Start with the job the bag has to do
| Use | Good fit |
|---|---|
| Everyday carry and shopping | Medium canvas tote with long handles |
| Bread and pastry | Tall, narrower tote or a bread bag with a drawstring |
| Gift with a purchase | Lightweight cotton tote at a lower cost |
| Premium retail item | Heavy canvas with an inner pocket and a strong print |
Fabric and weight
- Light cotton is cheaper and good for short-use giveaways, but it wears faster.
- Mid-weight canvas is the all-rounder that holds a full shop and survives many washes.
- Heavy canvas feels premium and keeps its shape, which suits bags you sell.
Weight is usually given in grams per square metre (gsm). Heavier is sturdier, but also costs more and weighs more. Ask for the gsm of the fabric you are quoted so you can compare fairly.
Size and handles
- Standard size: around a classic shopper, large enough for a laptop or a few loaves.
- Handle length: long handles go over the shoulder, while short handles suit light gift bags. Long is more useful for everyday carry.
- Reinforced handles: stitched with a cross or box pattern for heavy loads.
- Gusset: a bottom fold gives space for boxes and bread.
Colour and print
Natural, off-white and black are timeless. A bolder colour gets noticed. For print, screen printing is ideal for one or two flat colours, while DTF handles illustration or photographic artwork. Keep the main design in the centre, slightly above the middle, and away from seams and handles. See our placement guide.
Make people want to carry it
- Design something worth wearing, not just a logo. A small illustration or a witty line gets used more.
- Make it big enough to be useful.
- Choose a colour that works with most outfits.
- Sell it or tie it to a purchase, since people value what they paid for.
A note on food and sustainability
Fabric totes are not food-safe packaging unless made and certified for it, so put loose food in its own wrap. And a reusable bag only helps the environment if it is reused many times, so a well-made bag that people carry for years is better than a cheap one used once.
Tell us how you will use the bag and how many you need. We will recommend a fabric and send a mockup.
Frequently asked questions
What size tote bag is best for a café?
A standard shopper size works for most uses. A taller, narrower tote suits bread and pastry, and a small drawstring pouch suits beans or gifts.
Is canvas better than cotton for a tote?
Canvas is usually sturdier and lasts longer, so it suits bags you sell or want guests to use for years. Light cotton is fine for short-use giveaways.
Can I print a full-colour design on a tote?
Yes. DTF or a similar method handles multicolour and detailed artwork, while screen printing is best for one or two flat colours.
Are tote bags food-safe?
Not automatically. Treat them as carry bags and wrap loose food separately unless the bag is specifically made and certified for food contact.
