2 materialsCotton Bags
Reusable, washable cotton bags for stores, brands and promotions.
Materials: Cotton, Canvas
How-to guide
How to choose the right GSM for cotton bags
GSM — grams per square metre — is the single biggest spec for a cotton bag. It decides how the bag feels, how long it lasts and what it costs.
Quick answer
Light giveaway totes usually use about 120–150 GSM cotton, everyday shopping and event bags about 180–220 GSM, and heavy, long-lasting totes or canvas bags about 250–400 GSM. Higher GSM is stronger, stiffer and more expensive.
Updated by the Vago team
Key takeaways
- Start from the use
- Consider the print
- Check the load
- Compare samples
Step by step
Start from the use
A one-time event giveaway can be light; a grocery or daily-use bag needs more weight to carry loads repeatedly.
Consider the print
Heavier fabric holds large and multi-colour prints more cleanly without show-through.
Check the load
If the bag must carry heavy items, choose a higher GSM and reinforced handles together.
Compare samples
Feel two or three GSM options side by side — the difference is easier to judge in hand than on paper.
Tips
- Convert canvas ounce weights to GSM to compare quotes (1 oz/yd² ≈ 34 GSM)
- Add a gusset rather than just raising GSM when you need more capacity
Mistakes to avoid
- Comparing quotes with different GSM as if they were the same bag
- Choosing the lightest GSM for a bag meant to replace plastic for years
Terms used in this guide
- GSM (grams per square metre)
- A measure of fabric or paper weight — higher GSM is heavier and usually stronger.
- Canvas weight in ounces (oz)
- Canvas weight is often given in ounces per square yard — 10 oz, 12 oz, 16 oz.
- Poly-cotton
- A blend of polyester and cotton that combines softness with strength.
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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.
- Gusset
- An extra panel that gives a bag depth and volume.
- Bar tacking
- Dense reinforcement stitching at points under stress.
- Proforma invoice
- A preliminary invoice that confirms price and terms before production.
- Canvas weight in ounces (oz)
- Canvas weight is often given in ounces per square yard — 10 oz, 12 oz, 16 oz.
Questions buyers ask
Something else? Ask on WhatsApp and the production team will reply.
Is 140 GSM cotton good for bags?
It is fine for light promotional totes. For everyday shopping use, a heavier fabric of around 180 GSM or more lasts longer.
What GSM is canvas?
Canvas is a heavier cotton weave, typically from about 250 GSM upwards.
Request a quote for custom bags
Share quantity, size, material and branding. We reply with specifications, MOQ and pricing, and arrange a sample first.