What is a Gusseted Bag? - Inkable Label Co.

11 Aug.,2025

 

What is a Gusseted Bag? - Inkable Label Co.

What is a gusseted bag? In simple terms, gusset bag or gusseted bag or pouch is a flexible bag or pouch equipped with an extra flap of material on certain areas.

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Gussets are physical extensions (of extra material) that provide additional room and enhance the bag’s structure.

Gussets make existing structures roomier. It is usually applied to the sides or the bottom of a bag or pouch. So, without being technical, gusset bags are bags that have… well, a gusset.

The term “gusset” was initially used to define the underarm of a piece of armor in 13th century France. The gusset protected medieval knights from being stabbed in this area during jousting battles.

Nowadays, a gusset is now known as a part of a packaging bag or pouch that is used to enhance durability and maneuverability for a wide range of products.

Increasing demand and applications make this format a cost-efficient packaging solution. So, what is a gusseted bag? They are intended to give extra support and reduce tension.

What Does Gusset Mean in a Bag?

A gusset in a bag is that additional piece of material that enhances the carrying capacity of a bag. It is also designed to increase the bag’s sturdiness.

Bags with gussets are a fantastic alternative to plain bags. Gusset bags are a great option if you’re searching for packaging that will form-fit your products.

If you have any doubts about fit, it’s always the best idea to consult and test to see if gussets will support the volume of your chosen packaging size.

Gusseted pouch bags can be used for a variety of purposes. They may be used to package everything including coffee and dog food to high-end product display packaging and anything in between.

Gusset bags are not a homogeneous, monolithic thing. They are further subdivided into two main groups: bottom gusset bags and side gusset bags.

What is a Gusseted Bag and the Differences Between Bottom Gussets and Side Gussets

Bottom gussets are found at the base of a packaging bag, and side gussets are seen on either side.

Side and bottom gussets are essentially exclusive, and a stand-up pouch may only have one of each. And no, there are no definitive laws prohibiting the use of both gussets in a single bag.

When any manufacturer tries to accomplish this, they encounter mechanical difficulties. Both gussets are designed in such a way that the existence of one prevents the comfortable existence of the other.

Both types have their own set of characteristics. To put it another way, there are several distinctions.

Listed below are the most notable differences between bottom gusset and side gusset bags:

1. Location

Their location is the most noticeable distinction. Just as their names suggest, bottom gussets are located at the bottom of the bag, whereas side gussets are located at the sides.

2. Volume

Two identically sized bags with two different gusset types will not have the same volume. The volume of a pouch with a 4-inch bottom gusset is less than that of a pouch with a 4-inch side gusset. A bottom gusset bag, on the other hand, will be bigger than a side gusset bag of the same volume.

3. Sealing

Bags with side gussets feature a single seal that runs the length of the bag and through the bottom. There are three different types of bottom gussets, plow bottom, K-seal, and round bottom gussets. The plow bottom gusset bag has no seal at the base. Seals run along the walls of the K-seal and round bottom gussets.

4. Aesthetics

There has been no research on the aesthetics of both gusset styles that we are aware of. However, anecdotal data suggests that individuals favor bottom gussets for aesthetic reasons. Bottom gusseted pouches can be customized in a variety of sizes and shapes.

5. Storage efficiency

Storage efficiency refers to how well-packed gusseted bags fit inside a refrigerator. A case study was conducted by Triangle Packaging Machinery Company to determine the storage efficiency of both types of gussets. According to the findings, side gusseted bags take up less space than bottom gusseted bags.

What are Gusset Bags Used For?

Gusset bags are commonly used in food product packaging, as well as in gardening, craft, and hardware items.

Some of these bags are known for standing upright, while others are excellent in releasing odors and preventing food deterioration.

There are lots of different bags to choose from, and each one has the potential to provide you with low-cost commercial packaging.

Why are Gusset Bags a Great Packaging Solution?

Gusseted bags and pouches are an excellent alternative for increasing your product-to-package ratio.

Gusset bags, as opposed to lay-flat bags, enhance filling volume and may handle more weight.

Gusset bags are also a preferred stand-up packaging solution for businesses who wish to highlight their product’s distinctive characteristics.

Bags with gussets have more faces of printing real estate for important sections like a table of nutrition facts and an extended brand story.

Which Gusset Bag Best Suits My Products?

a. Bottom Gusset Bags

Rather than resting flat, bottom gusset bags stand upright and are more adaptable in terms of shape and size. To put it differently, not every bottom gusset bag has to be box-shaped.

However, as previously stated, even if they carry the same amount of product, the overall size of a bottom gusset bag is usually bigger. If you choose a box pouch type, on the other hand, you’ll have four sides to market your product.

Bottom gusset bags are most commonly used for coffee, pet food, and confectionary packaging.

– Plow bottom gusset bags

Gussets are placed to the bottom of bags to enable them to stand upright even with little weight. Plow bottom gussets are commonly found in sugar or flour packets.

– K-seal bottom gusset bags

The bottom of this bag has a “K” pattern gusset that makes it stand upright. It’s best for packaging medium to heavy items like fruits and vegetables.

