What Are the Different Types of Tote Bag Materials?

While the word "canvas" is derived from a Latin word that translates to "hemp," it's actually just layered cotton. Canvas tote bags are made from a thick material, so they can withstand a lot of wear and tear. They also stretch easily to accommodate bulkier items like books or canned foods.

Not only is cotton a natural resource, but it's also sustainable. As a result, cotton tote bags are much less damaging to make than other materials. Cotton also happens to be very soft and comfortable, making it a great choice if you need to carry the bag all day.

There's a reason why "jute" rhymes with "cute!" Jute tote bags are not only pretty, but they're also entirely made from plants. You'll often hear this eco-friendly material referred to as "The Golden Fiber" because of its attractive color.

Leather Tote Bags

Real leather is made from animal skin, namely cows, buffalos, goats, and even snakes and alligators. Leather tote bags, on the other hand, are made from faux leather derived from plastic treated with waxes or dyes. Fashionistas will love carrying these stylish totes.

You can think of linen as the dainty grandmother of the fabric world. It may not be as strong as cotton or as durable as canvas, but it's still very elegant and breathable. Linen is made from flax seed, so it's also just as eco-friendly as cotton or jute.

Does your mind immediately jump to women's stockings when you think of nylon? Well, it turns out this material is used to make a ton of items including umbrellas, toothbrush bristles, and of course, tote bags. Nylon is lightweight and flexible, which means it can stretch to fit any item.

Polyester is often blended with cotton, but it's just as durable on its own. Tote bags made from this popular material can hold bulkier items, and as a bonus, you can easily fold them down for storage.

In order to make polypropylene, factories need to melt down bits of plastic and string them together into sheets of fabric. It's worth the effort since polypropylene tote bags are water-resistant, easy to clean, and extremely flexible and sturdy.

Have you ever held a squishy stress ball in your hand? If so, you're familiar with a stretchy type of plastic known as polyurethane. This material is great for tote bags since it's affordable and easy to wipe clean.

Back in the 90s, PVC clothing was all the rage with pop stars like the Spice Girls, Britney Spears, and Shania Twain. Now clear tote bags made from PVC are commonly used to get through security checks at amusement parks, concerts, and airports.

Twill Tote Bags

Your dad's pants might be made from twill, but it's also commonly used to make tote bags. This fabric is a heavyweight champion since it's known for its durability and strength. You can put just about anything inside of twill tote bags without worrying about them tearing apart.

Grocery Shopping

Whether you're getting watermelons for a picnic or canned veggies for the apocalypse, you can hold it all in reusable grocery bags. You should have a few at home since these are a lot better for the environment than plastic or paper bags.

Beach Trips

You have to pack a lot for a trip to the beach – snacks, beach toys, a good book, and heavy bottles of sunscreen. For that reason, a durable beach tote should be your new best friend! Bring it along every time you enjoy a day by the ocean.

Diapers & Baby Items

Babies are cute, but they can also be a handful! If you're a parent, you should carry diapers, toys, onesies, and wipes in a zippered tote bag. It can handle a lot more weight than a purse or fanny pack.

Gyms & Fitness Centers

Do you want to make it easier to squeeze exercise into your day? Pack a gym tote bag the night before with all your essentials – water bottle, sweat towel, change of clothes, and running shoes. Now all you have to do is grab the bag and go!

Laundry

It's time to tackle that dirty pile of clothes! Store it all in a laundry tote bag, so you can easily haul it to the nearest laundromat. This is much easier to carry than a hamper or basket, especially for those living in apartments or college dorms.

Books & School Supplies

Your old backpack is an MVP, but it's time for it to retire. Pack your books, pens, binders, and other school supplies in a durable tote bag instead. Maybe you'll start a new trend on your campus! Libraries can also hand out promotional tote bags at book fairs and annual sales.

Fashion Accessories

Some tote bags are stylish enough to be on the runway! If you have one that just needs to be shown off, use it instead of your purse. You'll love having more room for everything you need for a busy day.

Road Trips

Who wants to lug around a heavy suitcase on a short road trip? Leave it at home, and bring along a roomy tote bag instead. You'll have enough space for whatever you need for a weekend getaway.

Gifts

Instead of gift bags, you should put holiday or birthday gifts inside of cute tote bags. Are you handing out a bunch of gifts to your employees or students? You can order cheap tote bags in bulk and basically give everyone two gifts in one!

Wedding & Party Favors

Are you having a destination wedding? Bring welcome tote bags to the hotel so the concierge can hand one to every guest. You can also put them together for other wedding events like bachelorette parties and bridal showers. And don't forget to make one for the baby shower that's happening later!

Trade Show Giveaways

A trade show visitor will see 100+ booths and displays at the average convention hall. Since almost every table has swag and other promotional materials, they'll need a way to carry everything throughout the expo. Be sure to hand out custom tote bags at registration.

Fundraisers

If you're having a fundraiser, your visitors will appreciate a goodie bag at the entrance. Tailor the gifts inside to your event, such as plastic water bottles for 5Ks, wireless headphones for benefit concerts, or ceramic coffee mugs for breakfast banquets.