Hang Tag String Guide: Materials, Fastening & Brand Fit

We make hang tags, and we can also handle one-stop sourcing & customization of all kinds of garment trims for you. Let’s share some tips on choosing hang tag string today.

Choosing the right hang tag string is a small decision with an outsized effect on perceived quality. As a custom packaging manufacturer working with garment trims daily, we see brands lose polish at the final step because the cord, eyelet or fastener does not match the tag. Functionality alone — whether the string holds the tag — is not enough. Four factors matter: material, fastening method, thickness matching and pre-production risk testing.

Compare Common Hang Tag String Materials

Each material trades cost against durability, texture and safety. Below is a quick comparison of the most requested options for custom packaging buyers.

Cotton and Waxed Cotton Cord

Natural matte finish, soft and skin-friendly, and printable with logos. Downsides: prone to fraying, limited wash resistance and possible colour bleeding. Best for linen-style, minimalist, kids' wear and eco-friendly brands.

Nylon and Polyester Cord

High tensile strength, abrasion-resistant, wash-resistant and glossy. Downsides: knots tend to slip loose, so metal eyelets are usually required. Suitable for heavy tags on garments or outdoor gear that must survive washing.

Elastic Cord

Stretchable and resistant to loosening after repeated insertion and removal. Downsides: the rubber core ages and loses elasticity over time. Great for movable hang tags, 3D swing tags or applications requiring frequent detachment.

PP Cord

Extremely cost-effective, waterproof and colourfast. Downsides: a cheaper-looking texture and slippery surface. Fit for fast fashion, bulk wholesale or disposable mass-produced goods.

Ribbon

Elegant and easy to tie into bows for a refined premium look. Downsides: easy to snag and fray. Perfect for gift packaging, high-end womenswear and children's clothing.

Metal Chain

Luxurious appearance and good load-bearing capacity. Downsides: risk of rusting and sharp edges that may scratch garments. Works well for denim, leatherwear and high-end streetwear brands.

Match Threading and Fastening Methods to Tag Weight

The fastening method determines how much weight the tag can carry and how it feels in the customer's hand. Consider these five options when specifying your hang tag string.

• Punched hole plus knotted tie: lowest cost and simple workmanship. Constant friction between cord and paper can tear the hole, so reserve it for lightweight tags (single sheet, up to 300gsm cardstock) and low-price products.
• Metal eyelet: reinforces the hole with a metal ring to prevent tearing and improve load capacity. Suitable for heavy tags (multi-layer cards, leather labels), denim and premium brands. Always request anti-rust treatment.
• Plastic loop: rust-free, scratch-safe and customisable in colours. Ideal for kids' wear with metal-free requirements, activewear and reusable hang tags.
• Dipped-end cord (glue-tipped): no knot required, giving a clean, high-end look. Higher cost and more complex processing, but preferred for luxury goods and gift packaging.
• Bullet fastener or bullet lock tag pin: a built-in snap head makes threading and locking fast, which is extremely efficient for mass garment factory production. Cord options include cotton thread, polyester or waxed cord.

Quick Matching by Brand Style

Use this cheat sheet to align your hang tag string with your positioning before requesting samples from a custom packaging supplier.

• Minimalist, linen or eco style: kraft hang tags with cotton or waxed cord in natural tones.
• High-end womenswear or light luxury: specialty card or black cardstock with foil stamping and debossing, paired with waxed cord or metal chain to elevate detail and texture.
• Streetwear: black card or clear PVC tags with metal chain or thick 3-strand cotton cord for a rugged look.
• Kids and maternity wear: white card with colourful printing plus plastic loops or soft cotton cord to guarantee safety with no sharp edges.
• Fast fashion and e-commerce bestsellers: plain white cardstock with PP cord or regular waxed thread for cost control and high-volume orders.

Run Pre-Production Risk Tests Before Bulk Orders

Small details fail at scale. Before mass production, test knot slippage, hole tear strength, colour bleeding under wash or humidity, and edge sharpness on metal parts. Confirm that anti-rust treatment is applied to eyelets and chains, and verify that kids' wear uses metal-free fastenings. These checks protect your brand reputation and reduce rework costs on large custom packaging runs.

DulinkPack produces hang tags and handles one-stop sourcing and customisation of garment trims, from cord selection to eyelet finishing. Send us your tag weight, brand style and target market, and request a quote with free material samples today.