Why Are T-Shirt Tags Cut In Half?

T-shirt tags that are cut in half are often an indication that the t-shirt is a factory reject or a vintage bootleg. In the case of factory rejects, the tags are cut by someone in quality control who has noticed an issue with the t-shirt, such as a blemish, loose seam, or poor stitching. These t-shirts are then sold at heavily discounted prices and are often snapped up by bootleggers who print on them and sell them outside stadiums or anywhere they can. In the case of vintage bootlegs, the cut tags indicate that the t-shirt is at least 20 years old and likely features original artwork. It's important to note that modern bootlegs typically feature counterfeit tags, so the presence of a cut tag can be a distinguishing factor between vintage bootlegs and modern counterfeits.

T-shirt tags are cut in half to indicate that the item is a factory reject

These t-shirts are then often sold at heavily discounted prices, and are snapped up by bootleggers, who print on them and sell them outside stadiums or anywhere they can. Sometimes, these factory rejects are also bought by independent artists or others who want to save money while printing original tees.

In some cases, t-shirt tags are cut in half to prevent returns of old or deadstock shirts from stores. In other cases, the tags may be cut by the buyer to remove itchy or uncomfortable labels.

This could be due to a blemish, loose seam, poor stitching, or colour inconsistencies

T-shirt tags that are cut in half could indicate that the t-shirt is a factory reject or irregular. This could be due to a blemish, loose seam, poor stitching, or colour inconsistencies. These issues are usually identified by someone in quality control, who then slices the tag vertically to indicate that the t-shirt is a factory second. These t-shirts are often sold at heavily discounted prices and may be printed on and sold outside stadiums or other venues.

In some cases, an up-and-coming band or artist may have used a less expensive blank t-shirt, which could also result in a cut tag. Additionally, there could be other reasons for a torn tag, such as removing the tag to improve comfort or cutting it by accident.

Tags can be cut to indicate a vintage bootleg t-shirt

Tags cut in half could indicate that a t-shirt is a vintage bootleg. This is especially true if the t-shirt in question is at least 20 years old. While modern bootlegs feature counterfeit tags, vintage bootlegs are often accepted by the vintage community and are even sought after.

Vintage t-shirts with torn tags were often produced by less popular bands or artists who wanted to save money by using cheaper blank t-shirts for their merchandise. Bootleggers would also seek out factory rejects, or t-shirts with blemishes, loose seams, poor stitching, or colour inconsistencies, which were sold at heavily discounted prices, print their own designs on them, and sell them outside stadiums or anywhere they could.

There are other reasons why a tag may be cut in half. For example, it could be cut to remove the brand or size information, or it could be accidental damage from a plastic hangtag.

Tags may be cut to lower import taxes

T-shirt tags are sometimes cut in half to indicate that the t-shirts are irregular or factory-rejected. This could be due to a blemish, a loose seam, poor stitching, colour inconsistencies, or any other type of visible flaw. These t-shirts are then often sold at heavily discounted prices.

Cutting t-shirt tags in half can also help lower import taxes. One commenter on a forum about t-shirt tags notes:

> "In Thailand back in the day, many shops (not all) cut or tore the tag because of when you import t-shirt and cut the tag . the customs will put it to a defective product and the tax would be lower than [that of] a normal product."

Cut tags can also indicate that the t-shirt is a vintage bootleg.

Tags can be cut to remove itchiness or discomfort

Tags on T-shirts can be cut to remove itchiness or discomfort. Clothing labels can be a nuisance as they often cause itchiness or discomfort. Tags can be cut off using scissors or a seam ripper. When using scissors, cut the label as close to the seam as possible without damaging the garment. A small strip of the label may remain, stitched into the seam. To avoid the freshly cut label causing irritation, cut a piece of hemming tape the width of the label and place it on the seam, then iron it down.

Alternatively, a seam ripper can be used to remove the tag. First, check that the seam attaching the label is not sewn into the seam holding the garment together. If it is, use scissors instead. If not, push the tip of the seam ripper under one of the top stitches and gently pull to loosen and remove the stitch, then continue along the seam until the label is free.

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