In short: Use a self-adhesive bag (OPP or PE) as the inner bag for folded garments, a frosted zipper bag when the customer will keep and reuse the bag, and a poly mailer only as the outer shipping bag. Most apparel brands buy two: an inner bag plus a mailer.
Three questions decide the choice: Who sees the bag (warehouse, store staff or the end customer)? Does it need to reopen? Is it going through a carrier? The table below answers them; the sections after it give the specs we run most often at Heyi Custom Bags in Dongguan, China and Haiphong, Vietnam.
Which Bag Does What
| Self-adhesive (OPP / PE) | Frosted zipper (CPE / LDPE) | Poly mailer (PE) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Role | Inner bag, stock protection | Inner bag the customer keeps | Outer shipping bag |
| Reopens | Only with resealable tape | Yes | No (tamper-evident) |
| Thickness | 0.03–0.06 mm | 0.08–0.12 mm | 0.06–0.10 mm |
| Cost per piece | Lowest | Highest | Middle |
| Typical use | Tees, socks, wholesale cartons | DTC orders, sets, swimwear | Shipping either of the above |
Self-Adhesive Bags: OPP or PE?
OPP self-seal bags are glass-clear and crisp. Use them at 0.03 mm for T-shirts, socks and accessories where the product should show. They whiten at hard folds, so they are not for denim or knitwear.
PE self-adhesive bags are softer and tougher. Use them at 0.04–0.06 mm for sweaters, jeans, belts and shoes. Choose permanent tape for warehouse stock and resealable tape if store staff will open the bag.
Frosted Zipper Bags: When the Bag Is Part of the Product
A frosted zipper bag at 0.08–0.10 mm with a one- or two-color logo is the standard DTC inner bag for swimwear, lingerie, loungewear sets and premium basics. CPE frosted film is softer to the touch than LDPE; LDPE is firmer and more economical. If you are deciding between frosted and clear film, see frosted vs. clear zipper bags for apparel.
Poly Mailers: Outer Layer Only
A poly mailer keeps the parcel dry and shows tampering. It does not replace the inner bag; a garment shipped loose in a mailer arrives creased and unbranded. Use 0.06 mm for one light item and 0.08–0.10 mm for multi-item orders. Sizing rules are in our poly mailer guide.
Sizes We Run Most Often
- T-shirts: 25 × 35 cm (inner bag), 25 × 35 cm mailer.
- Sweatshirts and jeans: 30 × 40 cm inner bag, 30 × 40 cm mailer.
- Hoodies and jackets: 35 × 45 cm inner bag, 35 × 45 cm or larger mailer.
- Rule of thumb: folded garment width + 2–3 cm, length + 3–5 cm, plus a 4–5 cm flap on self-adhesive styles.
Any of the three can be made in GRS-certified PCR PE or, for mailers, PLA/PBAT compostable film. Add a suffocation warning print for the US and EU; most retailers require it on apparel bags.
FAQ
Which bag should an e-commerce clothing brand use for shipping?
A poly mailer outside and a self-adhesive or zipper bag inside. The mailer protects the parcel; the inner bag keeps the garment clean and presentable.
What is the difference between OPP and PE self-adhesive bags?
OPP is stiff and glass-clear, best for light items where visibility matters. PE is softer and more puncture-resistant, better for heavier or bulkier garments.
Are zipper bags worth the extra cost for apparel?
Yes when the end customer keeps the bag, as with DTC orders, swimwear and multi-piece sets. For wholesale stock that is repacked before sale, a self-adhesive bag is enough.
What thickness should an apparel polybag be?
0.03 mm OPP or 0.04–0.06 mm PE for self-adhesive inner bags, 0.08–0.12 mm for frosted zipper bags, and 0.06–0.10 mm for poly mailers.
Apparel Packaging Bags From Heyi Custom Bags
Heyi Custom Bags makes self-adhesive bags, frosted zipper bags and poly mailers at three sites in Dongguan, China and one in Haiphong, Vietnam, with ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and GRS certification. Minimum order is 5,000 pcs per design, production takes 15–25 days after artwork approval, and we ship direct to the USA, UK, Canada, Australia and the EU. Send your folded garment sizes and volumes through the custom zipper bag quote form or request a quote page and we will reply with a specification.