Tote bag listings use different ways to describe fabric weight: GSM for non-woven bags, ounces for cotton and canvas, and denier (D) for polyester. This chart lists the fabrics used on the tote bags we stock in our Chino, CA warehouse, with an example product and its lowest bulk price, so you can compare options before you request a quote.
What the numbers mean
- GSM (grams per square meter) is the weight of one square meter of fabric. It is the standard way to describe non-woven polypropylene. Our non-woven totes use 100gsm fabric.
- Ounces (oz) describe the weight of cotton and canvas fabric. A higher number means a heavier, thicker fabric. Our cotton and canvas totes range from 6 oz to 15 oz.
- Denier (D) describes the thickness of the yarn in polyester fabric. A higher denier is a thicker yarn. Our polyester totes use 210D, 300D and 600D fabric.
These systems measure different things, so a GSM number cannot be compared directly with an ounce or denier number. Compare within one fabric type, and use the size and features on each product page to compare bags of different fabrics.
Tote bag fabric chart
| Fabric | Typical use in our catalog | Example product | From (3000+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100gsm non-woven polypropylene | Lightweight, low-cost giveaway tote | Non-Woven 100gsm Tote Bag 18" - Item #4189 | $1.28 |
| 210D polyester | Thin, light polyester; used on foldable and drawstring styles | Foldable 210D Poly Tote Bag - Item #4015 | $1.67 |
| 300D polyester | Heathered polyester on zippered and yoga totes | Heathered 300D Poly Zippered Tote Bag - Item #Q1109 | $5.00 |
| 600D polyester | Heavier polyester; our most common tote fabric | 600D Poly Tote Bag 13.5" x 15.5" - Item #4211 | $0.65 |
| 6 oz cotton | Lightweight natural cotton tote | Cotton Canvas Tote Bag 15" x 16" - Item #4122 | $1.39 |
| 9 oz cotton canvas | Mid-weight canvas | Natural 9 oz Cotton Canvas Tote Bag - Item #4242 | $2.50 |
| 13 oz cotton canvas | Heavy canvas, many colors and styles | 13 oz Solid Cotton Canvas Tote Bag - Item #4218 | $2.21 |
| 14 oz poly-cotton canvas | Heavy poly-cotton canvas | Natural Poly-Cotton Canvas Tote Bag 15" - Item #4447 | $3.32 |
| 15 oz cotton canvas | Our heaviest canvas tote | Heavy-Duty Cotton Canvas Tote Bag with Pocket 22" - Item #4308 | $8.33 |
Fabric details come from each product's description. Prices are blank bag prices at the 3000+ tier unless the product page states otherwise.
How to choose a fabric
- Lowest price for a big giveaway: 100gsm non-woven or 600D polyester. Several start under $1.50 at 3000+ pieces; see Tote Bags Under $3.
- Natural fiber look: cotton or cotton canvas. Choose 6 oz for a light bag or 13-15 oz for a heavier one; see Canvas & Cotton Tote Bags.
- Packable: 210D polyester, used on our foldable tote and drawstring bags.
- Zippers and pockets: most of our zippered totes are 600D polyester or 13 oz canvas.
Decoration by fabric
We decorate totes with silk screen printing or embroidery. The imprint size and the decoration charges are listed on each product page. If you are not sure which method suits your fabric and logo, ask us when you request a quote.
Related guides
See real prices by quantity in our Bulk Tote Bag Price Guide, or browse all Tote Bags.
Request a Quote, call 1-888-346-8166 or email dsgpromos@gmail.com. Every order includes a free digital proof, and production takes 7-10 working days after proof approval.