Product hang tags are not just for clothing. Candles, soaps, bottles of oil or wine, jewellery, jars of honey and gift boxes all work on the same principle: a small piece of card attached with string or ribbon that carries the brand and turns the product into a gift. What changes is the shape, the size and – for cosmetics and candles in particular – what the law expects to find on the product itself rather than on a dangling tag. This guide is for makers and small workshops outside fashion.
Sizes and shapes by product
| Product | Typical size | Shape and attachment |
|---|---|---|
| Candle in a jar or glass | 50 x 50 – 60 x 60 mm | Square or round, on string around the neck or lid |
| Pillar candle | 40 x 70 mm | Narrow rectangle tied with ribbon around the middle |
| Bottle (oil, wine, syrup) | about 50 x 90 mm | Neck tag with a round hole or slits that slides over |
| Bar of soap | 35 x 60 mm | Flat card tucked under the tie around the wrap |
| Jewellery (earrings, necklace) | 50 x 50 – 50 x 90 mm | Display card with holes or slits to hold the piece |
| Jar of honey or jam | 40 x 60 mm | On string under the lid, often with a fabric cover |
| Gift box | 50 x 90 mm | Tucked under the box ribbon |
These sizes are a starting point. The best test is to cut the tag out of plain paper and hang it on the real product – you will see at once whether it swamps a small candle or disappears on a 750 ml bottle.
Bottle neck tags
A neck tag is its own category: the top has a round hole (about 30–32 mm for a standard wine bottle) with a few small radial slits so that it grips the neck without sliding down. No string is needed, though many brands add a thin ribbon for a richer look. Measure the neck of your exact bottle before ordering – millimetres matter here.
The tie: string or ribbon
With gifts, the tie is often more visible than the card itself:
- Cotton or waxed cord – natural look, ideal for candles, soaps and kraft packaging.
- Jute – rustic and handmade; pairs well with kraft board.
- Satin ribbon – elegant, for cosmetics and jewellery; it has a sheen and ties a beautiful bow.
- Grosgrain ribbon – denser and matt with a ribbed texture; holds the shape of a bow and does not slip.
- Organza – sheer and light, for wedding favours and small pouches.
- Herringbone tape – cotton with a distinctive weave, for eco and handmade products.
You can choose a ribbon in your brand colour from our ribbons – satin, grosgrain, organza and herringbone in many colours – and for a classic finish see the hang tag strings in the labels collection.
Tip: never tie ribbon or string around the top of a pillar candle. Anything flammable belongs well away from the wick – at the base or on the packaging.
What belongs on the product, not just the tag
A hang tag is easy to remove, so regulations rarely accept it as the only carrier of mandatory information.
Cosmetics
Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 requires the core information – responsible person and address, nominal content, date of minimum durability or period after opening, precautions, batch number, function and the ingredients list – to appear on the container and/or outer packaging. Only in limited cases, where it is impossible for practical reasons, may some of it go on an enclosed leaflet, label, tape, tag or card. If you sell handmade soap or cream, the hang tag is for brand and story, not a substitute for the container label.
Candles
In Europe, candles follow EN 15494 for product safety labels – symbols and warnings such as "never leave a burning candle unattended". These belong on the candle or its packaging. The General Product Safety Regulation (EU) 2023/988 also requires the manufacturer to be identified by name and address on the product, its packaging or an accompanying document.
Jewellery
A jewellery card often doubles as the packaging. If the piece is metal, the REACH nickel restrictions apply to the jewellery itself; the card should carry the brand, the material and, if you use them, an item number.
Food
For honey, jam and other food, the mandatory particulars follow food labelling rules and must be on the pack. The hang tag can carry a recipe, a story or a message.
Board and print
For gifts the favourites are kraft board (warm and natural), white uncoated board (best for colour) and black board with gold foil for seasonal ranges. A weight of 350–450 gsm is stiff enough for small formats. If the product is oily (soap, soy wax candles) or will sit in a humid bathroom, coated or laminated board resists stains better.
Checklist for a small workshop
- Measure the product and cut a paper mock-up of the tag.
- Decide what is mandatory and put it on the product or its pack.
- Use the tag for brand, story, website and a QR code.
- Pick a tie that fits the style – cord, jute or ribbon.
- Order one shared tag for the whole range and differentiate products with a sticker or stamp.
FAQ
Can one tag design cover every product?
Yes, and it is the most economical route. Choose a mid size (for example 50 x 70 mm) and add variants – scent, colour, weight – with a small sticker or stamp.
How much ribbon do I need?
For a jar or a candle in a glass, around 40–50 cm to tie a bow; for a bottle, 50–60 cm; for a simple string loop, 15–20 cm.
Does Bul-tex make card hang tags?
Bul-tex manufactures labels for brands to the customer's design and keeps ribbons and strings in stock. For card tags to your own design, get in touch. You will find more packaging ideas in the Ribbons section of our blog.
