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Product comparison

Cotton Bags vs Non-Woven Bags: Which Should You Order?

Reusable, washable cotton bags for stores, brands and promotions. Economical printed non-woven carry bags for shops and promotions.

Both are used for grocery & daily shopping, retail packaging and promotional giveaways, but they suit different buyers and uses. Here is how they compare for bulk orders.

Quick answer

Cotton Bags suit retailers and clothing brands; non-woven bags suit garment & textile businesses and wholesalers. Both work for grocery & daily shopping, retail packaging and promotional giveaways.

Updated by the Vago team

Key takeaways

  • Cotton Bags: flat or gusseted styles
  • Non-Woven Bags: d-cut, w-cut, loop handle and box styles
  • Cotton Bags materials: cotton and canvas
  • Non-Woven Bags materials: non-woven (PP)
  • Both can be customised with your branding

Cotton Bags vs non-woven bags: side-by-side

Cotton BagsNon-Woven Bags
What it isReusable, washable cotton bags for stores, brands and promotions.Economical printed non-woven carry bags for shops and promotions.
Best forGrocery & Daily Shopping, Retail Packaging and Promotional GiveawaysGrocery & Daily Shopping, Retail Packaging and Promotional Giveaways
Typical buyersRetailers, Supermarkets & Grocery Chains, Clothing Brands and Promotional Product CompaniesLocal Shops & Stores, Garment & Textile Businesses, Supermarkets & Grocery Chains and Wholesalers
MaterialsCotton and CanvasNon-Woven (PP)
SizesSmall pouch, Medium carry bag and Large grocery bagSmall (about 10 × 12 inch), Medium (about 13 × 16 inch) and Large (about 16 × 20 inch)
Key featuresFlat or gusseted styles, Long or short handles and Drawstring variantsD-cut, W-cut, loop handle and box styles, Stitched or heat-sealed and Many colours and GSMs
BrandingScreen printing, Digital printing and Heat transfer printingScreen printing and Offset printing

Choose cotton bags if…

  • You are a retailer
  • You are a clothing brand
  • You are an exporter or importer
  • You want: flat or gusseted styles
  • You want: long or short handles

Choose non-woven bags if…

  • You are a garment or textile business
  • You are a wholesaler
  • You are a restaurant or food outlet
  • You want: d-cut, w-cut, loop handle and box styles
  • You want: stitched or heat-sealed

Materials used for both, compared

MaterialDurabilityWater resistancePrint qualityEco-friendlinessCost levelWeight
Cotton3 out of 51 out of 55 out of 54 out of 5Most economicalLight
Canvas4 out of 52 out of 55 out of 54 out of 5EconomicalMedium
Non-Woven (PP)2 out of 53 out of 53 out of 52 out of 5Most economicalVery light

Ratings compare material classes in general (5 = best). Actual performance depends on the grade, weight and construction you choose.

About cotton bags

Cotton bags are soft, washable and reusable, making them a practical replacement for plastic carry bags. Grocery stores, clothing brands and promotional campaigns order them printed with logos and messages.

Natural (unbleached) cotton is often the most economical option for large printed runs.

About non-woven bags

Non-woven bags are made from polypropylene fabric in many GSMs and colours. They are among the most economical reusable carry bags and are widely used by garment shops, supermarkets, pharmacies and promotional campaigns.

Check your state's current rules on carry bags and minimum GSM before ordering.

Compare the products

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.
Pre-production sample (PPS)
The final sample approved before bulk production starts.
Proforma invoice
A preliminary invoice that confirms price and terms before production.
D-cut handle
A handle hole punched into the top of a carry bag.
Loop handle
A separate strip of fabric sewn on as a handle.

Questions buyers ask

Something else? Ask on WhatsApp and the production team will reply.

Which is better for bulk orders, cotton bags or non-woven bags?

It depends on use: cotton bags for grocery & daily shopping, retail packaging and promotional giveaways; non-woven bags for grocery & daily shopping, retail packaging and promotional giveaways.

Can I order both in one shipment?

Yes. Mixed orders are common, and both can carry the same branding so the range looks consistent.

Can I see samples of both?

Samples can be arranged before bulk production so you can check material, stitching, size and branding. Sample terms are confirmed with your quote.

Request a quote for cotton bags or non-woven bags

Share quantity, size, material and branding. We reply with specifications, MOQ and pricing, and arrange a sample first.

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