Stoftykkelser til muleposer: 100, 140, 220 og 340 g/m²
Cotton bag weight, measured in g/m² (also written gsm), is the single biggest driver of how a bag feels, how long it lasts, and what it costs.
As a quick answer: 100 to 140 g/m² suits budget giveaways and events, 180 to 200 g/m² handles regular everyday use, 220 to 230 g/m² is the retail and premium-merchandise sweet spot, and 340 g/m² and up is heavyweight canvas for keepsakes and heavy loads.
This guide explains what the number means and exactly which weight to choose for your use.
In this article
- What g/m² actually means
- The weights compared at a glance
- A closer look at each weight
- How to choose by use case
- Frequently asked questions
What g/m² actually means
The number is the weight of the fabric per square metre.
A 140 g/m² cotton weighs 140 grams for every square metre of material. A higher number means more cotton fibre, which usually means a thicker, sturdier, longer-lasting fabric that also takes a sharper print.
It is not a perfect measure of quality on its own, weave and finish matter too, but for cotton bags it is the closest thing to a single spec that predicts feel, durability, and price.
Here is how the common weights stack up visually:
The weights compared at a glance
| Weight | Feel | Best for | Relative cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 g/m² | Very light | Mass giveaways, single-use promo | Lowest |
| 140 g/m² | Light, soft | Events, promotions, everyday value | Low |
| 180-200 g/m² | Medium, sturdy | Regular use, retail carriers | Medium |
| 220-230 g/m² | Firm, structured | Premium retail, books, brand merch | Medium-high |
| 340 g/m² | Heavy canvas | Keepsakes, art reproduction, heavy loads | High |
| 475 g/m² | Very heavy | Oversized shoppers, statement bags | Highest |
A closer look at each weight
100 g/m² is the lightest cotton, made for volume.
It is the choice when the priority is handing out as many bags as possible at the lowest unit cost, and reuse is a bonus rather than the goal.
140 g/m² is the workhorse of the category and the most popular weight for events and promotions.
It is soft, prints well, and is light enough to be affordable in quantity while still being genuinely reusable.
Most brands replacing plastic giveaways land here, as covered in our piece on why single-use plastics rules are pushing brands to cotton.
180 to 200 g/m² is the step up to a bag that feels sturdy in the hand and holds regular shopping without stretching.
It is a good middle ground for retail carriers and staff gifts that need to feel a notch above a giveaway.
220 to 230 g/m² is the premium retail and merchandise sweet spot.
It has structure, carries books and heavier items, and takes a crisp print.
This is where a bag starts to feel like a product rather than swag, which is why it suits premium retail sourcing.
340 g/m² is true heavyweight canvas.
It holds fine print detail, survives heavy daily use, and is the standard for keepsakes and museum and gallery art reproduction.
475 g/m² is the heaviest option, used for oversized shoppers and statement bags where structure and presence matter more than price.
The best-value all-rounder for events and everyday carry. Soft, reusable, and prints cleanly.
See quantity pricing →How to choose by use case
- Mass giveaway on a budget: 100 to 140 g/m².
- Event or conference delegate bag: 140 g/m², or 220 g/m² if it needs to feel premium.
- Retail carrier customers pay for: 200 to 220 g/m².
- Books, groceries, heavy items: 220 to 340 g/m², ideally with a gusset.
- Premium gift or keepsake: 340 g/m² canvas.
Weight is only one dimension.
Size and shape also affect fabric use and price, which we cover in our EU tote sizing guide, and the full cost picture is in how much custom tote bags really cost.
Whatever weight you choose, order a sample so you can feel it before committing to a run.
Maximum durability and print detail for keepsakes, retail, and heavy loads.
See quantity pricing →Weight, durability, and expected lifespan
Fabric weight is a good proxy for how long a bag will last.
A 100 to 140 g/m2 tote is built for lighter, occasional use and will show wear faster under heavy loads, which is fine for a one-off giveaway. A 220 g/m2 bag handles daily shopping and books for years, and a 340 g/m2 canvas is effectively a long-term accessory that survives constant use.
If a bag is meant to be reused for a long time, spending on a heavier weight is usually cheaper per use than replacing a light one that wears out.
Weight also affects how a print wears.
A denser, tighter fabric holds a crisp print edge through washing better than a loose, light weave, so heavier bags keep looking good for longer as well as lasting longer.
Weight versus weave: why both matter
Grams per square metre is the headline number, but the weave matters too.
Two bags of the same weight can feel different if one is a loose plain weave and the other a tight canvas or twill. A tighter weave feels smoother, takes a sharper print, and often wears better, which is why a well-made 220 g/m2 canvas can feel more premium than a heavier but coarser fabric.
When you can, judge weight and weave together by handling a sample rather than relying on the number alone.
In short: let the use decide the weight.
Match a lighter bag to giveaways and a heavier one to retail, keepsakes, and daily use, judge weight and weave together with a sample, and you will choose a bag that feels right and lasts as long as it needs to.
Frequently asked questions
What does gsm mean on a cotton bag?
Gsm, or g/m², is the weight of the fabric per square metre.
A higher number means a thicker, sturdier cotton that usually lasts longer and takes a sharper print, but costs more.
What is the most popular cotton bag weight?
140 g/m² is the most popular, because it balances a genuinely reusable, printable bag with an affordable price at volume.
It is the default for events and promotions.
Which weight is best for a premium or retail tote?
220 to 340 g/m².
This range has the structure and durability that makes a bag feel like a product customers will pay for and keep.
Does a heavier bag always mean better quality?
Not always.
Weave and finish matter too, and the right weight depends on the use.
A heavier bag is sturdier and more premium, but a lighter bag can be the correct choice for a high-volume giveaway.
Which weight carries books or heavy shopping?
220 g/m² and above, ideally with a gusset for depth.
For the heaviest loads, a 340 g/m² canvas is the safest choice.
Does a heavier bag last longer?
Generally yes.
Heavier fabric handles heavier loads and repeated use better, and it holds a crisp print for longer.
For a bag meant to be reused for years, the heavier weight is usually cheaper per use.
Is gsm the only thing that matters?
No.
The weave matters too.
A tight canvas or twill can feel smoother and wear better than a heavier but coarser fabric, so judge weight and weave together with a sample.
Which weight should I choose for daily use?
220 g/m2 and above.
It copes with shopping and books for years, while 100 to 140 g/m2 suits lighter, occasional use and giveaways.
Can a bag be too heavy?
For some uses, yes.
A 340 g/m2 canvas is wonderful for keepsakes and heavy loads but is more than a one-day giveaway needs, and it costs and weighs more to ship.
Match the weight to the job.
How do I compare two bags of different weights?
Handle a sample of each if you can.
Feel the body and the weave, check the print sharpness, and think about the load and lifespan you need, rather than choosing on the gsm number alone.
Find the right weight for your bag
Compare weights, upload your logo, and order a sample before your full run.
Browse all cotton totes →100 to 475 g/m² · Samples available · EU-wide delivery
