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By Aisha 6 Min Read

Custom Tote Bags Compared [We Tested 7 Best-Selling Styles]

We get asked this all the time: “Which tote bag should I pick for custom printing?


With so many styles out there—canvas, cotton, recycled, thick handles, thin fabric—it’s easy to get stuck. So, we did what we do best: we printed on them. We took 7 of our best-selling custom tote bags, used the same designs, ran them through our printing process, and tested them for real-world use—think events, retail setups, office swag, and daily carry.

 

Some bags handled it perfectly. Some surprised us. And a couple just didn’t hold up.

 

Whether you’re printing totes for your brand, a promo run, or resale, this breakdown will help you choose the right style—based on print quality, fabric feel, durability, and overall finish.

What We Looked For

When comparing these tote bags, we focused on the details that actually matter once the print hits the fabric—and once the bag ends up in someone’s hands. Here’s what we paid attention to:

 

Material Quality: How the fabric feels, holds weight, and responds to printing or embroidery.

 

Print Surface: Whether it takes ink or thread cleanly without bleeding, warping, or puckering.

 

Durability: Stitching, strap strength, and how well it holds up with real use.

 

Look & Finish: How polished the bag feels overall—good enough to resell or represent your brand.

 

Cost-to-Quality Ratio: Which bags give you the most value at different price points.

 

These aren’t just factory specs—we’ve printed on thousands of bags. This comparison is based on how they perform in a real production environment, using our actual processes.

Here’s How the 7 Tote Bags Stack Up

Q-Tees 18.6L Canvas-Zipper Tote Q1300

★ 5.0 / 5

 

Starting at: $6.35

 

Best For: Premium gifts, resale, travel-ready branded merch

 

Why it ranked #1:

 

This tote has everything—thick canvas, a zip closure, a structured shape, and extra storage. The print went on clean, bold, and stayed sharp even on the front pocket. The zipper didn’t interfere with press alignment, and the fabric had zero shift or pucker under heat. It feels high-end in the hand, and with 18.6L of space, it’s genuinely practical.

 

What we noticed:

  • Super clean ink absorption
  • No distortion around seams or closures
  • Holds shape when filled—great for heavier use

 

Use it for: Branded resale items, corporate kits, or VIP giveaways where presentation matters.

★ 4.7 / 5


Starting at: $2.87
 

Best For: Everyday use, schools, nonprofits, merch with color coordination

 

Why it stood out:


This tote hits the perfect middle ground between printability and wearability. The longer 21" handles are comfortable over the shoulder, even when full. The canvas is strong, held ink beautifully, and the color handles let clients match brand colors more intentionally.

 

What we noticed:

  • Handles don’t twist or collapse under weight
  • Smooth surface for both bold and fine print areas
  • Feels solid in the hand without feeling stiff

 

Use it for: Anything from branded merch to practical swag bags.

Q-Tees Canvas Tri Color Tote Bag Q125900

★ 4.6 / 5


Starting at: $3.84


Best For: Boutique branding, stylish merch, creative campaigns

 

Why it's unique:


The color-blocked base design makes this feel like a retail item, not a promo product. It handled printing beautifully—no ink bleeding, no stretching—and really elevated the artwork. It’s still 12 oz. canvas, but the design makes it look custom even before branding.

 

What we noticed:

  • High-contrast colors make logos pop
  • Maintains sharp lines on color edges
  • The structure holds up well after curing

 

Use it for: Branded gift bags, upsell merch, or design-driven drops.

OAD 12-oz. Tote Bag. OAD106

★ 4.5 / 5


Starting at: $3.41


Best For: Daily errands, farmers markets, general resale

 

Why it worked:


That 3" gusset adds real volume. It's one of the most "usable" totes in the lineup for daily life. It held ink consistently across the full panel, and didn't lose structure even under multiple passes of ink. Easy to print, easy to carry, super versatile.

 

What we noticed:

  • Excellent ink coverage over large areas
  • Reinforced seams make it feel more premium
  • Doesn’t lose shape when folded

 

Use it for: Mid-range merch lines or sustainable grocery bags with branding.

TBF Economical-Canvas Promotional Tote. TB200

★ 4.4 / 5


Starting at: $$2.76


Best For: Trade shows, corporate swag, bulk orders with durability

 

Why it performed well:


You get 12 oz. canvas at a price that usually comes with thinner builds. That alone makes this bag a win. It held up well on press, took full-color screen work without distortion, and has classic proportions that suit almost any brand or event.

 

What we noticed:

  • Zero bleed-through on the back
  • Consistent tension across the full print area
  • Stands up to bulk packaging without wrinkling

 

Use it for: Promotional campaigns where durability matters just as much as cost.

OAD Contrasting-Handles Tote. OAD105

★ 4.2 / 5


Starting at: $2.75


Best For: Bold branding with a budget in mind

 

Why we liked it:


It has the same core as the basic cotton tote—but that splash of color makes it feel intentional. Perfect when you need a cost-effective tote that still stands out. It held ink cleanly and worked great for single-color designs.

 

What we noticed:

  • Eye-catching contrast handles attract attention
  • Consistent surface tension for clean single-color prints
  • Great option for limited-budget clients who still want pop

 

Use it for: Event giveaways, welcome kits, and student merch.

TBF 100% Economical Cotton Tote-Bag. TB 100

★ 4.0 / 5


Starting at: $2.49


Best For: High-volume promo, one-time use, event giveaways

 

Why it’s still a solid pick:


Despite being the most lightweight of the bunch, it still surprised us. For single-color screen prints, it took ink well and cured evenly. It’s slim, packs flat, and perfect when your client needs a few hundred—or a few thousand—bags on a tight budget.

 

What we noticed:

  • Holds light prints surprisingly well
  • No noticeable shrinkage post-curing
  • Best suited for simple logos or text-based designs

 

Use it for: Festivals, conferences, flyers + swag drops.

So, Which Tote Bag Should You Choose?

Choosing the right tote depends on your budget, branding goals, and how the bag will be used. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:

 

On a tight budget or ordering in bulk?
Go with the 100% Economical Cotton Tote or the Contrasting Handles Tote. They're simple, clean, and effective for events, giveaways, or high-quantity orders.

 

Need durability at a good price point?
The Economical Canvas Promotional Tote offers heavy-duty canvas feel without the premium price. Great for merch drops or long-term use.

 

Looking for everyday functionality?
Go with the 12 oz. Tote Bag or the 11L Tote with Color Handles. Both offer excellent space, comfort, and structure.

 

Want your tote to look premium?
The Canvas Tri-Color Tote instantly adds visual value—even before printing.

 

Need the best of the best?
The 18.6L Canvas Zipper Tote is your go-to. It’s secure, stylish, and built for real-world function.

Need Help Choosing or Want to See a Sample?

We’ve printed on all of these and know how they behave with different artwork. Whether you need help prepping a design, deciding between embroidery or screen print, or just want to feel the material—we’re here for it.

 

Reach out for a quick quote or ask us to mock up your design on any of these bags.

 

Design Your Own Custom Tote Bags or Get a Free Quote in 5 Minutes! 



Tags:  #SCREEN PRINTING  -  #DTG PRINTING - #EMBROIDERY 

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