Hang Tag Strings and Fasteners: Materials, Seal Tags and Pins

A hang tag string is a small component with a big effect. It decides how the tag hangs, how it feels in the hand, how quickly your team can attach it and how well it matches the brand. The same is true for hang tag fasteners such as seal tags, lock pins, safety pins and plastic tag pins. This guide looks closely at the materials and specifications: what each string is made of, how thick it should be, how the ends are finished, which seal and pin types exist and how to choose a combination that suits your product. For the attaching itself, hole positions and where to fix the tag on the garment, see our separate guide on how to attach hang tags.

Hang tag string materials

Cotton string and cord

Cotton is the classic hang tag string. It is soft, matt and available in a wide range of colours. Twisted cotton has a rope-like look and holds a knot well; braided cotton cord is rounder and smoother. Typical diameters are about 1–2 mm for fine garments and 2–3 mm for denim, outerwear and bags. Natural undyed cotton suits kraft and recycled board.

Waxed cotton

Waxed cotton string has a light wax coating that makes it slightly stiffer and smoother. It keeps its shape, knots neatly, does not fluff and threads through holes easily, which helps on a busy packing line. It looks crafted and works well with leather goods, denim and premium casual lines.

Satin ribbon and grosgrain

Satin ribbon, usually 3–6 mm wide, gives a soft, glossy and elegant finish for lingerie, eveningwear, children's gifts and cosmetics-style packaging. Grosgrain ribbon has a ribbed, matt surface and a more structured look. Ribbons can be printed with your logo or brand name for a fully branded tag. Ribbon ends should be heat-sealed or cut at an angle so they do not fray.

Jute, hemp and paper twine

Natural fibre twines have a rustic texture that fits kraft board, denim and natural-fibre collections. Paper twine keeps the whole tag paper-based. These strings are less uniform than cotton, so they suit brands that want a handmade character. Our article on sustainable hang tags covers material choices for eco lines.

Elastic string

Elastic cord is pre-knotted into a loop and slipped around a button or through a buttonhole. It needs no tying, leaves no mark and can be reused during sampling and photo shoots. Round elastic of about 1–1.5 mm is common, in black, white, natural or colours matched to the tag.

Polyester, nylon and metallic cords

Polyester and nylon strings are strong, colourfast and slightly glossy. They suit sportswear, outdoor and swimwear, where tags may get damp in transit. Recycled polyester options can be offered with GRS-certified material on request. Metallic cords in gold or silver tones add a festive or premium accent for limited editions.

String ends and finishing

How the string is closed matters as much as the material:

• Knotted loop: the string is tied into a fixed loop; simple and natural.
• Pre-threaded string: supplied already threaded through the tag and knotted, so your team only has to loop it onto the garment.
• String with stopper or bead: a small plastic, wooden or metal stopper holds the loop closed and allows slight adjustment.
• String with plastic barb end: one end of the string has a pointed plastic tip that is pushed through a buttonhole and locks into a loop at the other end, fast and tidy.
• String with seal: the loop is closed by a seal tag that can only be opened by cutting.

Finished loops are typically 15–20 cm before knotting or sealing; shorter for small items and accessories, longer for thick seams or heavy outerwear.

Seal tags

Seal tags close the string with a small plastic component that locks permanently. They are popular because every tag hangs at exactly the same length, the loop cannot be untied, and a swapped or removed tag is easy to notice when handling returns.

• Two-part snap seals: a male and a female disc that click together around the string. The visible face can carry your embossed or printed logo.
• One-piece seals with an integrated pin: the seal and the pin form one moulded part; the string passes through and the pin locks into the body.
• Seal colours: black, white and clear are standard; colours matched to your tag or string are possible for larger quantities.
• Seal shapes: round is most common; oval, square and custom shapes give a more branded look.

Lock pins, safety pins and plastic fasteners

Snap lock pins

A lock pin is a plastic pin that passes through the fabric, seam or label and the tag, then locks into its own head. It needs no string and no tool, and it is removed by cutting. It suits jeans, jackets and bags where a tidy, short attachment is wanted.

Safety pins

Small safety pins attach a tag precisely through a seam or label. Our metal parts are nickel-free; pins are available in silver (nickel-look), gold, black and other finishes to match buttons or hardware. They are a good choice for delicate fabrics and small runs.

Plastic tag pins

Plastic fasteners applied with a tagging gun are the fastest option on high-volume lines. They come in standard and fine versions, which must match the gun and needle used. Common lengths range from about 15 mm for a tight attachment to 50–75 mm when the tag should hang freely or several items are bundled. Clear, white and black are the standard colours.

How to choose the right string or fastener

Work through these questions before you finalise your tag:

1. What is the brand look? Natural and crafted points to cotton, waxed cotton or jute; elegant to satin ribbon; technical to polyester cord and a neat seal.
2. How fast is the packing line? High volumes favour pre-threaded strings, seals or tagging guns; small premium runs can use hand-tied ribbon.
3. How delicate is the fabric? Choose strings through buttonholes or labels, elastic loops or fine pins for fine fabrics.
4. Do you need tamper evidence? Use a seal tag or lock pin if you want to see whether a tag has been removed before a return.
5. What colour? Match the string to the tag print, the garment or the hardware, or choose a contrast colour as a signature detail.
6. What about recyclability? Paper twine or cotton with an uncoated tag gives the simplest end-of-life; plastic seals and pins should be easy to cut off and separate.

Order hang tags with strings and fasteners

Tell us the product, the tag design and how your team attaches tags. We recommend a string and fastener combination, prepare a digital proof typically within 24–48 h and provide physical samples before production. The minimum order is typically 1,000 pcs per design; production typically takes 10–20 working days after approval, with delivery across the EU from our own production in Bulgaria. Explore tag shapes and finishes on our hang tags page and design ideas in our hang tag design guide.

Frequently asked questions