Custom Tote Bags

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A sturdy tote is carried in public, at full size, for years. No other promotional item puts your logo in front of that many strangers for that long.

That only applies to a good bag. A flimsy tote splits on the second shop and goes in the bin — and the whole difference is one number on the spec sheet that most buyers never check.

Types of custom tote bags

Cotton canvas

The classic. Natural, washable, biodegradable and prints beautifully. Heavier weights are genuinely hard-wearing.

Best for: Retail, markets, premium giveaways

Organic cotton

Same material with certified growing standards. Costs 20–40% more and is worth it if sustainability is part of your message.

Best for: Eco-led brands

Recycled rPET

Made from post-consumer plastic. Light, strong and quick-drying, though it feels synthetic.

Best for: Conferences, sustainability messaging

Non-woven

The cheap reusable supermarket bag. Very low cost, but it looks disposable and tends to be treated that way.

Best for: High-volume, low-budget handouts

Jute

Coarse and rustic with real strength. Print detail is limited by the rough weave.

Best for: Food brands, farm shops, gifting

Fabric weight decides whether it survives

Pull hard on the handle join of any sample. The seam where the handle meets the bag is the most common failure point and tells you more about build quality than the fabric does.

Specifications to check before ordering

Fabric weight	3–5 oz paper only; 6–8 oz practical minimum; 10–12 oz the sweet spot; 14–16 oz heavy duty
Sizes	13x15 in flat for documents; 15x16x3 in general purpose; 16x16x6 in for a full grocery load
Gusset	A 3–6 in base panel lets the bag stand up and roughly doubles usable capacity for very little extra cost
Handles	28–30 in total goes over a shoulder; wider webbing spreads load; look for handles stitched down the full side panel
Printing	Screen print for canvas; heat transfer for full colour; embroidery for a premium small logo
Typical budget	$1.70–$2.90 light cotton, $3.60–$5.80 10 oz canvas at 250 units

Ready to order?

DiscountMugs carries the full custom tote bags range with no-minimum options on many lines.

See Custom Tote Bags prices

Buying tips

Do not go below 6 oz for a bag you want people to keep. A 10 oz bag costs around 80c more and lasts roughly ten times longer.
Pull hard on the handle join of any sample. That seam is the most common failure point and tells you more than the fabric does.
Specify a gusset. It costs very little and turns a flat envelope into a bag that stands up and holds a shop.
Go smaller than feels right on the logo. A modest mark gets carried; a giant logo across the panel does not.
Natural unbleached canvas with a one-colour screen print looks best for the least money, and photographs well if people share it.

Frequently asked questions

What weight canvas should a custom tote bag be?

Cotton weight is quoted in ounces per square yard and it decides everything. Below 6 oz the bag is thin and short-lived. 10 to 12 oz is the sweet spot — stiff enough to stand up, strong enough for groceries, and it lasts years. 14 to 16 oz is heavy duty and suits retail or premium gifting.

What is a gusset on a tote bag?

A gusset is the depth panel sewn into the base and sides of the bag. Without one the tote is flat and awkward when loaded. A 3 to 6 inch gusset lets the bag stand on its own and roughly doubles its usable capacity, usually for only a small addition to the unit price.

How much do custom tote bags cost?

At 250 units with a one-colour print, expect roughly $1.70–$2.90 for a light 5 oz cotton bag and $3.60–$5.80 for a 10 oz canvas bag with a gusset. Add a setup charge of about $40–$70, plus extra for additional colours or a second-side print.

Which printing method is best for tote bags?

Screen printing is the standard for canvas — thick, opaque, durable and cheap at volume, best with one to three solid colours. Heat transfer handles full-colour photographic artwork with no minimum. Embroidery suits a small logo on heavyweight canvas where a premium finish matters.

Related guides

Custom Tote Bags: Fabric Weight, Handles and Sizing