How to Choose Custom Bags for Your Brand

Pick the right material, size, printing and quantity — without overpaying or over-ordering.

Custom bags are one of the most versatile branding tools: used as shopping bags in retail, promotional giveaways at events, packaging for products, and gift bags for premium brands. Here is a simple framework to choose the right one for your brand.

1. Start with the purpose

What will the bag do? This decides the material and durability you need.

Promotion & events — lightweight, low-cost, disposable-ish: non-woven bags
Retail / e-commerce packaging — reusable, on-brand, premium feel: cotton or canvas totes
Gift & product packaging — soft cloth, elegant: cloth gift bags
Protective packaging — for shoes, garments, handbags: liners & dust covers

2. Choose the material

Material drives both the look and the cost. The most common options:

Non-woven (60-120gsm) — budget-friendly, strong, water-resistant, great for large logos. Best for promo.
Cotton & canvas (8-16oz) — natural, durable, premium, more eco-conscious. Best for retail and eco brands.
TC (poly-cotton, 6oz) — smooth and soft, ideal for gift and storage bags.

For a fuller comparison, see Non-Woven vs Cotton Tote Bags.

3. Size and handles

Match the size to its use: a standard shopping tote is usually 38 × 42 cm; a bottle or gift bag is narrower; a garment bag is much taller. Handles, gussets, zippers and drawstrings are all customizable — most factories make any size to your pattern.

4. Printing & branding

For a simple one or two-color logo, silk-screen printing is the most economical and is included in our standard price. For full-color or photographic designs, heat transfer gives a richer result. Learn more in Bag Printing Methods Compared.

5. Quantity & budget

Bags are priced by quantity — the more you order, the lower the unit price. Our tiered pricing: 500 / 1,000 / 3,000 / 5,000 / 10,000 pcs, with a low MOQ of just 500 pcs so you can test the market first. See wholesale pricing.

Ready to start?

Send us your purpose, size and artwork, and we'll recommend the best budget and provide a quote within 24 hours. Get a custom quote or browse our products.