What is the difference between a flat-handled and a drawstring paper bag?

Flat-handle and drawstring paper bags differ in appearance, ergonomics, and user experience. The choice between handle types depends primarily on the intended use and the image the company wants to convey to its customers. In this article, we’ll go over the key differences and discuss which handle type is best suited for each situation.

What is the difference between a flat-handled and a drawstring paper bag?

A paper bag with a flat handle is wide and flat, while a bag with a cord handle features a narrower, round cord. This difference is evident in both the bag’s appearance and the user experience. The flat handle blends neatly into the bag’s design and creates a clean, minimalist look. The drawstring handle, on the other hand, gives the bag a more refined and premium feel.

Ergonomically, the flat handle distributes the load over a wider area, which can feel more comfortable in the hand during prolonged carrying. The drawstring handle concentrates the weight on a narrower area of the hand. However, it’s important to note that a paper bag’s load-bearing capacity depends primarily on the strength of the paper, the bag’s construction, its contents, and the conditions under which it’s used.

In what situations does a flat-bottomed bag work best?

The flat-handled paper bag is well-suited for everyday retail and anywhere where a practical and clean-looking bag is expected. It is a basic solution suitable for a wide range of uses.

Typical uses for the flat-handled bag include:

• Grocery stores and food shopping
• Hardware stores and supply stores
• Stores where customers purchase multiple items at once
• Trade shows and events where large amounts of promotional material are distributed

Flat-handled bags convey practicality and simplicity, making them ideal for brands that want to emphasize everyday functionality and reliability.

When is a paper bag with drawstrings the better choice?

A drawstring paper bag is the better choice when you want to highlight the prestige of a product or brand and create a high-quality first impression. It’s particularly well-suited for gift packaging, boutique stores, and situations where the bag is part of the customer experience—not just a means of transport.

The drawstring gives the bag a more polished look. This makes it a popular choice, for example:

• In clothing stores and fashion boutiques
• In pharmacies, cosmetics, and beauty stores
• In stores selling jewelry, watches, or other high-value items
• Gift shops and specialty stores
• Corporate gifts and VIP customer service

The bag’s color, paper thickness, and finish all contribute to the overall impression, but the drawstring is the detail that most often elevates the bag’s appearance to the higher end of the prestige scale.

How does the type of handle affect the appearance and brand image of a paper bag?

The type of handle has a significant impact on the overall look of a paper bag and the image the brand conveys. A bag with a flat handle conveys practicality and simplicity, while a bag with a drawstring handle creates an image of quality, care, and sophistication.

From a brand perspective, a bag is a moving advertisement. Customers carry the bag on the street, on public transportation, and in shopping centers, so the bag’s appearance speaks on behalf of the company. A flat-handled bag is suitable for brands that want to convey reliability, simplicity, and everyday functionality. The drawstring bag, on the other hand, is suitable for brands whose identity includes distinctiveness, style, and a premium experience.

The paper’s thickness, color, and optional lamination further reinforce the impression created by the handle type. Brown kraft paper with a drawstring handle creates a natural and minimalist look, while white laminated paper with a flat handle suits a modern and sleek store aesthetic. The handle type should therefore be chosen as part of the overall design, not as an isolated detail.

Can a logo be printed on a paper bag regardless of the font style?

Yes, you can print a logo on both flat-handle and drawstring-handle paper bags. The type of handle does not limit the printing options; logos and other graphics can be printed on both handle types using exactly the same principles.

In Kassatieto’s product range, logo printing on paper bags is available starting at 100 pieces using digital printing, in which case the print is applied to the front and back of the bag. For larger orders, flexographic printing is recommended, which also allows for printing on the sides and bottom of the bag. The printing method is determined by the order quantity. Digital printing uses the CMYK color profile, while flexographic printing uses PANTONE colors, so color reproduction differs somewhat between the two methods. It’s worth noting that on brown paper bags, digital printing may have more limited color reproduction, and not all colors may appear as vivid.

Practical tip: When choosing a handle type for a logo bag, consider how the logo will look as part of the bag’s overall design. On a flat-handle bag, the logo is often clearly visible on the front of the bag, and the bag serves as an effective advertising tool during everyday shopping. On a drawstring bag, the logo placement can further emphasize the bag’s premium feel, which is particularly suitable for gift packaging and boutique use.

If you’re unsure which type of handle best suits your business’s needs, or if you’d like to request a quote for paper bags printed with your logo, please contact Kassatieto, and our experts will help you choose the right solution. You can also browse our entire selection of paper bags directly in Kassatieto’s online store.

Kassatieto is a second-generation Finnish family business that combines extensive experience, Finnish production and responsible business practices. Our aim is to make our customers’ daily lives run more smoothly with reliable products and expert service.