Summary:
- There are many unique uses for hang tags beyond clothing. You can use them as product instructions, event passes, raffle entries and more.
- When designing your hang tag, remember to use your brand’s tone and voice, keep legibility and hierarchy top of mind and focus on how to be visually impactful.
- Material is another important consideration. Cardstock is the most common option and balances durability, cost and print quality. Kraft or recycled paper are eco-friendly options while specialty paper with a metallic finish works well for luxury items. For outdoor events and purposes, consider laminating your hang tags.
- Customize your hang tags even further by choosing a die-cut shape, adding foil stamping or embossing or using variable data to personalize your customer’s name or information.
Read More: Create a Cohesive Branding Identity by Matching Business Cards, Brochures & Stationery
Hang tags are often associated with apparel, serving as small, branded cards that contain size, pricing and care information; however, their versatility extends far beyond the clothing rack. With the right materials, design and finishing, hang tags can be used many different ways: as powerful marketing tools, functional event items and even interactive packaging components.
With so many application options to choose from, it’s easy to find a unique option that fits your brand. Let’s explore some of our favorite non-traditional ways to use hang tags, with design and material considerations from our Little Rock Printing experts.
See Also:
Non-Traditional Applications
Product Instructions
Hang tags can be a unique and attractive way to present product instructions. For handmade goods, DIY kits or gourmet foods, a well-designed hang tag can replace traditional instruction sheets. This is especially useful when you want to convey authenticity or a premium feel.
Example: A luxury candle brand might attach a hang tag with lighting instructions, safety tips and scent notes, printed on textured paper to enhance the tactile experience.
Event Passes
Forget boring wristbands or generic plastic badges—custom hang tags can serve as chic, memorable alternatives for event passes. With a hole punched at the top and a lanyard or string, these tags can function as VIP passes or backstage access identifiers.
Example: A music festival might use die-cut hang tags with artist lineups, QR codes for maps and sponsor logos—all in a compact, wearable format.
Raffle Entries & Coupons
Hang tags can also double as raffle tickets or coupon codes, especially when attached to promotional items. Perforated designs allow one portion of the tag to be detached and submitted, while the remaining part stays with the customer as a keepsake or proof of entry.
Example: A brewery could use hang tags attached to beer growlers with a detachable portion for a monthly prize draw.
Gift Tags & Personal Notes
Custom hang tags can elevate the presentation of gifts or handmade items. With a space for a handwritten note or a pre-printed message, they add a personal touch that enhances emotional engagement.
Example: A boutique soap company might attach tags with quotes, care instructions or a thank-you note for supporting their small business.
Design Considerations
While hang tags are small, they carry significant branding potential. Effective design ensures they not only convey information but also reinforce your brand identity. Here are some things to consider when designing your hang tags.
Branding
- Consistency: Use colours, fonts, and logo treatments that align with your overall branding.
- Tone: A minimalist, black-and-white tag conveys elegance, while a colourful, illustrated one suggests creativity or playfulness.
- Messaging: Tags should reflect your brand voice—whether it’s humorous, luxurious or eco-conscious.
Legibility
- Font size: Avoid overly decorative fonts that are hard to read, especially at small sizes.
- Contrast: High-contrast colour combinations (like dark text on a light background) improve readability.
- Hierarchy: Use bold text, lines or spacing to differentiate headers, instructions and fine print.
Visual Impact
- Imagery: Incorporate brand imagery or illustrations sparingly to avoid clutter.
- Shape: Consider using a die-cut shape to make your tag more memorable.
- Whitespace: Let the design breathe; don’t overcrowd the space.
Choosing the Right Material
The durability and feel of a hang tag will depend on the material you choose. Different applications call for different substrates.
Cardstock is the most common choice and offers a balance between cost, durability and print quality. It comes in a variety of weights (measured in GSM or points), with heavier stocks giving a more premium feel. It’s best used for product packaging, instructions or coupons.
Uncoated kraft or recycled paper are eco-friendly options that lend a rustic, handmade look. These are ideal for brands that focus on sustainability or artisanal values. Pair these materials with organic products or handmade goods.
If you’re wanting something that’s more water or tear resistant, use lamination or aqueous coatings. These are perfect for outdoor purposes like event passes, food/beverage packaging and industrial products. Adding a matte or gloss finish will also affect the feel of the hang tag and colour vibrancy.
For an elevated experience, go for specialty paper like cotton or paper with a metallic finish. We recommend using this paper type for luxury items like jewelry, purses or for premium events.
Print & Finish Options
To ensure your hang tags leave a lasting impression, consider enhancing them with advanced printing and finishing techniques.
Die Cuts
Die-cutting allows tags to be produced in virtually any shape—from circles and hearts to custom silhouettes that match your product. Consider a guitar-shaped tag for a music store, or a wine bottle silhouette for vineyard tours.
Foil Stamping & Embossing
Metallic foil adds shimmer and sophistication, while embossing (or debossing) creates a raised (or recessed) texture. Use this special technique to highlight logos or monograms.
Spot UV & Varnishes
Spot UV coating adds glossy accents to specific areas, like a logo or text, to create contrast and draw the eye. It’s a great way to make brand names or slogans pop!
QR Codes & Variable Data Printing
Integrate QR codes for instant mobile engagement—linking to tutorials, menus, event schedules or sign-ups. Variable data printing allows you to personalize each tag with a unique coupon code or the customer’s name.
Perforation & Scoring
If you want to add extra functionality to your hang tags, include a tear-off section for coupons or raffle entries. You can also include scored folds for multi-panel tags with more room for information.
Small Tags, Big Possibilities
When thoughtfully designed and strategically applied, hang tags can become versatile tools for marketing, engagement and user experience. So next time you’re designing packaging or promotional items, think beyond the tag and imagine the possibilities it holds.
At Little Rock, we can help bring your hand tag ideas to life. We offer 5 different paper options, plus extras like soft-touch laminate, rounded corners or adding a drill hole. Just submit your design files here to get started on your order. You can even order a free proof of your hang tag by using the code “FREEPROOF” at checkout. Contact a Little Rock Printing expert with any questions you have about your order or any of our print products.
