Printing Lingo: What is a Sombrero Hole?

Printing Lingo: What is a Sombrero Hole?

A Sombrero Hole refers to a type of hole that is punched or die-cut into a product's packaging to allow the product to hang from a display hook.

A sombrero hole gets its name because it resembles the silhouette of a sombrero, a style of hat with a wide brim and high crown. An example of a sombrero hole can be seen in the red header card image at top right.

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Used mostly to display smaller merchandise items in a retail setting, a sombrero hole is versatile because it allows a product to hang from either a single-pronged display hook or a Euro-style loop hook.

A sombrero hole is sometimes referred to as an "Inverted T" hole and can be made in a variety of sizes to accommodate any retail display system. Most applications require a single hole for hanging, but multiple holes can be placed if needed.

Examples of Printed Packaging that Use Sombrero Holes

Sombrero holes are frequently used in conjunction with Header Cards. Also known as a Bag Topper, a Header Card is made from printed cardstock that is folded over at the top and then stapled to a polybag. The polybag is clear so that the consumer can easily see the contents inside. The header card is usually printed on both sides. It displays the brand and identifies the contents, plus provides usage instructions and other information about the product. Header card packaging is popular because it is simple and inexpensive.

Sombrero holes are also used extensively with product Backer Cards. A backer card is made from stiff cardstock that is printed with branding and other useful information about the product. The product is affixed to the front of the card. Depending on the shape and type of product being displayed, it could be attached to the backer card in a variety of ways, including nylon zip ties, staples, slits, plastic blisters and so on.

If you have any questions about Sombrero Holes, or have an upcoming project for printed Header Cards or Backer Cards, give Formax Printing a call at 866-367-6221. Or, if you already know your project specs and would like a quote, click here to submit our easy quote request form. As always, we look forward to assisting with your next print project!

Take care! Rick