Swing tags (or hang tags) might seem like a small detail, but they pack a serious punch when it comes to branding and giving your products that professional edge. A well-designed swing tag can set your products apart in fashion, jewellery, or retail. Let's dive into everything you need to know about designing and printing swing tags, Aussie-style.

What Are Swing Tags?

Swing tags are handy little labels attached to products by a string or plastic tie. They give customers key information, including price, size, care instructions, or even your brand story. They tell a customer everything they need to know to feel confident about buying your product and are a great way to creatively showcase your brand's personality.

Why Swing Tags Matter for Branding

Here are the top reasons that swing tags matter for branding:

  • Boosting Brand Perception: A high-quality swing tag shows customers you care about the details.
  • Improving Customer Experience: Swing tags with clear care instructions, material information, or eco-friendly messages make customers' lives easier.
  • Consistent image: keeping your brand image consistent is essential for earning customer trust.

What Should You Include on a Swing Tag?

When you're designing a swing tag, there are a few essentials you can't skip:

Your Logo and Brand Name

Make sure your logo and name take centre stage. They're the first things customers will notice, so keep them bold and clear.

Product Details

Include the basics like size, colour, and a short description. Customers love easy-to-find info.

Price and Barcode

Adding a barcode simplifies inventory management, and including the price prevents your customers (and staff!) from asking questions.

Care Instructions or Eco Info

Do you have a product that needs special care? Write those instructions on the tag. If you're all about sustainability, use your tag to share that story—it's a big draw for eco-conscious shoppers.

Different Types of Swing Tags

There are many elements to consider when choosing the perfect swing tag for your brand:

By Material

  • Cardstock or Paper: Affordable, customisable, and the most common choice.
  • Plastic: Durable and waterproof, perfect for outdoor gear or swimwear.
  • Fabric: Fancy and eco-friendly—great for high-end brands.

By Shape and Size

You've got the classic rectangle and circle shapes, but why not mix them up with custom shapes like stars, hearts, or something unique to your brand?

By Design Style

Minimalist, vintage, bold graphics—there's no limit here. Just make sure your design reflects your brand's personality.

How to Design the Perfect Swing Tag

It can be overwhelming to design your swing tags. Here are some important points to consider:

Start with the Right Tools

Adobe Illustrator and Canva are favourites because they make it easy to create beautiful, precise designs.

Pick the Perfect Size

Most swing tags are between 2-3 inches and 4-6 inches. The size should suit your product—small tags for jewellery, bigger ones for clothes.

Choose the Right Fonts

Fonts matter! A luxury brand might choose elegant serif fonts, while a casual, youthful brand could opt for bold sans-serif ones.

Play with Colours and Visuals

Stick to your brand's colour palette, and don't be afraid to add a little flair with patterns, logos, or images. Just keep it cohesive.

Tips for Designing Effective Swing Tags

Creating hang tags that look great and do their job is an art. Follow these tips for the best results:

Keep It Simple

Swing tags aren't billboards—less is more. Stick to the essentials and avoid overcrowding your design.

Stay On-Brand

Use colours, fonts, and materials that align with your brand's identity. If your brand is eco-friendly, consider earthy tones and recycled materials.

Make It Readable

Don't make customers squint. Use clear fonts and ensure any important details, like the price, are easy to read.

Test Before You Commit

Print a prototype and see how it looks on your product. Does it hang well? Is the design easy to read?

Printing Your Swing Tags 

Printing Methods

  • Digital Printing: Fast, affordable, and ideal for small orders.
  • Offset Printing: Great for large batches—high-quality and consistent.
  • Screen Printing: Perfect for bold, graphic-heavy designs.

Paper and Finishes

  • Matte or Glossy: Matte is understated and classy, while glossy grabs attention.
  • Textured Paper: Adds a premium, tactile feel to your tags.

Find the Right Printer

Choose a printer that specialises in swing tags. Always ask for samples to make sure you're happy with their work. 

DIY vs Professional Design

Should you tackle swing tag design yourself or leave it to the pros? Let's break it down:

DIY Swing Tags

  • Pros: Cheaper, and you've got complete creative control.
  • Cons: Time-consuming, and the results might need to be more polished.

Professional Design

  • Pros: Experts can bring your vision to life and ensure the quality is top-notch.
  • Cons: It'll cost more than DIY.

If you're trying DIY, Canva is great for beginners, while Adobe Illustrator is perfect for more detailed designs. 

Eco-Friendly Swing Tags for the Sustainable Shopper

Sustainable Materials

  • Recycled paper is budget-friendly and eco-friendly.
  • Seed paper is an excellent option that customers can plant after use.
  • Bamboo or hemp paper offers a durable, biodegradable alternative.

Green Printing Techniques

To reduce waste, use soy-based inks and opt for digital printing. You'll earn bonus points if you highlight your sustainability efforts right on the tag.

Mistakes to Avoid When Designing Swing Tags

Too Much Info

Refrain from cramming every single detail onto your tag. Stick to the essentials.

Bad Design for Scaling

Your swing tag design should look good in different sizes. If it doesn't, you'll have trouble adapting it to various products.

Cheap Printing

Bad printing can ruin even the best design. Always go for high-quality printing, even if it costs a little more.

FAQs About Swing Tags

What size should a swing tag be?

Most swing tags are between 2x3 and 4x6 inches. Pick a size that fits your product.

How much does it cost to make swing tags?

Prices vary, but you're looking at around $0.10 to $0.50 per tag for bulk orders.

Can I make swing tags without any design experience?

Absolutely! Canva is a fantastic tool for beginners, with plenty of templates to get you started.

How long does it take to print swing tags?

Digital printing can take a few days, but large-scale offset printing might take a week or two.

Are eco-friendly swing tags worth it?

Yes! Aussie shoppers love sustainable products, and eco-friendly tags can make a