Plastic Bags  There are many types and styles of plastic bags available for today's retailer. Described below are the most popular. T-Shirt Patch Handle Die Cut Handle Thick/Thin Plastic "Other styles include Drawstring, Plastic Draw, Rigid or Soft Loop Handled, and Garment Bags.	Paper Bags  There are many types and styles of paper bags available for today's retailer. Described below are the most popular. Graphic courtesy of S. Walter Packaging Corporation Merchandise Grocery Shopping
For details on how to measure and customizing details, select a local distributor by 'clicking' here "Distributors & Representatives".

T-Shirt Bags

The T-shirt bag may be constructed of either high density polyethylene or low density poly. Most commonly, the bag is of High-Density and will be found in stores whose products are bulky and/or heavy. This type bag is usually inexpensive to manufacture and is, therefore, popular with food or retail operations that must have inexpensive, functional packaging and are less concerned with image. Because T-shirt bags usually have a very wide gusset on the sides and have two strong loop handles, this bag style lends itself to grocery stores, shoe stores, sporting good stores, and all types of discount clothing and gift stores. The very wide gussets make this bag especially good for take-out food service establishments. Some large foam food containers will not fit in a grocery bag or in most shopping bags, but will fit nicely in a T-shirt bag. Return to Bag Style Directory

Patch Handle Bags

An oval or rectangular hole is cut into the upper portion of the bag, with a reinforcing "patch" of clear plastic that has been glued or heat-sealed to the inside of the bag. A "waffle" effect is usually visible around the handle hole on the outside of the bag. The patch handle bag is available from most low density bag manufacturers and from a few high-density manufacturers. The bag is relatively inexpensive when compared to other plastic handled bags, allows the graphics on the bag to be clearly visible and has a contemporary look. The handle, however, will not fit over the wrist and this bag style is usually not preferred for very heavy items; but it is very popular for jewelry, clothing and small gift items. Return to Bag Style Directory

Die Cut Handle Bags

Usually the top of this bag is folded over and an oval or rectangular hole is cut into the upper portion. There is no reinforcement around this handle. This handle style is often the least expensive bag in a manufacturer's line. Like the Patch Handle Bag, it has a contemporary look and offers unobstructed view of the advertising message the retailer may print on the bag. This style is best Suited for light-weight items and is excellent for clothing, jewelry, cosmetics and small gift items. Return to Bag Style Directory

Thick/Thin Plastic Bags

Thick/Thin low density plastic bags are made from a unique process which manufactures a bag that is thicker at the top where the handle is located and carrying strength is required. Thick/Thin bags are generally manufactured in two styles, a straight top die-cut handle bag and a curved top sine-wave or pullbag. Because of the manufacturing process, Thick/Thin bags are available in a wide range of film colors, offer excellent graphics and are very economically priced. Return to Bag Style Directory

Merchandise bags are often flat but may also have an expansion called a "gusset" on the sides of the bag which allow it to expand and hold wider items. These bags are most often made of natural or bleached kraft paper, but may also be made of other substrates such as oatmeal kraft and claycote. Merchandise bags are used by a wide range of retailers for small items and soft goods. Return to Bag Style Directory

Merchandise Bags

Grocery Bags

Grocery Bags (Also called SOS - Self Opening Style) Grocery bags have a flat bottom and side gussets which give them a rectangular shape. They are most often made of natural and bleached kraft paper but are occasionally made of other substrates. Grocery bags are primarily functional and are intended to hold heavy and/or bulky items. They can also remain open without assistance which makes them easy to load. Return to Bag Style Directory

Shopping Bags

Shopping bags have a flat bottom, side gussets and have two handles attached to the top of the bag. Although they are most often made of natural and bleached kraft paper, they are commonly made of other substrates such as claycote and oatmeal kraft as well. Although these bags offer many of the same functional aspects as grocery bags, retailers primarily choose shopping bags to capitalize on their advertising value. Shopping bags convey and impression of quality and sophistication which helps retailer establish and maintain an upscale image. Since the message the shopping bags convey is so important, shopping bags tend to offer more options than other paper bags. In addition to offering a wider variety of paper and printing options, shopping bags also offer a variety of different handle materials and finishing options. This enables the retailer to customize their shopping bags to suit their specific needs. Please contact your local distributor for help designing a shopping bag that would be right for you. Return to Bag Style Directory