A T-shirt bag is the thin, gusseted carry bag with two looped handles cut to look like the shoulders of a vest. It is the checkout bag most shoppers know on sight, and TBPB prints it with your branding with no minimum order. Bring a written quote for the same specs and our price-beat guarantee applies.
Why this shape keeps winning at the register
The handles are part of the bag body, not glued on, so there is no handle joint to fail. The side gussets fold flat for storage and open fast with one flick, which matters when there is a queue. A bag costs little to stock, packs flat in a drawer, and carries more than its weight suggests, which is why grocers, convenience shops, pharmacies and market stalls keep reordering the same style.
It is a utility bag, though, not a presentation bag. If the carry itself is part of the brand experience, such as a boutique, a gift shop or a launch event, a stiffer bag with a flat base looks and feels different in the hand. Our custom gift bags and custom paper bags cover that end of the range.
Choosing size and gusset
Size the bag to your most common basket, not your largest. Measure the width and height of a typical purchase, then add side gusset depth for bulk and a few inches of headroom above so the contents do not poke through the handles. A bag that is too big wastes film and looks sloppy; one that is too small gets overstuffed and tears at the handle cut-out.
If you sell mixed items, such as bottles next to light goods, tell us. A heavier film and a deeper gusset make more sense than simply going bigger.
Material and print
These bags are most often made from polyethylene film, though a paper version of the carry bag is possible when you need a paper look. Film thickness is the main dial: thinner is cheaper and lighter, thicker handles the weight of bottles and boxed goods. Tell us what the bag carries and we suggest the gauge. Some places restrict or tax thin plastic carry bags, so check your local rules before you order.
- Custom width, gusset and height
- One-colour or multi-colour logo print on the front and back
- Coloured film or natural finish, depending on material
- Printed all-over patterns for retail runs
- Single-sided or double-sided branding
Plastic or something else
If your customers care about material, pick the format that matches your story. A kraft bag reads as natural and recyclable at a glance, and a handled paper bag survives more reuse. The thin plastic bag wins on cost, speed at the till and wet weather.
Artwork and print practicalities
Film takes ink differently from paper, so keep artwork bold. Fine hairlines and tiny text can fill in or break up on a stretchy surface, and a logo that looks crisp on screen may need thickening for print. Send vector artwork if you have it, and tell us the bag colour so we can match ink contrast to the film. Dark logos on light film and the reverse both work well, while mid-tones on mid-tone film tend to disappear at arm’s length.
Think about where the logo sits too. The handle cut-outs remove a chunk of the top edge, so we keep the main mark in the central panel where it stays visible when the bag hangs from a hand. A smaller secondary line, such as a website or a store location, can go beneath it.
Ready to start? Send your bag size, what it carries and your quantity, even a quantity of one, and TBPB quotes it with artwork guidance. Browse all custom bags to compare styles side by side.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a minimum order for custom T-shirt bags?
No. TBPB sets no minimum order. You can order a small batch for a market weekend, a single sample to test size and print, or a full-scale supply for several stores. Send the size and quantity you need and we quote that exact run.
What size T-shirt bag do I need?
Measure the width, height and depth of a typical purchase, then add the side gusset for bulk and a few inches of headroom above the contents. Base the size on your usual basket, not the largest sale, and mention any heavy items like bottles so we can suggest a stronger film.
Can I print my logo on both sides?
Yes. You can print one side or both, in one colour or several. Simple one-colour logos print cleanly on film and keep costs down, while larger multi-colour artwork suits retail runs. Send your logo and we confirm what the film and bag size can carry.
What are T-shirt bags made of?
Typically polyethylene film. Thickness is the main variable, and heavier loads need a thicker gauge. A paper carry bag is a different style if you want a paper look. Tell us what the bag carries and how many trips it should survive, and we recommend a build.
Are T-shirt bags allowed everywhere?
Not always. Some cities, states and countries restrict or tax thin plastic carry bags. Check the rules for where you sell before ordering, and consider a paper or reusable style where limits apply. Our team can help you compare alternatives for the same print size.
How do I get a quote?
Send your size, the typical load, your print colours and the quantity. Even a quantity of one is fine. We confirm specs, advise on artwork format and quote the run. If you hold a written quote for the same specifications, we work to beat it.
More Custom Bags
See the full Custom Bags range, or explore related options with no minimum order and our best-price guarantee:
