4 materials
Drawstring Bags
Lightweight cinch bags for events, schools, gyms and promotions.
Materials: Polyester, Cotton, Non-Woven (PP), Nylon
Material comparison
Cotton vs Non-Woven Bags: Which Should You Choose?
Soft, reusable and easy to print — a popular plastic-bag alternative. Low-cost reusable carry bags for retail and promotions.
Here is how cotton and non-woven (PP) compare for bulk and custom bag orders.
Quick answer
Cotton vs non-woven: Cotton is more durable, cost is similar and cotton is more eco-friendly. Choose by use, budget and the look you want.
Updated by the Vago team
Key takeaways
- More durable: Cotton
- More water-resistant: Non-Woven
- Better for printing: Cotton
- More eco-friendly: Cotton
- More economical: about equal
Cotton vs non-woven: side-by-side
Ratings compare material classes in general (5 = best); the grade you choose changes the result.
Choose cotton if…
- You need maximum durability and a long lifespan
- Sharp, detailed logo printing matters
- An eco-friendly image is important to your brand
- You prefer a light bag
- You are ordering cotton bags, tote bags and grocery bags
Choose non-woven if…
- The bag will face rain, spills or moisture
- You prefer a very light bag
- You are ordering non-woven bags, shopping bags and grocery bags
About cotton
Cotton bags are lightweight, washable and widely accepted as a reusable alternative to single-use plastic. They suit grocery bags, retail carry bags, drawstring pouches and promotional totes. Fabric weight is chosen according to whether the bag is a light giveaway or a daily-use carry bag.
Things to consider: Light cotton is economical for giveaways; heavier cotton for daily grocery use.
About non-woven (PP)
Non-woven polypropylene bags are economical, light and reusable, which makes them common for retail counters, supermarkets, exhibitions and promotional distribution. GSM is chosen by load, and the bags can be stitched or heat-sealed, with screen or offset printing.
Things to consider: Check local regulations on GSM and carry bags for your state before ordering.
Bags we make in both cotton and non-woven
6 materials
Tote Bags
Printed canvas, cotton, jute and rPET totes for retail, events and brands.
Materials: Canvas, Cotton, Jute, Juco (Jute-Cotton Blend), Recycled PET (rPET), Non-Woven (PP)+1- 4 materials
Grocery Bags
Load-bearing reusable grocery bags for supermarkets and stores.
Materials: Non-Woven (PP), Cotton, Jute, Canvas 6 materials
Shopping Bags
Branded shopping bags in fabric and paper for every kind of store.
Materials: Non-Woven (PP), Cotton, Jute, Canvas, Kraft & Art Paper, Recycled PET (rPET)+1- 6 materials
Promotional Bags
Logo-printed bags for campaigns, launches, exhibitions and giveaways.
Materials: Non-Woven (PP), Cotton, Jute, Polyester, Canvas, Recycled PET (rPET)+1 - 5 materials
Gift Bags
Festive and occasion gift bags in paper, fabric and velvet.
Materials: Kraft & Art Paper, Jute, Velvet & Satin, Non-Woven (PP), Cotton - 5 materials
Wedding & Return Gift Bags
Potli bags, favour bags and printed return-gift bags for weddings and functions.
Materials: Velvet & Satin, Jute, Cotton, Kraft & Art Paper, Non-Woven (PP) - 3 materials
Garment Bags
Suit covers, saree covers and garment packaging for brands and boutiques.
Materials: Non-Woven (PP), Cotton, Polyester
Terms explained
Trade terms used on this page, in plain language.
- GSM (grams per square metre)
- A measure of fabric or paper weight — higher GSM is heavier and usually stronger.
- Pre-production sample (PPS)
- The final sample approved before bulk production starts.
- Drawstring closure
- A cord threaded through a channel that pulls a bag closed.
Questions buyers ask
Something else? Ask on WhatsApp and the production team will reply.
Which is more durable, cotton or non-woven?
Cotton is generally more durable, though a heavier grade of either material narrows the gap.
Which is cheaper for bulk bags?
Both sit at a similar cost level; size, branding and quantity decide the final price.
Which is more eco-friendly?
Cotton has the stronger eco-friendly profile in general.
Which takes logo printing better?
Cotton gives sharper print results.
Can I see both materials before ordering?
Samples can be arranged before bulk production so you can check material, stitching, size and branding. Sample terms are confirmed with your quote.
Ready to order cotton or non-woven bags?
Share the bag type, quantity, material and branding. We reply with specifications, MOQ and pricing, and arrange a sample first.