How to Pick the Best Fabric for Tote Bags

What’s the best fabric for a tote bag?

If you’re in the market for a new one, you’re probably asking this, as the materials used each offer something different in regards to durability, weather resistance, and customization ease.

This blog will answer this question and offer deeper insight into the fabrics used in tote bags. Let’s get started!

 

Types of Fabrics Used in Tote Bags

 

There are six types of fabrics commonly used in tote bags: canvas, cotton, denim, jute, leather, and nylon.

Understanding the differences between these fabrics, including their benefits, can help inform your buying decision:

 

Canvas

 

Of all the fabrics listed here, canvas is the most commonly used in the creation of tote bags, including those with customization.

Canvas is usually made from a cotton-linen blend woven together, making it not only sturdy and durable, but biodegradable, as well. 

In addition to the weaving pattern, the materials used in canvas tote bags are often both water and tear-resistant, which adds to their durability.

 In fact, a good quality canvas tote will last you years, making them the ultimate investment for both work and leisure!

 

Cotton

 

While totes can be made from a cotton blend, they’re also available in a higher percentage.

Cotton tote bags offer a ton of benefits, including softer fabric, machine washable, and incredibly easy to print on.

So if you’re looking for custom tote bags with your name, logo, or favorite image on them, cotton is an excellent option. 

There are some drawbacks to cotton tote bags, however, and that is that they’re not as durable as denim, canvas, or jute.

Furthermore, they can shrink if put in the dryer.

Still, these totes offer many great advantages that make them suitable for either promotional swag or visiting your local farmer’s market on the weekend.

 

Denim

 

When considering the best fabric for tote bags, denim probably doesn’t spring to mind immediately.

However, it’s incredibly durable and stylish!

As of late, a lot of crafters and DIY gurus are choosing to repurpose their old jeans and turn them into reusable tote bags.

This makes them much more sustainable! 

 

Like canvas, denim’s thick weaving process makes it incredibly durable and resistant to most wear and tear.

These types of totes are recommended for carrying heavier items like books and laptops, but you can also use them for grocery shopping and crafts.

 

Jute

 

Jute is such an interesting fabric. Between its golden hue and woven pattern, these bags are shiny and strong. Plus, they always make a statement (did you know they can even be infused with glitter?

Much like denim, these kinds of bags are designed to be durable while also providing a stylish flare.

They’re also environmentally friendly since they’re 100% biodegradable.

 So if sustainability is important to you, jute tote bags are definitely the way to go!

 

Jute tote bags are best for carrying your electronics and any other big, bulky items you might want or need to carry with you during the day.

The only downside to using jute as a tote bag fabric is that it’s not washable, but a good spot clean will do the trick!

 

Leather

 

Like denim, leather probably doesn’t immediately spring to mind when thinking about a tote bag, but it exists and can be quite the statement piece!

Like leather purses, leather totes are aimed at being stylish more than they are functional.

For example, if they get wet, leather tote bags could crack, making them less useful and eye-grabbing.

 

Out of all the fabrics on this list, leather totes will be the most expensive but considering the long-lasting durability, it may be worth the investment if you plan on using it regularly.

 

Nylon

 

Last but not least we have nylon, which is a synthetic material.

And since it’s made from plastic, they’re usually not the best fabric for those looking to make the switch to tote bags as a way to be more eco-friendly.

Despite this, nylon tote bags are lightweight, easy to clean, and versatile, making them suitable for day and night use. 

If you have your heart set on nylon totes, don’t get discouraged because more and more of them are being made from 100% recycled materials!

 

What About Recycled Tote Bags?

 

That last entry brings up another great point: What about recycled tote bags?

Do they exist? 

The answer is yes and what an amazing option they are, too!

 

Recycled tote bags are made from leftover fabric, which means they can be made of any of the materials mentioned here.

Durability and versatility aside, recycled tote bags are also just as easy to customize, are affordable, and are a great eco-friendly option for anyone looking to make the switch to a more sustainable lifestyle. 

 

While it may vary, many recycled tote bags use less water and give off way fewer emissions compared to totes straight from the manufacturer.

This is one of the main selling points customers love about recycled tote bags.

 

Which Fabric Should You Choose for Your Tote Bag?

 

To answer this question, you have to reflect on what you plan on using your tote bag for.

 

Do you plan on using it as a replacement for a traditional crossbody bag or purse?

If so, then investing in some quality leather is a great option.

Do you want to give them out as party favors or promotional swag?

Cotton tote bags would be recommended, as they are often the most affordable (especially if you buy in bulk). 

 

If you’re looking for durability, canvas tote bags and jute tote bags are two wonderful options due to their strong weaving patterns and resistance to wear and tear.

These two qualities make both jute and canvas tote bags perfect for traveling on a plane, riding the subway to work, going grocery shopping, visiting a local farmer’s market, or carrying holiday gifts to your sibling’s house. 

 

And speaking of gifts, customizing tote bags is easy. Just pick a color, a phrase, or an image to add to the front and back to make it your own.

That’s the cool thing about tote bags — regardless of which fabric you choose, there are still plenty of ways to make them your own. 

 

At the end of the day, the best fabric for tote bags are the ones that reflect your needs, budget, and personal style.

At TotePrint, we can bring your vision to life. Browse our inventory to see what’s possible.