Apparel & Ordering

Custom Tote Bags: Choose the Right Fabric, Size and Print

By Pressing Matters · October 17, 2026

A useful tote starts with what goes inside it. Choose the size, construction and carrying style first, then build a print that suits the bag.

A tote for a book fair has a different job from a folded giveaway tucked into a welcome kit. Before comparing colours or print sizes, picture the person carrying it and the items they need to fit. That simple exercise helps you avoid ordering an attractive bag that is awkward to use.

Start with the contents

Write down the largest item the bag must hold. For books, folders or product packaging, check actual dimensions against the bag’s usable opening and interior. A listed width and height do not tell you everything: the depth, seams and top closure also affect what fits.

A flat tote can work well for slim items and packs neatly before an event. A gusset adds depth at the base or sides, which may suit a bulkier collection. If the bag will carry several items together, test that combination in a sample rather than judging capacity from a photograph.

Compare construction as well as fabric weight

Fabric weight can help you compare materials, but it does not establish a bag’s load rating. Look at handle attachment, seam construction, lining, closure and the manufacturer’s intended use. A heavier fabric is not a substitute for checking the finished product.

Cotton canvas, lighter cotton and synthetic materials offer different textures and structures. Ask for the exact material composition and care instructions for the chosen model. Avoid assuming that every natural-coloured tote is the same cotton canvas or that every reusable bag can be machine washed.

Check how the handles will be used

Short handles may suit hand carrying; longer handles may make shoulder carrying easier. Check the model’s handle measurements and, where possible, try the bag over the clothing people will wear. A bag that feels comfortable over a T-shirt may sit differently over a winter coat.

For a large distribution, also consider storage and packing. Hundreds of structured bags can take up more space than flat totes. Confirm who will fill them, how they will travel and whether you need access to the printed area while packing.

Choose the bag before finalizing the artwork

The decoration area is usually smaller than the entire panel. Seams, pockets, handles and the bag’s construction can limit placement. Keep essential text comfortably inside the confirmed print area and review the design on the exact bag model.

A simple design with a few solid colours is worth discussing for screen printing. Detailed or full-colour artwork may call for a different approach, subject to the material and construction. Compare options using the actual artwork, quantity and number of printed sides. Our screen printing and DTF guide explains the main considerations.

Check contrast against the selected bag colour, especially for small lettering. A design that reads clearly on a white screen may lose definition on textured fabric. Our artwork preparation guide can help you get the files ready.

Compare the complete decorated order

Browse our tote bag collection to build a shortlist. Treat displayed blank-item pricing as one part of the project: decoration, printed sides, setup, delivery and applicable taxes need to be considered in the complete quote.

Confirm the exact style, colour, quantity, artwork and required in-hand date before committing. If you are deciding between two bags, ask for both to be quoted with the same decoration details so the comparison is useful.

A short checklist before ordering

• The intended contents fit through the opening and inside the bag.
• The material, handles, closure and care instructions suit the use.
• The artwork fits the confirmed decoration area.
• The proof identifies the correct bag colour and printed sides.
• The budget covers the finished order and distribution.