Zhiyun Trading Co., Ltd. offers a diverse selection of custom fabrics for global bag brands, ranging from durable, waterproof nylon and polyester oxford fabrics, naturally textured canvas and cotton, and premium genuine leather and PU leather, to stylish and functional mesh, neoprene, PVC, and TPU materials — all designed to meet different design visions and usage needs. We provide custom color, texture, and performance options, including waterproof, anti-scratch, UV-resistant, and eco-friendly finishes, along with flexible sampling and fast production services. Whether for outdoor backpacks, business briefcases, travel luggage, or fashion collections, Zhiyun delivers professional fabric solutions that bring both style and quality to every bag.
Canvas Fabric: Why It's the Go-To for Bags
For bags, few materials can match canvas’ classic charm and tough durability. It has a timeless look, natural feel, and great versatility—used in fashion and outdoor gear for centuries. Brands love it for being strong, eco-friendly, and stylish.
This guide will explain canvas’ properties and how its weight impacts performance, helping you pick the right one for your next bag collection.
What is Canvas?
1.Canvas is a plain-weave fabric, traditionally made from natural fibers (cotton/linen); modern ones may add synthetics (e.g., polyester) for better strength and water resistance.
2.Plain weave brings it great durability and a tight structure.
3.Unlike nylon/polyester (measured in denier), canvas uses ounces (oz) per square yard; higher oz = heavier, thicker, more durable.
Canvas Fabrics by Weight
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Canvas Weight Category
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Properties
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Typical Uses
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Cost
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Lightweight (8-12 oz)
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Soft, flexible, smooth; easy to drape/work with; balances lightness + decent durability (less rugged than heavyweight)
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Fashion items (tote/shopping/drawstring bags), large bag linings, promo items (needs soft/foldable material)
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Low (most affordable)
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Midweight (14-18 oz)
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"Workhorse" of canvas; firm, highly durable, structured; good abrasion/tear resistance; sturdy (no extra heaviness)
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Industry standard (backpacks, duffels, messenger/tool bags); balances longevity, professional look, affordability
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Medium (best value for durability/versatility)
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Heavyweight (20+ oz)
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Most rugged/durable; thick, stiff (hard to work with); withstands extreme conditions/heavy loads; often waxed (boosts water resistance)
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High-end rugged products (pro tool bags, heavy-duty backpacks, large luggage); prioritizes max durability + vintage look
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High (premium material)
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Genuine Leather: Understanding the Grades and Quality
1.Choosing right leather for bags matters—it affects luxury, durability, and price.
2."Genuine leather" is misleading: not a single material, but a range of grades (each with unique properties, uses, costs).
3.This guide breaks down common genuine leather grades to help brands choose wisely.
What is Genuine Leather?
"Genuine Leather" is a quality grade, not a leather type—means real leather but not top-quality.
Technically, it’s often a marketing term for Corrected-Grain Leather (heavily processed to hide flaws).
Understanding its grades ensures products meet customer expectations.
Leather Grades and Their Properties
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Leather Grade
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Properties
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Typical Uses
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Cost
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Full-Grain Leather
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Highest quality; extremely durable, strong, breathable; ages beautifully (develops rich patina)
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High-end luxury handbags, briefcases, wallets, travel bags
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Highest
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Top-Grain Leather
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Second-highest grade; very durable, strong, more pliable than full-grain; uniform surface
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High-quality handbags, briefcases, everyday bags
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High
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Corrected-Grain Leather
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Often "genuine leather"; consistent appearance, smooth finish; less breathable/durable than top-grain
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Mid-range handbags, wallets, accessories (prioritize cost/consistent look)
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Medium
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Split-Grain Leather / Suede
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Made from lower hide layer; soft, flexible, porous; less strong/durable than full/top-grain
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Bag linings, products valuing softness over durability
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Low to Medium
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Bonded Leather
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Lowest quality; shredded leather + bonding agent; least durable, low breathability; prone to flaking
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Low-cost bags, promotional items
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Very Low
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Mesh Fabric: Exploring Its Functionality and Bag Applications
Mesh is a unique fabric known for its exceptional breathability, lightweight feel, and transparency. Although it’s not typically used as the primary material for a bag’s body, it's an indispensable component for many functional, athletic, or casual bag styles. It plays a key role in design, providing ventilation, reduced weight, and a modern aesthetic.
What is "Mesh Fabric"?
Mesh is an open, net-like fabric structure made from woven or knitted fibers. Its defining characteristic is the evenly spaced holes, or pores, in the fabric that allow air and moisture to circulate freely. The performance of mesh fabric depends on the fiber material used (such as nylon or polyester) and the size and density of the holes.
