Right, let’s talk tote bags, shall we?
Whether you consciously or subconsciously are aware, these everyday bags carry more weight in branding and style than most give them credit for.
They’re literally a walking billboard for branding as well as a low-key fashion statement.
In this article, I’ll highlight a few cool tote bag designs that I think stand out, as well as discuss the potential they have in your marketing efforts.
Let’s waste no more time and get right into it.
The Different Types of Tote Bag Fabrics
Tote bags come in more shapes and sizes than you can poke a stick at, as well as fabrics. Here are the big three when it comes to holding your stuff (and potentially your brand’s future).
- Cotton
Soft, washable, and sustainable. Cotton totes suit the environmentally conscious consumer who frequents farmers’ markets, Coles, or Woolies. They also likely enjoy a sunny day at the beach.
They’re an organic fit for businesses like organic grocery stores, independent bookstores, or eco-centric initiatives that echo the lifestyle and ethos of customers who prioritise planet-friendly choices.
- Canvas
Want a forever bag? Canvas might be the go. It’ll take a beating and look awesome while doing it. They’re very cost-effective and a good choice for long-term advertising plays.
You and I like canvas tote bags because they are reusable, durable, and eco-friendly alternatives to plastic bags.
- PVC
I call PVC tote bags the Swiss army knife of totes. They can do it all. They’re tough, water resistant, and will last you ages.
They’re seen as more of a premium bag compared to traditional cotton or canvas bags, which makes them a great choice for brands looking to position themselves as upscale or cutting-edge.
10 Cool Tote Bag Design Ideas
Recycled Tote Bags With Zippered Pocket
This recycled tote is great for an eco-conscious but still fashionable accessory for your corporate gifting or promotional needs.
This particular one comes with a zippered pocket and is available in a stack of colours.
They’re a generous size at 45cm (w) x 42cm (h), and are made from 50% post-consumer recycled 600 denier polyester.
Long Handle Shopping Calico Bags
Ah, the classic shopping tote that everyone is no doubt familiar with. These are made from sturdy 140gsm cotton, so they feel good, last a long time, and are good for the planet, too.
For marketing purposes, they’re a blank canvas. Screen print your logo on these for a bold look, or go for a digital transfer if your branding/logo has lots of colours.
These totes are big/strong enough to carry a decent load while still looking neat slung over your shoulder.
You can check more of them out here.
Edge To Edge Printed Cotton
These bags are a great promotional product for businesses looking to enhance their promotional efforts.
With the option to print your logo in full colour from edge to edge, these bags are pretty much a walking billboard.
The handles and stitching are available in 16 colours and can be matched to your corporate theme, adding a nice touch of personalisation.
Use these for distributing goodies at events or as corporate giveaways.
Juco Jute Bags
A step up from the average tote is the Juco. A chic and eco-friendly option for businesses who want to make a good impression with their customers.
These are made from a blend of natural jute (plant fibres) and cotton. These also have a strong jute base, heaps of carrying capacity, and padded cotton grips for added comfort.
As for branding, these bags allow for a detailed screen print or a striking full-colour digital print.
They’re for businesses that value sustainability and are perfect for corporate events, trade shows, or as thoughtful gifts for clients.
Promotional Cooler Bags
These bad boys are a fantastic marketing tool as they’re perfectly aligned with the Aussie way of life that can’t seem to get enough of beach days and the simple pleasure of enjoying a cold one outdoors.
With a generous 15L capacity, insulated with aluminium foil laminated PE foam, they’ll manage to keep drinks icy cold while your clients soak up the sun.
For businesses, the ample branding area offers a canvas for a range of printing methods.
It’s a smart/trendy product that taps into the heart of Australian culture, offering practical value and brand visibility in one neat, trendy package.
Transparent PVC Tote Bags
Transparent PVC tote bags are an exceptional marketing opportunity for Australian businesses, particularly valuable in today’s heightened security environment.
These 25C clear PVC totes are perfect for sports events, concerts, and races. They allow attendees to comply with regulations while keeping your brand visibly in the hands of consumers.
- Very practical
- Great for branding
Wine Promotional Shopping Bags
A wine tote bag is a cap sav-vy (see what I did there) choice for businesses looking to expand their marketing strategy with a touch of class.
Made from durable 80gsm PET, these totes are designed to carry a bottle of wine. They are perfect for corporate gifts, upscale promotional events, or as a takeaway at wine tastings and food festivals.
The option to brand the tote in spot colours or full-colour on both sides at no extra cost is a huge plus, offering high-visibility branding without breaking the bank.
Osprey Daylite Tote Branded Backpacks
An Osprey Daylite tote-branded backpack is a unique marketing asset/partnership for businesses aiming to capture the outdoor market.
Osprey’s reputation for quality outdoor gear would allow businesses to target a growing niche yet remain eco-conscious.
Backpacks are a staple for outdoor activities, and so a branded backpack would get maximum exposure in a ton of settings.
Bali Logo Tote Bags
The extra-large beach tote bag is a superb choice for businesses like surf brands, coastal apparel shops, and outdoor lifestyle companies looking to make waves in their marketing.
This bag comes complete with a base gusset for additional space and a secure top zip closure.
The long woven cotton-rope handles and the prominent branding area mean your brand shouldn’t go unnoticed.
Gaia Logo Jute Bags
This large, on-trend tote bag combines natural jute with unbleached 280gsm cotton canvas and offers a great marketing opportunity for businesses aiming to reach an audience appreciative of organic aesthetics and eco-friendly materials. It’s perfect for boutique retail stores, organic markets, or any brand with a natural or sustainable ethos.
Customisation Options for Branding
When it comes to customising your tote bags, you’ve got a heap of options.
First off, you can choose from a range of different tote bag styles, sizes, and colours to perfectly match your brand or event theme.
Then, decide if you’d like screen printing, embroidery, or full-colour printing. Screen printing is your best bet for bulk orders and simplicity, digital printing shines for detailed graphics, and embroidery adds a touch of class for a premium feel.
Finally, you can look to add pockets, zippers, or even adjustable straps for extra functionality and style.
Final Thoughts
With a bunch of different styles to choose from, there’s really something for everyone.
Have a think about who your target market is and what they would value in a bag.
You’d be surprised just how good a promotional tote bag can be in making a bold impact on any company.
