Choosing the right garment bag size and thickness is not a branding decision. It is a technical one.
I have seen many apparel brands face complaints, damaged garments, or unnecessary packaging costs simply because the bag was too thin—or the size was wrong.
This guide focuses on practical garment bag specifications for apparel packaging.No trends. No marketing language. Just clear guidance you can apply.
Why Size and Thickness Matter in Clothing Packaging
Garment bags serve three basic purposes: protection, presentation, and transport.
If the bag is too small, garments crease or stretch.
If it is too thin, the bag tears during packing or shipping.
For garment packaging for shipping, thickness matters as much as size. This is especially true for compostable garment bags , where material performance depends on correct specifications.
In my experience, most packaging failures come from guessing instead of measuring.
Common Garment Bag Sizes for Apparel Packaging
Garment bag size is usually defined as width × length.
Below are common garment bag sizes used across apparel packaging:
- T-shirts / light tops: 12″ × 16″
- Shirts / blouses: 14″ × 20″
- Dresses: 16″ × 24″
- Jackets: 18″ × 26″
- Coats / outerwear: 24″ × 40″
These sizes work for most standard folding methods.
One rule I always recommend:
If you are unsure, increase length—not width. This reduces stress on seams and seals.
How Thick Should Compostable Garment Bags Be?
Garment bag thickness is usually measured in microns (μm).
Thickness should match the garment weight and how the package will be handled.
Here are widely accepted ranges used in apparel packaging:
- Retail display: 30–40 μm
- Standard shipping: 40–60 μm
- Heavy garments or long-distance shipping: 60–80 μm
Some assume compostable bags must be thin to stay “eco-friendly.”
That is not correct.
According to material guidance published by European Bioplastics, performance in compostable packaging depends on structure and thickness—not thinness alone.
Once garment bag size and thickness are defined, brands can then evaluate compostable garment bags for apparel that meet those specifications without compromising performance.
Size and Thickness Recommendations by Apparel Type
Different garments require different specifications.
I suggest treating size and thickness as a pair—not separate choices.
T-shirts and lightweight apparel
- Size: 12″ × 16″
- Thickness: 30–40 μm
- Focus: cost efficiency and clean presentation
Dresses and shirts
- Size: 14″–16″ × 20″–24″
- Thickness: 40–50 μm
- Focus: wrinkle control and seal strength
Jackets
- Size: 18″ × 26″
- Thickness: 50–60 μm
- Focus: tear resistance during shipping
Coats and heavy apparel
- Size: 24″ × 40″
- Thickness: 60–80 μm
- Focus: weight support and transport safety
This approach reduces both material waste and return claims.
Compostable vs Plastic: Thickness Comparison
A common question I hear is whether compostable garment bags are weaker than plastic.
They are not—when specified correctly.
| Aspect | Compostable Bags | Plastic Bags |
|---|---|---|
| Typical thickness | Slightly higher | Lower |
| Tear resistance | High (engineered blends) | High |
| Flexibility | Moderate | High |
| End-of-life | Industrially compostable | Landfill or recycling |
The ASTM D6400 and EN 13432 standards both emphasize performance testing rather than material thinness.
Thickness selection bridges that performance gap.
Common Packaging Mistakes to Avoid
I see the same mistakes repeated across apparel packaging projects:
- Choosing size based only on garment width
- Reducing thickness to lower unit cost
- Assuming compostable bags should be thinner
- Ignoring shipping distance and handling conditions
These errors often lead to damaged goods and customer dissatisfaction.
Correct specifications cost less in the long run.
FAQ:
How do I choose the right garment bag size?
Measure the folded garment, then add space for sealing and handling.
What thickness is safe for shipping garments?
For most apparel packaging, 40–60 μm works well.
Are compostable garment bags thinner than plastic ones?
No. They often require equal or slightly higher thickness.
Can thicker bags reduce complaints?
Yes. Proper thickness improves durability during transit.
Should size and thickness vary by apparel type?
Always. Light and heavy garments behave very differently.
Final Notes for Apparel Brands
Garment bag size and thickness decisions should come before material choice and certification. When you define specifications clearly, supplier selection becomes much easier.
Before selecting materials or certifications, many apparel brands first define their sustainable clothing packaging strategy, starting with clear size and thickness specifications.
Related Guides
source：
- European Bioplastics – Material performance guidance https://www.european-bioplastics.org/
- ASTM International – ASTM D6400 standard overview https://www.astm.org/d6400-21.html
- European Commission – EN 13432 packaging requirements https://docs.european-bioplastics.org/publications/bp/EUBP_BP_En_13432.pdf