Mesh Fabrics by Type and Application
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Type of Mesh Fabric
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Properties
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Typical Uses
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Cost
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Nylon Mesh
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Strong, durable, lightweight; more elastic than polyester (resists stretch/abrasion); smooth, shape-retentive
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Outdoor/sports bag parts (side pockets for bottles, external pockets, gear nets)
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Medium
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Polyester Mesh
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Most common; durable, wrinkle-resistant, easy to dye; cost-effective (cheaper than nylon); UV-resistant (no color fade)
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Gym/beach bags, luggage internal dividers, ventilated everyday storage bags
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Low
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3D Air Mesh
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Composite (2 layers + hollow core); great cushioning/breathability/elasticity; disperses pressure, free airflow
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Bag body-contact parts (backpack panels, shoulder straps, waist belts, handles) – reduces weight feel, keeps back dry
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Medium to High (complex structure)
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Coarse Mesh
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Large holes; top ventilation/lightweight; more transparent, weak load-bearing
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Sports bags needing quick ventilation/drying
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Varies by material/process (cheaper than fine mesh)
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Fine Mesh
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Small holes; better privacy, denser/stronger; refined appearance
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Bag internal dividers/pouches, products needing a polished look
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Varies by material/process (slightly pricier than coarse mesh)
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Neoprene: Understanding Thickness, Performance, and Bag Applications
Neoprene is a synthetic rubber well-known for its excellent waterproof, durable, and insulating properties. While it's commonly associated with wetsuits, its versatility makes it an ideal material for the bag industry, especially for products that require protection, waterproofing, and insulation.
This guide will delve into the characteristics of Neoprene at different thicknesses (in millimeters) and their typical applications in bag products.
What is "Neoprene"?
Neoprene is a closed-cell foam material, which means it's filled with gas bubbles that give it superior thermal insulation and buoyancy. This structure also gives it excellent water resistance, flexibility, and shock absorption. In bag design, its thickness is a key factor in determining its protective performance, weight, and cost.
Neoprene Fabrics by Thickness
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Neoprene Thickness
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Properties
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Typical Uses
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Cost
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3mm
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Thin (common for bags); lightweight, flexible, soft; easy to sew/shape; moderate protection/insulation
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Light-protection items (laptop sleeves, tablet cases, camera lens bags, cosmetic/lunch bags) – resists minor impacts/splashes
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Low
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5mm
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Versatile; balances protection/portability; good cushioning/insulation, flexible; stronger protection than 3mm
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Moderate-protection bags (camera bags, outdoor sports bags, insulated bags, bottle holders) – shields valuables from impacts/temp changes
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Medium
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8mm
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Thick; high protection/insulation; firm texture; resists heavy impacts/pressure; increases product bulk/weight
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Max-protection specialized bags (pro diving gear bags, industrial tool bags, outdoor expedition bags); reinforces bag bottoms/sides
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High
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Nylon Oxford: Choosing the Right Fabric for Your Bags
Nylon Oxford is a powerhouse in the bag industry, celebrated for its superior strength-to-weight ratio and exceptional resistance to abrasion and tears. It's the material of choice for brands that need a bag to withstand heavy use while remaining lightweight and flexible. From high-fashion accessories to rugged outdoor gear, Nylon Oxford provides the ideal foundation for products that must be both reliable and stylish.
What is Nylon Oxford?
Nylon Oxford is a synthetic fabric made from nylon fibers in a plain, "basketweave" pattern. This weaving method gives the fabric its distinct checkerboard texture and significantly increases its durability and strength compared to a simple plain weave. Known for its elasticity and resilience, Nylon Oxford is highly resistant to tearing and abrasion. It is also often coated with a backing (like PU or PVC) to make it highly water-resistant, making it a reliable choice for outdoor and daily-use bags.
Nylon Oxford Fabrics by Denier
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Denier of Nylon Oxford
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Properties
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Typical Uses
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Cost
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210D
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Lightest; fine, smooth, soft texture
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Bag linings, dust covers, lightweight pouches
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Very affordable
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420D
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Balances weight/durability; stronger than 210D; tear/abrasion-resistant (no extra weight)
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Everyday commuter bags, cosmetic bags, small accessories
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-
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500D
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Mid-to-high-end go-to; superior strength-to-weight ratio; tougher than 420D (substantial feel)
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Outdoor sports bags, travel bags, professional briefcases, military/tactical bags (withstands rough use)
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-
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840D
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Heavy-duty; extremely tough, thick/robust texture; resists heavy abrasion/tearing
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Large luggage, heavy-duty duffels (long service life for high-wear products)
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-
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1000D
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Classic rugged option; heavyweight, coarse/durable; unmatched durability (heavier than lower deniers)
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Military-grade bags, tactical gear, extreme outdoor equipment
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Cost-effective (for strength)
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1680D
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Most heavy-duty/robust; coarse texture; handles severe abuse/abrasion; thick/heavy (not for full bags)
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Professional-grade luggage, high-wear parts of extreme outdoor gear
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Highest
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Polyester Oxford: Choosing the Right Fabric for Your Bag
Navigating the world of bag fabrics can be confusing, but understanding the basics is key to creating a product that stands out. Polyester Oxford is a go-to choice for bag manufacturers and designers worldwide, but not all Polyester Oxford fabrics are created equal. The most crucial factor is its denier (D), which directly impacts the fabric's performance, durability, and cost.
