How to Choose the Right Closure for Custom Bags

Choosing between bag closure types comes down to two questions, and neither is really about the closure. These are: how often does the bag get opened? And, does it need to keep dust out? Fabric rarely fails first on a well-made bag, but closures do.

So, in this blog, we’ll be looking at what the best and most efficient closures are for your custom bags!  

Which Bag Closure Types Actually Seal?

Here’s a short and easy version for you before we go through them one by one:

Price and protection don’t always line up the way you’d expect them to. Magnets cost nearly as much as zips and seal nothing, because what you pay for with magnets is the ease and comfort of how the bag feels to open.

Also Read: Bag Handle Materials Guide: Cotton Webbing, PP Webbing, Rope, PU Leather, and Self-Fabric

Best 5 Bag Closure Types: The Most Common Ones We Make

Knowing and reading what each one does badly tells you more than reading what it does well. In fact, that’s how many people actually find out if the closure is good or bad for them.

Here are five of the most common bag closure types we often make (and of course, what businesses ask from us).

Magnetic Closure

For premium retail or gift packaging, magnets give the bag a cleaner and much more sophisticated look. The hardware stays hidden, and the flap closes quietly.

An important thing to note and check is its strength. Weak magnets may pull apart too easily, especially if the bag will be intended to carry more weight. So, be sure to check the magnet’s strength.

Zipper Closure

When dust or light moisture needs to stay out, zippers give the most complete closure. Zipper size should match how the bag’s going to be use. Here’s a quick and easy guide for zipper sizes:

• Size 3 coil: Better for light bags and smaller pouches
• Size 5 coil: A solid choice for regular daily use
• Size 8: Better for heavier bags that get opened often
• Two-way zipper: Worth adding on bags longer than about 140 cm

NOTE: This isn’t always 100% accurate. Of course, you’ll still need to make sure you check the zipper size for its intended bag.

Zippers cost more because there’s more material and sewing involved. However, they also give the best overall protection out of all the options out there.

Snap Closure

A snap button is simple and rarely causes trouble. Furthermore, they work well when the bag only needs a few closing points and not a full seal or closure. There’ll still be gaps between the snaps, though, so dust can get through. When it comes to longevity, metal snaps usually last longer than plastic ones, especially on bags that are going to be used more often.

Drawstring Closure

Drawstrings are part of the simplest and lowest-cost options for bulk orders because of many reasons. The most common and crucial are:

• Opens quickly
• Uses very little hardware
• Works well for promotional and lightweight bags

The con of drawstrings is, of course, the seal. Gathered fabric leaves small gaps around the top. Cord quality also matters more than people think. Braided cord usually lasts longer, and eyelets help stop the cord from tearing through the corners.

Velcro Closure

Last but definitely not least are Velcro closures. Also known as hook-and-loop, the fast and easy access it offers are the reasons businesses choose this type of closure. They’re useful in laundries or other places where people open and close bags many times during the day.

Also Read: Custom Bag Handle Length: How to Choose Handle Length for Custom Tote Bags, Shopping Bags, and Event Bags

Bag Closure Types You Don’t Regularly See (and Why)

Some closures work well, but only for certain bag styles. That is why you will see them less often on everyday custom bags.

• Roll-top: The top folds several times before clipping shut. This gives very good protection from rain. The con? The con is speed. Opening and closing it takes longer, and the extra fabric adds cost, so they’re used more on outdoor bags than general packaging.
• Cord lock: Small spring pieces keep a drawstring tight without tying a knot. If you think about it, it’s handy, but a normal drawstring already works for most low-cost bags. Adding the lock means another part to buy and attach.
• Turn lock or kiss lock: These metal fittings are common on handbags and evening bags because they look polished. They’re not a popular choice for simple custom bags because the hardware costs more and usually needs extra reinforcement around the opening.
• Peel-and-seal strip: Mailers use this all the time. Custom reusable bags don’t, however, because the adhesive is normally designed to close once. After opening, there’s a chance that they wouldn’t properly seal again.
• Side-release buckle: Backpacks and messenger bags often use these because they are strong and easy to open. On basic totes, pouches, or garment bags, the straps and buckle can look and feel to have more hardware than the design actually needs.
• Toggle: Wooden or plastic bars pass through a loop to close the bag. It’s easy to use with gloves and gives a distinctive look, but it leaves part of the opening exposed. That limits it mostly to casual or decorative bags.
• Tear strip: You’ll usually find these on packaging where buyers need to know if the bag has been opened. Once torn, however, the strip can’t be used again, so it makes little sense on a reusable bag.

