How to Add Ribbons to Handle Paper Bags for Clothing Gifts: 6 Easy Looks (Dresses + Suits)
Last holiday season, Lila—owner of a small women’s dress shop—added a $2 ribbon to her gift bags and watched her repeat sales jump 22%. “Customers used to just take the bag and go,” she said. “Now they stop to say, ‘This ribbon makes the dress feel like a real gift.’”
Adding ribbons to paper bags for clothing gifts isn’t about being “crafty”—it’s about turning a plain bag into something that feels special, without spending hours. The best part? You don’t need fancy tools—just a ribbon, a pair of scissors, and 2 minutes. Below are 6 easy looks, tailored to dresses and suits, plus how they work with Flat Handle Paper Bags and Twisted Handle Paper Bags.
The Minimal Bow: Perfect for Casual Dresses
This look is simple, sweet, and works for linen or cotton dresses—no frills, just a small bow that doesn’t overpower the garment.
What you need: 1 yard of thin satin ribbon (in a soft color—blush, sage, or cream).How to do it:
– Slide your folded dress into the bag (I use Flat Handle Paper Bags here—their wide, smooth handles don’t get tangled with the ribbon).
– Wrap the ribbon around the bag’s front, just below the handles—cross the ends once, then tie a small bow (keep it tight enough to stay, loose enough to look relaxed).
– Trim the ribbon ends at an angle (this keeps them from fraying).
Lila uses this for her summer dresses: “It’s not too fancy, but it makes customers feel like they’re getting a treat, not just a dress.”
The Crossed Ribbon: For Tailored Suits
Suits need a look that’s polished, not frilly—this crossed ribbon adds structure without being over-the-top.
What you need: 1.5 yards of grosgrain ribbon (navy, black, or charcoal—neutral enough for suits).
How to do it:
1：Pack your folded suit into a Twisted Handle Paper Bags (the twisted handles are sturdier, so the ribbon doesn’t slip off).
2：Bring the ribbon from the bag’s left side, over the front, and under the right handle—then cross it back over the front to the left side.
3：Tie a tight knot at the bottom (not a bow!) and trim the ends to 2 inches.
A menswear shop in Chicago uses this: “It looks sharp, like a tie for the bag. Customers say it matches the suit’s vibe.”
The Double Loop: For Formal Dresses
Formal gowns (cocktail, wedding guest) need a little extra sparkle—this look uses two ribbons for a luxe feel.
What you need: 1 yard of metallic ribbon (gold or silver) + 1 yard of thin velvet ribbon (matching the dress’s accent color).
How to do it:
1：Layer the two ribbons together (metallic on top) and wrap them around 2：the bag’s middle, just above the bottom.
3：Tie a loose loop on each side (like two small bunny ears) instead of a bow.
Tuck the ends under the loops to hide them.
This works with both handle types—just make sure the ribbons are thin enough to fit around Flat Handle Paper Bags without bunching.
The Handle Wrap: For Scarf + Dress Gift Sets
If you’re gifting a dress with a matching scarf, wrap the ribbon around the bag’s handle to tie the set together.
What you need: 1.5 yards of patterned ribbon (small florals or stripes—coordinating with the scarf).
How to do it:
1：Slide the dress and folded scarf into the bag.
2：Wrap the ribbon around one handle (Twisted Handle Paper Bags are great here— the twist gives the ribbon something to grip) 3–4 times, spacing the wraps evenly.
3：Tie a small bow at the end of the handle, letting the ribbon tail hang down 3 inches.
A boutique in Portland uses this: “It’s a subtle way to show the bag has two gifts inside. Customers love unfolding the ribbon to see the scarf.”
The Asymmetrical Tie: For Boho Dresses
Boho or flowy dresses (linen, chiffon) need a relaxed, unstructured look—this asymmetrical tie feels effortless.
What you need: 2 yards of jute or cotton ribbon (natural or dyed in earthy tones).
How to do it:
1：Tie one end of the ribbon to the left handle of your Flat Handle Paper Bags (leave a 4-inch tail).
2：Drape the ribbon across the bag’s front, diagonally, and tie it to the right handle—don’t make it tight, let it hang loose.
3：Trim the tails to different lengths (6 inches and 3 inches) for a “thrown together” vibe.
This looks messy in the best way—perfect for dresses with prints or frills.
The Accent Knot: For Kids’ Clothing Gifts
Kids’ dresses or suits need a fun, colorful look—this small knot with a charm adds whimsy.
What you need: 1 yard of bright ribbon (pastels, neon) + a small charm (a star, heart, or tiny garment—like a mini dress).
How to do it:
1：Thread the charm onto the ribbon before tying.
2：Tie a simple knot in the middle of the ribbon, then wrap the ribbon around the bag’s front, just below the handle.
3：Tie another small knot to secure, letting the charm hang in the center.
This works with any handle type—just avoid big charms that weigh down Twisted Handle Paper Bags.
3 Quick Tips to Avoid Mistakes
Ribbon length: For most bags, 1–1.5 yards is enough—too long, and it drags; too short, and you can’t tie a proper knot.
Color match: Stick to 1–2 colors (matching the dress/suit or your brand). Too many colors look cluttered.
Handle type: Flat Handle Paper Bags work best for bows (smooth surface = neat loops); Twisted Handle Paper Bags are better for wraps (twist holds ribbon in place).
Wrapping Up
Lila’s favorite part? “It’s cheap—$2 in ribbon makes a $40 dress feel like $100. Customers post the bags on Instagram, and we get new followers from it.”
Adding ribbons to paper bags for clothing gifts is one of the easiest ways to boost your brand’s “gift factor.” You don’t need to be crafty—just pick a look that matches your garment, grab a ribbon, and tie. Whether you’re using Flat Handle Paper Bags for casual dresses or Twisted Handle Paper Bags for suits, the right ribbon turns a plain bag into something customers remember.
Next time you pack a gift, skip the plain bag. Add a ribbon—your customers will notice.
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