Hang tags do more than display a logo or price. The material you choose affects how customers experience your brand the moment they pick up your product. It shapes:
- Durability — how well the tag holds up during handling and shipping
- Print quality — how sharp the colors and details appear
- Tactile feel — the physical texture your customer notices
- Overall brand perception — whether your product feels budget-friendly, premium, or handmade
Most hang tags are printed on 14 pt., 16 pt., or 17 pt. cardstock, each available in different coatings and laminations. The goal of this guide is simple: help you choose the right material based on your brand style, your budget, and how your product will be used or displayed.
Understanding the Materials
Let’s walk through the materials you’ll see most often and what each one brings to the table.
- 14 pt. Cardstock is the common choice for everyday retail tags. It has enough thickness to feel solid without driving up cost. You’ll see it in gloss, matte, uncoated, and high-gloss UV finishes.
- 16 pt. Cardstock takes things up a level. It’s noticeably thicker and sturdier, which is why premium brands lean toward it. Beyond the usual gloss and matte finishes, it also comes in silk and soft touch lamination—both of which create a richer, smoother feel.
- 17 pt. Uncoated is the thickest of the group. It has a natural texture you can write on, which is great for brands that want a handmade or eco-inspired look.
To make these stocks behave differently, printers add coatings or laminations. Gloss brings shine. Matte keeps things soft and low-glare. High Gloss UV adds serious shine and scratch-resistance. Uncoated stays raw and tactile. Silk and Soft Touch add a smooth or velvety feel that customers notice immediately.
How to Choose the Right Option
Instead of sorting tips by thickness alone, think about what you want the tag to communicate, then match it to the finish.
If you’re considering 14 pt. cardstock:
- Gloss works well when you want color to stand out. It’s affordable and vibrant, which makes it ideal for lively retail brands.
- Matte gives a cleaner, quieter look. It’s great for soft colors, simple layouts, and modern branding.
- High Gloss UV is the “maximum shine” version. It protects the surface and makes photos and detailed designs look crisp.
- Uncoated feels more organic. Because you can write on it easily, it’s perfect for handmade goods or small shops that jot down sizing or pricing.
If you want something sturdier (16 pt. cardstock):
- Gloss adds shine while giving the tag more weight. Good for products that need a solid, premium feel.
- Matte looks elegant and polished without drawing too much attention to the coating itself.
- Silk Lamination adds a smooth, satin finish that feels refined and upscale—something you’d expect from beauty, skincare, or boutique items.
- Soft Touch (Velvet) is the standout option for luxury goods. It feels velvety and instantly elevates the entire product.
If you’re leaning natural or artisanal:
17 pt. Uncoated is the thickest and most textured. It works well for eco brands, handmade items, or any product where the tag’s tactile feel matters as much as the look.
Not Sure Where to Start? Try These Industry Hang Tag Options
| Industry | Recommended Hang Tag Materials | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Fashion & Apparel |
• 16 pt. Matte • 14 pt. Gloss • Soft Touch |
Matte suits minimalist branding. Gloss fits bold, colorful designs. Soft Touch delivers a premium, luxury feel. |
| Cosmetics & Beauty |
• Silk Lamination • Soft Touch |
Both finishes create a smooth, polished appearance that complements beauty packaging. |
| Jewelry & Accessories |
• 16 pt. Matte • Soft Touch |
Matte keeps branding clean and refined. Soft Touch enhances luxury presentation. |
| Handmade / Artisanal Goods |
• 14 pt. Uncoated • 17 pt. Uncoated |
Natural textures reinforce a crafted, organic brand aesthetic. |
| Outdoor / Heavy-Use Tags | • High Gloss UV | Extra shine and scratch resistance help tags withstand frequent handling and impact. |
Helpful Buying Tips Before You Order
A few simple principles make choosing the right hang tag easier:
- Thicker stocks (16–17 pt.) instantly feel more premium.
- Go uncoated if you need to write on the tag.
- Laminated finishes hold up better when products are handled often.
- Soft Touch and Silk make even plain designs feel more intentional and upscale.
- Gloss coatings brighten artwork and photo-heavy designs.
- Folded hang tags work especially well with uncoated stock since you can write inside without smudging.
These choices do more than change how a tag looks, they influence how customers experience your product. The right material helps your brand feel aligned with the story you want to tell, whether that’s playful, elegant, natural, or high-end. When the thickness, coating, and finish all match the personality of your product and how the tag will be used, the result feels thoughtful and well-made.
