Everything you need to know about custom printed bags—from why they are important, to the most sought after tote, product customisation options, and more!
Introduction
Custom printed tote bags are the perfect way to add a splash of fun and sustainability to your next event, employee appreciation, or brand activation! From team gifts to event giveaways, these bags are more than just stylish accessories. They’re statement pieces that put your brand in people’s hands, everywhere they go.
Tote bags do double duty. They’re practical and versatile for everyday tasks, and they become moving billboards for your brand. Plus, choosing reusable totes is a smart move for the environment. Every time someone grabs a tote instead of a plastic bag, it’s one less single-use item heading for landfill. Reusable, washable, and made to last, they’re a simple swap with lasting impact.
There are endless ways to make your totes stand out. Choose from canvas, lightweight styles, organic cotton, or USA-made options, in all sorts of colours and shapes. Add your logo or design via custom printing or embroidery for a truly unique result that turns heads and sparks conversations.
Read on to discover why we love custom totes, how they’re used, their marketing impact, and our most popular tote bag picks here at Tees Please.
Why choose custom printed tote bags
At Tees Please, we’re passionate about sustainability and creative branding. That’s why tote bags are our top pick for eco-conscious swag. Their reusability and longevity mean they deliver unbeatable value, all while promoting your message with every trip to the shops, gym, or market.
Want to reduce plastic waste and give your brand high visibility? Totes do both!
Who uses them
Tote bags work for every audience. Eco-minded shoppers, style-savvy trendsetters, and anyone who loves a little function with their flair will put yours to good use. They make perfect welcome gifts for new starters, handy goodies for large teams, and are a surprise hit with “bag people” (we all know one!).
Printed Tote Bag Marketing Impressions
Don’t underestimate the silent advertising power of a tote bag! Research from the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI) shows custom bags get roughly 3,300 impressions a year—that’s thousands of extra eyes on your logo or message. Most people keep their tote for about 11 months, and when they’re done, over half are passed on to someone else, keeping your brand on the move and out of landfill.
Here’s a quick look at value: say you order 100 tote bags at around $6.50 each (including shipping). With an estimated 275 monthly impressions per bag, you’re paying just 2 cents for each set of eyes on your brand. That’s unbeatable ROI compared to most offline advertising.
Tote bags make a lasting impression, and ASI notes that 85% of recipients remember the advertiser who gave them branded gear. Your totes can do more than look good; they can make people feel something, too. The design, quality, and message you choose are a reflection of your brand values.
Tote bag uses
Here’s a fun list of a few ways we’ve seen our customers use custom tote bags to bring their brand into the world while saving the world 🌎
- ✅ For a quick trip to the grocery store
- ✅ A carry all for farmers market finds on the weekend
- ✅ A gym bag …ya know, for gym clothes & quick changes
- ✅ Takeout (We’re serious about this and can prove it. We know a company that uses totes as takeout bags 🌮🌮🌮 Truly inspiring!)
- ✅ Everyday routines
- ✅ A wine carrier for BYOB restaurants
- ✅ Marketing campaigns — get that message out there!
- ✅ As a creative alternative to wrapping paper
- ✅ Trade shows (to haul around all the freebies)
- ✅ To carry work shoes (we’re looking at you, Sydney friends 😜)
No matter your group or goal, there’s a tote that fits.
Tote Bag Product Options
Tote bags come in a variety of shapes, styles, colours, and types. We have hundreds of customisable options to choose from, but we’ve narrowed it down to the top 3 popular tote bags used at Tees Please.
Popular customisable totes
1. The AS Colour Carrie Tote Bag
- 11 colours (check out that pink!)
- Heavy weight, 320 GSM, 100% cotton canvas
- Height 42 cm x Width 42 cm
- Featuring reinforced shoulder straps and one large main compartment
- Print Margin: The max print size is 34cm” x 38cm” (4cm from the left and right, 2cm from the top and bottom)
The AS Colour Carrie is our go-to recommendation when it comes to custom totes, create yours now to see why or order a sample today.
2. Earth Positive Fashion Tote Bag
- 20+ awesome colours
- 100% organic cotton
- Perfect 170 GSM classic tote!
- 36cm Wide x 40cm Height
- Print Margin: The max print size is 28cm x 36cm (4cm from the left and right, 2cm from the top and bottom)
Align your brand with eco-friendly values using this durable and sustainable tote.
3. The Daily Tote Bag
- 12 colours
- Material: 12oz Cotton (405gsm)
- Size: 38 x 40cm
- Internal Pocket: 20cm x 14cm
- Print Margin: The max print size is 34cm x 36cm (2cm from the left and right, 2cm from the top and bottom)
The Daily Tote is made from a heavier weight cotton canvas. Suitable for all your everyday items and includes an internal pocket.
Personalise your totes your way
Turn a blank canvas into something unforgettable! Choose classic screen printing for bold, vibrant graphics or keep it refined with custom embroidery for extra texture and depth. We use top-grade inks and threads to make your design shine on any colour or fabric. Light or dark bags, simple or detailed designs—we’ll help you pick the best technique for your vision.
Pro tip: For clarity and maximum impact, use fewer colours and focus on bold designs. Both sides of your bag can carry your message for double the branding power!
Printed Tote Bags
When it comes to screen printing on tote bags, the process is very similar to printing on t-shirts. We use premium inks like Supersoft and Bold to ensure your design stands out beautifully. The final result is influenced by the fabric of the bag, just as it is with custom shirts. For lighter-coloured bags, we typically recommend our Supersoft ink for a smooth, vibrant finish, while our Bold ink is ideal for darker-coloured bags to achieve rich and striking designs. Our experienced team is always available to help you choose the perfect ink and approach for your specific bag and design, ensuring high-quality results every time.
We recommend using fewer colours for a clean, simple design. Both sides of your tote are fully customisable, and most of our print services work perfectly on this type of fabric.
Embroidered Tote Bags
If you want a unique tactile finish, embroidery is the answer. Choose from:
- Standard embroidery for classic, flat stitching
- Metallic thread for an eye-catching accent
- Puff embroidery for a raised, 3D effect
Our team can guide you to the best option for your artwork and bag material.
Start designing today
Are you ready to create a custom tote bag that’s both stylish and functional, with a long-lasting and practical design your customers and employees will adore? Upload your design using our easy-to-navigate product builder, and select from a wide range of tote options available on our site. If you’re looking for something unique or don’t see exactly what you need, our friendly and experienced team is here to help you explore additional options and find the perfect product to match your vision. Contact us today to get started on your custom tote bag project that’s sure to leave a lasting impression!
Dream big. Design local. Carry your brand forward with custom printed tote bags.
