The Australian retail industry is thriving with year-on-year growth over the last 16 years. The total retail revenue stood at over 329 billion AUD in 2019 and the fashion and clothing sector was responsible for around 25 billion Australian dollars.

2020 saw a dip in retail across the planet and sales dropped as people stopped visiting retail stores or were unable to as lockdowns were put in place. During this time, ecommerce grew dramatically with a 44% increase in the USA. Other countries saw similar changes but now restrictions are easing in many areas, some shoppers are keen to return to normal practices and land-based retailers.

Because of poor sales last year, competition is likely to be fierce and brands will have to market their goods effectively to keep ahead of their rivals. One way this can be done is through the use of swing Tags, or Hang Tags.

Why is labeling important?

If you have a range of clothing then there are three types of labeling you will need to know about. The first one is simply the label with the brand name and logo on it. Typically this goes in the neck of a t-shirt, shirt, or jacket, on jeans, it is often sewn into a rear pocket, as Levi’s does.

The second sew-in label is usually the one required by law. This is the care label and will usually have other details such as country of origin on it.

The third one is loose and often fixed with a string to the garment. This is known as a hang tag, swing tag, or hanging tag.

The reason labeling is important is that some of it is to meet legal requirements, and some of it, in the case of hang tags, can help market the garment and even influence sales.

What needs to go on a clothes label by law?

What needs to be included by law will depend on which region or country you are in. For instance, in Australia, the Australian Consumer Law states what needs to be included for care labeling for clothing and textiles.

Generally, the information that goes onto clothing labels will be the care instructions, how to wash and iron, etc. There will often be the country that product was made in, what materials were used, and the size of the garment.

Although there is some clamor to show more information, at present most countries do not require that dyes or chemicals used in the manufacture be listed.

What are hang tags?

If you own a fashion brand you are probably familiar with hang tags, but for anyone just starting out, they are removable tags that are attached to the clothing and they are used to convey information about the garment and the brand.

What makes them unusual when it comes to labeling is the way they can be used. If you were looking for ways to take your marketing to the next level then hang tags might be the often-overlooked answer.

Hang tags can be used to help communicate with customers and to convey a brand’s values. The information on the tag can be used to advertise certain features of the product or it can inform the consumer of how ethical the brand is. If used correctly, the hang tag can help with sales conversions.

How do you make hang tags?

If you are looking to make hang tags for your fashion range then you will need a specialist company. Many printers can produce hang tags but finding a firm that specializes in this area, such as the Dutch Label Shop, may be a good option.

You will need to decide if you will hire a graphic designer, produce the artwork yourself, or ask the print shop to do it for you.

Assuming you have used a graphic designer and you now have the artwork to hand, you can upload it to your chosen label manufacturer and they will print and cut them for you.

However, this is only part of the story. You need to decide on many other areas about your hang tags, and what information you will put on them.

What considerations are there for hang tag designs?

Ideally, your hang tag will stand out in a retail environment and will be instantly recognizable. One way to do this is to use bright colors and cut the tag in an unusual way. Other ways to achieve this effect are to color the tag in contrasting colors to the garment, to use alternative materials and fixings, and to use different finishes.

Hang tags will typically be printed on card but they could be made from plastic or you could go wild and use some alternative materials if your printer can. Tags are also normally attached by string but you could use cable ties in bright colors, or perhaps a metal chain. Of course, your budget will also be a consideration here.

Normally, hang tags are rectangular but again, you can get them custom cut. Skater brand, Vans, use skateboard-shaped hang tags, and you are only limited by your imagination and your label shop’s equipment.

You could also make your hang tag on adhesive paper. Therefore, the buyer can peel the tag off and use it as a sticker. This is a small token gift to your customer and a bit of free advertising for you.

Next, you have to think about what information is going on in your hang tag.

What should you put on your hang tag?

When it comes to clothing labels the options are simple, meet the legal requirements and put your brand on there too. With hang tags, the options are limitless and you can take full advantage of this.

Think about the following when it comes to writing content for the tag:

• Social responsibility
• Are your garments free from chemicals and harmful dyes?
• Are you an ethical manufacturer?
• Your brand’s values
• Discounts
• Calls-to-action
• Branding
• Website address
• Organic and/or vegan materials used

Adding information that consumers want but can’t often find can help a shopper decide on your product above another. So, if you don’t use animal by-products and you are an ethical manufacturer, let your consumers know. Letting a mother know that her children’s clothes are free from harmful chemicals could mean you gain a loyal customer for some time to come.

Put your website on and invite people to like you on Facebook. Attracting individuals to your social media accounts will help with brand awareness and loyalty too. Online reviews are essential to your brand, so any type of call-to-action that creates engagement is worthy of some hang tag space.

Summary

Anyone can print a hang tag, but by using a specialist label shop and by putting some thought into what you will display on your tag you can create some effective marketing.

A hang tag is the last line of marketing and ignoring them will be missing a great sales opportunity. If your clothes have hang tags with relevant information, then they may influence a sale, especially against brands that have decided not to use them.

By using contrasting colors, unique shapes, different style fixings, and good content, you will create quality hang tags that will pay for themselves in extra sales.