Tote bags have become a staple in fashion and our daily lives. They also are an excellent tool for business branding. Promotional bags generate 3,300 impressions throughout their lifetime. The large imprint area is a huge plus for giving your company logo the exposure it deserves.
Let’s take a look at the various types of customizable tote bags and find the best-personalized styles for your business.
Why is it called a tote bag?
The name tote bag comes from its original purpose: “To tote.” According to Racked, the first tote bag was advertised in 1944 as a helpful product to carry ice. It made a re-emergence in the ’60s as the slender multipurpose bag we know today.
It was after this redesign that tote bags became and remained extremely popular. Today, tote bags are used for their style as well as their functionality.
What is a gusset in a tote bag?
Gussets are the extra fabric pieces sewn into the tote bag to add more room, enhance strength and/or to give a specific shape. Gussets are added to the bottom, sides or both of many tote bag styles.
A good example of a gusset is found in our customizable grocery tote bag, which is constructed with extra fabric to allow the bottom to expand for additional storage.
Different types of tote bags
You’ll find many variations in styles and materials for personalized totes. Take a look at these bestselling tote bags at Totally Promotional. Find a tote bag to promote your brand and make your clients happy. We also offer unique eco-friendly and sustainable tote bags.
Many of our tote styles have low minimum quantities of 12. You can find totes in dozens of colors and several different sizes to meet your needs. Take advantage of free delivery and free setup on select styles of custom totes!
Custom cotton tote bags
Cotton tote bags have a classic look that you likely envision when you think about totes. Cotton has been around since the fifth millennium B.C. but wasn’t highly produced until the invention of the cotton gin. Cotton is known for its softness and durability. Its absorbency allows it to dry easily and hold its color.
Many cotton tote bags are made of canvas. This is not a material but rather a type of fabric weaving that makes the material more sturdy.
Bestseller: Getaway Cotton Tote Bag
Jute tote bags
Jute tote bags are made of long and shiny fibers that are spun into tough threads. Another name for this material is burlap. The rough qualities of jute make it perfect for totes. It is sturdy, scratch-resistant and stain-resistant.
Jute tote bags are a great choice for eco-friendly brands because they are 100 percent biodegradable. Jute material is harvested from two plant varieties called Corchorus olitorius and Corchorus capsularis. The difference between the plants is that one produces the white variety of jute and the other the Tossa or brown variety.
These bags are great for events that call for rustic themes. In recent years, they’ve become the most popular tote bags for weddings.
Bestseller: Striped Jute Tote Bag
Non-woven tote bags
Non-woven material is fabric-like and is created from plastic fibers bonded by heat, adhesive or mechanical means. Mechanical bonding can consist of stitching or webbing materials together. These totes are the best choice for businesses on a budget due to their affordability. Non-woven tote bags are made of many different materials such as PVC, polypropylene and polyethylene.
PVC or polyvinyl chloride is a type of thermoplastic. Thermoplastics can be reheated repeatedly to be reshaped, which is what makes PVC extremely moldable.
The most-common PVC totes are clear ones that are required for security at sporting and music events.
Bestseller: Clear Drawstring Bag
Polypropylene tote bags
Polypropylene is made of thermoplastic polymer threads woven together or bonded by heat. Tote bags made of polypropylene are highly resistant to water, mildew, bacteria and stains. These bags will last for years and many can be recycled when no longer needed.
One of our best polypropylene tote bags is the Laminated Shopper Tote. Laminated totes are handy because they can be easily wiped clean.
Bestseller: Polypropylene Budget Shopper Tote Bags
Polyester tote bags
Polyester tote bags are known for extra sturdiness to carry heavy loads. Blending polyester with natural fibers gives tote bags the ideal properties that polymers possess: water-resistance and anti-wrinkling. Polyester is extremely easy to care for because it can be spot cleaned and air-dried. It is also resistant to abrasions that ruin other fabrics.
One type of polyester is polyethylene terephthalate. Polyethylene was first discovered in the ’30s and was used as a radar cable insulator during World War I. The simple form of polyethylene is often seen in a variety of household items and the toughest form is used for bulletproof vests! Polyethylene tote bags are typically the most affordable type and are very durable.
Bestseller: Ocean Fun Tote Bag
Polycanvas tote bags
Polycanvas is a polyester fabric made to mimic the feel of natural canvas. It is created with a plain weave and thicker, heavier threads. These two factors give the fabric its iconic crosshatch texture and heavy-duty construction. Like other polymer materials, it is only dyeable during the production process and holds fast to its color. It is also resistant to mildew and bacteria.
Bestseller: Crest Line Canvas Tote Bag
Popular uses for custom tote bags
Trade shows
Trade show tote bags are an excellent choice for businesses to hand out at all types of promotional events. Attendees are quick to grab customized tote bags to carry the giveaways and flyers they pick up. Custom trade show bags provide free advertising for your company logo.
Grocery stores
Custom reusable bags come in different materials to suit your style. They are spacious and durable, which makes them perfect to bring on any shopping trip. Many stores today offer their own branded totes for sale to customers.
Consider ordering a tote like the Insulated Shopper Tote Bag if you carry groceries a longer distance. The insulated bag will keep your perishable and frozen items safe while you travel.
Boutiques and gift shops
Promotional retail bags with your logo give your boutique, clothing store or gift shop an opportunity to keep your name in front of customers. Shopping bags made with durable materials such as polyester, plastic and polypropylene will be reused by customers for other tasks after their purchase.
One of our bestselling retail bags, the Die Cut Plastic Bag, has a minimum quantity of 150 and is made in the U.S.A. Much like other shopping bags at Totally Promotional, this bag allows plenty of room to show off your name, logo or contact information.
Weddings
Wedding tote bags will help guests remember your special day for years to come. You can leave these in hotel rooms with goodies for out-of-towners or hand them out at your reception. These custom tote bags make great gifts for your bridesmaids, close family members, wedding helpers and other guests.
Our most popular styles are Polypropylene Economy Totes, Polypropylene Budget Totes and Striped Cotton Canvas Totes.
Choose custom tote bags for your event
Whatever you use them for, your personalized cotton tote bags are sure to impress everyone who gets one. Start desiging custom tote bags today!
