Hang Tag Thickness and Weight Measurement Simplified

No matter what the paper product you’re preparing to print, paper type thickness and weight are both important factors that will effect the visual, tactile and functionality of your finished product. Searching for straightforward information about the topic is a pain, considering the multitude of paper types, dimensions of measurement and measurement units. When the heaviness of an object is reported in inches (which we know to measure length), it’s enough to make anyone scratch their head. Just take a look at this “paper weight chart” from paper-paper.com:

Explaining How Paper Stock Thickness and Weight are Related

Take a look at the image with 2 slices of pizza. Tastiness aside, if the slices each had the same height and width (flat measurement), then which one would you think is thicker? Probably the deep dish, right? And which one do you think would weigh more? Absolutely it would be the deep dish!

Actually, the same relationship as in the example above applies to hang tag specifications as well. When comparing 2 hang tags with identical paper type, the thicker the tag stock, the more it weighs, and the thinner the tag stock, the less it weighs. It sounds obvious, but due to the numerous types of paper and stock materials that are available to make custom hang tags, a messy situation has been created, where some buyers and manufacturers prefer to decide upon the appropriate type of tag stock using standard measures of thickness, while other buyers and manufacturers prefer use units of weight.

 The Conversion of Hang Tag Thickness to Weight

Tag weight can be calculated from tag thickness, only if the 2 tags being compared are made of the same tag stock type. To make this point absolutely clear, please examine the image below. The left is a 10 inch Height x 10 inch Width x 2 inch Depth (thickness) slab of Styrofoam. And on the right is a 10 inch Height x 10 inch Width x 2 inch Depth slab of concrete. They share the exact same shape and physical dimensions. Which one do you think is thinner (depth wise). It’s a trick question — of coarse the answer is they’re both 2 inches deep. Now, which one do you think will be lighter? The Styrofoam, of course. Correct!

Sometimes, the weight difference between types of paper stock is so minute that it is unperceivable by human touch, but by amplifying the contrast between 2 material types in the example above, we’re able to understand why tag thickness to weight conversion is inextricably depended on tag material. Similarly, it’s logical and true that if the same tag stock type is used, there is a direct correlation between thickness and weight. Each scientific unit of length has a standard conversion rate to a specific unit of weight. And so under these circumstances, accurate conversion charts can be drawn up.

And this is the major underlying reason for common confusion about the use of paperweight tables: Paper A at thickness X does not weigh the same as Paper B at thickness X. But unfortunately there are no online resources that allow dynamic retrieval of thickness to weight conversions based on paper type. Simply, that means most of us are probably using the wrong conversion chart for our paper type.

Why is Thickness and Weight Important for Hang Tags?
Thickness and weight go hand in hand for hang tags, as they both add to the aesthetic, functionality, and quality of the hang tag. When it comes to hang tags, the thickness and weight of the design cannot be overlooked. Displaying your product along with an excellent quality hang tag can make or break you product, which is why determining the perfect thickness and weight for the hang tag is paramount.

At The/Studio, our helpful experts can guide you in the right direction to creating a great quality hang tag with the perfect thickness to weight ratio. After all, it is important that your hang tag justly represents your brand and product.

Thickness and weight are important factors for hang tags due to the following:

• Aesthetic: Hang tags with the perfect thickness and weight are a representation of your brand. You do not want to display a hang tag that looks cheap or lacks detail.
• Functionality: The thickness and weight of your hang tags serve purpose to your hang tags.
• Quality: You should always match the quality of your hang tags to the quality of your products. Any type of marketing (hang tags) should be well-thought-out. If your customers see that your hang tags look cheap, then they will assume the same about your product.

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 Getting the Right Dimensions at The/Studio

For all of the reasons listed above (and more), we feel strongly that using paper thickness as a guide for your hang tag design has many advantages over getting a migraine over the particular weight. To conclude, here are some valuable recommendations for how to get it right.

1. Use thickness and ask your manufacturer about the exact weight

Weight depends on the paper type, but thickness remains constant no matter what the tag stock material. So, when building your hang tag, know that thickness is universal and interchangeable between all tag stocks, but weight depends on the paper.

2. Know your thickness conversions

The paper-paper.com chart above is overwhelming and unreliable. Use simple multiplication to convert hang tag thickness measurements universally. Points (Pt) is the most common measure of hang tag thickness, and it can easily be converted into inches (in) or millimeters (mm); just like in the table provided below.

3. Don’t fret the hang tag weight

At The/Studio, we focus on the finished product. As fashion industry leaders and low-cost hang tag suppliers, we at The/Studio guarantee that if you provide us with your intended hangtag thickness tag stock preference, your finished hang tag will be produced perfectly to achieve your visual, tactile and functional expectations exactly. Feel free to call 1-877-647-6447 to get answers about hang tag stock thickness and weight. Or better yet, get started on your fashion project today!

What is a Hang Tag and Why Do I Need One?
Hang tags are labels attached to merchandise that includes information such as the brand name/logo, care instructions, material used to make the item, item number, sales price, and more. Hang tags are a staple when it comes to marketing an item. Hang tags not only explain key facts about a product, but they are also a representation of your business. There is a lot of thought and design that goes into making hang tags, as they provide important information about a product. It is important that hang tags are strategically made and are aesthetically pleasing, as they are a representation of your brand. Not only do hang tags inform your customers, but they attract them as well, which are key factors as to why you need hang tags for your merchandise.

Key reasons why you need hang tags for your products:

• Display pricing: Customers can easily tell the price of your product
• Care information: Hang tags tell you how to care and/or wash the product
• Materials used: Provides information about what materials were used to make the product
• Background information: Tells a bit about company, such as how the company started and their unique story to give it a more personal touch
• Company logo: Helps identify your brand
• Creativity: Hang tags can go a long way, as it is a form of marketing

There are many elements that go into making hang tags, such as the factual information about the product and the design. At The/Studio, we are able to help our customers design the perfect hang tags for their merchandise, so that they can leave a lasting impression for their own customers. We are able to create unique hang tags that are not only appealing, but are of great quality as well.