Bags

Terms You’ll Find While Browsing Our Selection of Bags, Totes, Duffels, Backpacks, and More!

Denier: This one’s a little technical, but it’s important! Denier (den.) is a unit of measurement that tells us how thick or dense the material is. It’s calculated based on the mass of a single 9,000-meter strand of fiber. The higher the denier, the stronger and more durable the material. But keep in mind, not all materials are the same—sometimes a lower denier material (like 400D nylon) can actually be tougher than a higher denier one (like 600D polyester).

GSM (Grams Per Square Meter): This measures the density of a material, and just like denier, it gives us an idea of how durable the fabric is. A higher GSM means the material is typically stronger and more resistant to rips, tears, and wear.

Woven: Most of the fabrics or materials we carry are woven, which means they’re made by crossing yarns at right angles to each other. This "over-under" weaving technique makes woven fabrics super strong, and they tend to be of higher quality compared to non-woven materials.

Non-Woven: This is a more affordable material that’s made by melting or gluing the fibers together, rather than weaving them. It’s a little less durable than woven fabrics but still a great budget-friendly option.

Polypropylene: This material is often made from recycled plastics and has a texture similar to wax paper. It’s a good insulator, doesn’t absorb water easily (so it dries quickly), and can even float! However, keep in mind that printing on polypropylene requires special care. Heat pressing isn’t recommended, as it can cause the material to melt or disintegrate.

Drop: This measurement tells you how long the strap of a bag is from the highest point of the strap to the opening of the bag. For example, sling bags will usually have a longer drop than tote bags since they’re worn across your body.