Hang Tag Paper Weight: 350gsm vs 700gsm

Hang tag paper weight sets the tone before a shopper reads a single word on the tag. For everyday apparel, 350gsm stock with matte lamination is usually enough. For a premium collection, however, thick 700gsm board makes a much stronger impression. In addition, size, finishes, hole diameter and the fastener all shape how the tag looks and hangs.

Etiket.az has printed custom hang tags for clothing brands in Baku since 2014. In this guide, we walk through each decision with practical examples. As a result, you will know what to ask and where to save before you order.

What a Hang Tag Should Do

A hang tag is the first thing shoppers read when they pick up a garment. It introduces the brand, shows the size and price, and also sets the first impression of quality. For example, a thick, crisp tag makes the product feel more valuable. A thin tag that bends, on the other hand, can cheapen even a great piece.

So start with the purpose. If the tag mainly carries a price and a size, a simple, cost-effective option is enough. If it tells your brand story, it makes sense to invest more in the paper and finishes. A hang tag usually includes:

• brand name and logo
• style or SKU number
• size and price
• country of origin
• barcode, website or social handle

Fiber content and care instructions usually belong on the sewn-in label. We cover that in our guide to clothing label requirements.

350gsm vs 700gsm: Choosing Hang Tag Paper

Printers measure paper weight in gsm, which means grams per square meter of the sheet. The higher the number, the thicker, stiffer and heavier the stock usually is. For hang tags, we offer two main options: 350gsm paper with matte lamination and thick 700gsm board. Each one has its place.

350gsm Hang Tag Paper: The All-Rounder

350gsm paper is sturdy, yet it stays flexible. Once we add matte lamination, the surface feels soft and resists moisture and scuffs. It also handles double-sided full-color printing and die-cut shapes very well. That is why brands most often choose 350gsm laminated hang tag paper for mass-market apparel, kidswear and large runs.

700gsm Board: The Premium Feel

You feel 700gsm board in your hand right away, because it is thick, stiff and heavy. A tag like this does not bend, and it gives a collection a premium look. Embossing works especially well on it, since the relief comes out deep and sharp. However, 700gsm board costs more and can look clunky on a very small tag.

For example, socks or kidswear rarely need that much hang tag thickness. Leather jackets, denim and accessories, by contrast, benefit from heavy board that signals a higher price point. The table below compares both options.

Lamination and Coatings

Lamination is a thin film applied over the paper. It protects the tag from moisture, rubbing and dirt, and it also makes colors look richer. Our standard choice for 350gsm tags is matte lamination, because it looks understated and upscale and cuts glare.

You will also find gloss and soft-touch (velvet) lamination on the market. Gloss makes colors pop, but it reflects light and can look cheap. Soft-touch, meanwhile, feels like velvet, so brands often choose it for premium packaging. We confirm their availability and cost in your quote.

Finishes: Embossing, Foil and Spot UV

Finishes turn a piece of board into a branded accessory. Each one adds a production step, though, so choose them with a purpose:

• Embossing. The logo or pattern rises above the surface. It looks especially good on 700gsm board, and you can feel the relief with your fingertips.
• Foil stamping. Gold, silver or colored foil makes the logo shine and draws the eye even in small details.
• Spot UV. A glossy logo on a matte background creates a striking contrast with the lamination.
• Die cutting. Rounded corners, ovals, flag shapes or the outline of your logo. We make a dedicated cutting die for each custom shape.

The rule of thumb is simple: use one effect per tag, two at most. For instance, spot UV on matte lamination or embossing on 700gsm board is plenty. We confirm foil and spot UV availability in your quote, based on the stock and quantity.

Hang Tag Sizes and Shapes

There is no single standard for hang tag sizes, but some formats are far more common. For example, 50×90 mm is close to a business card and works for most garments. A narrower 40×80 mm tag looks neat on shirts and blouses. A larger 60×100 mm format, meanwhile, suits outerwear and tags with lots of information.

When you pick a size, think about how much text the tag carries and where it will hang. Socks and accessories, for instance, look better with a small or shaped tag. Double-sided printing also adds room: logo on the front, size, price and barcode on the back.

How to Prepare Your Artwork

• Send vector files: AI, PDF, EPS or SVG.
• Add a 2–3 mm bleed on every side.
• Keep text and logos at least 3 mm inside the trim line.
• Mark the hole position on the artwork and keep the area around it clear.
• Use at least 300 dpi for images, and convert text to outlines.

We usually print in CMYK. However, if an exact brand color matters, specify it with a Pantone code. You will find all the details in our label artwork guidelines.

Holes, Eyelets and Strings

We usually punch a 3 mm or 5 mm hole at the top of the tag. A small hole suits thin plastic tag pins. A larger hole works better for string, ribbon or a thicker fastener. Also, keep the hole away from the edge, or the board may tear.

Some brands add a metal eyelet around the hole. It keeps the board from tearing and makes the tag look more expensive. We confirm eyelet availability separately when you order.

To attach the tag to a garment, you need tag pins and strings. In mass-market apparel, brands mostly use plastic tag pins, because they are affordable and fast to apply. For premium products, metal tag pins look more fitting. Besides standard pins, we can also make custom fasteners with your brand name.

Five Budget Tips

1. Match the paper to the job. Use 350gsm laminated stock for mass-market lines and 700gsm board for premium ones.
2. Keep a standard shape. A rectangular tag does not need a new cutting die.
3. Limit the effects. One well-chosen finish beats several weak ones.
4. Combine runs. One design across several styles lowers the unit price.
5. Plan fasteners with the tags. One quote for tags and tag pins saves time and money.

It also helps to plan the hang tag together with your woven and care labels as one kit. You can see every option in our clothing labels range.

Hang Tag Paper Weight Checklist

• Purpose: information only, or a brand statement?
• Stock: 350gsm laminated paper or 700gsm board.
• Coating and finishes: matte lamination, embossing, foil, spot UV.
• Size and shape: for example, 50×90 mm or a custom die cut.
• Hole and fastener: 3 mm or 5 mm, string or tag pin.
• Artwork: vector file, 2–3 mm bleed, Pantone or CMYK.

Send us this list, and we can quote faster and more accurately. The order itself takes four simple steps:

1. 1

   Step 1: Share the specs

   First, send the size, stock, finishes and approximate quantity through the form or WhatsApp.

2. 2

   Step 2: Send your artwork

   Next, upload your design or use our free design consultation.

3. 3

   Step 3: Get a quote

   On business days, you get the price, minimum run and lead time within 24 hours.

4. 4

   Step 4: Approve and print

   Once you approve the artwork, we start printing and agree on delivery with you.

Hang Tag FAQ