Custom Tote Bags vs Custom Drawstring Bags for Events: Which Should You Choose?

Choose custom tote bags when you need a more versatile event carry bag, and choose custom drawstring bags when lightweight, hands-free portability is the priority. Both can work as event giveaways, but their capacity, carrying style, presentation, and distribution fit differ.

• Custom Tote Bags are generally better for carrying brochures, merchandise, event materials, and multiple giveaways.
• Custom Drawstring Bags are better when attendees need a lightweight bag that can be carried hands-free.

Events & festivals

Quick Comparison

Choose a Custom Tote Bag If…

Choose a custom tote when the bag itself needs to function as an attendee carryall.

A tote is the stronger choice when:

• Attendees will receive brochures, catalogs, merchandise, or multiple promotional items.
• The bag needs to support a more conventional shopping or event-bag format.
• The event has a professional, conference, exhibition, or retail-oriented atmosphere.
• The bag is expected to remain useful after the event.
• You want the bag to function as both packaging and the giveaway.
• Attendees are likely to carry the bag for extended periods.
• A larger visible branding area is important to the design.

Tote-bag decision rule

Choose the tote when carrying capacity and versatility matter more than hands-free mobility.

For trade shows, this can be especially useful when attendees collect materials from multiple exhibitors.

Explore Custom Tote Bags.

Choose a Custom Drawstring Bag If…

Choose a drawstring bag when mobility and lightweight carrying are more important than carrying bulky materials.

A drawstring bag is a stronger choice when:

• Attendees will be walking between multiple event areas.
• The audience includes athletes, students, festival attendees, or active participants.
• Guests need both hands free.
• The giveaway needs to be lightweight and easy to distribute.
• The bag will hold a small collection of event essentials.
• The event has an informal, recreational, or active atmosphere.
• Attendees may use the bag during the event rather than only after it.

Drawstring-bag decision rule

Choose the drawstring format when hands-free portability is the primary requirement.

Explore Custom Drawstring Bags.

Best Event Use Cases

1. Trade Show Materials → Tote Bag

A trade show attendee may collect catalogs, brochures, samples, and multiple giveaways.

Winner: Custom Tote Bag

The key requirement is carrying capacity and convenient access to materials.

For broader trade-show planning, see Events & Tradeshows.

2. Outdoor Festival → Drawstring Bag

Festival attendees may move between stages, activity areas, food vendors, and sponsor booths.

Winner: Custom Drawstring Bag

Hands-free carrying becomes more valuable when attendees are walking and participating rather than simply collecting materials.

3. Conference Welcome Kit → Tote Bag

A conference kit can include printed materials and several smaller promotional products.

Winner: Custom Tote Bag

The bag can serve as both the presentation vehicle and the attendee's carryall.

4. Active Sports or Recreation Event → Drawstring Bag

Participants may need to move around while carrying a small set of personal or event-related items.

Winner: Custom Drawstring Bag

The carrying style fits an active environment better.

5. Sponsor Giveaway → Tote Bag

If the sponsor wants the product to remain visible while attendees carry materials around the venue, a tote can provide strong practical value.

Winner: Custom Tote Bag

6. Lightweight Mass Giveaway → Drawstring Bag

When distribution speed and portability matter more than carrying substantial materials, the drawstring format can be easier to position as a lightweight event giveaway.

Winner: Custom Drawstring Bag

Branding & Imprint Considerations

The right bag is only part of the branding decision. Artwork should be designed around the actual printable area.

Tote bags

Totes can work well when the design needs:

• A prominent logo
• Event name
• Sponsor identification
• Simple supporting text
• A recognizable visual mark

Because the bag is often carried at waist or shoulder level, prioritize artwork that can be understood without requiring close inspection.

Drawstring bags

Drawstring bags are better suited to artwork that remains recognizable on a flexible, lightweight surface.

Prioritize:

• Simple logos
• Short event names
• Strong contrast
• Minimal fine detail
• A clear primary brand element

Operational Factors

Storage before the event

Both formats need to be considered as packed inventory rather than only as individual products.

Before ordering, confirm:

• Case dimensions
• Number of bags per carton
• Available storage area
• Delivery location
• Event setup access
• Distribution station space

Distribution

For registration or check-in, totes can be useful when attendees immediately receive materials.

For active outdoor events, drawstring bags can be more convenient when attendees need to keep their hands available.

Cleanup and post-event handling

A reusable bag can reduce the amount of disposable packaging required for an attendee kit because the bag itself becomes the carrying container.

The more items you place inside, the more important the bag's actual capacity and construction specifications become.

Common Mistakes

Choosing a tote for an active audience

A conventional carry bag may be less convenient when guests need both hands free.

Fix: Use a drawstring format when movement and hands-free carrying dominate.

Choosing a drawstring bag for bulky materials

A lightweight bag may not be the appropriate solution for a large quantity of printed materials.

Fix: Choose a tote when the primary job is carrying multiple or larger event items.

Designing artwork without considering the bag surface

Flexible bags can change shape during use.

Fix: Keep important artwork simple and positioned within the usable imprint area.

Ignoring the event distribution point

A product that works well for attendees may be inconvenient for staff distributing it.

Fix: Consider how products arrive, are stored, and are handed out before selecting the format.

Ordering based only on attendee count

Not every attendee necessarily needs the same bag.

Fix: Separate attendees, staff, VIPs, speakers, exhibitors, and other recipient groups before calculating quantities.

Assuming all bags have the same capacity

Product construction and dimensions vary.

Fix: Verify the specifications of the exact bag before deciding what will go inside it.

FAQs

Are tote bags or drawstring bags better for festivals?

Drawstring bags are often the better choice when festival attendees need lightweight, hands-free carrying. Tote bags become more useful when attendees are collecting substantial materials or merchandise.

Are tote bags better for trade shows?

Usually, yes when attendees are expected to collect printed materials and multiple giveaways. The final choice should depend on the actual quantity and size of materials being carried.

Which bag is better for active events?

Drawstring bags are generally better suited to active events when hands-free mobility is important.

Which bag provides more room for event materials?

A tote is generally the more appropriate format when carrying capacity is the main requirement, but the actual capacity depends on the selected product.

Can both bags be used for promotional branding?

Yes. Both can carry event or sponsor branding. Artwork should be adapted to the specific imprint area and surface of the selected product.

Should I use one bag for every attendee?

Not necessarily. Universal distribution works when every attendee needs the bag. Targeted distribution can make more sense for VIPs, staff, participants, speakers, or other defined groups.

Can these bags be used for event welcome kits?

Yes. Totes are particularly useful when the kit contains several printed or promotional items. Drawstring bags are better suited to smaller, lightweight kits.

How do I choose between a tote and drawstring bag?

Start with the main job of the bag. Choose a tote for capacity, professional presentation, and carrying multiple materials; choose a drawstring bag for lightweight, hands-free portability.

Related Categories

For broader event planning, explore:

• Events & Festivals
• Apparel & Bags
• Custom Backpacks
• Drinkware