Shenzhen Xinyu Handbag Co., Ltd. Industry Insights

In the custom handbag industry, the choice of fabric directly determines the product's texture, durability, and applicable scenarios. Oxford cloth, canvas, and PU fabric, as the three mainstream materials, often leave brands facing a selection dilemma. Shenzhen Xinyu Handbag Co., Ltd., with years of experience in the custom handbag industry, leverages its rich experience in fabric application and exquisite craftsmanship to break down the core characteristics, key processes, and selection logic of these three fabrics, helping brands accurately match their needs.

I. Core Fabric Knowledge Points: Characteristics Determine Applicable Scenarios

1. Oxford Cloth: A Versatile Material Balancing Functionality and Cost-Effectiveness

Oxford cloth is not a single-specification fabric. It is primarily made from polyester or nylon, using plain weave, twill, and other weaving techniques. Key parameters are concentrated in the "D number" (denier, representing fiber thickness) and coating process. Common specifications range from 210D to 1680D; the higher the D number, the thicker the fabric and the stronger its tear resistance. Xinyu handbags commonly uses 600D polyester Oxford cloth in their production. With a moderate warp and weft yarn density, it balances lightweight and durability, making it a top choice for commuter bags and outdoor handbags. 1680D Oxford cloth, due to its extremely high strength, is often used in tool bags and heavy-duty protective handbags.

The coating process directly determines the functional properties of Oxford cloth: PU coating offers excellent water resistance and low-temperature resistance (not easily cracking at -30℃), and its environmental performance meets EU standards, making it suitable for mid-to-high-end functional handbags; PVC coating offers high cost-effectiveness, is waterproof and abrasion-resistant, but tends to harden at low temperatures, making it suitable for affordable outdoor products; TPU coating balances waterproofness, breathability, and environmental friendliness, making it the preferred choice for high-end outdoor handbags, although its cost is relatively high. According to Xinyu's laboratory tests, PU-coated Oxford cloth can withstand a hydrostatic pressure of 3000-5000 mmH₂O, resisting moderate to heavy rain and meeting daily waterproofing needs.

2. Canvas: A Symbol of Retro Texture and Eco-Friendliness

Canvas is primarily made of pure cotton or cotton blends. The key to its quality lies in its "grammage" (weight per square meter, measured in ounces). A higher number indicates a thicker and more durable fabric. 8-ounce canvas is lightweight and soft, foldable for storage, and suitable for shopping bags and promotional gift bags, but its load-bearing capacity is relatively weak; it tends to sag and pill when carrying heavy items. 16-ounce canvas is the mainstream choice, with moderate thickness and good structure, maintaining the bag's shape without being too bulky, and is often used for tote bags and commuter bags. Coarser canvas of 24 ounces and above is wear-resistant and durable, suitable for carrying heavy items and outdoor gear, and has an inherent industrial feel.

The advantages of canvas include its skin-friendly and eco-friendly properties, and its strong printability. Pure cotton canvas has high color reproduction for screen printing and heat transfer printing, making it suitable for customizing complex patterns or brand logos. However, it's important to note that pure cotton canvas, without pre-treatment, is prone to shrinkage and is not waterproof. Xinyu handbags effectively improve this issue through pre-shrinking and shaping processes, followed by a waterproof coating, expanding its applicability.

3. PU Fabric: A Cost-Effective Choice with a Simulated Leather Feel

PU fabric (polyurethane) is a type of synthetic leather, made by coating a base fabric with polyurethane resin. It simulates the soft touch and texture of genuine leather, offering various textures such as lychee grain and matte finish. Compared to genuine leather, PU fabric is more affordable, offers a wider range of colors, and is lighter, making it suitable for stylish handbags, evening bags, and other aesthetically pleasing designs.

The core quality of PU fabric lies in the coating thickness and base fabric density. High-quality PU has a uniform coating thickness, won't flake or leave marks when scratched with a fingernail, and is wear-resistant and not prone to cracking. Lower-end PU is prone to coating peeling, aging, and hardening. Xinyu handbags use water-based PU fabric, which is not only environmentally friendly and meets Swiss BBC standards but also has excellent hydrolysis resistance, extending its lifespan by more than 30% compared to ordinary PU. Note that PU fabric is susceptible to damage from direct sunlight and alcohol, and improper care can easily lead to deformation and bubbling.

II. Factory Process Photos: Unlocking the Core Steps of Fabric Customization

The final appearance of the fabric relies heavily on meticulous processing. Below are real-life photos of core processes at Shenzhen Xinyu Handbag Co., Ltd., visually demonstrating the key steps from raw material to finished product:

1. Fabric Inspection

2. Oxford Cloth Coating Process

3. Canvas Pre-shrinking and Shaping

4. Fabric Printing Process

III. Practical Selection Suggestions: Customization Based on Needs to Avoid Cost Waste

Based on thousands of customization cases from Shenzhen Xinyu Handbag Co., Ltd., we provide precise selection solutions for different scenarios, avoiding common pitfalls:

- Branded Gift Handbags: For a high-quality and eco-friendly option, choose 16 oz pure cotton canvas with a screen-printed logo; this is retro, durable, and conveys an environmentally conscious message. If waterproofing is required, choose 600D PU-coated Oxford cloth, balancing practicality and brand image.

- Outdoor/Functional Handbags: Prioritize 600D-1000D Oxford cloth with PU or TPU coating for waterproof, abrasion-resistant, and tear-resistant properties. For tool bags and heavy gear bags, 1680D Oxford cloth is recommended, with a tensile strength exceeding 800N and a lifespan extended to approximately 5 years.

- Stylish Commuter Handbags: For aesthetically pleasing bags, choose PU fabric, preferably water-based PU, which feels similar to genuine leather and is environmentally friendly. If lightweight and breathable, opt for cotton-linen blend canvas, which has an artistic flair suitable for everyday wear.

- Low-Cost Promotional Handbags: Choose 8-ounce lightweight canvas or ordinary PVC-coated Oxford cloth. Bulk customization offers lower unit prices, meeting short-term promotional needs. Avoid cheap, thin PU fabrics, as they are prone to aging and cracking, negatively impacting brand image.

Tips to avoid common pitfalls: ① Thicker canvas isn't always better; choose the weight based on your load-bearing needs. Excessive thickness will make the bag bulky. ② For Oxford cloth coating, prioritize PU or TPU. While PVC is cheaper, it's less environmentally friendly and prone to brittleness at low temperatures. ③ Avoid using PU fabric for outdoor exposure to direct sunlight; use a dust bag for storage.

Shenzhen Xinyu Handbag Co., Ltd. focuses on "professional fabric matching + precise process implementation," providing clients with a full-process service from fabric selection and sampling to production. We support small-batch customization and functional upgrades. Mastering the above fabric knowledge allows you to customize handbags that meet your needs while controlling costs, truly making the most of available materials.