T-shirt tags are often an afterthought, hidden away on the inside of the shirt. However, they can add value and personality to a brand. Some companies use silk-screened tags, while others opt for custom woven tags, which appear more professional. Tags can be printed directly onto the shirt, or attached with a safety pin. They can also be woven into the seam, or pressed onto the inside back of the shirt. The information on the tag is usually standard, including the size of the shirt, and care instructions. However, some companies are now using QR codes on their tags to provide more detailed information about the product, and to connect with their customers.
What You'll Learn
T-shirt tags can indicate the season and year the garment was made
T-shirt tags can include a lot more information than you might expect. They can be a source of irritation, literally and metaphorically, but they can also be a source of interest and even comfort.
The tags on T-shirts can tell you the season and year the garment was made. Most clothes will have a tiny tag with a code that indicates the season (spring, summer, fall, or winter) and the year (usually the last two digits). This can be useful for decluttering, as it can help you identify items you haven't worn in a long time. It can also be a fun way to learn more about the history of your clothes and the fashion trends of different seasons and years.
In addition to season and year codes, T-shirt tags can include other interesting details. For example, some brands include their history or the inspiration behind a collection on their tags. This adds a personal touch and helps customers connect with the brand. Tags can also be used for product authentication, with well-known brands like Diesel and Ralph Lauren incorporating QR codes or other authentication methods to protect their products from counterfeiters.
The design of T-shirt tags has evolved over time, with some now focusing on comfort and discretion. Woven labels, for instance, are designed to be comfortable and come in colors that blend seamlessly into the seam, making them almost unnoticeable. The material used for tags has also improved, with satin-like fabrics replacing the scratchy, barbed wire-like feeling of traditional tags.
While tags have traditionally been seen as a necessary evil, some companies are now offering tagless options. Hanes, for example, launched its first tagless T-shirt in 2002, with information printed directly onto the shirt instead of on a hanging tag. This innovation has been well-received by consumers, especially those who found traditional tags irritating.
So, the next time you reach for your favorite T-shirt, take a moment to inspect its tag. You might be surprised by the interesting details you uncover about the garment's history, brand, or season and year of production.
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QR codes on t-shirt tags can be scanned to access product information
QR codes on t-shirt tags are becoming increasingly common as consumers are more conscious of their style and appearance and demand more information about their clothing. The fashion industry is booming, and with social media and celebrity culture, consumers are more aware of and driven by trends.
QR codes on t-shirt tags can be scanned to access a wealth of product information. For example, a QR code might provide details on the proper washing and care of the garment. It can also be used to authenticate the clothing line and provide information on the manufacturing process, creating transparency and trust between the brand and the consumer.
Product Authentication
Well-known brands such as Diesel and Ralph Lauren have used QR codes to secure their products from counterfeiters. Diesel incorporated a QR code on its jeans with a 'Scan for Authenticity' call to action, allowing buyers to verify the originality of the product. Ralph Lauren also added unique digital identities to each item through QR codes, providing not only authentication but also additional information and styling tips when scanned.
Elaborate Details of the Product
A QR code on a t-shirt tag can provide consumers with instant access to detailed product information. For instance, by scanning the code, consumers can learn about available sizes, colors, and other options. Video QR codes can also be used to showcase the product and provide additional details, potentially boosting sales by giving consumers more confidence in their purchases.
Share the Brand's Vision
QR codes can be used to differentiate a brand from its competitors and forge a connection with consumers. They can be used to share the brand's history, showcase the inspiration behind a collection, or highlight unique manufacturing processes, such as the use of organic fabrics. This helps consumers identify with the brand's goals and fosters a sense of trust.
Accumulation of Feedback
QR codes on t-shirts can serve as an effective tool for gathering direct feedback from customers. Scanning the code can direct consumers to a simple survey with yes or no questions, making it convenient and quick for them to provide feedback. This also allows brands to collect valuable data on customer shopping preferences and inclinations.
In addition to providing product information, QR codes on t-shirt tags can also be used for marketing and promotional purposes, such as linking to social media accounts or offering discounts and special events. They can help create an interactive and engaging shopping experience, bridging the physical and digital worlds of fashion.
