Quick hit: Remove Annoying Garment Tags and Tacks!

 How to Remove Annoying Tags on Clothes

YOU CAN remove the single straight line of stitching to get this tag off!

We've all experienced giant, flappy, or worse, itchy garment tags. Good news, everybody! Many tags can be removed without damaging the garment and with hardly any effort.

1. Determine how the label is attached.
2. If attached with a single, independent line of stitches, rip out with seam ripper, razor blade, manicure scissors/clippers, etc.
3. There are only two steps!

YOU CAN remove the single straight line of stitching to get this tag out!

I like to use a seam ripper

Ta Da!

 Ivory garment and multicolored garment with black stitching: Examples of one independent line of stitching for just the tag; these tags are suitable for being removed.

DO NOT try to remove stitching to get this tag out!

Orange/white garment with orange stitching: Example of tag sewn on with a construction seam and NOT suitable for removal. This tag is installed in a serged seam (very common).

DO NOT try to remove stitching to get this tag out!

Purple garment: Example of tag sewn on with a construction seam and NOT suitable for removal. This tag is installed in a flat felled seam.
If you are very compelled to remove all tags because of special needs or extra sensitive skin, it is possible to rip apart a construction seam to get the tag out and restitch the seam with matching thread. This is more advanced but any person who sews or tailor/dry cleaner can easily do it. Obviously you can also just trim the tag down with scissors but I find this to be still itchy.

While we're at it...

Remove Ugly Thread Tacks!

Do you see the ugly thread tack? It's black and right in the middle.

I like to use a seam ripper.

Looks Great! A quick press will get those tiny holes to disappear.

Bonus content today is an example of a thread tack - the type used often in pants to hold on paper/cardboard size & brand labels for easy identification in store. These tacks are MEANT TO BE REMOVED. Use that trusty blade (seam ripper, razor blade, manicure scissors/clippers, etc.) to remove these little buggers and leave the house in style.

Image from RealMenRealStyle who are just as annoyed by this as I am

Dude, I recently watched a whole play where freaking Benedic (the lead in Much Ado About Nothing) had not removed the cross stitch from his obviously-new suit jacket. Child, you look silly. Remove this tack and you will look fly. If you're wondering why it's even there, it's so the garment hangs nicely on the rack and for ease of transport. BTW, temporary stitching is also used for pockets and lapels on jackets, pockets on pants, pleats in things like skirts, and holding the brand name label to the cuff of jackets and coats.
I will say my mum does not remove basting stitches on pants pockets because she prefers the smooth line of a no-pocket pant. Personally I use pockets all the time, whether for hands, or objects, and therefore automatically remove all basting stitches. Team pockets.