When it comes to creating the perfect custom tote bag, choosing the right material is just as important as selecting the design or logo. Different fabrics affect not only the look and feel of your tote bag but also its durability, environmental impact, and how well it handles custom printing.
In this guide, we’ll break down the top 7 tote bag materials used in the industry, outlining the pros and cons of each to help you make an informed decision—whether you’re a business owner planning a marketing campaign or a designer building a private-label product.
🛍️ Cotton – The Most Popular and Eco-Friendly Choice
Cotton is a natural fiber that is soft, lightweight, and breathable. It is one of the most widely used materials in the tote bag custom market due to its printability and eco-friendliness.
✅ Pros:
- 100% natural and biodegradable
- Ideal for screen printing and heat transfer
- Affordable for bulk orders
- Lightweight yet durable
- Reusable and washable
❌ Cons:
- Not as structured as canvas
- Susceptible to shrinking if not pre-treated
- May wrinkle easily
💼 Canvas – Strong and Stylish
Canvas is a heavy-duty cotton fabric often used for higher-end or premium custom tote bags. It has a structured form and holds heavier items better.
✅ Pros:
- Thick and durable—great for heavy use
- Premium look and feel
- Works well with embroidery and screen printing
- Washable and long-lasting
❌ Cons:
- Higher cost compared to cotton or non-woven
- Slightly heavier, which may increase shipping costs
- Limited color options compared to synthetics
💡 Perfect for luxury branding, gift bags, or employee welcome kits.
🌿 Jute – The Natural Rustic Material
Jute is a coarse natural fiber often associated with eco-conscious and rustic aesthetics. It’s ideal for brands emphasizing sustainability and organic values.
✅ Pros:
- 100% biodegradable and compostable
- Strong and sturdy for shopping and storage
- Distinct, earthy texture for natural appeal
- Complements minimalist designs well
❌ Cons:
- Rough surface—limits detailed printing
- Not suitable for small text or photo-quality prints
- Not machine-washable
📌 Ideal for farmer’s markets, gift packaging, and eco-retail.
♻️ Recycled Polyester (rPET) – Modern and Eco-Conscious
rPET is made from recycled plastic bottles. It offers a synthetic alternative that’s both functional and sustainable.
✅ Pros:
- Diverts plastic waste from landfills
- Water-resistant and durable
- Smooth surface for high-definition printing
- Lightweight and foldable
❌ Cons:
- May be less breathable than natural fibers
- Perceived as less “premium” in some markets
- Some customers may prefer natural materials
♻️ Great for tech companies, green startups, or modern promotional campaigns.
🧵 Non-Woven Polypropylene – Budget-Friendly Bulk Option
Non-woven polypropylene is a synthetic material known for its low cost and wide color availability. Commonly used for giveaways and event bags.
✅ Pros:
- Extremely affordable—great for mass production
- Wide range of vibrant colors
- Lightweight and water-resistant
- Easy to print logos and bold designs
❌ Cons:
- Not biodegradable
- Less durable for repeated use
- Often perceived as lower quality
🔄 Best used for trade shows, conferences, or short-term promotions.
☁️ Denim – Durable and Trendy
Denim tote bags are gaining popularity in the fashion and lifestyle industry. They offer a unique aesthetic and rugged texture.
✅ Pros:
- Stylish, urban look
- Long-lasting and tear-resistant
- Can handle embroidery and heat transfer
- Appeals to younger audiences
❌ Cons:
- Higher production cost
- Heavier than standard cotton
- Limited availability in wholesale markets
👖 Perfect for boutique brands, apparel lines, and creative studios.
🌧️ Nylon – Lightweight and Weather-Resistant
Nylon is a synthetic fabric commonly used in sports bags, gym totes, and outdoor settings. It’s extremely lightweight and water-resistant.
✅ Pros:
- Water-repellent—ideal for outdoor use
- Folds flat—great for travel and portability
- Can be printed with reflective or neon designs
- Durable in tough conditions
❌ Cons:
- Less eco-friendly
- Not as breathable as natural fabrics
- Can melt if exposed to high heat (printing method caution)
🏕️ Suitable for adventure brands, fitness centers, and sports campaigns.
