• Footwear
• Jewelry and accessories
• Gift packaging
• Candles and skincare

There’s no separate category of products that only get swing tags and never hang tags. The word changes. The purpose and the product stay the same.

Are Hang Tags and Swing Tags the Same?

Yes, and there’s no catch hiding in that answer. A hang tag and a swing tag are both small printed cards that attach to a product through a punched hole, using string, cord, or ribbon- never glue, never adhesive. They hang off the product; they move a little when someone picks it up off the shelf, and that’s genuinely where both names come from.  

What separates the two words isn’t the product. It’s geography. A boutique in New York will call it a hang tag on their purchase order. A brand in Sydney or London will write “swing tag” on theirs. Both describe the same card, printed on the same kind of stock, tied with the same kind of string. If you ordered “paper hang tags” from a US printer and “swing tags” from a UK one using identical specs, you’d get two boxes with the same product inside.

This matters more than it might seem, because many brands now source internationally. Maybe you’re working with a factory overseas that lists everything as swing tags. Your own store listings say hang tags. That’s not a red flag. It’s not a mismatch either. Just two regions calling the same thing by two different names.

Feature	Hang Tag	Swing Tag
Common region	United States	UK, Australia, NZ
Attachment method	String or cord	String or cord
Purpose	Branding, pricing, info	Branding, pricing, info
Materials used	Cardstock, kraft, plastic	Cardstock, kraft, plastic
Physical difference	None	None

What Actually Matters When Ordering

With the naming question settled, the choices that actually matter come next. These are the things that shape what your tag looks and feels like. Not whatever word you typed into a search bar.

Material

Cardboard is the go-to for most apparel and retail tags. It’s sturdy and won’t break your budget. Kraft paper hang tags have more of a natural look. Handmade brands and sustainable labels lean toward it a lot. Plastic costs more. But it holds up better if the tag needs to survive rough handling. Tyvek and vinyl work well for smaller items like jewelry. They’re light. They don’t overwhelm the piece.

Attachment

The string changes more than people think. Cotton feels soft and casual. The leather cord reads as premium. Ribbon suits gift items. Elastic loops make sense for shoes, since they stretch around laces easily. Someone feels the string before they even read the tag.

Printing and Finish

This part is where the tag starts to actually look like your brand. Offset and digital printing cover most needs. Screen printing works well for bold, simple designs.Custom laminated tags with Foil stamping adds shine. Embossing adds texture. A matte or glossy coat changes the whole feel of the surface.

Your product decides these choices. So does your budget. The word on the invoice has nothing to do with it.

Final Thoughts

So here’s where it all lands. Hang tags and swing tags aren’t two different products. Same card,same stringand same purpose. Just two different names, depending on where you are in the world.

Once that’s settled, the real work is picking what actually matters. The material. The string. The print and finish. Those are the choices that shape how your tag looks and feels in someone’s hand, and they have nothing to do with which word ends up on your invoice.

If you’re ready to get your own tags made, whether you call them hang tags or swing tags, The Custom Tags can walk you through your options and get you a free quote either way.

Tags are a small yet essential part of product presentation. When it comes to the fashion sector, the role of custom cloth tags is not hidden from anyone. These tags work for your brand in various ways fonts such as:

• Identify the garment
• Communicate essential product information
• Reinforce brand identity
• Create a more professional presentation

Custom clothing tags are small but an influential part of fashion branding. Whether you have a clothing brand or a fashion boutique, you certainly need to invest in custom tags for your clothes. There are several factors that you have to keep in mind at the time of tag selection. For a better understanding, read the blogs and know what you have to see for the best tags and how they are an essential part of your brand. 

What Are Custom Clothing Tags?

Custom clothing tags are branded labels that are designed for apparel products. You can print them with a logo and product information to give your brand visibility and your customer protection knowledge. You can select each specification of your tags based on the requirements of your company. Customization allows you to get everything you are looking for. A premium brand can select high-end and thick tags with foil stamping. On the other hand, an eco-conscious brand will prefer kraft paper tags for its clothes and so on. 

Why Are Custom Clothing Tags Important?