– Round bottom gusset bags

The round bottom gusset is found in bags that contain dry food products such as candies and nuts.

b. Side gusset bags

These bags are less box-shaped and therefore occupy less shelf space. However, some people maintain that they look less appealing on display.

In reality, side gusset bags leave plenty of canvas space to display your products. They are popularly used to package dry ingredients, snacks, and frozen foods.

The gusset you choose is dependent on the products you wish to package. It also relies on the product’s bulk and weight.

What type of product do you want to sell, and how much of it do you want to sell? You can get best pricing now if you already have a starting spec in mind. Contact us and we’ll help you select the appropriate gusseted bag for your unique needs.

– What is a Gusseted Bag? FAQs –

  • What is a gusset bag?

A gusset bag is one that has an additional piece of material attached to its sides, bottom, or both. This results in a bigger cubic space within the bag.

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  • What is a gusseted pouch?

A gusseted pouch is a type of stand-up pouch. You can identify it by the rectangle or square-shaped base, or the semi-oval shapes ridges on both sides.

  • What is a bottom gusset bag?

A bottom gusset bag has a square or rectangular fold at the base that produces a flat-surfaced, form-fitting pouch.

  • What is a side gusset?

A side gusset is a material that is added to the sides of a flexible pouch to provide additional room.

How to Choose the Right Poly Bag - North Coast Plastics Blog

When it comes to plastic bags, there are an endless amount of options out there. As a consumer, you have to decide what is best for protecting your product that will also hold up under the conditions it will face during shipping or fulfillment.

You don’t want bags that are thicker than you need because the thickness will impact the cost of your bag. You don’t want to get a bag that is too small or thin and risk it becoming punctured or split while your product is still inside.

In this article we will be covering all the things you need to know to purchase the right poly bags for your needs.


Type of Bag

The first step in selecting the right plastic bag for your needs is to identify which type of bag you need. There are all kinds of plastic bags out there with different features and elements.

The right bag for your needs will be based on what you are putting inside the bag and the conditions that it will be under during shipping or use.

Lip and Tape Bags

These bags have a side seal with tape across the lip of the bag. The tape on these bags can be either permanent or resealable. These can be packed loose, on a wicket, or as a staple pack.

For more information on lip and tape bags you can read our article: What is Lip and Tape bag?

Wicketed Bags

Wicketed bags are a side seal bag that is packed on a wire wicket. These bags are a great option for efficient packing because they can be packed and separated very quickly.

For more details on wicketed bags read our article: What is a Wicketed Bag?

Staple Pack Bags

These offer a side seal that is stapled to a chipboard header. They are perforated at the top of the bag which makes it simple to tear away quickly and efficiently.

Flat/Loose Bags

These are our most basic styles of bags. These are flat packed and shipped loose. These are great for plastic parts, food or the hardware industry.

Back flip bags

A backflip bag has a fold over top that allows for fast and easy closing without needing any adhesive or heat. The size of the flip will depend on the amount of overlap you want for closure.

Side Gusseted Bags

A bottom sealed bag that has expandable (gusseted) sides. Side gussets are a good option if you are packing bulky or irregular shaped items or if you are lining a box.

Bottom Gusseted Bags

Similar to a side gusset bag, these are side seal bags with an expandable bottom. These bags can be ordered loose, on a wicket or as a staple pack. These bags are popular in the food and textile industries.

Poly Bag Size

Choosing the right size plastic bag for your product can be a challenge.

You will need to be sure the bag is big enough to properly surround your product and provide closure if necessary. Closure can be mechanically with an impulse heat sealer or manually with a twist tie.

Whether you need a flat bag to mail, a side gusseted bag for girth, or a bag to line a box, you can calculate just the size you need.

To help you figure out what size is right for your needs, you can use this conversion calculator.

Thickness (Gauge)

When it comes to choosing the thickness of your bag, there are a few things to consider.

Cost is going to be impacted heavily by the thickness of your bag. The thicker the bag, the more plastic it contains. The more plastic it contains, the higher you can expect your cost to be.

However, this doesn't mean that thickness is something you should sacrifice purely for the sake of cost. The thinner or lighter your bag is, the easier it will be punctured or torn.

You will need to consider what type of item is going inside of the bag as well as the conditions that the bag will be put under during processes, shipping or use.

We typically use a ‘MIL’ when measuring the thickness of a bag. A MIL is equal to one thousandth of an inch. Here are some guidelines for choosing the thickness of your bag:

1 MIL (.001 inches) - Used for dust protection, small lightweight parts, stationery, and items with an irregular shape.

1.5 MIL (. inches) - Used for moisture protection, clothing, nuts, candy, bread, bagels, and muffins.

2 MIL (.002 inches) - Used for protecting parts, supplies, and items in shipment.

3 MIL (.003 inches) - Used for items requiring added strength, tools, hardware, metal fasteners, and furniture.

4 MIL (.004 inches) - Used for storage covers, gears, bolts, auto parts, and heavy items with sharp corners.

Summing It Up

Deciding which plastic bag is right for your needs is important for the protection, packaging and shipping of your product. We hope this article helped you decide what bag is right for your needs.

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