Promotional calico bags are reusable cotton totes, drawstring bags and pouches printed with your logo. We stock short and long handle totes, gusset bags, drawstring bags and a calico wine bag, in natural and coloured calico from 140 to 170gsm, decorated in house by screen print, transfer or embroidery. They suit expos, retail, schools and staff packs.
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Custom Printed Promotional Calico Bags
Carry your message further. Eco bags, endless impressions
Australia's Top Supplier of Branded & Logoed Calico Bags
From print to stitch, laser to emboss, we brand it all. Thousands of products, endless ways to make it yours.
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Which calico bag should I choose?
Calico is plain, undyed cotton cloth, and the weight is quoted in gsm (grams per square metre). Most of our range is 140gsm, a medium weight that carries a few books or groceries and folds flat in a carton. The Eco Calico Bag is 150gsm, and the 170gsm short handle bag is the heaviest we list, so it is the one to pick if the bag has to hold its shape.
| Style | Example in the range | Listed size and weight | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short handle tote with gusset | Short Handle Calico Bag with Gusset | 370 x 420 x 100 mm, 140gsm | Retail, shopping, giveaways that carry bulky items |
| Long handle tote | Calico Long Handle Shoulder Bag 38x38cm | 38 x 38 cm | Conferences and expos, carried on the shoulder |
| Heavier tote | 170gsm Short Handle Calico Bag | 370 x 420 mm, 170gsm | Bags meant to be reused for years |
| Drawstring bag | Drawstring Calico Bag | 38 x 48 cm, 140gsm | Sports kit, school and event packs |
| Wine bag | Calico Wine Bag | 30 x 16 x 9 cm | Client gifts and hospitality |
| Laptop sleeve | Calico 13" Laptop Sleeve | 24 x 33 x 3 cm | Onboarding and conference packs |
A gusset is a fold at the sides and base that gives the bag depth, so it stands open and holds more than a flat bag. If the bag is a conference handout, long handles that sit on the shoulder are worth having. If it is going to be filled with bottles or boxes, go for the gusset. Our drawstring bags cover other fabrics if calico is not the right fit, and printed tote bags in canvas, jute and non-woven sit alongside this range.
How are calico bags printed?
For most orders we recommend screen printing. The ink soaks into the weave of the cloth and the print reads cleanly on natural calico, and because setup is charged per colour, a one or two colour logo is the economical way to brand a bag. You can see the setup shown in your quote before you approve anything.
- Screen print suits flat, solid-colour logos and larger runs. It is not the method for gradients or photos.
- Transfer printing, including DTF transfers, suits full-colour artwork and small runs. The feel and wash life differ from screen print.
- Embroidery is listed on some styles, such as the Calico Bag With Cork. The artwork team confirms whether it suits the bag you pick.
- The calico wine bag can have a logo printed or debossed on one side.
Logos are sized to the print area of the bag you choose, and the free digital proof shows exactly where the logo sits before anything is made. Vector artwork gives the cleanest result, and if you only have a low resolution file our artwork team can redraw it.
How does ordering work?
There is no minimum order, so a school can order thirty bags and a retailer a few thousand. Each order carries a one-off setup for the logo, which means the price per bag falls as quantity rises. You send your logo or the idea, we send a free digital proof, and production starts only once you have approved it. Some orders can be ready the same day, and the quote confirms timing. Freight is quoted separately.
Who buys calico bags, and what do they get out of them?
- Expos and trade shows: a bag handed out on day one carries everything else from the stand, so your logo walks around the venue all day. Long handle totes and conference bags are the usual pair.
- Retail and cafes: a gusset tote replaces a paper bag at the counter and then goes home to be reused, so the logo is seen again every shopping trip. If you want a one-off alternative, look at paper bags.
- Staff onboarding and gift packs: pair a calico tote with a bottle and notebook in a kitting pack so new starters get everything in one bag.
- Schools and clubs: drawstring calico bags handle sports kit and library books for a full term or longer.
Get a quote for calico bags
Choose the styles you like in the grid above, then use the instant enquiry form at the top of this page to send your logo and quantity, or call 1300 247 766 and we will quote on the spot.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to print a logo on a calico bag?
Screen printing is the usual choice for calico bags. The ink sits in the weave, it wears well with repeated use, and one or two colours keep setup costs down. For a multicolour logo or photo, a transfer such as DTF is better. Your free proof shows which method we have matched to your artwork.
How big can the logo be on a calico bag?
The logo is sized to the print area of the bag you pick, so a gusset tote takes a larger design than a wine bag or laptop sleeve. There is no single maximum across the range. Your proof shows the exact size and position, and you can ask for a second position on the quote.
Can you print a full-colour photo on a calico bag?
Yes, using a transfer or digital method rather than screen print, which suits flat colours. Natural calico is a cream colour with visible flecks, so full-colour artwork picks up the cloth tone and can look slightly warmer than on a screen. The proof shows how it will look before production.
Can calico bags be embroidered?
Some can. The Calico Bag With Cork lists embroidery alongside screen print and transfer on its product page. Embroidery on light cotton works best for a small, simple logo, and it needs the logo digitised into a stitch file. The artwork team confirms whether embroidery suits the style you choose.
Will the print on a calico bag survive washing?
A screen print is the most durable option, but calico is a natural cotton, so washing it gently and not too often protects any decoration. Transfers and screen prints wear differently over time. Tell us how the bag will be used and the team will recommend the method that suits it.
What artwork file do I need for calico bag printing?
Send vector artwork (AI, EPS, SVG or a vector PDF with text outlined) for screen printing, whereas transfers can use a 300 dpi PNG or JPG at actual size. Supply Pantone references if brand colour matters, because natural cloth changes how colours look.
What is the minimum order for printed calico bags?
There is no minimum order for calico bags, so you can order a small batch for a team or club. Every order has a one-off logo setup, which is why the price per bag drops noticeably from around 10 units. The quote shows the quantity breaks for the style and method you choose.
How long does it take to get branded calico bags?
Some orders can be ready the same day, because stocked bags are decorated in house at Annandale. Timing depends on the style, the method and how fast you approve the proof, and the quote confirms it. Rush production is available on most products but costs more and narrows the choice.
Should I choose 140gsm or 170gsm calico?
Choose 140gsm for giveaways and everyday use, since most of our calico range is that weight and it folds flat. Choose the 170gsm short handle bag if it will carry heavier items or be reused for years. The heavier cloth is stiffer and has more body when it is carried.
Can I mix natural and coloured calico bags in one order?
Colours of the same bag can be mixed in one order and the whole order counts toward volume pricing. Light colours share one dark logo version and dark colours a light one. Different styles, such as a tote and a drawstring bag, can also be combined in a single order.
What should I check on a calico bag sample?
Ask for an undecorated sample and check the weave density, the handle stitching and the real size against the listed dimensions. Hold it to the light: thin calico shows through. The sample cost is confirmed with your quote and credited back if the order goes ahead.
Are calico bags eco-friendly?
Calico is cotton, and a calico bag is designed to be reused many times in place of a single-use bag. We do not claim a certification for the range, so if you need sourcing details for a sustainability policy or Modern Slavery Act due diligence, ask and the team will provide supplier information on request.