Thank You Plastic Shopping Bags: Full Guide to Size, Thickness, Cost, and Wholesale Supply in 2025

Introduction

“Thank You” plastic shopping bags—famous for their bright red THANK YOU • HAVE A NICE DAY print—are one of the most recognizable packaging items in the world. They are widely used in restaurants, grocery stores, convenience shops, bakeries, pharmacies, and produce markets because they are inexpensive, lightweight, and reliable.

In 2025, even as many countries adopt eco-friendly packaging rules, “Thank You” T-shirt bags continue to be essential for many businesses. Not only are they cost-efficient, but they also offer strong carrying capacity and fast packing speed, which no other material can match at the same price point.

As one of the leading plastic bag manufacturers in Vietnam, VietPak Company Limited produces millions of these bags every month for the U.S., Canada, and EU markets. Below, you will find a complete guide covering main sizes (in inches), thickness options, material types, uses, and where to buy wholesale at factory-direct pricing.

What Are “Thank You” Plastic Shopping Bags?

These are T-shirt style bags, named for their unique shape that resembles a sleeveless T-shirt. They feature two handles, gusseted sides, and a strong bottom seal that supports heavy loads.

The classic design includes the signature red THANK YOU message, printed repeatedly to make it easily recognizable by customers. This print is common in take-out restaurants across the U.S. and has become a part of American retail culture for decades.

thank you t shirt bag

Key Features 

• Extremely lightweight

• High tensile strength

• Low manufacturing cost

• Easy to carry with built-in handles

• Dispense on standard t-shirt bag holders

• Available in various sizes and thickness levels

These characteristics make them the most economical bag for daily retail operations.

Standard U.S. Sizes of “Thank You” Shopping Bags 

Below are the most widely used sizes across the United States, each designed for different applications.

1. 11.5 x 6.5 x 21 inches – Small / Standard Size

Often referred to as 1/6 SS, this is the most popular carryout bag.

1/6 SS thank you shopping bag

Uses:

• Small grocery items

• Convenience stores (C-stores)

• Snacks, chips, drinks

• Pharmacies

• Small take-out meals

Because of its compact size, this version is used in more than 70% of small retail shops.

2. 12 x 7 x 22 inches – Medium / General Retail Size

Also known as the 1/6 Standard, this medium-sized bag is ideal for heavier or bulkier items.

Uses:

• Restaurants and takeout

• Supermarket groceries

• Household items

• Fruits & vegetables

• Clothing shops

This is the size most commonly ordered by restaurants and small grocery chains.

3. 12.5 x 8 x 23 inches – Large / Heavy-Duty Size

This size is often used when stronger support is needed. The wider gusset allows it to hold larger containers and heavier groceries.

large thank you bag

Uses:

• Large takeout meals

• Heavy groceries (cans, bottles, produce)

• Bakery boxes and food containers

• Farmers markets

• High-load retail packaging

Many U.S. states that require reusable-grade plastic bags use this size with thicker material.

Thickness Options for “Thank You” Plastic Bags

The thickness of these bags depends on local regulations and intended use.

1. Standard Thickness – 10 to 12 Microns

This is the most economical option.

Best for:

• Light food items

• Snacks

• Small grocery shops

• Pharmacies

These are common in developing markets or areas without bag bans.

2. Medium-Duty Thickness – 13 to 18 Microns

Offers better strength for heavier products.

Best for:

• Grocery stores

• Restaurants

• Café and takeout shops

• Daily retail usage

Ideal for customers who want stronger performance but still low cost.

3. Reusable Thickness (Bag Ban Compliant) – 2 to 3 Mil (50–75 Microns)

Many U.S. states now require thicker, reusable-style bags.

Best for:

• States with plastic bag regulations

• Supermarkets

• Heavy items

• Multiple reuses

VietPak provides 2 mil and 2.25 mil versions for U.S. markets that require thicker, reusable T-shirt bags.

Materials Used for Thank You Bags

These bags can be made from different types of polyethylene depending on the required properties.

HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)

• Most commonly used

• High strength with low material usage

• Stiff and crisp texture

• Strong bottom seal

• Lower cost

Ideal for groceries and heavy take-out meals.

LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)

• Softer and more flexible

• Better clarity

• Higher tear resistance

• Smooth feel

Often chosen for retail stores needing a premium touch.

MDPE (Medium-Density Polyethylene)

• A blend of HDPE & LDPE qualities

• Excellent flexibility

• Good comfort for customers

Useful for thicker reusable-style bags.

Printing Options for “Thank You” Bags

The classic red Thank You print is the most common, but VietPak also produces:

• Custom logo prints

• Multi-color printing (up to 12 colors)

• One side or double-sided print

• Matte or glossy finish

• Private label packaging

Restaurants and supermarkets often add their brand, phone number, and website for better marketing.

Why “Thank You” Bags Remain Popular in 2025

Even with the rise of eco-friendly materials, these bags remain essential for several key reasons:

1. Most Affordable Packaging Option

Compared with paper, non-woven, or cotton, “Thank You” bags cost only a fraction of the price.

2. Highest Packing Speed

Cashiers and kitchen staff can pack items in seconds due to their familiar shape and easy-open design.

3. High Strength-to-Weight Ratio

HDPE allows the bags to carry heavy loads while staying extremely thin.

4. Compact Storage

1000 bags can fit into a small carton—ideal for businesses with limited space.

5. Widely Accepted by Customers

Consumers instantly recognize the bag and trust its strength.

Where to Buy Thank You Plastic Shopping Bags Wholesale

Vietnam is now one of the world’s top exporters of plastic packaging due to stable production quality, competitive cost, and fast delivery.

VietPak supplies millions of T-shirt bags to the U.S., Canada, Europe, Australia, and Asia with:

• Production capacity: 2,000 tons/month

• Factory size: 10,000 m² over 2 facilities

• Workforce: 100 trained workers

• Experience: 26 years in manufacturing

• Printing: Up to 12 colors

• Eco options: Recycled and biodegradable materials

• Certifications: ISO, food-contact safe, REACH compliant

• In-house recycling facility to reduce waste and lower costs

Shipping available to all major U.S. ports including Los Angeles, Houston, New York, Norfolk, and Seattle.

Conclusion

“Thank You” plastic shopping bags continue to be the world’s most economical and practical packaging solution for food service, grocery stores, and general retail. With a wide range of sizes, thicknesses, materials, and printing options, they offer unmatched value and performance in day-to-day operations.

If you’re looking for reliable wholesale Thank You T-shirt bags, VietPak provides consistent quality, competitive pricing, and fast delivery—making us a trusted supplier for businesses

worldwide.

Read also: 5 Tips to Buy Plastic Bag on Roll at a Lower Cost