Clothing tags are a practical marketing option that gives customers information about the product. Customers can handle the garments as per the information mentioned on the tags. You can select a custom tag that will give your product a unique identity in the market and help you stand out. Some of the common reasons that influence brands to invest in tags are as follows: 

• Strengthen brand recognition
• Provide product information
• Create  a professional presentation
• Support marketing

Types of Custom Clothing Tags

There are different types of apparel in the market, and so are the tags for them. You need to choose tags based on your garment’s nature and the retail environment. Besides this, your branding strategy and information requirements are also essential in deciding the type of tag you need as a brand. 

Hang Tags

These tags are attached to the garments via strings of various types. Custom hang tags for clothes give substantial space for logos and product descriptions. You can also add product descriptions and logos with promotional information without any hassle. Hang tags are commonly used in the retail sector, where they can combine multiple pieces of information in one place. 

Folded Clothing Tags

Brands that need additional printable surfaces without a large surface can go with a fold over hang tag. There are multiple panels in the tags that can accommodate branding and sizing, along with other company and product-related information. 

Woven Labels

These tags give a durable and professional appearance. Woven tags are integrated into the garment and contain relevant information. These tags are used for small pieces of information. 

Printed Fabric Labels

Ink is used directly on textile material for printed fabric labels. These tags or labels are suitable for detailed designs and can accommodate information such as care instructions and fabric composition. 

Size Tags

You can give your product quick identification of garment dimensions, such as XS or numerical sizing. Size tags can be used integrated into the clothing or as a separate material. 

Care Labels

These types of clothing tags are used to communicate washing and other garment care instructions. Care labels contain exact requirements according to the market and applicable regulations. 

Best Materials for Clothing Tags

There are so many sizes and types of tags on the market. In the same way, there are several materials available for the manufacturing of clothing tags. Whether you need jean tags or shirt tags, there is always a perfect material for your brand. The common materials are: 

• Kraft paper
• Cardstock
• Recycled paper
• Specialty paper
• Synthetic materials

How to Design Custom Clothing Tags

You need to design tags that balance visual branding with readable product information. There is no doubt that you can get assistance from custom tag manufacturers, but you yourself need to pay attention to the design for the best results. 

Start With Your Brand Identity

Use your brand logos and other typography on the tags that will show your brand’s visual language. Make sure that there is consistency between your clothing tags and websites. This consistency in your tags will help you create a strong identity in the market. 

Select the Right Size

Your tag must have the right size. It must neither be too large nor so small that it becomes difficult to read the information. If you have small garments, then choose compact tags. Premium garments can accommodate large formats with foiled add-ons. 

Prioritize Readability

Do not add too much on your tags, as it will overcrowd the designs and make the typography illegible. Use clear and easy-to-read fonts with sufficient contrast between the text and the background. By prioritizing readability on your tags, your customers will be able to identify brands and relevant product information quickly. 

Create a Clear Information Hierarchy

Your important pieces of information should receive the strongest visual emphasis. A typical content or design hierarchy on your clothing tags must have the logo first. Then you can add the product or garment name and so on. 

Add Useful Digital Features

Today, there is no growth if you do not have a digital presence. You can add QR codes on the tags that will direct customers to the product page and care guidelines. This will create authenticity in your brand information and enhance traffic to your social media profiles. If you are using NFC tags, test them first before creating the tags in bulk. Other elegant designs you can add to your tags are as follows:

Printing	Best Uses	Key Benefits	Finish Options
Digital Printing	Short Runs	Flexible Designs	Matte Coating
Offset Printing	Large Runs	Color Accuracy	Gloss Coating
Screen Printing	Bold Graphics	Strong Results	Soft Touch
Foil Stamping	Premium Branding	Metallic Effects	Spot UV
Embossing	Raised Designs	Tactile Branding	Rounded Corners
Debossing	Recessed Designs	Textured Effects	Smooth Finish
Variable Printing	Multiple SKUs	Design Flexibility	Premium Finish
CMYK Printing	Full Colors	Detailed Graphics	Gloss Finish
PMS Printing	Brand Colors	Precise Matching	Matte Finish
Hybrid Printing	Mixed Requirements	Versatile Results	UV Finish

What Information Should a Clothing Tag Include?

