OEM & Private Label · Istanbul, Türkiye
Custom Cotton Tote Bags Made in Turkey
VYGR Bags manufactures custom cotton tote bags in Istanbul for brands, retailers, promotional agencies and corporate buyers. Choose a common size, weight, handle and branding method, or send us your own specification. Cutting, sewing, printing and packaging run in our own facility, and a pre-production sample is approved before every bulk run. Ships worldwide.
- Cotton, canvas, organic and recycled cotton
- 140–400 g/m²
- Screen, digital, all-over sublimation, transfer and embroidery in-house
- Pre-production sample before every run
- Export documents included
- Experience shipping to the EU and North America
Pick a starting configuration or send your own specification
You don't need a finished tech pack to get a quote. Most buyers start from one of the configurations below and adjust it: a different size, one weight heavier, a bottom gusset added, organic cotton instead of standard. Everything on this page is a starting point, not a limit. If your specification is already set, skip the configurator and send it straight to us. The process is the same either way: agree the specification, approve a sample, then produce the run.
What size is common for cotton tote bags?
The most common formats are 38 × 42 cm (the European classic, sized for A4 and a 15-inch laptop) and 35 × 40 cm, the most-produced size in the Turkish market. Both are usually made with 70 cm shoulder handles. Small gift totes are around 25 × 30 cm, large shoppers around 40 × 50 cm. In made-to-order production, custom sizes are standard.
What GSM is best for a cotton tote bag?
For promotional totes, 140 g/m² is the market standard: economical, foldable and reliable for screen printing. Retail and everyday totes are usually 170–220 g/m², and structured bags 280–340 g/m² cotton canvas. VYGR Bags in Istanbul manufactures cotton totes from 140 to 400 g/m², and canvas up to 600 g/m².
What is the difference between cotton and canvas totes?
Canvas is cotton woven more densely and heavily, usually from around 280 g/m². Standard tote fabric (about 110–240 g/m²) drapes softly and is economical; canvas is firm, opaque and holds its shape. The fibre is the same; only the weave density and weight differ.
What handle lengths are common?
Long shoulder handles measure 60–70 cm (typically 70 cm on 35 × 40 and 38 × 42 cm bags), short hand-carry grips 30–35 cm, with a width of about 2.5–3 cm. Custom lengths are routine in made-to-order production.
Are cotton tote bags made in Turkey?
Yes. Turkey is an established production base with its own cotton textile industry, sewing capacity and print ecosystem; EU shipments travel by truck in a few days. VYGR Bags manufactures custom and private-label cotton totes in its own facility in Istanbul, with cutting, sewing, printing, embroidery and sampling in-house, exporting to Europe, North America and worldwide.
What information should you prepare before requesting a cotton tote bag quote?
Prepare the bag size, fabric type, GSM, handle style, colour, branding method, print sides, target quantity and packaging requirements. If you're unsure, VYGR can recommend a starting specification based on your use case.
How do you order custom cotton tote bags from a manufacturer?
With a brief covering size, weight, handle type, construction, print, quantity and destination market, or just a reference image. The manufacturer confirms the specification, produces a pre-production sample for approval, then starts the run. At VYGR Bags the enquiry goes through an RFQ form, and the reply with an indicative price and lead time usually arrives within 24 hours.
Standard cotton totes at a glance
Classic Long-Handle Tote
Common configuration38 × 42 cm15" × 16.5"
- 140 g/m²
- Natural cotton
- Long handles (~70 cm)
- Flat
The European classic: 38 × 42 cm, 140 g/m² natural cotton, shoulder handles about 70 cm. For promotions, trade fairs, conferences and retail. Print area up to about 28 × 28 cm, one or both sides.
Classic Short-Handle Tote
Common configuration38 × 42 cm15" × 16.5"
- 140 g/m²
- Natural cotton
- Short handles (30–35 cm)
- Flat
Same body, hand-carry handles about 35 cm. For in-store packaging and gifting.
Light Promotional Tote
Common configuration35 × 40 cm13.8" × 15.7"
- 110–130 g/m²
- Natural cotton
- Long handles (~70 cm)
- Flat
35 × 40 cm, 110–130 g/m², for large hand-outs on a tight budget. VYGR recommendation: stay at 140 g/m² where you can, as anything lighter feels visibly thin.
Standard Promotional Tote
Common configuration35 × 40 cm13.8" × 15.7"
- 140 g/m²
- Natural cotton
- Long handles (~70 cm)
- Flat
35 × 40 cm, 140 g/m², long handles. The most-produced combination in the Turkish market.
Small Promotional Tote
Common configuration25 × 30 cm9.8" × 11.8"
- 140 g/m²
- Natural cotton
- Short handles (30–35 cm)
- Flat
25 × 30 cm, 140 g/m². For pharmacies, bookshops and gifts.
