How much does a bale of clothes weigh?

The average clothes bale weight is around 500 pounds. These bales measure approximately 30 x 48 x 60 inches. Learn about clothing bales and what affects their weight, and partner with Baling Wire Direct for premium US-made baling wire for recycling clothes.

How does bale size affect weight?

Clothing bale weight is based on size and density. Here is a general comparison of clothing bales:

Bale size	Dimensions (inches)	Weight
Small	22 x 30 x 42	around 145 lb (65 kg)
Medium	30 x 48 x 60	around 500 lb (227 kg)
Large	Varies	1200–1400 lb (544–635 kg)

About vertical balers

Vertical baler machines produce lighter, small bales for low-to-medium volume clothing recycling operations. These machines use vertical hydraulic presses to compress the bale of clothing into shape.

About horizontal balers

Horizontal, industrial balers generate larger, heavier bales (up to about 2,200 lb). The high press force of horizontal balers compacts clothing bales tightly, which maximizes density and reduces transportation costs.

Horizontal, automatic balers with two rams create the densest bales and are the go-to choice for heavy clothing bales. Automated baling systems apply consistent pressure (e.g., 110,000 lb press force) to produce tight bales with minimal air gaps.

Does all clothing weigh the same?

Fabric, design, and condition affect the weight of individual pieces of clothing and second-hand clothing bales.

Type of clothing

Summer clothing (e.g., cotton T-shirts, linen dresses) is lightweight, while winter clothing (e.g., wool coats, denim jackets) uses heavier fabrics and multiple layers. A container of winter clothes usually weighs more than an equivalent volume of summer items.

Clothing types such as denim, knitwear, or layered garments add bulk. For example, a single bale of jeans will outweigh one filled with chiffon blouses.

Material composition

Natural fibers, like wool or canvas, are denser than synthetics such as polyester. Recycled clothing blends may vary in weight depending on material mixes.

Grades of clothing also matter. Superior quality grade A items often use thicker, more durable fabrics, which increases weight compared to fast-fashion pieces.

Condition and wear

Water damage or absorbed moisture increases weight. Damp clothes may weigh 10–20% more, which impacts shipping costs.

Contamination

Non-clothing items (buttons, belts, or debris) mixed into clothes bales add unexpected weight and complicate recycling.

How to manage clothing bales weight

• Sort by type of clothing and material before baling to create uniform, predictable loads.
• Store second-hand clothes for baling in dry conditions to avoid moisture absorption.
• Remove contaminants (e.g., non-textile items) to maintain consistent quality and reduce textile waste.

What gauge baling wire is best for clothes?

Choose baling wire gauge for your clothes bales based on these two factors:

1. Number of wires your baler uses (typically 3 or 4).
2. Bale weight (heavier bales require stronger wire).

The combined load strength of your baling wires must exceed the bale’s weight to prevent breakage. Since thinner wire is cheaper, businesses should choose the thinnest baling wire that supports their bales. For example, a 1,200-lb bale made by a 3-wire baler could use an 11 gauge wire since:

3 (# of wires) x 735 (load strength of 11 gauge black annealed box wire) = 2,205 lb

Always follow your baler manufacturer’s wire recommendations, and contact us for specific wire selection assistance.

We recommend the following wire gauges based on weight and baler wire quantity:

Bale weight	3-wire baler	4-wire baler
Under 500 lb	12 gauge	13 gauge
500–1,000 lb	11 gauge	12 gauge
1,000–1,500 lb	10 gauge	11 gauge
1,500–2,200 lb	9 gauge	10 gauge

What type of baling wire is best for baling clothes?

For most clothing bales, uncoated, bright baling wire and black annealed baling wire are the most cost-effective choices.

Black annealed wire

Black annealed baling wire is often used for high-density bales that require flexibility, or bales that are stored short-term or indoors. We offer black annealed wire in box and stem varieties. The benefits of black annealed wire for standard bales of clothing include:

• High tensile strength: secures a dense mix of clothing items, such as mixed clothing bales, without snapping.
• Elongation properties: stretches up to 25% to accommodate shifting materials as bales settle.
• Automatic baler compatibility: feeds smoothly in high-volume machines (use box or stem black annealed wire).

Bright wire

Our bright baling wire comes in single loop and double loop bale tie varieties. Here’s why you should use bright bale ties to bale clothing:

• Economical: uncoated steel wire is the cheapest option.
• Indoor use: for dry environments (e.g., warehouses, distribution centers), where you should keep clothes bales.
• Aesthetics: a preferred appearance for client-facing applications.

Single loop bale ties can be tied to different lengths to accommodate inconsistent bale sizes. They work with horizontal and vertical manual balers. Double loop bale ties are pre-cut to length, and the double loop configuration accelerates the tying process.

Match your baling wire for textiles to your baler’s specifications and storage needs. For automatic systems, test black annealed options first—their cost-efficiency and flexibility make them a recycler favorite. Clothing is typically stored indoors, so galvanized wire is unnecessary.

Choose Baling Wire Direct

We’ve got the wire you need to maintain safe and efficient clothes baling operations for the recycling industry and beyond. We source steel from family-owned mills and use time-tested manufacturing techniques to deliver the best baling wire products on Earth.