Hang tag GSM is the first thing a shopper feels when they pick up a garment, long before they read the price. A thin tag flops and quietly says "mass market"; a dense, rigid board signals care and value. This guide explains what gsm and pt actually measure, which weights match which brand positioning, and how thickness affects foil, embossing and the string hole.
What gsm and pt mean
GSM (grams per square metre, also written g/m²) is the weight of one square metre of paper or board. The higher the number, the denser and usually thicker the sheet. Copier paper sits around 80 gsm, business cards are typically 300–350 gsm, and clothing tags start at roughly 250 gsm and go up to 600 gsm and beyond.
Pt (points) is a North American measure of thickness, not weight: 1 pt equals 0.001 inch, or 0.0254 mm, so a 16 pt board is about 0.41 mm thick. The two units don't convert exactly, because boards differ in bulk – a soft uncoated stock is thicker than a coated one of the same weight. As a rule of thumb, 14 pt is close to 300 gsm, 16 pt to about 350 gsm, and 18 pt and up means 400 gsm or more.
Tip: when you compare quotes, ask for both the gsm and the caliper in mm. Two 350 gsm boards can feel completely different in the hand.
Jacquard woven label LBL 0041 4.5 x 3.5 cm – branded design with woven letters, soft premium style, with logo
Satin label 14 cm x 5 cm - satin print
Metal tags E-2302 Nickel 1.5 x 1 x 1 cm – Triangular 3D shape, for laser brandingTable: weight versus brand positioning
| Weight | Feel | Best for | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 250–300 gsm | Light, flexible, economical | Basic tees, promo runs, high-volume kidswear | Bends easily, shallow embossing, holes tear more readily |
| 300–350 gsm | Standard, stable | Most fashion brands, denim, knitwear | The sweet spot; foil lands cleanly |
| 350–400 gsm | Dense and substantial | Outerwear, shirts, upper mid-market | Costs more per sheet, but handles foil and embossing very well |
| 600 gsm and above | Rigid, luxurious, visible edge | Premium and luxury lines, jewellery, leather goods | Made by laminating 2–3 sheets together; longer lead time |
Why thickness matters
Perceived value
Customers don't measure board, but they feel it. If the garment is priced high, a 250 gsm tag creates a mismatch between product and presentation. On the other hand, a 600 gsm tag on a basic tee is wasted money – nobody pays more for the shirt because of it.
Foil, embossing and spot UV
Hot foil stamping relies on pressure. On a thin board the impression can show through on the back and warp the tag. For crisp foil, and especially for embossing, we suggest at least 350 gsm. For deep embossing or a foil-plus-emboss combination, boards of 400 gsm and up – or laminated sheets – work best, because the reverse stays flat.
The hole and the string
The string hole is usually 3–5 mm in diameter, set 8–10 mm from the edge. On a light board, a string or plastic fastener can rip through during shipping and try-ons. The fix is either a heavier weight or a metal eyelet that reinforces the hole. You'll find tag strings in our Labels collection, and for a more upmarket look, satin and grosgrain ribbons in Ribbons.
Laminated tags: how you get to 600–1000 gsm
Printing presses rarely run a single board heavier than 400–450 gsm. Luxury tags are therefore made by lamination: two or three sheets are bonded after printing, giving 700 gsm (2 × 350) or even around 1000 gsm. The big bonus is that the middle layer can be coloured, creating a visible coloured edge – think a thin red line between two black sheets – which is a classic signature of high-end brands.
The downsides are a higher unit cost, extra production steps and a longer lead time. Lamination makes sense when the tag is part of the brand identity rather than just a price carrier.
Recommendations by garment type
- T-shirts and basic jersey: 300 gsm, single or double-sided print, cotton string or plastic fastener.
- Jeans and trousers: 350–400 gsm, often kraft or textured board; denim is heavy and the tag must survive tugging. Match it with buttons and rivets in the same style.
- Shirts and dresses: 350 gsm, uncoated matte board with foil, ribbon instead of string.
- Coats and outerwear: 400 gsm or laminated 600+ gsm, embossing and foil.
- Kidswear: 300–350 gsm with rounded corners – safer and nicer to handle.
- Accessories, scarves, jewellery: a small format but a dense board, 400 gsm and up, so it doesn't look cheap.
Common mistakes
- Choosing from a photo. On screen, 250 and 400 gsm look identical. Always ask for a physical sample, or compare against a business card you like.
- A heavy tag on a light garment. A 700 gsm laminated tag on a thin silk blouse drags the fabric and can leave a mark.
- Embossing on thin board. You end up with a cockled tag and a visible impression on the back.
FAQ
What weight is best for a new brand?
350 gsm is the safest choice. It looks professional, takes foil and embossing, and keeps the cost per thousand reasonable. It's also easy to upgrade from as the brand grows.
Does a heavier tag increase shipping costs?
Barely. A 50 × 90 mm tag at 350 gsm weighs around 1.6 g, a laminated 700 gsm one about 3.2 g. Across thousands of pieces you'll notice it more in storage than on the courier bill.
Can kraft board come in heavy weights?
Yes. Kraft is commonly available in 300–450 gsm, and heavier builds are achieved by lamination. Kraft is softer, so foil on it reads slightly more matte.
Does Bul-tex make custom hang tags?
Bul-tex manufactures and supplies garment trims and takes custom orders for branded items. For hang tags in your own design, weight and finish, get in touch and we'll suggest an option that fits your quantity and budget.
To see how tags work together with the rest of your trims, browse our other label guides.
