How to Attach a Hangtag Without Damaging Your Bag
By Shop Premium Leather Handbags & Wallets | Hammitt ... | Published: 2026-10-20
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to attach a leather bag charm or hangtag safely, avoid scratches and stretched leather, and keep your bag looking new.
Quick Answer
Attach a hangtag or leather bag charm by looping the cord or clip through a sturdy handle or strap, never through a zipper or thin loop, and avoid over-tightening to prevent marks.
Why attachment placement matters
Where you attach a hangtag or charm affects both the look and the condition of your bag. A charm clipped to a delicate strap or a zipper pull can stretch the leather, scratch the hardware, or loosen over time.
The safest spots are reinforced handles, top handles, and the D-rings that are often sewn into the bag's structure. These areas are designed to bear weight and repeated movement, so they handle a charm without visible damage.
Leather type and finish considerations
Smooth leathers show scratches more easily than textured or pebbled leather. If your bag has a smooth finish, avoid letting the charm's hardware rub against the surface. Position the charm so it hangs away from the body of the bag, not pressed against it.
For bags with delicate materials like raffia or suede, consider attaching the charm to an interior loop or a handle wrap instead of the exterior. This reduces abrasion and keeps the charm visible without risking damage.
How to attach a hangtag safely
- Choose the right attachment point: Select a sturdy handle, D-ring, or reinforced loop. Avoid zipper pulls, thin straps, or the bag's main opening. If the bag has no obvious loop, use the handle where it meets the body. A reinforced point prevents stretching and keeps the charm secure.
- Check the charm's attachment method: If the charm has a clip, open it gently and hook it around the chosen point. If it has a rope or cord, thread it through the loop and tie a loose knot. Do not pull the rope tight against the leather. A loose knot avoids permanent creases or indentations.
- Position the charm so it hangs freely: Let the charm dangle away from the bag's body. If it rubs against the leather, move it to a different spot or shorten the cord. Check the position after a few hours of wear. A charm that swings freely is less likely to cause abrasion.
- Inspect and adjust regularly: Every few weeks, check the attachment point for signs of wear or stretching. Rotate the charm to a different spot if you notice any indentation, and clean the leather under the charm with a soft cloth. Regular checks catch small issues before they become permanent damage.
A charm that fits the safe-attachment rule
- Love Crush Bag Charm | Chili Red/None: The Love Crush Bag Charm features a supple leather rope tipped with two hearts and a debossed Hammitt logo with brushed gold foil. The leather rope is soft and flexible, so it can be looped through a handle or D-ring without scratching the bag's surface, making it a safe choice for daily use.
Love Crush Bag Charm | Chili Red/None
