Paper Bags with Logo for Boutiques: Sizes, Paper, Handles and Finishes

A paper bag with logo is often the last thing a customer receives in your boutique, and the first thing other people see when they walk down the street. Paper bags for boutiques need to carry the purchase safely, match the look of your store and work in daily use at the counter. This guide covers the decisions that shape a custom paper shopping bag: sizes, paper types, handles, finishes, how many bags to order and how to store them. You can see the available constructions in our paper bags collection.

Choosing paper bag sizes for a boutique

Bag size is described as width × gusset (depth) × height. Start from your products: fold a typical garment the way your staff will pack it and measure it, then add room for tissue paper and a box if you use one. Most boutiques manage with two or three sizes.

These are common starting points; custom sizes are possible. A landscape bag suits flat-folded garments and boxes, while a portrait bag is easier to carry for longer items. If you use gift boxes, design the bag around the box size so it stands upright and does not slide around.

Paper types and weights

Kraft paper

Brown or white kraft paper is strong, natural-looking and suits one- or two-colour print. Weights of around 100–150 g/m² are used for everyday bags with twisted paper handles. Kraft gives a relaxed, natural look that fits casual, denim, outdoor and concept stores.

Coated (art) paper

Coated paper of around 157–250 g/m² has a smooth surface for full-colour print, solid brand colours and fine details. It is usually laminated for strength and a premium feel. Coated, laminated bags are the classic choice for fashion boutiques and gift shops.

Uncoated and textured papers

Uncoated designer papers have a soft, tactile surface. They take embossing and foil beautifully and suit minimalist brands. Colours print softer than on coated paper, so check the proof on the actual paper.

Thicker papers, card reinforcements at the top fold and a stiff base insert make a bag stronger and help it keep its shape. FSC-certified paper is available on request; read our guide to FSC hang tags and packaging before planning any certification claim.

Handle types

Cord and ribbon handles are usually knotted or glued inside the top fold, which is reinforced with card. Ribbon handles can carry your logo, woven or printed, which links the bag with your garment trims; see our guide to jacquard woven tapes with logo. For an all-paper bag that is simple to recycle, choose twisted or flat paper handles.

Print and finishes

• Print: one or two Pantone colours give strong, consistent brand colours; full-colour print suits images and patterns. Printing inside the bag adds a surprise when the customer opens it.
• Lamination: matt, gloss or soft-touch film protects the print and strengthens the bag. Matt and soft-touch look the most premium.
• Hot foil: gold, silver or coloured foil for the logo. Use it on a limited area for the strongest effect.
• Embossing and debossing: a raised or pressed logo adds texture without extra colour.
• Spot UV: a glossy logo on a matt bag creates a subtle contrast.

A calm design usually works best: logo on both sides, perhaps your website on the gusset. Bags are seen at a distance, so a bold logo is more effective than small text.

Think about the bag in use as well. Dark, solid colours show scuffs on the corners more quickly than light or patterned designs, and a gloss finish shows fingerprints. If your staff write on bags or add a receipt, leave a calm area free of print. Before approving the artwork, ask for a white sample bag and carry a real purchase in it: you will see at once whether the size, handle length and strength are right.

How many paper bags to order

The right quantity depends on your sales, not on the price break. A simple way to estimate:

1. Count your average number of transactions per month in the store.
2. Estimate the share of each bag size, for example from a week of sales.
3. Multiply by the number of months you want to cover, usually six to twelve, and add a buffer for gifts, events and seasonal peaks such as December.
4. Add online orders if you also put a bag into e-commerce parcels.

Ordering a larger quantity of fewer sizes is more efficient than many sizes in small runs. If you plan to change the design seasonally, keep the base bag permanent and use a seasonal sticker or ribbon instead. Minimum quantities depend on size, paper and finish and are confirmed with your quote.

Storing paper bags

• Store bags flat in their cartons, in a dry room away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
• Avoid damp cellars and outside walls; paper absorbs moisture, which can weaken glue and make bags curl.
• Keep cartons off the floor and do not stack heavy goods on top, so bags do not crease.
• Use the oldest stock first and keep a small supply at the counter, replenished from the store room.
• Laminated bags can show scratches if they rub against each other; keep them in their original packing.

Complete the packaging set

A paper bag works best as part of a coordinated set. Wrap garments in tissue paper in your brand colour, close it with a logo sticker from our stickers and packaging labels range, and use a box for gifts and accessories, as described in our guide to custom boxes for clothing brands. Matching colours across labels, hang tags and packaging give the customer one consistent brand experience.

How to order custom paper bags

Send us your logo as a vector file, the sizes you need, your preferred paper, handle and finishes, and an estimate of the quantity. Our designers prepare a digital proof typically within 24–48 h, and a physical sample can be made before production. Production typically takes 10–20 working days after approval, with delivery across the EU from Bulgaria.

Frequently asked questions