Custom Drawstring Bags vs Custom Tote Bags: Which Should You Print?

Choose custom drawstring bags for hands-free, active use and fast giveaways; choose custom tote bags for easy access, higher everyday “carry” appeal, and retail-style reuse.

They solve different carry behaviors: drawstrings win when people wear the bag; totes win when people reach into the bag often.

Drawstring Bag

Quick comparison table

Choose custom drawstring bags if…

• Your audience will be walking, running, biking, or standing with the bag on their back.
• The kit is light-to-medium and you want hands-free convenience.
• You’re distributing at high volume and want minimal storage footprint.
• You want the bag to function like event gear (races, gyms, camps, school programs).

If you still need size rules, start here: /blog/custom-drawstring-bag-sizes-small-standard-large/

Choose custom tote bags if…

• People will open and close the bag frequently (shopping, conference floor, office carry).
• Your contents are boxy or awkward (pamphlets, food containers, multiple items).
• You want a retail-style feel and strong “everyday errands” reuse.
• You want a cleaner print presentation (totes often look flatter than cinch sacks).

The 8 decision variables that change the winner

1. Hands-free requirement (active vs casual carry)
2. Access frequency (rarely open vs constant reach-in)
3. Load shape (soft items vs boxy items)
4. Wear time (short walk vs all-day)
5. Print readability constraints (wrinkled fabric vs flatter panels)
6. Audience behavior (gym-goers vs shoppers/office attendees)
7. Distribution environment (street team vs indoor expo vs retail counter)
8. Desired reuse context (sports gear vs errands/commute)

If your real need is structured storage and pockets, compare to backpacks:

Best use cases (mapped to the right bag)

• 5K / fun run packet pickup → Drawstring bags (hands-free, active)
• Gym welcome kit → Drawstring bags (wearable)
• Farmers market / retail promo → Tote bags (open access, errands)
• Conference attendee bag → Tote bags (reach-in often, brochures)
• Campus tour / admissions events → Tote bags (paper materials, easy carry)
• Kids camps / school programs → Drawstring bags (simple, wearable)
• Sports team bulky gear → Duffel bags instead: 
• Essentials-only “phone/keys” → Fanny packs instead:

Branding & imprint considerations (what looks best on each)

Drawstring bags: design for wrinkles and motion

• Prioritize bold marks and high contrast.
• Keep text short; avoid fine lines.
• Expect fabric creases design should still read when not perfectly flat.

See the full print-readability mindset in the buyer guide

Tote bags: design for panel space and “storefront” visibility

• Totes often support larger art that reads like a poster.
• You can place designs to look good when carried at a side (centered panel works well).
• Avoid over-filling edges if the tote has a gusset—side folds can hide content.

Operational factors (cleanup, storage, distribution fit)

• Grab-and-go speed: both are fast, but drawstrings are easiest to stack behind a table.
• Packing kits: totes are easier to pack quickly because they stay open; drawstrings require cinching.
• Crowd control: drawstrings reduce “carry fatigue” because hands stay free; totes can lead to set-downs in busy areas.

For booth logistics and event operations categories, browse:

FAQs

Which bag gets used more after the event?

Tote bags often have the highest everyday reuse because they fit errands, office carry, and shopping.

Which bag is better for active events?

Drawstring bags are better for active events because they’re hands-free and wearable.

Which is better for brochures and paper handouts?

Tote bags usually win for paper materials because they’re easy to open and the contents stay accessible.

Do drawstring bags hold heavy items well?

They’re best for light-to-medium loads; for heavier carry and comfort, consider backpacks: 

What if I need to carry sports gear?

Choose a duffel bag for bulky sports items: 

Are totes always “more premium”?

Not always—premium depends on fabric and construction (thicker materials and better stitching read premium on both styles).

Which prints look cleaner?

Totes often look cleaner for detailed art because panels can stay flatter than cinch sacks.

What if my audience only needs phone/keys/wallet?

A fanny pack can be a better fit for essentials-only carry: