Retail Bag Size & Style Guide
Every retail bag we stock, in one reference: paper shopping bag sizes with the trade names decoded, euro totes, merchandise bags, SOS bags, frosted and poly styles, and cello bags — with dimensions, case packs, and what actually fits in each size. And every line here can be custom printed with your store's brand.
Jump to: How Bag Sizes Work · Paper Shopping Bags · Euro Totes · Merchandise Bags · SOS Bags · Frosted Bags · Frosted Merchandise · Ameritotes · Super Gloss · T-Shirt Bags · Wave Top · Jumbo Poly · Garment Covers · Cello Bags · Choosing the Right Bag · FAQ · Custom Printing
How Bag Sizes Work
Retail bags with a gusset are measured in three numbers: Width x Gusset x Height (W x G x H). Width runs across the face of the bag, the gusset is the depth of the side panel when the bag is opened, and height runs from the base to the top edge. A 16 x 6 x 12 shopping bag is 16 inches wide, expands 6 inches deep, and stands 12 inches tall.
The flat-bag exception: flat paper merchandise bags have no gusset, so they are measured in two numbers — Width x Height. A 12 x 15 merchandise bag is simply 12 inches wide and 15 inches tall. When a merchandise bag does have a side gusset, it is listed as W x G x H like a shopping bag.
SOS bags use the grocery # system — 2#, 6#, 8# and up. The number is a legacy grocery trade size, not a dimension; the actual measurements for every # size are in the SOS table below.
Twisted-handle kraft and white paper shopping bags are the workhorse of retail packaging, and the industry still sells them under trade names that don't tell you the size. Here is the decoder.
| Trade name |
Size (W x G x H) |
Case pack |
Best for |
| Pup | 5 x 3 x 8 | 250 | Jewelry, candles, cosmetics, small gifts |
| Wine | 5 x 3 x 13 | 250 | Single wine bottle |
| Double Wine | 6 x 3 x 13 | 250 | Two wine bottles |
| Cub * | 8 x 5 x 10 | 250 | Gift shop staple — books, mugs, boxed gifts |
| Debbie | 10 x 5 x 13 | 250 | Folded apparel, shoe boxes, mid-size gifts |
| Bistro | 10 x 7 x 12 | 250 | Takeout, wide-based items |
| Belle | 13 x 5 x 10 | 250 | Wide, shallow items — stationery, scarves |
| Take Out | 13 x 7 x 13 | 250 | Restaurant takeout, multiple containers |
| Senior | 13 x 7 x 17 | 250 | Large apparel, multi-item purchases |
| King | 15 x 10 x 15 | 200 | Deep gusset — gift baskets, bulky items |
| Vogue * | 16 x 6 x 12 | 250 | The classic boutique apparel bag |
| Queen | 16 x 6 x 19 | 200 | Coats, bedding, large apparel |
| Jumbo | 18 x 7 x 19 | 200 | Oversized purchases |
| Magnum | 24 x 7 1/4 x 18 3/4 | 125 | Art, frames, oversized flat goods |
* Cub and Vogue are the two most popular retail bag sizes.
Beyond the classic twisted-handle line, paper shoppers also come in fold-over-top, twill-handle, turn-top, and tinted styles across the same core sizes — browse the full selection to compare constructions and colors.
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Euro Tote Size Guide
Euro totes are the upgrade tier: heavier paper, a fold-over top edge, cardboard bottom insert, and twill woven or rope handles, in matte or gloss finishes. Case packs vary by size and finish, so check each product listing for pack counts.
| Size (W x G x H) |
Best for |
| 5 1/2 x 3 1/2 x 6 | Jewelry, small luxury gifts |
| 6 1/4 x 3 1/2 x 8 1/2 | Cosmetics, fragrance, small boxes |
| 8 x 4 x 10 | The boutique staple — gifts, accessories |
| 13 x 5 x 10 | Wide items — stationery, scarves |
| 16 x 6 x 12 | Apparel (the euro Vogue) |
| 16 x 6 x 18 | Large apparel, coats |
| 20 x 7 x 16 | Oversized purchases |
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Merchandise Bag Sizes
Flat paper merchandise bags are the counter staple for lightweight goods — cards, books, prints, small apparel, and pharmacy-style purchases. The three smaller sizes are flat (W x H); the three larger sizes add a side gusset for capacity. Available in natural kraft and white kraft, with colors in the three flat sizes.
| Size |
Style |
Case pack |
Best for |
| 6 1/4 x 9 1/4 | Flat | 1,000 | Greeting cards, jewelry pouches, small candy |
| 8 1/2 x 11 | Flat | 1,000 | Books, prints, stationery, pharmacy items |
| 12 x 15 | Flat | 1,000 | Folded t-shirts, magazines, larger prints |
| 12 x 3 x 18 | Side gusset | 500 | Rolled posters, bottles, bulkier goods |
| 14 x 3 x 21 | Side gusset | 500 | Folded apparel, multi-item purchases |
| 16 x 4 x 24 | Side gusset | 500 | Oversized flat goods, framed pieces |
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SOS Bag Sizes
SOS stands for self-opening square — the flat-bottom paper bag that pops open and stands on its own, no handles. It is the standard for grocery, bakery, takeout, and lunch programs. SOS sizes use the legacy grocery # system; here is what each number actually measures. Natural kraft and white kraft across the range, with colors in 2#, 6#, and 8#.
| Trade size |
Size (W x G x H) |
Case pack |
Best for |
| 2# | 4 1/4 x 2 1/2 x 8 1/4 | 500 | Candy, cookies, small pastries |
| 4# | 5 x 3 x 9 1/2 | 500 | Single sandwiches, muffins, small treats |
| 6# | 6 x 3 1/2 x 11 | 500 | The classic lunch bag — sandwich plus sides |
| 8# | 6 1/4 x 3 3/4 x 12 1/2 | 500 | Large lunches, bakery loaves |
| 10# | 6 1/2 x 4 x 13 1/4 | 500 | Deli orders, wine bottles, tall items |
| 12# | 7 x 4 1/4 x 14 | 500 | Takeout containers, multi-item bakery orders |
| 16# | 7 3/4 x 5 x 16 | 500 | Full takeout meals, small grocery runs |
| 20# | 8 1/4 x 5 1/4 x 16 1/8 | 500 | Grocery, farm stands, market purchases |
| 25# | 8 1/4 x 5 1/4 x 18 | 500 | Tall grocery loads, bulk bakery |
| 1/6 Barrel | 11 x 6 x 17 | 250 | The full-size grocery bag |
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Frosted Bag Sizes
The plastic boutique tier: frosted high-density poly with a reusable feel, in two handle styles — soft flexi-loop with a slotted cardboard bottom, and die-cut.
Frosted flexi-loop bags (soft loop handle, cardboard bottom):
| Size (W x G x H) |
Case pack |
Best for |
| 5 x 3 x 8 | 250 | Jewelry, cosmetics, small gifts |
| 8 x 4 x 7 | 250 | Squat items — candles, mugs, soaps |
| 8 x 5 x 10 | 250 | Everyday gift shop purchases |
| 10 x 5 x 13 | 250 | Folded apparel, shoe boxes |
| 13 x 7 x 13 | 250 | Wide purchases, multiple items |
| 14 x 10 x 15 | 200 | Deep gusset — bulky or boxed goods |
| 16 x 6 x 12 | 250 | Boutique apparel |
| 16 x 6 x 16 | 250 | Larger apparel, sweaters |
| 17 x 7 x 18 | 200 | Coats, big multi-item sales |
| 18 x 10 x 22 | 100 | Oversized purchases, bedding |
Frosted die-cut handle bags:
| Size (W x G x H) |
Case pack |
Best for |
| 7 x 3 1/2 x 10 1/2 | 500 | Small gifts, accessories |
| 7 3/4 x 3 1/2 x 15 | 250 | Tall narrow items — bottles, candles |
| 10 x 5 x 13 | 250 | Folded apparel, mid-size gifts |
| 16 x 6 x 15 | 250 | Apparel, larger purchases |
| 24 x 8 x 24 | 125 | Oversized flat goods, pillows |
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Frosted Merchandise Bag Sizes
Frosted merchandise bags pair a die-cut handle with a pinched bottom — the frosted answer to the paper counter bag. 9 x 12 and 12 x 15 are flat (width x height); 14 x 3 x 21 adds a side gusset.
| Size |
Case pack |
Best for |
| 9 x 12 | 500 | Cards, jewelry pouches, small accessories |
| 12 x 15 | 500 | Books, folded shirts, gifts |
| 14 x 3 x 21 | 500 | Apparel, bulkier goods |
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Ameritote Soft-Loop Shopper Sizes
The Ameritote is an opaque high-density shopper with a soft loop handle and bottom gusset — a step up from standard poly at checkout. Colors: clear, citrus green, hot pink, purple grape, and red.
| Size |
Case pack |
Best for |
| 12 x 10 x 4 | 250 | Small wide items — cosmetics, gift sets |
| 16 x 15 x 6 | 250 | Everyday retail purchases |
| 22 x 18 x 8 | 200 | Large or multi-item purchases |
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Super Gloss Bag Sizes
Super gloss die-cut handle bags put high-shine color on a budget — a retail favorite from small goods up to oversized purchases. 9 x 12 and 12 x 15 are flat (width x height); the larger sizes add a bottom gusset. Wide color range in the four smaller sizes; 24 x 24 x 5 comes in dark green, red, teal, and white; 36 x 25 x 5 in white.
| Size |
Case pack |
Best for |
| 9 x 12 | 1,000 | Greeting cards, small gifts, accessories |
| 12 x 15 | 1,000 | Books, folded shirts, everyday purchases |
| 15 x 18 x 4 | 500 | Apparel, multi-item purchases |
| 20 x 20 x 5 | 500 | Sweaters, large apparel, big gifts |
| 24 x 24 x 5 | 500 | Oversized purchases, multiple boxes |
| 36 x 25 x 5 | 250 | Framed art, pillows, the biggest carries |
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T-Shirt Bag Sizes
The checkout workhorse: high-density plastic with handle loops, built for speed and volume.
| Size (W x G x H) |
Style |
Case pack |
Best for |
| 11 1/2 x 6 1/2 x 21 1/2 | White hi-density | 1,000 | Light checkout loads, convenience items |
| 12 x 7 x 22 1/2 | White hi-density | 1,000 | The standard retail checkout bag |
| 12 x 7 1/2 x 23 | Colored premium | 1,000 | Color-matched everyday checkout |
| 12 x 7 1/2 x 24 | White low-density | 500 | Counter-top dispenser setups |
| 15 x 7 x 26 | White hi-density | 1,000 | Fuller loads, mid-size purchases |
| 20 x 10 x 30 | White hi-density jumbo | 500 | Bulky, oversized, multi-item loads |
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Wave Top Bag Sizes
Wave top bags carry with a wave-cut grip instead of handles — a quick-grab style for wide-based purchases.
| Size |
Case pack |
Best for |
| 12 x 11 x 4 | 250 | Compact wide-based items, food to go |
| 18 x 15 x 6 | 250 | Everyday retail purchases |
| 22 x 18 x 8 | 250 | Large apparel, big multi-item sales |
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Jumbo Poly Bag Sizes
| Size (W x G x H) |
Case pack |
Best for |
| 24 x 6 x 42 | 100 | Comforters, pillows, oversized items no other bag fits |
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Garment Cover Sizes
Clear and colored covers that slip over hangers, with a 3 or 4 inch side gusset depending on size. Sold by the roll; color availability varies by length.
| Size (W x L) |
Sold |
Best for |
| 21 x 38 | By the roll | Suits, jackets, shirts on hangers |
| 21 x 40 | By the roll | Suits, longer jackets |
| 21 x 54 | By the roll | Dresses, coats |
| 21 x 72 | By the roll | Gowns, formal wear, long coats |
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Cello Bag Sizes
Clear cello bags handle the product-protection side of retail — candy, baked goods, gift sets, and basket-building. Crystal clear, food-safe presentation that shows the product off.
| Size (W x G x H) |
Pack |
Best for |
| 2 1/2 x 2 1/2 x 9 | 100 | Pretzel rods, candy sticks, single cookies |
| 3 1/2 x 2 x 7 1/2 | 100 | Small candy, soap bars, party favors |
| 4 x 2 1/2 x 9 1/2 | 100 | Cookies, chocolates, sample sets |
| 5 x 3 x 11 1/2 | 100 | Bagged treats, small gift sets, mugs |
| 6 x 3 1/4 x 13 1/2 | 100 | Larger gift sets, plush, wine bottles |
| 7 x 4 x 18 | 100 | Tall gift arrangements, mini baskets |
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Choosing the Right Bag for Your Store
| Store type |
Start here |
| Boutique / apparel | Vogue 16 x 6 x 12 shoppers plus euro totes for premium purchases |
| Gift shop | Cub 8 x 5 x 10 shoppers plus flat merchandise bags for cards and small items |
| Jewelry / cosmetics | Pup 5 x 3 x 8 plus small euro totes (5 1/2 x 3 1/2 x 6) |
| Bakery / takeout | SOS bags (6# to 12#) plus Bistro and Take Out shoppers |
| Bookstore / stationery | Merchandise bags (8 1/2 x 11, 12 x 15) plus Belle shoppers |
| High-volume / convenience | T-shirt bags plus super gloss die-cut |
| Gourmet / gift baskets | Cello bags plus King 15 x 10 x 15 deep-gusset shoppers |
Two sizes cover most stores to start: one everyday size (the Cub or its euro tote equivalent) and one apparel or large size (the Vogue or Queen). Add specialty sizes as you learn your sales mix.
Frequently Asked Questions About Retail Bag Sizes
What are the most popular shopping bag sizes?
The two best-selling retail bag sizes are the Cub (8 x 5 x 10) and the Vogue (16 x 6 x 12). The Cub handles everyday gift shop purchases; the Vogue is the standard boutique apparel bag.
How do I read a bag size like 16 x 6 x 12?
Gusseted bags are measured Width x Gusset x Height: 16 inches across the face, 6 inches deep at the side panel, 12 inches tall. Flat merchandise bags drop the gusset and are measured Width x Height.
What is the difference between a merchandise bag and a shopping bag?
A merchandise bag is a flat or lightly gusseted paper bag without handles, for lightweight goods at the counter. A shopping bag has a gusseted body and carrying handles — twisted paper, twill, or rope — for heavier or bulkier purchases.
What does SOS bag mean?
SOS stands for self-opening square: a flat-bottom paper bag that pops open and stands upright on its own. SOS bags are sized on the grocery # system — a 6# SOS measures 6 x 3 1/2 x 11.
What size bag do I need for apparel?
Folded apparel fits the Debbie (10 x 5 x 13); boxed or multi-item apparel purchases fit the Vogue (16 x 6 x 12); coats and oversized garments need the Queen (16 x 6 x 19) or a 16 x 6 x 18 euro tote.
Make It Yours — Custom Printing
Every bag line in this guide can carry your brand. Stock paper shoppers, euro totes, merchandise bags, SOS bags, and poly bags take 1-color ink printing or hot stamping — your logo on the bags you already stock.
And that is just the start — your bags can go fully custom: your colors and sizes, twill or rope handles, with full-coverage designs built around your brand from the ground up.
Not sure which bag your store needs? Talk to a real person about sizes, styles, and custom printing — call 800-624-6244 or email customerservice@packagingsource.com.
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Guide updated July 2026.