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Introduction: Why Fabric Weight Matters in Bags
When it comes to tote bags, no matter what material is used, jute or canvas, the most important and technical detail to not miss is the fabric weight. It is a key factor that determines how your bag looks, lasts, and feels. It is measured in GSM and directly influences the texture, structure, and durability of the bag.
Understanding the significance of fabric weight not only helps to make the right choice but also is a good guide for manufacturers looking to produce bags based on specific customer requirements. If you are looking to create a nice-looking tote in factories for use as a grocery bag or an everyday tote, you can learn everything about GSM in the guide below.
Understanding Fabric GSM (Grams per Square Meter)
In textiles, grams per square metre or GSM helps measure fabric weight based on the material’s square metre. It reflects the weight of fabric and not its fiber type or thread count. For instance, a 150 GSM cotton fabric is lighter compared to a 300 GSM cotton fabric despite being made with the same materials.
GSM helps to determine various aspects when it comes to canvas and jute tote bags. Some of these factors are as follows:
- High GSM fabrics can withstand heavy weights and do not wear and tear easily, which makes them highly durable.
- A high GSM offers to produce structured garments with better shape retention and stiffness, whereas a low GSM offers a softer bag that can collapse.
- The lightweight fabrics are more flexible and smooth, whereas the heavier ones are rugged and coarse.
GSM is correlated with thickness; it is more about fabric density and the amount of fibre in a particular area. Two fabrics may have the same weight and may feel different if one of them uses thicker yarns and the other uses finer ones.
Hence, when it comes to bags, GSM should be considered along with the type of weave so that the performance of the bag can be assessed.
Fabric Weight Conversion & Measurement Methods
The section below will help you in understanding fabric weight conversion and measurement methods.
GSM vs oz/yd²: Conversion and differences
GSM is a very commonly heard term, usually among textile vendors. It is measured in grams per square metre and is commonly known as a well-known metric system unit for the weight of a fabric. OZ, on the other hand, is an abbreviation for ounces per square yard; it is an imperial counterpart.
OZ is a regular unit common in the US, and the OZ of fabric is derived from its GSM. In order to calculate the weight of a fabric in per square yard oz or GSM, you can use the following formula.
Fabric weight in GSM Weight in grams / Length in metres x Width in metres
Conversion between GSM and OZ can be done through a mathematical calculation. If you want an Oz value from a GSM value, you can multiply the GSM by 0.0295, and if you want to transform Oz to GSM, you can multiply Oz by 33.906.
How to measure fabric GSM with samples
The common method of getting the precise fabric weight is to measure the fabric weight of the samples from different areas. You can obtain square samples of the same size from different areas and have them measured. The average weight obtained is then divided by the area’s value, resulting in the fabric’s GSM.
Cotton, Canvas, and Jute Fabric Weight Ranges
Understanding the fabric weight is essential in order to assess the usability of each type of fabric, and an insight into different weights and their applications is discussed in the section below.
Cotton bags: Lightweight to midweight (120–180 GSM)
- Lightweight: Lightweight cotton bags have a per square meter GSM ranging between 120-140; they are soft, breathable, and can be folded. These bags are ideally suitable for light shopping, promotional giveaways, and daily use.
- Midweight: Medium-weight fabrics of cotton range between 150-180 GSM, which are very durable and at the same time flexible. It is suitable for carrying books, a moderate load, and groceries, as it can withstand wear and tear.
Canvas bags: Midweight to heavyweight fabrics (220–400 GSM)
- Midweight: Midweight canvas bags have a GSM ranging between 220-280, which makes them not overly stiff but sturdy. It is highly suitable for manufacturing, fashion totes, branded merchandise, and conference bags.
- Heavy Duty: Heavyweight fabrics in canvas bags range from 300 to 400 GSM, making them durable, rigid, and thick. This material is suitable for carrying heavy items like textbooks, bulk groceries, and even tools.
Jute bags: Coarse and sturdy (270–370 GSM)
- Sturdy and Coarse: GSM ranging between 270-320 in jute falls in the category of ultra-heavy fabrics. It is meant for manufacturing environment-friendly shopping bags that are suitable for use in farmers’ markets and even for rustic packaging.
- Extra Strong: Extra strong jute fabric with 330-370 GSM is opted by suppliers for producing rugged bags that are suitable for bulk products. They are also meant for long-term reuse and export packaging.
