Size is the easiest thing to get wrong when ordering eco paper bags: too small and folded garments will not fit; too large and the bag looks floppy, wasting paper and freight. Unlike poly bags, paper has no stretch — a wrong size usually means a redo. This article explains how bag sizes are expressed and measured, gives a reference size chart by garment type, and shows how size links to grammage, handles and print layout.
1. How Bag Sizes Are Expressed: Four Numbers, All Needed
A paper bag is a three-dimensional structure — width × height alone cannot build it correctly. Professional spec sheets use four dimensions: width (W) × height (H) × gusset (G) × bottom (D). W is the opening across, H is the drop from opening to bottom, G is the gusset depth between front and back (how thick an item fits), and D is the folded bottom (stability and load-bearing base).
- Measure the product first: fold the garment as it will be displayed, take length, width and depth, then add 2–4 cm on each side for easy loading without looking baggy
- Do not copy garment depth into the gusset: leave visual room — a gusset about 1.5–2× the product depth gives the crispiest silhouette
- The bottom tracks the height: bottom depth is usually close to or slightly larger than the gusset — taller bags need wider bottoms or they tip over
2. Choosing by Garment Type: Reference Chart
The chart below gives common reference ranges — always confirm with a real pack test: two hoodies, one heavy fleece and one lightweight, can need very different bags.
| Garment type | Reference size W×H×G×D (cm) | Reference grammage | Handle suggestion |
|---|---|---|---|
| T-shirt / light top | about 25–30 × 32–38 × 8–10 × 8–10 | 100–120 g | Paper or cotton twine |
| Shirt / knitwear | about 28–34 × 38–44 × 9–12 × 9–12 | 120–150 g | Cotton twine, medium length |
| Hoodie / knit jacket | about 32–38 × 42–48 × 11–14 × 11–14 | around 150 g | Thicker cotton rope or ribbon |
| Jacket / jeans | about 35–42 × 45–55 × 12–16 × 12–16 | 150–180 g | Strength first: thick rope with reinforced mouth |
| Coat / gift box | about 40–48 × 50–60 × 15–18 × 15–18 | 180 g or more | Ribbon or wide rope for a premium feel |
3. How Size Drives Cost and Strength
A paper bag's cost is almost entirely its flat sheet area × grammage, plus handles, printing and forming. Adding 1 cm to width and height is barely noticeable, but growing the gusset and bottom inflates the flat area fast — that is why one size up costs visibly more. Grammage decides stiffness and strength: thick paper on a small bag is waste, thin paper on a large bag collapses. Size and grammage must be matched.
4. Custom Sizes & Print Layout Tips
- Give finished dimensions, not intentions: state W×H×G×D clearly, or send a folded sample garment and let the factory measure and recommend
- Keep print off fold lines: large colour blocks and patterns should avoid the gusset creases and bottom fold to prevent misalignment
- Scale side print to the gusset: on slim bags, shrink side-panel text or it will fold into the crease
- Sample before bulk: load a real garment, carry weight and walk — confirm size, strength and feel before scaling up
5. Pre-Order Checklist
- What fits inside, what are the folded dimensions, and is the allowance enough?
- Are W×H×G×D all specified and consistent with the pack test?
- Does the grammage match the size — no collapse or handle tear at the intended load?
- Is the artwork supplied flat with bleed, safe margins and fold-line avoidance?
- Are handle type, closure (open or folded top) and eco-certification requirements confirmed?
Dongguan TAGE Packaging makes eco paper bags in kraft, white cardboard and recycled paper, with sizes tailored to your garment, plus printing, handles and eco certifications in one place. Unsure about the silhouette? Send a sample garment — we will pack it for you to see.
Stuck on sizing for custom eco paper bags? Send a sample garment or your length, width and depth — get size advice and a quote.
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