The selection of printing information is done based on the type of market you are working in. For regulated markets, check the sample labels before vomiting for bulk production. The required information can vary from country to country, so always check the region labeling requirements where you are going to sell the product. Nonetheless, the common options are as follows: 

• Brand name or logo
• Garment name
• Size
• Price
• Material composition
• Care information
• Country of origin
• Product or style number
• Barcode
• QR code
• Website
• Social media information

How to Attach Clothing Tags

A brand should select the attachment method of apparel tags based on the garment requirements and the customer experience. You can use string attachments to give a traditional and premium appearance to the tags. On the other hand, ribbon tags are used when a softer and more delicate look is required. There are certain brands that select plastic fasteners for practical and high-volume retail tags. Adhesive options are also common in the market, but they are not very suitable for the apparel or textile industry. Woven and fabric labels are usually sewn to the apparel. 

Conclusion!

Get your custom apparel tags manufacture the way you want. You have to consider your product requirements and the budget of your company before selecting the tags for your brand. If you need an expert opinion for your tags, you can contact The Custom Tags. We help you get the best quality tags with free shipping and low rates all around the USA. You can get a free design consultation to get what suits your brands! 

Nowadays, packaging is very important, and product hang tags are also part of that packaging. These tags are the first thing that the customers touch. This can make or break your brand’s impression. This is more than just a piece of paper that gives information about the products, such as prices or the ingredients. Here in this blog, you will learn about the materials that are use to make these tags. This will help you choose the right material according to your products and make the best tags. 

What are custom hang tags?

Custom hang tags are labels that are custom-made according to the theme of the brands and are attach to the outside of the product. These tags have information related to the products. Many companies use them to display the sizes, prices, and barcodes of the products. These tags were not given so much importance in the past, but now they leave a lasting impression, especially different-shaped hang tags such as custom circle tags and others. These tags help brands gain more customers as many people post these uniquely shaped tags on social media platforms.

What materials are use to make these tags?

The material is the base of the label. The material use to make tags determines the thickness, texture, weight, and printing capacity of the tags. Here is the comprehensive guide on different materials use to make these tags along with their uses and applications:

Material type	Feature	Intended application
SBS C1S	Coated front	Retail apparel with barcodes
SBS C2S	Clay coating on both sides	Premium electronics and cosmetics
Woodfree paper	Porous, matte texture	Minimal fashion and boutique goods
Kraft paper	Brown and organic texture	Outdoor gear and artisanal crafts
Coloured paper	Full solid color	High-contrast designs and logos
CCNB	White printing top and grey backing	High-volume retail
Metallic paper	Reflective paper	Luxury jewels and holiday gifts
Textured paper	Three-dimensional patterns	Bridal wear and organic skincare
White kraft paper	Bleached natural fiber	Sustainable brands
Holographic paper	Light refracting, shifting rainbow gradients	Streetwear and youth-focused media
Black cardboard	Deep carbon pigment	Luxury products with gold foil stamping
Coated kraft	White front and unbleached black	Footwear and industrial tools

Now let’s dig into the details of all of these materials one by one:

SBS C1S

Solid Bleached Sulfate (SBS) is high-density paperboard make from bleach virgin wood fibers. The C1S means “coat one side.” As this has only one side coat, the surface is smooth with a clay coating. The other side remains uncoat with a matte texture. These hang tags gives these tags a professional and clean look, which is best suited for retail businesses. 

SBS C2S

This has a coating on both sides; that’s why it is “coat two sides.” It has an identical smooth clay coating on both the front and back sides. It is best for tags that want printing on both sides. Gloss UV and soft-touch lamination are suit for this. 

Woodfree Paper (W/F)

This paper is also known as offset paper or fine paper. It is produce using chemical pulp. It has a porous and uncoated matte texture that absorbs ink quickly. This is best when you don’t want a glossy or plastic-like reflection.

Kraft Paper

This kraft paper tag is made using unbleached wood pulp. It has a rustic look and has good tear resistance. It is prefer for jeans, denims, and brands that want to use environmentally friendly materials. 

Colored Paper

This paper is make in such a way that the color is mix directly into the liquid pulp rather than getting color print on the white paper. This means that when you cut the hole in the tag, the edges of the hole are also of the same color as the tag instead of white lines. High-end luxury brands use these because they don’t want to compromise on the visual appeal of their products. 

