A canvas tote suits brands and shops that want an everyday branded bag, a printed tote suits ranges where the artwork is the product, a zip tote suits buyers who carry valuables, and a drawstring bag suits gym kits, merchandise packs and event giveaways. Pick by how the bag will be used, then choose the fabric and size around that.
This tote bag styles guide goes through our four styles in turn, with the buyers each one suits and the choices you make within it.
The four styles side by side
| Style | Fabric options | Main use | Typical buyers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canvas tote | Cotton canvas or jute-cotton | Shopping, everyday carry, store bags | Clothing brands, retailers |
| Printed tote | Cotton canvas or jute-cotton | Design-led bags sold as products | Brands, gift shops, merchandise sellers |
| Zip tote | Cotton canvas or jute-cotton | Daily carry with a closed top | Brands, corporate buyers |
| Drawstring bag | Cotton canvas | Kits, packs, giveaways | Event and corporate buyers, gyms |
Bag width, height, gusset and handle length are agreed for each style and confirmed at quotation.
Canvas tote
The canvas tote is the plain, sturdy everyday bag. Its value comes from the fabric and the build, with branding that is often simple: a logo, a store name or a small embroidered mark.
Who it suits:
- clothing brands that use a tote as their shopping bag or sell it as an add-on;
- retailers who want a reusable bag printed with the store logo;
- brands that want a quiet, well-made bag with a woven label.
Choices within the style: a flat build is simple and light; a bottom gusset adds depth for boxes and books. Heavier cotton canvas stands up on its own and feels sturdy; lighter canvas folds small. Jute-cotton gives a textured, natural look for gift and display use.
Printed tote
A printed tote uses the same build, but the artwork leads. The print may be an illustration, a slogan, a pattern or a seasonal design, and the bag is bought for it.
Who it suits:
- fashion and lifestyle brands releasing designs in small runs;
- gift shops and museum or venue shops selling designs tied to a place or theme;
- merchandise sellers for creators, bands or events with original artwork.
Choices within the style: screen print on one or both sides for bold artwork; heat transfer for more colours or finer detail. Cotton canvas gives a crisp print. On jute-cotton, prints look slightly rustic because of the textured weave, so bold artwork suits it.
Plan the print area with the bag size, since a larger bag allows a larger print.
Zip tote
A zip tote closes at the top, which keeps contents in and makes the bag suit daily carry, travel and work use. An inner pocket or a lining can be added.
Who it suits:
- brands selling a more finished bag at a higher shelf position than a basic tote;
- corporate buyers looking for a staff or customer gift that will be used every day;
- buyers who carry laptops, notebooks or valuables and want them covered.
Choices within the style: the inner pocket size and position, whether to line the bag, handle length for shoulder or hand carry, and fabric weight. A zip tote has more parts, so check the zip, pocket and lining carefully on the sample.
Drawstring bag
A drawstring bag closes with cords that pull the top shut and often double as shoulder straps. We make it in cotton canvas.
Who it suits:
- event organisers packing conference kits or race-day packs;
- corporate buyers putting together staff welcome kits;
- gyms, sports academies and clubs, for kit and shoe bags;
- brands using a branded bag as packaging for a product or gift set.
Choices within the style: bag size, colour, and print or embroidery placement on one or both sides. Drawstring bags are light and fold small, which makes them practical for giveaways in larger numbers.
Choosing a style
If you are unsure, work through these questions:
- Is the bag sold, given away or used as packaging? Sold points to canvas, printed or zip; given away or packaging often points to drawstring or a lighter canvas tote.
- Does the artwork sell the bag? Choose a printed tote.
- Do the contents need to stay closed in? Choose a zip tote.
- What will it carry? Books and boxes suit a gusset; gym kit suits a drawstring.
The minimum is 50 pieces per style, so you can test a second style without a large commitment. If you plan to sell the bags, our post on selling tote bags online and in shops covers colours, prints and reorders.
To compare the styles in detail, visit our white label tote bags page. Then send us the style, fabric, size, colours, quantity and artwork, and we will prepare a quotation.