What is Polyester Oxford?
Polyester Oxford is a synthetic fabric made from polyester fibers in an Oxford weave pattern. This weaving technique gives the fabric a distinct basketweave texture, making it strong, durable, and resistant to abrasion. As a polyester fabric, it is naturally resistant to shrinking and stretching. It is often coated with a backing (like PU or PVC) to enhance its water resistance, making it a highly reliable and affordable choice for a wide variety of bags.
Polyester Oxford Fabrics by Denier
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Denier
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Properties
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Typical Uses
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Cost
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210D
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Lightest; soft, thin, smooth; low abrasion/tear resistance
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Dust bags, bag inner linings, small non-structural pouches (bulk-sensitive)
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Very Low
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420D
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Lighter than higher deniers; better strength than 210D; slight defined texture; balances weight/durability
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Simple backpacks, cosmetic bags, kids' bags, promotional items (quality-cost balance)
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Low to Medium
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600D
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Industry standard; highly durable, tear-resistant; strong basketweave texture; heavier than 420D; long-lasting
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Durable everyday backpacks, travel bags, school bags, tote bags, tool bags (toughness + professional look)
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Medium
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840D
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Heavy-duty; robust, superior strength; excellent abrasion resistance; coarser, stiffer than 600D
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High-end travel luggage, heavy-duty duffels, military-style backpacks, protective cases
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Medium to High
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1000D
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Most rugged; heaviest, most durable in Polyester Oxford; rough, highly textured; withstands extreme conditions
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Tactical gear, outdoor equipment, military-grade bags, severe wear items (unmatched strength)
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High
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PU Leather:
When it comes to creating bags with the look and feel of genuine leather without the high cost or animal products, PU leather is the ideal solution. Short for Polyurethane, PU is a type of faux leather that has become a staple in the fashion and accessories industry. It offers a combination of versatility, durability, and ethical appeal that makes it a top choice for a wide range of bag designs.
What is PU Leather?
PU leather is a synthetic material made by applying a layer of polyurethane to a base fabric, typically polyester, cotton, or a blend. This process gives the material a leather-like texture and appearance. Unlike other faux leathers that use PVC, PU is more flexible and softer, making it a closer alternative to genuine leather. It's often referred to as "vegan leather" because it contains no animal by-products.
PU Leather and Their Properties
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Type of PU Leather
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Properties
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Typical Uses
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Cost
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|
Standard PU Leather
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Most common; smooth, uniform (mimics leather grain); waterproof, easy to clean, durable; more breathable than PVC (less than genuine leather)
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Everyday bags (backpacks, totes, wallets, clutches); mid-range/fast-fashion accessories
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Low to Medium
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|
Microfiber PU Leather
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Premium synthetic; polyurethane + microfiber base; soft, strong, more breathable than standard PU; texture/durability close to high-end genuine leather
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Luxury vegan bags, high-end briefcases (needs softness + high durability)
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High
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Specialty Finish PU Leather
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Treated for unique textures/appearances (e.g., Saffiano: cross-hatch; Patent: glossy); finishes boost durability/visual appeal
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Fashion-forward accessories, clutches, high-end handbags (sophisticated modern look)
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Medium to High
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PVC : Understanding Its Versatility and Uses
Polyvinyl Chloride, or PVC, is a widely used synthetic material known for its exceptional durability, versatility, and waterproof properties. While often associated with its use in industrial and construction applications, PVC has become a staple in the bag industry for its ability to create products that are both highly functional and aesthetically distinct.
What is PVC?
PVC is a type of plastic polymer. For bag manufacturing, it's typically used in two primary forms: a flexible, film-like sheet or as a coating applied to a woven fabric base. Its closed-cell structure makes it inherently resistant to water, oils, and chemicals, while its high versatility allows it to be manufactured in a vast array of colors, finishes, and textures, from transparent and glossy to frosted and matte.
