Custom tote bags have taken the spotlight as the go-to accessory for everything from grocery runs to fashion-forward outings and branded giveaways. Not only are they stylish and eco-conscious, but they’re also a brilliant canvas for personal expression or brand messaging. Whether you’re looking to create custom totes for your business, a wedding, or just to show off your unique style, choosing the right material, size, and printing method is key to making a tote bag that’s both beautiful and functional.
In this guide, we’re diving into the wonderful world of custom tote bags—from fabric favorites like cotton canvas, linen, and hemp, to the most popular tote sizes and cutting-edge printing technologies.
Why Custom Tote Bags Are So Popular
Before we get into the details, let’s look at why custom tote bags are more than just a trend:
• Eco-friendly: Reusable totes help reduce plastic waste and promote sustainability.
• Versatile: They work for shopping, beach days, events, gifting, and even fashion statements.
• Customizable: You can showcase your logo, artwork, or message in countless ways.
• Affordable: Even high-quality custom totes are cost-effective, especially when ordered in bulk.
Now, let’s get into the fun stuff—materials!
Top Materials for Custom Tote Bags
1. Cotton Canvas
Durable, Natural, and Timeless
Cotton canvas is the classic choice for tote bags. It’s durable, washable, and thick enough to hold everything from books to groceries without losing shape.
Why choose cotton canvas:
• It’s biodegradable and eco-friendly.
• It offers a smooth surface for screen printing and digital prints.
• It has a sturdy feel and a long lifespan.
Best for: Branded giveaways, school bags, daily errands, and art-friendly designs.
2. Linen Fabric
Lightweight Luxury with a Rustic Charm
Linen, made from the flax plant, is a beautiful material with a soft, breathable texture. It gives tote bags a slightly upscale, organic look that many adore.
Why choose linen:
• It’s lightweight yet strong.
• It has a natural wrinkle for that “effortlessly chic” aesthetic.
• It’s quick-drying and antibacterial.
Best for: Boutique packaging, wedding favors, high-end promotional items.
3. Hemp Fabric
The Eco-Warrior’s Dream Material
Hemp tote bags are becoming increasingly popular due to hemp’s incredible sustainability. It’s one of the strongest natural fibers available and has a slightly textured, earthy feel.
Why choose hemp:
• It’s incredibly durable and long-lasting.
• It requires minimal water and no pesticides to grow.
• It offers a unique, eco-conscious brand image.
Best for: Eco-friendly brands, outdoor events, conscious consumers.
Choosing the Best Tote Bag Size
Tote bags come in all shapes and sizes, but choosing the right one depends on its intended use. Here are some of the most popular tote sizes:
1. Small Totes (8” x 10” to 10” x 12”)
Perfect for light errands, gift packaging, or as goodie bags. Small totes are cute, compact, and super versatile.
2. Medium Totes (13” x 15” to 14” x 16”)
The everyday go-to. These sizes are ideal for carrying books, lunch, or a laptop. They’re big enough to be useful but not too bulky.
3. Large Totes (15” x 18” and up)
When you need to carry it all—whether for a beach day, shopping spree, or conference—large totes are the way to go. They’re also great for printing big, bold designs.
4. Gusseted Totes
These come with an expandable bottom or sides, making them perfect for bulkier items. They’re often used in grocery stores or as promotional bags at trade shows.
Pro tip: Always consider handle length! Short handles are best for hand-carry, while long handles are perfect for shoulder wear.
Printing Technologies for Custom Tote Bags
Designing your tote is where things get fun. But which printing method should you choose? Each technology offers different aesthetics, durability, and price points.
1. Screen Printing
Classic, Bold, and Budget-Friendly
Screen printing is one of the most common methods for tote bags. It uses a mesh screen to apply ink onto the fabric.
Pros:
• Great for bulk orders.
• Vibrant, long-lasting colors.
• Economical for simple designs (1–3 colors).
Best for: Logos, text, and bold graphics on cotton canvas.
2. Digital Printing (DTG – Direct to Garment)
Detail-Rich and Colorful
This technique works like a regular inkjet printer, printing directly onto the fabric. It’s great for complex images with lots of colors or gradients.
Pros:
• Ideal for full-color images and fine details.
• No setup costs for small runs.
• Works well on light-colored fabrics.
Best for: Artwork, photographs, and small-batch or personalized prints.
3. Heat Transfer Printing
Great for Small Batches & Custom Designs
A design is printed onto transfer paper and then heat-pressed onto the tote bag. This method is popular for on-demand printing.
Pros:
• Good for small orders or one-off custom bags.
• Can print full-color designs.
• Works on various materials.
Best for: Personalized gifts, trendy graphics, or boutique shops.
4. Embroidery
Textured, Durable & Luxurious
While not a “print” method, embroidery adds stitched designs to your tote. It gives a rich, 3D feel and is very durable.
Pros:
• Extremely long-lasting.
• High-end, textured look.
• Ideal for logos or monograms.
Best for: High-end brands, corporate gifting, and luxury packaging.
Popular Uses for Custom Tote Bags
Custom totes aren’t just useful—they’re memorable. Here’s how people and businesses are putting them to work:
• Weddings: Personalized totes for bridesmaids or guest favors.
• Retail: Branded bags for boutique stores or product launches.
• Corporate Gifting: Totes filled with swag for conferences or team events.
• Eco-Campaigns: Encouraging reusable bags with bold messages.
• Artist Merch: Selling custom-designed bags with artwork or quotes.
Whether you’re going minimalist with a sleek black logo on natural linen or going bold with full-color artwork on canvas, the possibilities are endless.
Tips for Creating the Perfect Custom Tote
1. Know your audience. A sleek hemp bag might appeal to eco-conscious shoppers, while a colorful cotton tote might be great for a kids’ event.
2. Choose a material that matches the vibe. Linen for rustic charm, canvas for daily use, hemp for sustainability.
3. Keep design legible. Make sure your artwork is bold and visible, especially from a distance.
4. Pick the right printing method. Screen print for simplicity and bulk, DTG for details, embroidery for class.
5. Think long-term. Quality totes don’t just carry things—they carry your brand, your story, your identity.
Conclusion: Why Custom Totes Are a Smart Choice
Custom tote bags are more than just containers—they’re walking billboards, fashion pieces, and reusable heroes. With so many options in fabric, size, and design, you can create something truly unique, whether for your business, your event, or just because.
From sturdy cotton canvas and airy linen to eco-friendly hemp, the material sets the tone. Add the right size and printing method, and you’ve got yourself a tote that’s not only functional but fabulous.
So whether you’re starting a tote bag line, prepping for a wedding, or launching a promo campaign—your perfect custom tote is just a few stitches (and decisions) away. Shop our collection of custom tote bags here. You can also read related articles to this topic in our blog category here.
