Clothes Hang Tags: Their Past, Present & Future

Hang tags!? Yes, we are talking about the small piece of fabric/paper found attached to each and every piece of clothing we buy at the retail shops. You must be aware of these. Now, we all know the utility of these hang tags, don’t we? These tell us everything about the clothing we purchase. The price, size, material, color, washing instructions, etc. We all know that hang tags have a purpose to fulfill, but we also get irritated at the moment they touch our skin. Sometimes they are attached in such a way that they rub against our skin making us feeling really uncomfortable. Some cut these off right after they purchase the clothes just to get rid of the irritation they cause when in contact with the skin. Sometimes we feel why the need of a hang tag at all? Who invented this!!

Well, if we travel back a century ago we may find some answers. At the dawn of the 20^th century, hang tags were quite famous among the labor groups as union labels. The first time such union labels were used by the cigar makers in the year 1874 who used these to compare their good quality products with those of their competitors. However, these labels were best put to use by the International Ladies Garment Workers’ Union who used these as a part of their brand marketing strategy. This idea eventually spread like wild fire among the manufacturers of those days. And as days went by the need to modify these labels started taking place. It was ultimately in 1960, when the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act was passed. This law was enacted to state that manufactures mention everything about the clothing they sell. This law opened the floodgates for modern labels and, thus, started the innovation and modification of these labels into hang tags of today as we know.

Now, presently, hang tags are creating a buzz in the garment industry. There are new versions of it and also in various materials. These hang tags are the face of the brand they market and, therefore, are made such that they highlight all about the brand in the shortest yet creative way. Previously what was just a union label has now turned into a brand statement. All kind of labels is now used by the brands, some of which are, satin labels, taffeta labels, damask labels, etc. While designing clothes, designers also devote equal time and attention on the hang tags as they are a lot more than just an information provider.

The future of hang tags is also bright. With the ever evolving fashion industry, the hang tags will also certainly get transformed into newer and more creative versions. That day is not far when the designers will find unique ways of presenting these hang tags. Now we rely on satin, damask or taffeta labels, but a day will come when all kinds of materials will be used to create fashionable hang tags. After all, hang tags represent the brand they market, so the more modified and prolific they are the higher will be the brand recall among the customers, thereby, sustaining the fashion industry. Implementing out-of-the-box ideas make designs linger in the mind, this is the same for hang tags as well. So, it can be concluded by saying that the future holds a lot more for clothes designers and sellers if they keep thinking innovatively about the hang tags they design.

If you are a budding fashion designer, planning to open up your own clothing line, remember to put all your attention on the hang tags for all your creation. In case you need a good clothes label provider, you can get in touch with Xpresa Labels.