What makes a good branded tote bag

If you're planning to create branded tote bags for your business or event, you're probably asking some practical questions. What materials work best? What size should I choose? How can I ensure the print looks sharp and lasts? This guide covers the key decisions, drawing on what we've learned at Print Room from producing thousands of tote bags across Aotearoa.

What material and size should I choose for a tote bag?

Canvas and cotton are the most common choices. We offer 405 GSM and 475 GSM cotton canvas options, which are sturdy, hold their shape well and print cleanly with water-based inks. They're a step above lightweight supermarket-style bags and are made to last.

Our natural colourway is made from 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton.

We also design our tote bags to suit real-world use. Our most popular sizes are:

Everyday tote: fits a laptop, books or groceries.

Weekend tote: includes a gusset for extra volume, great for markets or retail.

Bottle tote: includes an internal pocket to hold a wine or water bottle upright.

All of our tote bags are designed to allow a maximum print area of 300mm x 300mm. These tote bag dimensions provide ample space for clear, well-positioned branding.

How do I print on a tote bag?

At Print Room, we offer three print methods depending on your design and order size:

• Screen printing: Best for bold, solid-colour designs. Pantone matched. Suitable for high volumes.

• Supacolour heat transfer: Great for full-colour designs, gradients or small runs. A hybrid of digital and water-based ink.

• Embroidery: Ideal for subtle logos and minimal designs. Premium finish that works well on thicker canvas.

What makes a tote bag worth keeping?

Tote bags are often given away, but the ones people keep are the ones that are well made, thoughtfully designed and genuinely useful. We design our in-stock styles with usability in mind. They feature good proportions, strong fabric, clean print areas and comfortable handles.

Tote bags also work well as retail packaging, in-room hospitality gifting or as merchandise in their own right. Some of our clients even turn their totes into limited-edition products through artist collaborations.

Can I customise every detail?

Yes. If you need something beyond our stocked range, such as custom dimensions, dyed fabric, custom pockets or zip closures, we offer made-to-order tote bags. These are fully customised to your spec, with a minimum order of 500 units. Lead time is approximately 40 working days by air freight or 90 working days by sea.

What are typical turnaround times?

• In-stock styles: 7 to 15 working days from proof approval

• Custom-made-to-order: 40 to 90 working days, depending on freight

• Delivery: Free tracked delivery to one New Zealand address

What should I check before I order?

• Is your artwork in vector format (AI, EPS or PDF)?

• Do you know which style and print method you want?

• Do you need extras, such as folding or custom labels and pips?

• Do you have a clear deadline?

We can help you confirm these details before we go to print.

Frequently asked questions

Can you print on both sides of a tote bag?
Yes. Screen printing or Supacolour heat transfer can be applied to both sides, depending on the fabric and design.

Can I match my brand colours?
Yes. We can match Pantone colours for screen printing.

What is the best file type for my artwork?
We prefer vector files, such as AI, EPS, or PDF, to ensure clean and sharp printing.

What is your minimum order quantity?
For stocked styles, the minimum is 50 units. For custom-made-to-order totes, the minimum is 500 units.

Ready to get started?

If you're planning a tote bag project and want advice on the best approach, get in touch. We're happy to talk through options and help you find the right fit for your brand.