A good tote bag is branding people choose to carry for years. Whether you're selling merch, packing retail purchases or handing out event gifts, here's how to pick the right custom tote.
The main tote materials
Cotton totes
Soft, natural and washable, cotton totes are the classic merch bag. They feel premium in the hand and look good in everyday use, which keeps your logo out in the world. Natural (warm off-white) and bright white are the usual choices.
Best for: brand merch, retail purchases, corporate gifts, conference bags.
Canvas totes
Heavier and more structured than plain cotton, canvas bags hold their shape and carry heavier loads. Options like zipper tops, magnetic snaps and inner pockets turn them into everyday bags people keep for years.
Best for: premium merch, gift-with-purchase, bookshops, boutiques.
Non-woven totes
Made from bonded polypropylene fabric, non-woven totes are light, strong and the most budget-friendly reusable bag. A bottom gusset lets them carry boxes and groceries. See our non-woven totes with bottom gusset, available in many colours.
Best for: events, trade shows, grocery and takeaway, large giveaways.
Recycled and unlaminated totes
Recycled totes have a softer, cloth-like feel and fold small for storage, a good middle ground between non-woven price and cotton feel.
Best for: eco-minded brands, markets, giveaways.
Quick comparison
| Material | Feel | Durability | Price per bag |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-woven | Light, smooth | Good | Lowest |
| Recycled / unlaminated | Soft, cloth-like | Good | Low |
| Cotton | Soft, natural | Very good | Medium |
| Canvas | Thick, structured | Excellent | Higher |
How to make a tote people actually use
The best promotional tote is one people choose to carry. To get there:
- Design it like merch, not an ad. A clean logo, a witty line or a beautiful illustration beats a busy layout with your phone number.
- Choose a size that's useful. Big enough for a laptop or groceries gets used daily.
- Pick a colour that goes with outfits. Natural, black and navy bags get carried more than neon ones.
- Consider comfortable straps. Longer shoulder straps make a tote far more usable.
Printing tips
- One or two colours keep prices down and look crisp on fabric.
- Full-colour prints work well on canvas for illustrations and photos.
- Print both sides if the bag will be seen while carried.
Which tote should you choose?
- Handing out hundreds at an event? Non-woven.
- Selling merch or including with a purchase? Cotton or canvas.
- Eco-minded brand on a budget? Recycled or unlaminated.
The takeaway
Choose the material based on how the bag will be used and how long you want it to last, then design something people are proud to carry. Browse our fabric and non-woven totes, choose your size and colour, and design yours in the PakGenie studio.