Retail Cotton Tote
Made to order38 × 42 cm15" × 16.5"
- 170–200 g/m²
- Natural cotton
- Long handles (~70 cm)
- Flat
38 × 42 cm, 170–200 g/m², a noticeably denser hand-feel. For bags that are sold rather than given away. Also available with embroidery and a woven label.
Heavy Cotton Tote
Made to order38 × 42 cm15" × 16.5"
- 220 g/m²
- Natural cotton
- Long handles (~70 cm)
- Flat
38 × 42 cm, 220 g/m², webbing handles with cross-stitch. For everyday use.
Canvas Tote
Made to order38 × 42 cm15" × 16.5"
- 280–320 g/m²
- Cotton canvas
- Long handles (~70 cm)
- Flat
38 × 42 cm, 280–320 g/m² cotton canvas, stands on its own. For fashion and lifestyle brands; contrast handles available.
Premium Canvas Tote
Made to order40 × 45 cm15.7" × 17.7"
- 340–400 g/m²
- Cotton canvas
- Long handles (~70 cm)
- Box / full gusset
40 × 45 cm, 340–400 g/m² (up to 600 g/m² on request), box-X stitching, bottom gusset. For boutique retail and long-lasting corporate gifts.
Bottom-Gusset Tote
Made to order38 × 42 × 8 cm15" × 16.5"
- 170–220 g/m²
- Natural cotton
- Long handles (~70 cm)
- Bottom gusset
38 × 42 cm + 8 cm bottom gusset, 170–220 g/m². For books, hampers and boxy contents.
Side-Gusset Tote
Made to order38 × 42 × 8 cm15" × 16.5"
- 170–220 g/m²
- Natural cotton
- Long handles (~70 cm)
- Side gusset
38 × 42 cm + 8–10 cm side gussets, 170–220 g/m². Wider opening, fuller silhouette.
Gusseted Shopper
Made to order40 × 35 × 15 cm15.7" × 13.8"
- 220–320 g/m²
- Cotton canvas
- Long handles (~70 cm)
- Box / full gusset
40 × 35 × 15 cm, 220–320 g/m², webbing sewn down into the body. For grocery retail and reusable-bag programmes.
Large Shopper
Made to order40 × 50 cm15.7" × 19.7"
- 170–220 g/m²
- Natural cotton
- Long handles (~70 cm)
- Flat
40 × 50 cm, 170–220 g/m². For apparel retail, tourism and large-format items.
Exhibition/Event Tote
Common configuration38 × 42 cm15" × 16.5"
- 140 g/m²
- Natural cotton
- Long handles (~70 cm)
- Flat
38 × 42 cm, 140 g/m², holds A4, double-sided print for organiser and sponsor. Optional 6 cm side gussets.
Organic Cotton Tote (GOTS)
Made to order140–340 g/m²
- Organic cotton
Any base model in organic cotton, 140–340 g/m²; GOTS-relevant documentation depending on the programme. Please state the certification scope you need in your enquiry.
Recycled Cotton Tote (GRS)
Made to order140–340 g/m²
- Recycled cotton
140–340 g/m², usually with an rPET content for yarn strength; GRS-relevant documentation where applicable. Slight colour variation is part of the material.
Configure your tote
Base model
Size & construction
Fabric & GSM
Colour & branding
Quantity, packaging & notes
Use cases
Retail
CT-RETAIL-06/CT-HEAVY-07, 170–220 g
Promotions
CT-PROMO-STD-04, 140 g, 1–2 colour screen print
Trade fairs
CT-EXPO-14, double-sided
Fashion brands
CT-CANVAS-08/09 or laminated cotton
Merchandise
CT-RETAIL-06
Corporate events
CT-HEAVY-07, subtle single-colour print or embroidery
Grocery/reusable
CT-SHOPPER-12
Events & festivals
CT-PROMO-LIGHT-03
Your specification
| Model | Size | Weight | Fabric | Handles | Construction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Long-Handle Tote | 38 × 42 cm | 140 g/m² | Natural cotton | Long handles (~70 cm) | Flat |
| Classic Short-Handle Tote | 38 × 42 cm | 140 g/m² | Natural cotton | Short handles (30–35 cm) | Flat |
| Light Promotional Tote | 35 × 40 cm | 110–130 g/m² | Natural cotton | Long handles (~70 cm) | Flat |
| Standard Promotional Tote | 35 × 40 cm | 140 g/m² | Natural cotton | Long handles (~70 cm) | Flat |
| Small Promotional Tote | 25 × 30 cm | 140 g/m² | Natural cotton | Short handles (30–35 cm) | Flat |
| Retail Cotton Tote | 38 × 42 cm | 170–200 g/m² | Natural cotton | Long handles (~70 cm) | Flat |
| Heavy Cotton Tote | 38 × 42 cm | 220 g/m² | Natural cotton | Long handles (~70 cm) | Flat |