Comparison Table: Tote Bag Material Breakdown
| Material | Eco-Friendly | Printability | Cost | Durability | Ideal Use Cases |
| Cotton | ✅✅✅ | ✅✅✅ | 💰 | ⭐⭐⭐ | Everyday use, eco-retail, brand promos |
| Canvas | ✅✅ | ✅✅✅ | 💰💰 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Gifts, luxury branding, corporate kits |
| Jute | ✅✅✅ | ✅ | 💰 | ⭐⭐⭐ | Rustic events, markets, green campaigns |
| rPET | ✅✅ | ✅✅✅ | 💰💰 | ⭐⭐⭐ | Tech brands, modern giveaways |
| Non-Woven PP | ❌ | ✅✅ | 💰 | ⭐⭐ | Bulk promotions, one-time events |
| Denim | ✅ | ✅✅ | 💰💰💰 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Fashion, retail, lifestyle brands |
| Nylon | ❌ | ✅✅ | 💰💰 | ⭐⭐⭐ | Travel, sports, outdoor usage |
How to Choose the Right Tote Bag Material for Your Brand
Choosing the right material is one of the most crucial steps in your tote bag custom project. While the design, color, and printing method matter, the material you select will directly impact how your tote is perceived, used, and valued by your customers or audience.
Here are 6 key considerations to help you choose the best material for your custom tote bags:
🎯 1. Understand Your Audience
Ask yourself: Who will use these tote bags?
- Eco-conscious shoppers will appreciate custom cotton tote bags, jute, or rPET options due to their biodegradable or recycled nature.
- Fashion-forward consumers may prefer structured materials like canvas or trendy options like denim.
- Corporate clients or professionals may expect premium finishes—canvas or embroidered fabrics offer a polished look.
- Trade show attendees may not reuse the bag often, making non-woven polypropylene a practical, budget-friendly choice.
✅ Tip: Align the material with your customers’ values and expectations to increase perceived brand quality.
💡 2. Define the Intended Use
What’s the primary purpose of the bag?
- For daily use (e.g., shopping, commuting), opt for durable and washable materials like canvas or cotton.
- For short-term campaigns or one-time events, non-woven or lightweight nylon will save on cost and weight.
- For gift packaging or employee welcome kits, a sturdy, stylish option like canvas or denim gives a better first impression.
- For outdoor or travel applications, nylon or rPET provides better weather resistance.
Think about weight, foldability, and whether the bag needs to carry heavy items.
🏷️ 3. Consider Print Compatibility
Not all materials are created equal when it comes to printing.
- Cotton and canvas are the most print-friendly options, supporting everything from screen printing to heat transfer and embroidery.
- Jute and denim have a coarse texture that may limit detailed artwork or small fonts.
- Nylon and polypropylene need careful handling, as high temperatures can damage them.
- If you plan to print full-color graphics or photo-quality images, rPET or canvas is ideal.
Need to print your logo in full color? Check out our guide to tote bag printing methods.
🌿 4. Prioritize Sustainability (If It Aligns With Your Brand)
Consumers are more environmentally conscious than ever before. Choosing a sustainable tote bag material helps convey your brand’s commitment to the planet.
- Custom cotton tote bags and jute are biodegradable and widely accepted as green materials.
- rPET (recycled polyester) is a modern solution to plastic waste, converting used bottles into functional products.
- Non-woven polypropylene and nylon, while affordable, may not align with sustainability goals.
💚 Highlighting your use of eco-friendly tote bag custom options can be a key differentiator in a competitive market.
Final Thoughts
Each material has its place in the world of custom tote bags. Whether you’re looking for eco-friendly tote bag custom options like cotton and jute, or want something bold and weather-proof like nylon or rPET, understanding the pros and cons will help you deliver better results for your brand.
If you’re ready to start your custom project, we’re here to help.