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Tags can be made from woven or printed fabric
Tags on T-shirts can be made from woven or printed fabric. Woven labels tend to look more polished and last longer than printed labels, which are often DIY and may not withstand multiple washes. Woven labels are usually pre-cut using heat or laser cutters to seal the edges and prevent fraying, making them easy to sew onto garments. They are also more cost-effective for large quantities.
There are different types of fabric used in woven labels, including taffeta, satin, and damask. Taffeta is a thicker, slightly stiffer fabric with limited colour options, but it dries quickly, making it suitable for items that may get wet, such as swimwear or towels. Satin labels, on the other hand, are soft and shiny, making them ideal for items that need to be soft, like baby clothes. They also have a luxurious look, making them suitable for vintage-style pieces. However, they have a low thread count, which may not display design details clearly.
Damask labels are the most common type of clothing labels and are made from 100% polyester damask threads with the highest thread count. They offer the best display of text and design details, the widest variety of colour options, and are soft and durable.
In addition to the type of fabric, there are other factors to consider when choosing a label, such as the purpose of the label, where it will be placed on the garment, and how it will be attached (sewn or ironed on).
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Tags can be pressed directly onto the t-shirt
The tagless tag is a popular option for those who find traditional tags itchy or uncomfortable. It also eliminates the need to cut or tear out the tag, which could damage the shirt. The tagless tag is designed to be comfortable and discreet, often using silky or satin-like materials that blend seamlessly into the seam.
In addition to comfort, tagless tags offer permanence. Since the information is printed directly onto the fabric, it cannot be easily removed like a traditional tag. This makes it a good option for brands that want to ensure their product information and branding remain with the garment.
Another benefit of tagless tags is their versatility. They can be used for various types of information, including product details, care instructions, brand storytelling, and even QR codes. QR codes, in particular, have become increasingly popular in the fashion industry, as they allow brands to provide additional information, enhance customer engagement, and improve transparency and trust.
When creating a tagless tag, it is important to consider the fabric type and printing method to ensure the information remains durable and legible through wear and tear. Overall, the tagless tag provides a modern and innovative approach to traditional tags, offering both functionality and comfort for consumers.
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Tags can be torn away
Tags on T-shirts can be torn away for a variety of reasons. Firstly, some people find the tags itchy and irritating, so they remove them to feel more comfortable. This is especially true for those with sensitive skin or certain conditions that make them prone to irritation. In such cases, tear-away tags provide a convenient solution, allowing the wearer to easily remove the tag without damaging the shirt.
Secondly, tags may be torn away due to quality issues. If a T-shirt has a defect, such as a blemish, loose seam, poor stitching, or colour inconsistencies, someone in quality control may slice the tag to identify it as a factory second or reject. These T-shirts are then often sold at heavily discounted prices.
In addition, tags may be removed to avoid itchiness and discomfort. Some people are willing to go to great lengths to get rid of the itch, even if it means potentially damaging their favourite T-shirt. While some may opt for clipping the corners of the tag or rounding its edges, others might perform "surgery" with scissors to completely remove the tag.
Furthermore, tags can be torn away as a result of the printing or customisation process. For example, independent artists or bootleggers printing their own designs on T-shirts may remove the original tag to avoid branding conflicts or to save money. This is particularly common with vintage T-shirts, where the original artwork may be valued more than the manufacturer's information.
Lastly, tags may be torn away for practical reasons. Some people prefer to remove tags that get in their way or cause discomfort. For those starting their own brand, tear-away tags offer a convenient option to provide product information while also giving wearers the choice to remove the tag if they prefer.
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Frequently asked questions
The codes on T-shirt tags often indicate the season and year the garment was made, with the year often abbreviated to the last two digits.
RN numbers are unique to each manufacturer and can be used to identify the season and year a T-shirt was made using an online RN calculator.
QR codes are often used by brands to increase customer engagement and retention. They can be scanned to provide additional information about the product, such as washing instructions, or to direct customers to the brand's website or social media accounts.
A tagless tag, also known as a heat-transfer or heat-sealed tag, is a type of label that is printed or pressed directly onto the T-shirt, usually on the inside back of the shirt.
Tear-away tags are designed to be easily removable and are often used by people who don't want or need the product information on the tag. They are also useful for those who want to avoid the discomfort associated with traditional tags.