CCNB

Clay-Coated News Back (CCNB) is the material that is made from old corrugate containers, recycle newspaper, and post-consumer waste fibers. These tags have a white top clay coating with a grey or brown back. It is a budget-friendly option. 

Metallic Paper

This has regular cardboard attached with aluminum foil or a vacuum-metalized coating. Because of this, it has a very reflective surface. This helps to attract clients. It has different colors such as gold, silver, and bronze. It is use for limited-edition or holiday-base products and gives them a luxurious look. 

Textured Paper

This paper does not use chemical manufacturing. It has three-dimensional surface patterns pressed directly on the paper. It has different textures such as

• Linen
• Felt 
• Laid lines 
• Hammered texture 

Luxury hang tags are usually used for extra luxury products such as bridal wear,organic skincare, and high-end stationery. 

White Kraft Paper

This is make by bleaching the original kraft paper that has a brown color. It just remove some color and gives the paper a white look so that printing can be done on it easily. The properties of this paper are the same as those of kraft paper. It is often use by brands that want customize tags made with kraft material. 

Holographic Paper

This paper holographic tags diffracts different colors and is made by laminating a plastic film into paperboard backing. It shows different colors when it is see from different angles and thus plays a role in catching the audience. It is use by youth-based merchandise and streetwear and gives an energetic look. 

Black Cardboard

This is make using deep carbon pigments during the manufacturing process; this paper has a black color through the core and does not show white edges when holes are cut. It is best incorporate with metallic foil stamping, such as gold, silver, and bronze, and along with spot UV. 

Coated Kraft (CCK)

This is industrial-level paper that has an unbleached kraft paper base with a smooth white clay coating. It has a smooth, printed white area on the front side and a brown back appearance of kraft paper. It is use for industrial tools, footwear boxes, and heavy outerwear. 

Material choices

After going through the details of the materials, it is really important to check the types of strings available. These strings are as important for the packaging as the tag because they attach your tag to the product. It is really important to choose the right string for the right product hang tags. They influence how the tags will be place on the product and their movements. The following are the types of strings that you can choose from:

String type	Composition	Best application
Bead Chain	Interlinked beads made of iron, brass, steel or aluminium	Designer wear, branded leather jackets, heavy-duty footwear
Cotton String	Natural cotton string spun and braided	Everyday casual wear items, children’s clothing
Hemp String	ade with hemp plant fibers twisted tightly	Organic skincare and soaps
Leather String	They give a luxury feel to the products and are available in genuine and faux leather	Winter coats, designer handbags, artisanal furniture
Metal String	Thin, flexible metallic wires	Jewelry, high-end watches
Paper String	Twisted and compressed kraft paper	For those brands that want zero plastic packaging, stationery bundles
Wax String	Polyester thread coated in beeswax or paraffin	Dress shirts, swimwear and luxury boutique clothing
Ribbon	Thin strips of velvet and organza	Bridal gowns, cosmetics, and luxury holiday gifts
String Tag	Pre-assembled tags with cotton or polyester loops	Retail shops, department stores
Elastic String	Stretchable rubber wrapped in polyester	Sportswear, footwear, activewear
Bullet String	Nylon or polyester cord	Luxury streetwear such as custom luxury tags
Tassels String	Silk, rayon or metallic threads in the form of decorative fringe	Lavish perfume bottles, limited edition books

Uses of hang tags across different industries

These tags are use in a wide range of industries, where they serve different purposes. They are use for the following needs:

Price and sizing

These retail tags are used to list prices and sizes of the products. Many brands print their brand’s name and logo on the front side of the tags and mention barcodes along with sizes and prices on the back side. 

Building authenticity

Many brands use special holographic tags to create a sense of originality and be authentic. 

Connectivity 

These QR code hang tags are use to present QR codes. These codes present the social media handles of the brands and help them to increase their reach. 

Regulatory 

These custom tags are also used to present regulatory warnings such as allergen warnings, product handling instructions, and other information. 

Personalized messages 

Some brands customize the tags and add personalized messages dedicated to their customers specifically. 

Conclusion 

These tags enhance the visual appeal of the products. These tags also deliver information regarding your product to the customers. Now, after going through this blog, you will be able to know which material to choose. Don’t order simple tags; go for custom rectangle tags and other customized tags. You can visit the website of The Custom Tags and explore different options.