Two closures can also be used together when the design calls for it. A zipper under a magnetic flap is a good example: the zipper keeps the main opening closed, while the flap gives the outside a cleaner finish.

Can Closures Carry Your Logo?

Contrary to popular belief, front panels aren’t the only place to brand a custom bag. Closures can carry small brand details too, and they’re often noticed because people touch them every time someone opens the bag.

Learn More: Top 15 PVC Bags Manufacturers in China 2026

Custom Zipper Pulls

You can make zipper pulls with your small logo, brand initials, an alternative logo, or even a simple symbol. Depending on the bag, the mark can be:

• Molded into plastic or rubber
• Stamped into metal
• Engraved onto a metal pull
• Made in a custom shape

Branded Cord and Cord Locks

On drawstring bags, sometimes the easiest choice is simply changing the cord. Using one of your brand colors can make a plain bag feel more finished without adding much cost. Cord locks can also carry a small molded logo when the order is large enough to justify custom hardware.

What Closures Add to the Price

Closures can change the final price more than people expect. A basic drawstring is cheap and quick to make. Zippers, snaps, and custom hardware need more parts and more work, so the cost would naturally increase.

Where the Money Goes

• Drawstrings: Usually the cheapest option. Standard cord and eyelets keep things simple.
• Snaps and Velcro: Cost a little more because extra pieces have to be added to the bag.
• Zippers: Higher in price because the zipper itself costs more and takes longer to sew in.
• Custom hardware: Branded zipper pulls, buckles, or special fittings may need their own mold.

For you not to be shocked, it’s important for you to know that zipper sizes can change the quote too. Heavier zippers make sense on large travel bags but for a small pouch, it’ll just be added cost.

The Cost Isn’t Always in the Quote

Some closures make the bag thicker when folded. That can mean fewer bags per carton and a higher freight bill. In addition to that, special hardware may also take longer to source, especially when it has to be custom made. That’s why the cheapest closure isn’t always the best deal.

If the bag is opened only a few times a year, a simple drawstring may be enough. On the other hand, if it’s a bag you use every day, stronger closures can save money later by helping the bag last longer.

A better question is: what is the simplest closure that can handle the job well?

What to Check Before You Approve the Sample

Samples should be tested repeatedly, not just looked at. This is your chance to catch problems before the full order starts. So, here are some things you’ll want to check before you approve the sample.

Open and Close it Repeatedly

Use the zipper, snaps, Velcro, or whatever the closure is many times. Doing it around 50 open-and-close cycles can show the reality of that closure. Don’t be afraid, test it out!

Test with Weight Inside

Fill the bag with what it is meant to carry. Then check whether the closure still holds properly and whether the fabric starts pulling around the opening.

Use It Like a Real Customer

Don’t treat the sample carefully. Use it like how people would be using your bags.  Pull the zipper at normal speed. Tug the drawstring. Open the snaps the way someone would during daily use. That gives you a more realistic test.

Check the Weak Points

Look closely around:

• Eyelets
• Zipper ends
• Snap attachments
• Seams near the opening

Small signs of stretching here can become bigger problems later.

Test the Conditions It’ll Face

If the bag will be used outdoors, in cold storage, or around moisture, test it there before approval. Some materials and closures behave differently once the temperature changes.

Get Your Custom Bags From Wuxi Environment Package Co., Ltd!

If you’re already tired of going through different bag closure types, we’re here to help. For many years, our business has been looked up to by many of our competitors simply because of our complete manufacturing process.

We’ll help you not only from the manufacturing phase, but also if you need help with the direction and hardware you’ll need. Don’t worry about not doing this before, because we have our R&D team to help you with the guidance you need.

Contact us and get a free estimate!