Most quotation requests for reusable bags start with a picture and a quantity. The fabric line is often left blank, yet it decides how the bag feels, how it prints, how small it folds and how long it lasts.
Reading a fabric specification
- D (denier) measures the thickness of the yarn. A 600D yarn is heavier than a 210D yarn, so 600D fabric is usually stiffer and more durable, while 210D is lighter and folds smaller.
- T, as in T210, refers to the thread count: the number of threads in one square inch of fabric. A higher number means a denser weave.
- gsm (grams per square metre) is the weight of the fabric. It is the usual measure for non-woven fabric and cotton.
The four common choices
210D RPET
Polyester made from recycled PET bottles. Light and smooth, it suits foldable totes and all-over prints. If you plan to make a recycled-content claim, ask for certification such as the Global Recycled Standard (GRS).
Oxford fabric, 210D to 600D
A polyester fabric with a basket weave. 210D Oxford is light and folds easily. 600D Oxford is heavy-duty and keeps its shape, so it suits zippered totes and bags that carry heavier loads. It is often coated on the back for water resistance.
Nylon, such as T210
Smooth, strong for its weight and quick to pack down. Some nylon "memory" fabrics hold a crease, which helps a bag fold neatly back into its pouch.
Non-woven polypropylene
Fibres bonded together rather than woven, specified by gsm. It is cost-effective for high-volume promotional bags and easy to screen print, but less durable than woven fabrics over many uses.
A quick starting point
| If you need | Start with |
|---|---|
| A bag that folds into a pocket-sized pouch | 210D RPET or T210 nylon |
| Heavy loads and a bag that keeps its shape | 600D Oxford |
| A recycled-content story | RPET with certification |
| Large promotional runs on a budget | Non-woven polypropylene |
| Chilled food and lunch transport | An insulated tote with a foil lining |
Not sure yet? Send us how the bag will be used, what it needs to carry and your target price. We will suggest a fabric and confirm it with a sample before production.