PVC Fabric Grades and Their Properties
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Type of PVC Fabric
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Properties
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Typical Uses
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Cost
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|
PVC Coated Fabric
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PVC layer on base (polyester/nylon); combines fabric strength + PVC’s waterproof/durable traits; robust, tear-resistant, slightly rigid/rubbery
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Heavy-duty products (waterproof backpacks, dry bags, outdoor equipment bags)
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Medium (depends on PVC thickness, base quality)
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|
PVC Film / Sheet
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Single non-woven plastic sheet; fully waterproof, easy to clean, variable thickness; can be transparent/translucent, colored/printed
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Transparent/colored cosmetic bags, clear stadium bags, lightweight pouches (easy content identification)
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Low (affordable for low structural needs)
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|
Frosted or Textured PVC
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Treated PVC film (matte/textured: grainy/frosted); reduces glare/fingerprints; subtle premium look; retains waterproof/easy-clean traits
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Trendy fashion bags, clutches (needs sophisticated non-glossy appearance)
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Low to Medium (higher than standard PVC film for extra finishing)
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TPU Fabric: Exploring Its Superior Performance and Bag Applications
Thermoplastic Polyurethane, or TPU, is a high-performance elastomer. It's a highly valued new material in the bag industry, combining outstanding flexibility, durability, and eco-friendly properties. As an ideal alternative to PVC, TPU can provide products with excellent protection, waterproofing, and unique aesthetics while supporting sustainability.
What is "TPU"?
TPU is a thermoplastic polymer known for its rubber-like elasticity and excellent resistance to abrasion, oil, grease, and low temperatures. In bag manufacturing, TPU is typically used in two forms: as a coating or a film. Its non-toxic, recyclable, and plasticizer-free nature makes it a safer and more environmentally friendly choice than PVC.
TPU Coated Fabric
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Type of TPU Fabric
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Properties
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Typical Uses
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Cost
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TPU Coated Fabric
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TPU layer on nylon/polyester base; combines fabric strength + TPU’s elasticity/waterproof/abrasion resistance; softer than PVC-coated, fewer white creases, better weather resistance
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High-performance waterproof backpacks, outdoor dry bags, sports/industrial tool bags (harsh conditions, frequent use)
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Medium to High (higher than PVC-coated fabric)
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|
TPU Film / Sheet
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Transparent non-woven sheet; high clarity, flexible, low-temp resistant (no hardening/brittleness); smooth, easy to clean/join (heat press, high-frequency welding)
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Trendy transparent bags, cosmetic/stationery pouches, packaging bags (displays contents); better than PVC film
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Medium (higher than PVC film, better value)
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|
TPU Laminated Fabric
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TPU film laminated to fabric (custom surface textures); soft, highly stretch/tear-resistant; good airtightness
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High-end outdoor gear, medical bags, bags with sealing requirements
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High (justified by complex process, superior performance)
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Cotton Fabric: Why It's the Top Choice for Bags
With its timeless appeal, natural feel, and rugged durability, cotton fabric has long been a classic material in the bag industry. It’s highly valued for its soft touch, breathability, and eco-friendly properties. For brands looking to offer bags with a durable, yet naturally vintage style, cotton is the perfect choice.
What is Cotton?
Cotton is a natural fabric woven from cotton fibers. Its most notable characteristics are its softness, breathability, absorbency, and how easily it can be dyed and printed, giving it endless design possibilities. Unlike synthetic materials like nylon and polyester, which are measured by denier, cotton is typically measured by its weight per square yard in ounces (oz). The higher the ounce number, the thicker, heavier, and more durable the fabric.
Cotton Fabrics by Weight
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Cotton Weight Category
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Properties
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Typical Uses
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Cost
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|
Lightweight (8-12 oz)
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Soft, lightweight, foldable/storable, good drape (casual natural style); less durable than heavyweight, adequate for daily use
|
Fashion totes, shopping bags, drawstring bags, promo gift bags, large bag linings
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Low (most affordable)
|
|
Midweight (14-18 oz)
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Most common for bags; firm, structured, abrasion/tear-resistant; balances lightness/durability, substantial yet comfortable
|
Backpacks, messenger bags, stylish totes, everyday briefcases, casual outdoor bags (withstands wear, holds shape)
|
Medium (best value)
|
|
Heavyweight (20+ oz)
|
Toughest/durable; thick, rigid (often stands alone); handles extreme weight/abrasion; often waxed/sized (boosts water resistance, adds vintage look)
|
Pro tool bags, large travel bags, military-style bags, work bags (needs max durability)
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High (premium, reflects durability/vintage texture)
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