Fabric Weight Chart for Quick Reference
The fabric weight chart below offers a glance at varied materials and their GSM range, along with their suitability in different applications. Let’s take a look below at how fabric weight influences the usability of bags.
| Material | GSM Range | Typical Use | Durability Level | Examples in Bags |
| Cotton | 120–180 | Suitable for promotional products and lightweight use. | Light-Medium | Lighter fabrics of cotton are meant for promotional giveaways or soft, everyday bags. |
| Canvas | 220–400 | Work totes, heavy-duty use, retail bags. | High | Structured laptop bags and shopping totes. |
| Jute | 270–370 | Environment-friendly retail and export packaging. | Very High | Large capacity bags, fresh produce bags. |
Choosing the Right Fabric Weight for Your Bag Project
Fabric weight refers to a bag’s durability and its capacity to hold weight. Hence, fabric quality and fabric weight measured go hand in hand. When choosing the right fabric for your project, understanding fabric weight is crucial, and it is highlighted below.
Lightweight (under 180 GSM):
Lightweight fabrics are soft, thin, and portable. The best part is that these bags can easily be folded and kept in handbags or pockets. These are highly cost-effective for wholesale orders and can therefore be a preferred choice for marketing campaigns.
They can handle small-sized items that are lightweight, like brochures, lightweight groceries, and clothing. These are mostly opted for producing event swag, promotional giveaways, and light-carry totes.
Midweight (180–250 GSM):
Midweight fabrics are meant for producing multipurpose totes, branded merchandise, and for daily shopping. They offer a balance between sturdiness and flexibility. They have the ability to handle moderate weight, like work supplies, books, and other fresh produce. They are more structured compared to lightweight bags and do not lose their shape.
These bags are meant for retail brands that consider producing long-lasting and reusable bags that are easy to carry. These bags can even be subjected to printing and embroidery to add a touch of art to them.
Heavyweight (250+ GSM):
Heavyweight bags are designed for corporate gifts or high-quality totes production. These fabrics offer excellent durability, a premium look, and a commendable structure. They can carry heavy items like tools, bulk groceries, and laptops. They can also be used frequently over time without tearing up.
Heavy weights offer these bags a better structure, which attracts customers looking for a long-lasting and high-end product. Such bags are usually made with canvas or jute.
Common Mistakes in Selecting Fabric Weight
Some common mistakes in selecting fabric weight that are usually encountered are as follows:
Overlooking handle reinforcement for heavy fabrics
Even when a high GSM fabric that is sturdy is chosen for the body of the bag, the poorly sewn handles can cause a failure. Heavy fabrics like more than 300 grams per square metre, canvas of more than 350 GSM, and jute have the capability to carry heavy weight, but they also require reinforced stitching and double-layered straps.
Choosing lightweight fabrics for heavy loads
Lightweight fabrics are not suitable for heavy loads. Another commonly spotted mistake in choosing fabric weight is that ultra-light fabric bags are used for heavy groceries and books. Such a mismatch leads to early wear and tear, especially if the weave is loose. Hence, it is important to match the load capacity with fabric weight for a durable performance.
Ignoring shrinkage in natural fibres like cotton
Natural fabrics like canvas and cotton may shrink after washing. Hence, a bag must be designed after it is accounted for a potential shrinkage, or it will lead to tight seams and warped proportions after the first wash. Selecting a shrink-resistant finish also helps to maintain the size over time.
FAQs — B2B Buyer’s Fabric Weight Guide for Bags
What GSM is best for heavy-duty tote bags?
To achieve a bag with maximum durability and strength, 300 to 400 GSM canvas or 330 to 370 GSM jute is suitable. These weights offer a strong capacity to handle load and withstand frequent use.
Is a higher GSM always better for bag durability?
Not always, however, higher GSM indicates thick and strong fabric, but factors like fibre quality, weave density, and handle reinforcement also play a role in durability.
What fabric weight is ideal for screen printing or embroidery?
To attain sharp prints and clean embroidery, the best option for fabric weight is 180 to 280 GSM canvas or cotton. Lighter fabrics may wrinkle, whereas very heavy fabrics require specialised equipment for embroidery and printing.
How does GSM affect shipping weight and cost for bulk orders?
High GSM fabrics are heavy, which increases shipping cost for bulk orders, and hence the weight can affect the cost of bulk orders.
Which GSM range works best for eco-friendly promotional bags?
To attain cost efficiency and eco-friendliness, opting for organic cotton between 120 and 160 GSM or jute between 270 and 320 GSM is suitable. They offer the required strength for daily use and even help reduce environmental impact during shipping and production.
Conclusion
If you are looking for custom tote bags made out of jute or canvas according to your GSM specifications, Tendee Accessory Shanghai Limited can offer you our services. We offer custom-printed, environmentally friendly bags wholesale, manufactured in varied weights to cater to your branding, durability, and budget needs.
We supply wholesale and custom-printed eco-friendly bags in multiple weights to fit your durability, branding, and budget needs.
