Swing tags may be small, but they play a surprisingly important role in how your product is perceived. From fashion and beauty to food, gifting and premium retail, custom swing tags add personality, professionalism and essential product information at the point of sale.
That said, for many businesses, producing swing tags feels more complicated than it needs to be. Questions around materials, finishes, printing methods and suppliers often create unnecessary friction. The good news is that with the right partner, the process can be far more straightforward and cost-effective than expected.
In this blog, we walk through how custom swing tags are produced, the materials and finishes that work best, and answer the key question of where to get swing tags printed.
What are swing tags and why do they matter?
Swing tags are unattached labels, usually tied or fastened to a product with string, ribbon or plastic fixings. Unlike adhesive labels, they’re easy to change, simple to remove and have a premium feel, making them ideal for branding, storytelling and pricing.
When designed well, swing tags can help businesses:
- Reinforce brand identity
- Communicate product information clearly
- Add perceived value without changing packaging
- Stand out in competitive retail environments
A swing tag can feel like a natural part of your packaging, rather than something added at the last minute.
The production process for custom swing tags
Producing effective custom swing tags involves several key steps to ensure the final product looks professional and performs as expected.
- Define the purpose of your swing tag
Before choosing materials or finishes, it helps to be clear about what the swing tag is there for. Common uses include:
- Branding and logo display
- Pricing and barcode information
- Product descriptions or care instructions
- Sustainability messaging or certifications
Knowing the purpose upfront makes design and production decisions far easier later on.
- Choose the right size and shape
Swing tags can be produced in almost any size and shape. The right choice depends on your product, brand aesthetic and how much information you need to include.
Popular options include:
- Rectangular tags for clarity and versatility
- Square tags for modern branding
- Circular or die-cut tags for creative differentiation
At Premier Labels, we can advise on sizing and shape to ensure the tag complements your product without overwhelming it.
- Select suitable materials
Material choice plays a huge role in how swing tags look and feel. The best materials balance durability, appearance and cost.
Common materials for custom swing tags include:
Cardstock and paperboard
Ideal for most retail applications, cardstock and paperboard offer a premium feel and excellent print quality. They are also compatible with a wide range of finishes.
Textured and uncoated papers
Often used by brands that want a more tactile, handcrafted or sustainable feel.
Synthetic materials
Best suited to products that are handled frequently or exposed to moisture, where extra durability is needed.
The right material helps ensure your swing tags still look good by the time they reach the shop floor.
- Decide on finishes and enhancements
Finishes are where swing tags really start to stand out. Popular options include:
- Matt or gloss lamination
- Soft-touch coatings
- Foiling for logos or key details
- Embossing or debossing for texture
These details subtly signal quality and care, especially in fashion, beauty and premium gifting.
- Punching and attachment options
Most swing tags need a punched hole so they can be attached securely. Placement and size matter to ensure the tag hangs neatly and doesn’t tear. Attachments can be tailored to the look or use of the product, whether that’s string or twine for a more natural finish, ribbon for premium presentation, or plastic fasteners for efficiency in high-volume environments.
Swing tags across different industries
Swing tags are used across a wide range of industries, each with unique requirements.
Fashion and apparel
Swing tags reinforce brand identity, provide sizing and care information, and support premium positioning.
Health and beauty
They allow brands to add storytelling, ingredient highlights or usage tips without cluttering primary packaging.
Food and gifting
Swing tags offer space for branding, gifting messages or promotional details while keeping packaging clean.
Retail and promotional products
They support flexible pricing, seasonal messaging and limited edition campaigns.
Premier Labels works across all these sectors, adapting materials and finishes to suit each application.
Cost-effective swing tag production
Producing custom swing tags doesn’t need to be expensive as their overall cost depends on factors such as the materials you choose, the printing method used, the quantity required and any finishing options. Depending on your budget you can balance these elements to create a swing tag that matches your desired look and keeps cost under control, all without compromising on quality.
Premium swing tag printing from Premier Labels
At Premier Labels, we produce high-quality custom swing tags in the UK and offer clear, practical advice on materials, finishes and formats so you get a result that suits both your product and your budget.
From initial ideas through to final production, our team keeps the process simple, reliable and stress-free. To discuss your swing tag requirements or explore your options, speak to Premier Labels today.
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