What is a Gusset?

If you have ever compared bag sizes and seen a third measurement listed as a gusset, you might have wondered what it means. Understanding gussets makes it much easier to pick a bag that fits your products properly.

What is a gusset?

In packaging, a gusset is an expandable fold built into the side or bottom of a bag. It is simply part of the bag folded back in on itself, which opens out to give the bag extra depth and carrying volume. In other words, a gusset lets a flat bag hold bulkier items.

Types of gussets

Side gusset — folds on the left and right sides that expand outward, adding width for chunkier contents.
Bottom gusset — a fold at the base that opens up so the bag can hold more and sit more stably.
Box bottom (block bottom) — a common style of bottom gusset on paper bags that lets the bag stand upright on its own on a flat surface. Perfect for retail, cafes and takeaway.

Why gussets matter

Choosing the right gusset means your packaging fits the product snugly without wasting space. Side gussets suit tall or bulky items, while box-bottom bags are ideal for anything you want to pack quickly and display upright.