In short: Order die-cut handle bags (LDPE, 0.05–0.10 mm) for branded retail loads up to about 5 kg, soft loop handle bags (0.07–0.12 mm) for heavier or premium purchases up to about 10 kg, and T-shirt bags (HDPE, 0.015–0.03 mm) for high-volume grocery and takeaway.
Handle Types Compared
| Die-cut handle | Soft loop handle | T-shirt (vest) handle | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Film | LDPE or HDPE | LDPE or LDPE/HDPE blend | HDPE |
| Thickness | 0.05–0.10 mm | 0.07–0.12 mm | 0.015–0.03 mm |
| Typical load | 2–5 kg | 5–10 kg | 3–8 kg |
| Print area | Full face, both sides | Full face, both sides | Centre panel, usually 1–2 colors |
| Unit cost | Middle | Highest | Lowest |
Loads are typical; test samples with your real product.
Die-Cut Handle: The Default for Branded Retail
A die-cut bag is a flat or bottom-gusseted bag with an oval handle punched through both walls. At 0.05 mm it carries 2–3 kg. For loads up to about 5 kg, add a patch handle (an extra film layer welded around the hole) or move to 0.08–0.10 mm. Keep logos at least 2 cm below the handle hole. Custom printed die-cut handle bags suit apparel, cosmetics, books, pharmacy and trade shows; for film choice, see our LDPE vs HDPE guide.
Soft Loop Handle: Heavier and Premium Loads
A soft loop bag has two flexible film loops, 30–40 cm long, heat-welded inside a folded top hem. The weight sits on the weld and hem instead of a punched hole, so the bag carries more. Specify 0.07–0.09 mm for apparel and shoe boxes, and 0.10–0.12 mm for bottles, homeware and boxed electronics. The extra welding step makes it the most expensive of the three, so use it for fashion chains, department stores and duty-free. Our printed plastic shopping bags come with loop handles.
T-Shirt Handle: Volume Grocery and Takeaway
A T-shirt carrier bag is an HDPE tube with side gussets and handles cut from the body, so it uses the least film per bag. Specify 0.015–0.02 mm for takeaway and produce up to 3–5 kg, and 0.025–0.03 mm for supermarket loads up to about 8 kg. Bags are supplied in blocks of 50 or 100 for checkout hooks, or on rolls.
Check destination rules first: many EU countries and several US states charge for or ban thin carrier bags.
Common Sizes (W × H, cm) and Thicknesses
- Die-cut 25 × 35, 0.05 mm: cosmetics, accessories, books
- Die-cut 35 × 45 + 8 bottom gusset, 0.06–0.08 mm, patch handle: folded apparel
- Soft loop 40 × 45 + 10 bottom gusset, 0.08–0.10 mm: shoe boxes, outerwear
- T-shirt 30 + 16 side gusset × 55, 0.02 mm: takeaway, convenience stores
- T-shirt 35 + 18 side gusset × 60, 0.025–0.03 mm: supermarkets
FAQ
Which plastic carrier bag handle is the strongest?
Soft loop handle bags carry the most, typically 5–10 kg at 0.07–0.12 mm, because the loops are welded into a folded top hem.
What is a patch handle on a die-cut bag?
A patch handle is an extra layer of film welded around the handle area before the hole is punched. It typically raises the working load of a 0.05–0.06 mm die-cut bag from 2–3 kg to about 5 kg.
Can T-shirt bags be printed with a logo?
Yes. T-shirt bags are usually printed in 1–2 colors on the centre panel between the side gussets; full-coverage artwork suits die-cut or soft loop bags better.
How thick should a plastic carrier bag be for the EU?
Specify 0.05 mm or thicker for most EU retail use, because the EU classes carrier bags under 0.05 mm as lightweight and member states restrict them. Confirm each country’s national rule.
Custom Handle Bags From Heyi Custom Bags
Heyi Custom Bags makes die-cut, soft loop and T-shirt handle bags at its factories in Dongguan, China and Haiphong, Vietnam (founded 2016, about 500 staff; ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and GRS certified). We run 0.01–0.2 mm film with up to 10-color printing and Pantone matching, in PE, PCR recycled, PLA/PBAT compostable or mono-material PE. MOQ is 5,000 pcs per design; we supply brands, retail chains and wholesalers buying in volume. Production takes 15–25 days after artwork approval, shipped direct to the USA, UK, Canada, Australia and the EU. Send size, thickness, handle type and quantity through the custom handle bags quote form.