| Canvas Tote | 38 × 42 cm | 280–320 g/m² | Cotton canvas | Long handles (~70 cm) | Flat |
| Premium Canvas Tote | 40 × 45 cm | 340–400 g/m² | Cotton canvas | Long handles (~70 cm) | Box / full gusset |
| Bottom-Gusset Tote | 38 × 42 × 8 cm | 170–220 g/m² | Natural cotton | Long handles (~70 cm) | Bottom gusset |
| Side-Gusset Tote | 38 × 42 × 8 cm | 170–220 g/m² | Natural cotton | Long handles (~70 cm) | Side gusset |
| Gusseted Shopper | 40 × 35 × 15 cm | 220–320 g/m² | Cotton canvas | Long handles (~70 cm) | Box / full gusset |
| Large Shopper | 40 × 50 cm | 170–220 g/m² | Natural cotton | Long handles (~70 cm) | Flat |
| Exhibition/Event Tote | 38 × 42 cm | 140 g/m² | Natural cotton | Long handles (~70 cm) | Flat |
| Organic Cotton Tote (GOTS) | — | 140–340 g/m² | Organic cotton | — | — |
| Recycled Cotton Tote (GRS) | — | 140–340 g/m² | Recycled cotton | — | — |
Size guide
There is no official standard. In the Turkish market, 35 × 40 cm is the most commonly produced promotional format; in European wholesale, 38 × 42 cm is the classic: it holds A4 and a 15-inch laptop, usually with 70 cm handles. Most orders fall between 25 × 30 and 40 × 50 cm, and any size in between is produced to order (tolerance ±1 cm).
- 25×30 cm
- 30×35 cm
- 35×40 cm
- 38×42 cm
- 40×45 cm
- 40×50 cm
- 40×35×15 cm
Weight guide (g/m²)
The weight (g/m²) is the single most important figure in a specification: it drives thickness, opacity, structure and price. 140 g/m² is the proven market-standard weight for promotional totes. For retail and daily use, 170–220 g/m² is the right range; for structured bags, 280–340 g/m² canvas. VYGR makes cotton from 140 to 400 g/m² and canvas up to 600 g/m². Heavier is not automatically better: the fabric gets more expensive, stiffer and heavier to ship, and most bags fail at the handle anyway, not in the fabric. A well-sewn 170 g bag outlasts a poorly sewn 280 g one. Practical tip: state the weight with a tolerance (e.g. "220 g/m² ±5%") and allow around 5% shrinkage on unbleached cotton; both are confirmed on the sample.
- 140 g/m²
- 170 g/m²
- 220 g/m²
- 280 g/m²
- 340 g/m²
- 400 g/m²
Fabric options
Natural cotton (unbleached, warm ecru, the most economical entry, with slight tone variation between lots) · Bleached cotton (pure-white print base) · Dyed cotton (piece-dyed, stock colours or Pantone matching; dyeing is quantity-dependent and confirmed in the quote ⚠️) · Cotton canvas (dense weave from around 280 g/m², the best base for embroidery) · Organic cotton (140–340 g/m², GOTS-relevant documentation where applicable ⚠️ certification scope to be confirmed) · Recycled cotton (typically with rPET, GRS-relevant documentation where applicable).
- Natural cotton
- Bleached cotton
- Dyed cotton
- Cotton canvas
- Organic cotton
- Recycled cotton
Handles
Short handles (30–35 cm) are hand-carry grips for in-store packaging. Long handles (60–70 cm, usually 70 cm) sit on the shoulder, even over a jacket, and are the version that actually gets carried again. Width is usually 2.5–3 cm, in self-fabric or webbing. On loaded bags, the handle attachment belongs in the specification: cross-stitch or box-X, ideally run under the hem. VYGR confirms the stitching on the pre-production sample.
- Short handles (30–35 cm)
- Long handles (~70 cm)
Construction & gussets
A gusset (bottom or side, usually 6–12 cm) gives the bag depth: two flat panels become a volume that carries boxes, books and shopping upright. Flat = the largest print area and the lowest price. Bottom gusset = the bag stands. Side gussets = a wider opening. Bottom + side = a shopper format for real shopping. Every gusset means more fabric and more seams; the effect on price depends on size, weight and quantity, and is stated in the quote.
