Drawstring bags are one of those items you see everywhere—at the gym, in classrooms, at events, or even used as stylish casual bags. They are lightweight, practical, and easy to customize. But if you are thinking about buying or ordering them in bulk, one question comes up quickly: what are the standard drawstring bag dimensions.
The truth is, there is no single size that works for everyone. A small drawstring pouch can hold jewelry or cosmetics, while a large drawstring backpack can carry sports gear or groceries. In this guide, we will break down the most common drawstring bag dimensions, explain which size works best for different uses, and give you tips if you are thinking about custom drawstring bags for your brand or event.
What Are Standard Drawstring Bag Dimensions
Standard drawstring bags usually measure around 14 x 18 inches (35 x 45 cm). This size is big enough to fit a pair of shoes, a set of gym clothes, or school supplies, but still small enough to carry comfortably on your back. It has become the go to size for giveaways, events, and promotional use because it balances space and portability.
However, standard does not mean only. Drawstring bags come in many sizes, from tiny pouches to oversized travel bags. Let us look at the full range.
Common Drawstring Bag Sizes
Here are the most popular drawstring bag dimensions you will find in the market:
Table 1: Common Drawstring Bag Dimensions
| Size Type | Dimensions (inches) | Dimensions (cm) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 6 x 8 to 10 x 12 | 15 x 20 to 25 x 30 | Jewelry, cosmetics, small giveaways |
| Medium (Standard) | 13 x 17 to 14 x 18 | 33 x 43 to 35 x 45 | School, gym, events, promotions |
| Large | 16 x 20 to 18 x 24 | 40 x 50 to 45 x 60 | Sports gear, travel, groceries |
| Extra Large | 20 x 27+ | 50 x 70+ | Laundry, camping, storage |
As you can see, the dimensions can vary a lot depending on the purpose. A medium bag is the most common, but small and large sizes each have their own place.
Small Drawstring Bag Dimensions
Small drawstring bags usually measure between 6 x 8 inches and 10 x 12 inches. These are often used as pouches for jewelry, cosmetics, small gifts, or accessories. They are also common in retail packaging, where brands want something reusable and eco friendly instead of plastic.
A small drawstring bag is light, portable, and easy to store. You can throw it into a bigger tote or backpack, use it for organizing cables, or even as a travel pouch for toiletries.
Medium (Standard) Drawstring Bag Dimensions
The medium size, often called the standard size, is around 14 x 18 inches. This is the most popular size for schools, gyms, and promotional giveaways. Why? Because it fits just about everything you need for a regular day: a water bottle, a notebook, a pair of shoes, or some clothes.
If you have ever gotten a free drawstring bag at a marathon, conference, or school event, it was probably this size. For businesses, this size is also the easiest to customize because it provides enough space for a logo or design while staying affordable.
Large Drawstring Bag Dimensions
Large drawstring bags range from 16 x 20 inches to 18 x 24 inches. These bags are made for heavier use—sports equipment, groceries, or weekend travel essentials. They have more space, but still keep the lightweight and foldable nature of drawstring bags.
For athletes, a large drawstring backpack can carry shoes, clothes, and gear without needing a bulky duffel. For families, large felt or canvas drawstring bags can even serve as laundry or storage bags at home.
Extra Large Drawstring Bags
Sometimes, even large is not enough. Extra large drawstring bags measure 20 x 27 inches or more. These are often used for camping, storing bedding, or carrying laundry. They are not as common for everyday use but are essential in certain industries like hospitality, sports, and home storage.
Choosing the Right Drawstring Bag Dimensions
The best size depends on what you plan to carry. To make it easier, here is a guide that matches dimensions to common uses.
Table 2: Drawstring Bag Sizes and Their Best Uses
| Bag Size | Typical Dimensions | Best Use Cases |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 6 x 8 – 10 x 12 in | Jewelry, cosmetics, accessories, packaging |
| Medium | 13 x 17 – 14 x 18 in | School, gym, giveaways, promotional events |
| Large | 16 x 20 – 18 x 24 in | Sports gear, groceries, family travel |
| Extra Large | 20 x 27 in + | Laundry, camping, bulk storage |
This way, you do not just pick a bag—you pick the right bag for the job.
Custom Drawstring Bag Dimensions
One of the biggest advantages of drawstring bags is how easy they are to customize. If you are ordering for an event or your business, you do not need to stick to standard sizes. Manufacturers (like us) can create custom drawstring bags in any dimensions, with your choice of fabric, thickness, and design.
For example:
- Event giveaways: Stick to the 14 x 18 inch standard, which is affordable and widely used.
- Retail packaging: Go smaller, around 8 x 10 inches, for a clean and stylish pouch.
- Corporate gifts: Medium to large felt or canvas drawstring bags can be branded with embroidery or printing.
- Sports teams or schools: Larger dimensions allow students and athletes to carry more comfortably.
Benefits of Understanding Drawstring Bag Dimensions
Knowing the right dimensions saves time, money, and frustration. A bag that is too small will not hold what you need, and one that is too large might go unused. For businesses, picking the right size also means better customer satisfaction and more effective branding.
When you order in bulk, dimensions also affect shipping costs, storage, and handling. That is why it is always smart to match bag size with actual use.
Conclusion
So, what are the drawstring bag dimensions you should know. Standard sizes start around 14 x 18 inches, but you can go smaller for pouches or larger for sports and travel. The right size depends on what you plan to carry, and if you are ordering in bulk, custom dimensions are always possible.
As a professional drawstring bag manufacturer, we produce a full range of drawstring bags, tote bags, felt bags, and promotional bags. We support OEM, ODM, and wholesale services, helping brands and businesses create custom bags that fit their exact needs. If you are looking for drawstring bags in any size—small, standard, or extra large—contact us today for samples and a fast quote.
FAQ
What is the standard drawstring bag size
Most people consider 14 x 18 inches the standard size. It fits school supplies, gym clothes, and basic daily needs. Brands love it because it is cost effective and offers enough print area for logos.
Can small drawstring bags hold heavy items
Not really. Small bags are best for lightweight items like jewelry, cosmetics, or small gifts. If you put heavy items inside, the seams may rip. For anything heavy, go with medium or large dimensions.
What is the best size for custom drawstring bags
It depends on the purpose. For giveaways, the 14 x 18 inch size is safe. For retail or gifts, smaller sizes around 8 x 10 inches work well. For sports and travel, large or extra large sizes are better. Custom orders let you decide exactly what works for your audience.
Are drawstring bag dimensions the same worldwide
Not exactly. While 14 x 18 inches is common in the US, some countries prefer slightly smaller or larger sizes depending on local trends. The good news is manufacturers can adjust sizes easily, so you can get what fits your market.
Do fabric types affect drawstring bag dimensions
Yes. A canvas drawstring bag with thick fabric might feel tighter inside compared to a polyester bag of the same size. When you plan custom orders, think about both dimensions and material thickness.
