Jute, Cotton or Juco Bags: Which Should You Order?
Jute, cotton and juco bags look similar in a catalogue and behave differently in use. This guide compares them for look, strength, printing and use, so you can choose the right material for your order.
The short answer
- Choose jute for a natural, premium look and a stiff bag that holds its shape.
- Choose cotton for the finest print detail and the lowest cost shopper.
- Choose juco for a natural look with a smoother surface that prints better than jute.
- Choose canvas for a heavier, stronger cotton bag.
Jute
Jute is a natural fibre with a coarse weave. Jute bags are stiff, and the natural look suits premium and eco-minded brands. We grade jute by thread count, from 11 x 11 up to 14 x 15, and a higher count means a tighter, finer weave. Laminated jute has a thin plastic layer that adds stiffness and resists moisture. Non-laminated jute has no plastic layer and a more natural look. Because of the coarse weave, simple, bold artwork prints best. See our jute bags.
Cotton
Cotton is smooth and takes fine print detail, so it suits logos with small text or many colours. Our cotton shoppers use 4.5oz to 5oz fabric. The 42 x 38 cm shopper with long handles is the cheapest bag we make and the one we make and sell the most of. See our cotton bags.
Juco
Juco, also called jutton, blends jute and cotton. It keeps some of the strength and natural look of jute. It has a smoother surface and takes print better than plain jute. Juco is also a more accessible price point than plain jute. See our juco bags.
Canvas
Canvas is a heavy cotton fabric, from 8oz to 16oz. Heavier canvas holds its shape and carries more. See our canvas bags.
Side by side
Material | Look and feel | Printing | Best for |
Jute | Natural, stiff, premium | Bold, simple artwork works best | A premium, eco look |
Juco | Natural look, smoother surface | Takes print better than jute | A natural look with better print |
Cotton | Smooth and plain | Takes the finest detail | Large orders at low cost |
Canvas | Heavy and strong | Takes fine detail well | Premium totes and shoulder bags |
How to choose
- Is your artwork detailed with small text? Choose cotton or canvas.
- Do you want a natural, premium look? Choose jute or juco.
- Is your budget tight and your quantity large? Choose a cotton shopper.
- Will the bag carry heavy items? Choose jute or canvas.
- Not sure? Send us your artwork and quantity and we suggest a material.
Order terms are in our guide to bulk and wholesale orders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between jute and juco?
Juco blends jute and cotton. It has a smoother surface than plain jute and takes print better.
Which is cheaper, jute or cotton?
Our 42 x 38 cm cotton shopper is the cheapest bag we make. The price of any bag depends on the material, size, handles, colors and branding.
Which prints best?
Cotton and canvas take the finest detail. Jute prints best with simple, bold artwork. Juco sits between them.
Is canvas the same as cotton?
Canvas is a heavier cotton fabric. Our cotton shoppers use 4.5oz to 5oz fabric, and our canvas bags run from 8oz to 16oz.
Can I get samples in more than one material?
Yes. Samples take 7 to 10 days. Plain samples are free and printed samples are charged.