Why Are Tote Bags So Popular?

Tote bags check all the right boxes—they’re stylish, practical, and good for the environment. They replace single-use plastics, are easy to carry, and work for almost any occasion.

They’re also one of the most versatile door gift ideas, giving guests something they could use long after the event.

For businesses, tote bags are an underrated marketing powerhouse. Unlike disposable promo items, a tote gets used again and again, giving your brand long-term exposure—generating up to 3,300 impressions throughout its lifespan.

They’re also sustainable. Consumers today prefer brands that prioritise eco-conscious choices. Offering reusable totes not only promotes sustainability but also positions your brand as forward-thinking and responsible.

1. Tote Bag Materials: Which One Suits Your Needs?

Not all tote bags are made the same. The right material depends on how long you want it to last, your budget, and the bag’s intended use.

Here are the most popular options:

Cotton Canvas

Cotton canvas bags are durable, tightly woven, and heavyweight, making them strong enough for daily use. Their soft, smooth texture accommodates various printing techniques, allowing for endless design possibilities compared to other fabric types.

Non-Woven

Non-woven polypropylene bags are lightweight, affordable, and water-resistant due to their plastic-based composition. These fabrics are made by pressing together fibers using heat or chemicals instead of weaving them, making it less durable but highly cost-effective.

On top of their low price point, their smooth surface makes them ideal for printing, making them a popular choice for large-scale promotions, trade shows, and giveaways.

Jute

If you’ve seen rugged, brown tote bags with a coarse, textured finish, they’re likely made of jute. Jute is a biodegradable, durable natural fiber known for its earthy, rustic look. It’s a great choice for brands that emphasize sustainability and eco-conscious gifting.

Silkscreen printing is the most effective method for printing on jute bags due to their rough surface, though this limits the complexity of the designs that can be printed.

2. Size: Choosing the Right Fit

Tote bags come in different sizes, and the best option depends on what they need to carry.

An A3-sized tote is spacious and ideal for carrying large items like laptops, folders, and bulkier essentials. Its size makes it versatile, making it a perfect choice for event giveaways, corporate gifting, and daily use.

An A4-sized tote is tailored for professionals and students, comfortably fitting documents, folders, and tablets, making it well-suited for office or school settings.

Orientation also matters. 

A horizontal tote offers easy access and can generally accommodate larger items like laptops, notebooks, or wide folders. A vertical tote distributes weight more evenly and is better suited for carrying books, groceries, or longer items like umbrellas and bottles.

3. Thickness: Usability and Perceived Value

Tote bag thickness plays a big role in durability, feel, and brand perception. A thin, flimsy bag is just fine for one-time use, like carrying store purchases, but if you’re using it for gifting, a thicker tote feels more premium. 

Thickness varies by material.  Canvas totes are measured in oz (ounces per square yard), usually ranging from 8 to 24 oz. On the other hand, jute and non-woven polypropylene are measured in grams per square meter (gsm).

Jute bags typically range from 200gsm to 450gsm, while non-woven totes fall between 60 gsm and 130 gsm.

Lighter bags are great for mass giveaways, trade shows, or short-term promotions. If you need an event bag to hold brochures or light items, this is a cost-effective choice.

Heavier options are, of course, sturdier. Heavy-duty fabrics can handle heavier items like laptops or books, making them perfect for corporate gifting or retail merchandise.

Thicker totes also give off a more premium impression, ensuring the bag stays in use for years instead of being discarded after a few uses.

The extra room and durability also make adding custom features—pockets, reinforced handles, or zippers—possible. Thinner totes, on the other hand, may struggle with extra stitching and aren’t built to handle heavier loads.

4. Tote Bag Printing: The Best Customisation Options

The right tote bag printing method depends on the material and the type of design you want. Some materials handle detailed graphics better, while others work best with bold, simple logos. 

Choosing the right technique ensures your design stands out, retains its integrity, and has a polished finish.

• Silkscreen Printing: Best for bulk orders with bold, single-colour logos. Works well on cotton and non-woven totes, providing a cost-effective, long-lasting print. Not ideal for highly detailed or multi-coloured designs.
• Heat Transfer Printing: Allows for full-colour, intricate designs with smooth gradients and fine details. Works best on smoother surfaces like polyester or cotton.
• Embroidery: Adds a premium touch with a textured, high-end finish. Perfect for canvas or jute totes but not ideal for complex designs with tiny details, as stitching has size limitations.

Final Thoughts: Which Tote Bag Is Right for You? 

Tote bags are practical, stylish, and sustainable but are only as valuable as their usefulness to the recipient. Whether for retail, event giveaways, or corporate gifts in Singapore, the key is choosing a design that aligns with their needs and preferences. For fully customised tote bags, DayTech Gifts turns your vision into reality. Share your ideas, and our team will work with you to craft the perfect design. Get in touch today!