Which Swing Tag Material is Right for Me?
Choosing the right tag material is one of the most important decisions when ordering swing tags. It affects how your tags look, how long they last, and how well they represent your brand. With 12 swing tag materials available at Handy Tags, from paper and board to plastic and specialist finishes. It can feel like a lot to take in, so we've put this guide together to make it straightforward.
The guide below maps common use cases to the best hang tag material choice in plain English. If you'd rather feel the materials before deciding, our free sample pack includes swatches of everything we offer. Order one, and we'll have it with you shortly.
Dispatched in 72 hrs
From PDF proof approval, tracked UK delivery is included
All printed in-house
Full quality control at our UK production facility
12 materials available
From budget paper to luxury foil and waterproof plastic
Free sample pack
Feel every material before you commit to an order
Material Selector
Find your use case below, then click the tag material link to go straight to that product.
Everyday swing tags for clothing, gifts, or retail products, the best all-round starter option
Silky-coated 350 gsm board, one of our most popular gsm materials. Gives crisp full-colour print at the lowest paper cost; it suits the vast majority of indoor retail applications
Eco-friendly or artisan branding on handmade goods, craft products, or organic food
Natural recycled-fibre finish with a warm, uncoated look. Instantly communicates sustainable or artisan brand values
Upmarket or boutique branding where a tactile finish adds perceived value
Ribbed-cream tactile stock elevates positioning at a fraction of the cost of specialist materials; popular for jewellery and premium fashion
Environmentally certified products that need verified recycled credentials
Made from 100% post-consumer recycled fibres. Ideal when your brand story or product certification requires demonstrable sustainability
A tagging material that survives handling, moisture, or a light wipe-down, but still looks and feels like sturdy card
One of the most durable materials for tags. A matt or gloss laminate layer protects the printed surface, adds rigidity, and resists finger marks. Ideal for food, cosmetics, and candles
Outdoor products, plant tags, nursery labels, luggage tags, or anywhere genuinely waterproof
The most resistant tag material we offer, synthetic polyester stock is fully waterproof and tearproof, the only material that can cope with sustained outdoor exposure or wet conditions
Luxury fashion, jewellery, spirits, or premium gifting, where you want real metallic shine
Foiling in gold or silver applied to your entire design on the tag surface creates a premium, reflective finish that print alone cannot replicate
Vibrant solid background colours, when you want the tag itself to be a strong colour, not just the print
Pre-coloured board stock means the colour runs through the material edge-to-edge; no white border when cut, great for bold branded colour schemes
High-impact metallic backgrounds. Silver or gold base for a premium retail or events feel
Metallic-surfaced board gives a shimmery base that enhances any print colour on top, especially effective for cosmetics, events, and party products
High-visibility sale tags, promotions, or seasonal campaigns that need to grab attention fast
Fluorescent neon board in bright colours stands out at the point of sale. Ideal for sale events, clearance tags, and high-energy brand moments
A sophisticated frosted or semi-transparent finish for premium or contemporary branding
Translucent frosted stock diffuses light softly, a distinctive choice for beauty, wellness, and minimalist luxury brands
A substantial, heavyweight feel with visible recycled board texture for craft or industrial branding
Exposed grey recycled board gives a raw, intentional look. Popular for craft beer, artisan food, and brands leaning into an honest, unfinished aesthetic
Sometimes the best way to choose between material tags is to hold them. Our free sample pack lets you feel every material before you commit to an order. It includes swatches of all our swing tag materials: Standard Artboard, Brown Kraft, Matt and Gloss Laminated, Colour Board, Grey Pulpboard, Metallic, Waterproof, Recycled, and Textured, so you can check the weight, finish, and print quality in your hands.
When you request your pack, fill in the intended use field (for example, clothing tags or product hang tags) so we can point you in the right direction. If there's a specific material you want included, note it there too, and we'll make sure it's in the pack. Samples are sent free of charge to UK mainland addresses.
If you need to see your artwork printed before placing a full order, we also offer a custom-printed sample service for £25 +VAT. We'll print your design onto your chosen material, cut it to your exact size and shape, and include any finishing options, so you know precisely what to expect. To arrange this, email info@handytags.co.uk as it cannot be ordered online.
Ready to order?
Head to the swing tags collection, choose your material, customise your tag specifications, and upload your artwork. Once you have placed your order through our secure checkout, we'll promptly send you a digital PDF proof for your approval.
All swing tags are printed in-house at Handy Tags' UK production facility. Standard dispatch is within 72 business hours of PDF proof approval. Prices shown exclude VAT. Any questions? Use our online chat, call us on 01275 460 517, or email info@handytags.co.uk.
