A custom T-shirt bag is the thin, gusseted carry bag with two looped handles cut like the shoulders of a vest, the one you get at a corner store or farmers market. It is usually polyethylene film, printed with your logo. We print them with no minimum order, so one market weekend or a full store roll-out is a normal request.
Reviewed by the TBPB packaging team, October 2026.
| Quick facts | Answer |
|---|---|
| Minimum order | None. Order one bag size or a full store supply. |
| Shape | Vest-style bag with two looped handles and side gussets |
| Usual material | Polyethylene film; a paper version is possible if you want a paper look |
| Your logo on the front and back, one-color or multi-color | |
| How to size | Measure a typical purchase, then add gusset depth and headroom |
| Best for | Grocery, convenience, pharmacy, market stalls, quick-service takeout |
Why do shops keep using T-shirt bags?
Because the shape is cheap to stock, fast to open and hard to break. The handles are part of the bag body, not glued on, so there is no handle joint to fail. The side gussets fold flat, which means a stack of bags fits in a drawer under the register and opens with one flick when there is a queue.
They are a utility bag, though. 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 feels very different in the hand. For that end of the range, see our custom gift bags and custom paper bags.
How do I choose the right size?
Size the bag to your most common basket, not your biggest order. Measure the width and height of a typical purchase, add the gusset depth for bulk, and leave a few inches of headroom so nothing pokes out at the handle cut-out.
A worked example. Say you sell bottled sauces, each about 3 inches across and 11 inches tall, and most customers buy two. Side by side they take 6 inches, so a flat width of about 8 inches leaves room to slide them in. A side gusset around 3 inches on each fold lets round bottles sit in a single row without bulging the film. Then add the height: 11 inches for the bottle, a few inches of clearance, and the handle section on top. Give us those numbers and we confirm the finished bag height including the handles for your spec. If you also sell light goods next to the bottles, tell us. A heavier film and a deeper gusset make more sense than simply ordering a bigger bag.
Which material and film thickness should I pick?
Film thickness is the main dial. Thinner is cheaper and lighter. Thicker carries bottles and boxed goods without the handles stretching. Tell us what the bag usually carries and we suggest a gauge, and we can confirm the exact options for your size.
Some places restrict or tax thin plastic carry bags, so check the local rules before you order. If your customers care about material, a kraft or handled paper bag may fit better, and you can see those under kraft bags. We do not recommend a T-shirt bag for anything sharp, very heavy or fragile on its own. Put those in a box.
What can I print on a T-shirt bag?
You can print custom width, gusset and height, a one-color or multi-color logo on the front and back, colored film or a natural finish depending on the material, and all-over patterns for larger retail runs. Single-sided and double-sided branding are both available.
A practical tip: on thin film, a bold one-color logo usually reads better than fine detail, because small type and thin lines are the first things to blur on a stretchy surface. Send your artwork and we flag anything that will not hold up before it goes to print.
What mistakes do shops make when they order?
Three come up again and again. The first is sizing to the one big order a year, which leaves every normal sale swimming in an oversized bag and costs more per bag. The second is choosing film on price alone, then watching the handles stretch when someone loads two bottles and a tin. The third is artwork with fine text, which can blur on thin film.
Order a small first run, try it at the register for a week, and note what splits or sags. Because there is no minimum order, a trial run is a small commitment, and you can adjust the gauge or gusset on the next order.
T-shirt bag, paper bag or gift bag?
| Format | Choose it when |
|---|---|
| T-shirt bag | Speed, low cost and volume matter most |
| Paper bag | You want a natural look and a sturdier hand feel |
| Gift bag | The bag is part of the presentation |
See the T-shirt bags page for the full product, or browse every format in custom bags. If you sell a boxed product alongside, our mailer boxes cover the shipping side.
Questions buyers ask
What is a T-shirt bag?
A T-shirt bag is a thin, gusseted carry bag with two looped handles cut like the shoulders of a vest. It is the standard checkout bag at grocery stores, pharmacies and markets, and it is most often made from polyethylene film. We print them with your logo to your chosen size.
Is there a minimum order for custom T-shirt bags?
No. We print custom T-shirt bags with no minimum order, so a single market weekend or a full store roll-out is a normal request. Send the size of a typical purchase and the quantity through the quote form and we reply with a dieline and a quote.
How do I choose the size of a T-shirt bag?
Measure the width and height of a typical purchase, add the side gusset depth for bulk, and leave a few inches of headroom above so nothing pokes out at the handles. Size to your usual basket, not your largest one. If you sell mixed items, tell us.
Are plastic T-shirt bags allowed everywhere?
Not always. Some places restrict or tax thin plastic carry bags, so check the local rules for where you sell before you order. If plastic is a problem, a paper carry bag is a common alternative, and we can discuss the right format for your shop.
Can I print my logo on both sides?
Yes. You can print a one-color or multi-color logo on the front and back, or brand a single side only. Bold, simple artwork reads best on thin film. Send your file and we flag anything fine enough to blur before it goes to print.
How do I get a quote and a dieline?
Use the quote form and tell us the bag size, the quantity (even one) and your artwork. A specialist replies with a firm quote, a dieline and a digital proof for your approval. Design help and samples are free if you want to see the bag first.
How to order
Send us the size of a typical purchase, the film or paper you prefer if you have a view, and the quantity, even if it is one. We reply with a dieline and a quote, and you approve a proof before anything runs. Use the quote form and add your artwork if you have it.
Got a written quote from another supplier for the same specs? Send it over. Our price-beat guarantee means we beat it. Design help, samples and shipping are free.