- Flat
- Bottom gusset
- Side gusset
- Box / full gusset
Printing & finishing
For logos in one to six spot colours, screen printing is the best choice: opaque, durable, Pantone-accurate and the most economical from mid-size runs upward. Digital/DTF for multi-colour and photographic artwork, all-over sublimation on laminated cotton for full-coverage designs, heat transfer for small runs, embroidery from around 200 g/m² for a premium finish. Double-sided printing is standard (a second print pass, itemised in the quote). Woven labels, inside labels, care labels and full private-label finishing are all produced in-house by VYGR.
- Screen print
- Digital / DTF
- All-over sublimation
- Heat transfer
- Embroidery
Manufacturing in Turkey
Turkey is one of the established homes of the cotton textile industry: spinning, weaving and dyeing all happen in-country, and bag makers sit close to their fabric supply. Production is built around cutting and sewing to the customer's specification, within a dense ecosystem of print shops, embroidery houses and label makers. For European buyers, proximity matters most: shipments to the EU move by truck in days rather than by sea in weeks, which shortens sample loops and lead times; the customs union with the EU simplifies clearance for many product groups (please check the current customs treatment for your own destination market). VYGR Bags manufactures in Istanbul with cutting, sewing, printing, embroidery, sampling and packaging in its own facility, and prepares the export documents itself.
Already have a specification?
A tech pack, a spec table, a reference bag or a competitor sample is enough. We cost from dimensions, fibre composition, weight with tolerance, handle details, gussets, colour or Pantone reference, print, labels, quantity and destination market. Reproducing an existing bag is also possible: first photos and measurements, then the sample; before the run you receive a counter-sample to approve.
Why VYGR Bags
- A direct manufacturer, not a trading house, so you work with the facility that sews your bags.
- OEM and private label: your label, your specification, your packaging.
- An approved pre-production sample before every run.
- Cutting, sewing, screen/digital/sublimation printing, transfer, embroidery, embossing and labelling under one roof.
- Cotton 140–400 g/m², canvas up to 600 g/m², organic and recycled cotton 140–340 g/m², Pantone colour matching.
- Compliance documentation prepared for buyer audits; OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, GOTS and GRS evidence where applicable to the material and programme.
- Export experience with the EU and North America, documents in-house, typical lead time 15–25 days, quote reply usually within 24 hours.
Frequently asked questions
What is the standard size for a cotton tote bag?
There is no official standard. In European retail, 38 × 42 cm is the classic; in the Turkish market, 35 × 40 cm is the most commonly produced format. Handles are usually 70 cm. Any size is produced to order.
What GSM is best for a cotton tote?
140 g/m² for handing out, 170–220 g/m² for retail and daily use, 280–340 g/m² canvas for structured bags. VYGR makes 140–400 g/m², canvas up to 600 g/m².
Is 140 g/m² good enough, or do I need 220?
For promotional totes, 140 g/m² is fine; it is the proven market standard with a reliable print base. For bags that are sold or used every day, 170–220 g/m² is a better choice.
What is the difference between cotton and canvas?
Canvas is cotton in a denser, heavier weave: from around 280 g/m², a firm hand-feel, and the bag stands on its own. Same fibre, different weave density.
Short or long handles?
Short (30–35 cm) for carrying in the hand, typical for in-store packaging. Long (60–70 cm) for the shoulder, the version that gets carried again in everyday use.
What is a bottom or side gusset?
Extra panels of fabric (usually 6–12 cm) that give the bag depth. For shopping bags, a bottom gusset is clearly recommended.
Can you print on both sides?
Yes. The same or different artwork per side; the second print pass is itemised in the quote.
Which print method is best for a logo?
Screen print for 1–6 spot colours; digital/DTF for photographic artwork; embroidery from around 200 g/m² for a premium finish.
Can you add woven and care labels?
Yes, both in-house, including full private-label finishing. EU retail usually requires fibre-content labelling; state the destination market in your enquiry.
Can you match Pantone colours?
Yes, piece-dyeing to a Pantone reference. Dyeing is quantity-dependent; feasibility and the minimum quantity are confirmed in the quote and locked in with a dyed sample.
Do you offer organic (GOTS) and recycled (GRS) cotton?
Yes: organic cotton and recycled cotton, each 140–340 g/m², with GOTS- or GRS-relevant documentation where applicable. Please state the certification scope you need in your enquiry.
What is the minimum order quantity?
Typical figures are confirmed per quote. As a reference, MOQ is around 500 pcs per design, though the workable minimum depends on fabric colour, print and size. Tell us your target quantity and we confirm it for your order.
How long does production take?
Typically 15–25 days, confirmed per order after sample approval and quantity. Special dye lots and certified materials can extend this; the quote states the firm date.
Are the bags made in Turkey, and do you ship to the EU, UK and US?
Yes. VYGR manufactures in its own facility in Istanbul and exports regularly to Europe and North America, preparing the export documents in-house and shipping worldwide, usually by truck to the EU. Shipping terms are agreed per order.