Promotional Bags are a great way to advertise a company, but choosing the right one can make a big difference. If a company is hosting an event, a promotional item must be effective and practical. Drawstring bags and tote bags are two very common forms of branded promotional giveaways. This is due to the fact they are easily accessible and have a lot of advertising real estate. But each have different advantages during an event. This article is going to help you try to figure out what is the best bag to match your event, company message, and marketing goals.

The Drawstring Bag vs. The Tote Bag. What's The Difference?

Drawstring bags are bags that can be pulled and tightened up to make sure that items inside are secured. Tote bags have no closure at the top and can be carried using handles.

Tote bags are almost always constructed of some sort of fabric, like canvas, cotton, polyester, or some blend of these materials. They are perceived to be higher value because of their more structured and reusable nature. In contrast, drawstring bags are usually just made of polyester, or some sort of non-woven material. They are easier to carry, because they are more lightweight than tote bags, and can be worn like a backpack. This bag would work really well for outdoor sports, or events where the audience might need their hands to be free.

Both styles have the option of several imprint techniques, including but not limited to screen printing, full color digital printing, and heat transferred images, depending on the material of the bag.

Pros & Cons Table

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose Tote Bags If…

• You want to gift something that looks really nice.
• Your brand promotes sustainability and being eco-friendly.
• You want something that can show large logos and text in one place.
• The people you want to reach are professionals, corporate attendees, and shoppers.
• You want to create long-term brand visibility by giving something people will use frequently.
• You are filling a tote for a conference, onboarding kit, or retail reusable bag.

Choose Drawstring Bags If…

• You are on a budget and need a large number of bags.
• The audience you are targeting are students, teams, people in sports, or attendees of a festival.
• You want to give something light and easy to carry for outdoor events.
• You want something small and cost-effective for shipping.
• You want to give something that people will actively use while they are doing something like sports, running, or on a school trip.

How Will Your Brand Benefit?

Here’s the expanded, strategic breakdown of how both bag types help elevate your brand.

1. Massive Brand Visibility (High Impressions Per Dollar)

Every time a customer uses your tote or drawstring bag, your logo becomes a walking billboard. Bags have one of the lowest cost per impressions in the industry.

Due to their sturdiness, tote bags have the longevity visibility of months or years, whereas in more active environments such as schools and sports fields, drawstring bags tend to perform better.

2. Strengthened Brand Perception & Customer Loyalty

The message sent is:

Our brand is quality.

The people receiving the promotional bags see them as valuable, and thus, even more positive connections to the brand are made. For tote bags, the connections to your brand are even more valuable as they consider your brand more thoughtful and eco-positive.

3. High Engagement & Immediate Utility

The primary use for promotional bags are for carrying items for other people, and are also used in many events, such as conferences, trade shows, festivals, and school events.

This ensures that your brand is the most noticeable part of the entire event experience.

4. Versatility Across All Types of Marketing Campaigns

Promotional bags can be used for almost any other promotional goal, such as:

• Lead generation
• Community outreach
• Fundraising
• Customer appreciation
• Launch events
• Corporate onboarding
• Event branding
• Retail promotions

The ease that is comes with promotional bags makes it one of the best promotional items.

5. Environmentally Friendly Marketing Opportunities

As reusable bags become popular and single-use plastics fade away, tote bags become a way for your brand to promote eco friendly. This is seen in and resonates with the consumers of retail, nonprofit, health, wellness, and education.

Examples of How These Bags Fit in Marketing Campaigns

Trade Shows & Conferences

Bags can carry materials, leaving your brand visible all across the event floor.

Schools & Youth Organizations

Perfect for sports, class trips, and welcome packets.

Corporate Events & Onboarding Kits

Adds a more professional, polished touch and holds additional promo items.

Churches & Nonprofits

Both bags work for mission trips, retreats, and youth programs or giveaways.

Festivals, Concerts & Sporting Events

Hand-free convenience with drawstring bags is what attendees desire.

Political Campaigns

Great giveaways in large volumes that keep your candidates message visible.

Retail Stores & Membership Programs

Reusable tote bags keep brand impressions in the customers mind with every shop, creating more brand impressions.

What Impact Will Using These Bags Have?

Better Event ROI

Because they are functional and reusable, both tote and drawstring bags deliver more impressions compared to other promotional products.

Stronger Audience Connection

Items of value generate an emotional reaction:

This brand gave me something useful.

Higher Campaign Recall

Your message isn’t discarded, it’s held by the recipient.

Community Visibility

Bags are seen in grocery stores, gyms, offices, schools, amusement parks, beaches, and anywhere people go.

Why Should Your Brand Use Promotional Bags?

• Cost-efficient marketing with long-lasting impact
• Reusable and valued by customers
• Great to combine with other promotional giveaways.
• Suitable for all industries and audiences
• Great for imprinting brand message fully.

Print & Customization Options

• Screen Printing: Most affordable option.
• Full-Color Digital Printing: Best for intricate design works.
• Heat Transfer: Best for designs involving multiple colors.
• PMS Color Matching is offered.
• Production time can are around 3 to 7 business days.
• Rush production options can prioritize urgent campaigns.

Popular Use Cases

• Trade shows and conventions
• Schools,
• Corporate events
• Community Service
• Outdoor events
• Sports

Pricing Comparison

• Tote Bags can cost between 1 to 3 dollars.
• Drawstring bags can range from 0.75 to 2 dollars.

Pricing is affected by

• Quantity
• Number of imprint colors
• Bag materials
• Size and construction of the bag
• Full-color versus monochrome printing
• Production time

Best Alternatives

Related Bag Categories

Custom Tote Bags

• Personalized Drawstring Bags
• Personalized Rucksacks
• Chilling Bags
• Paper Boutique Bags
• Reusable Grocery Bags

Associated Promoting Catalogs

• Stadium Mugs
• Tumblers
• Cooler Bags
• Custom Paper Cups
• Custom Clothing

Common Questions

1. Is it better to give out tote bags or drawstring bags?

They are both great options, it just depends on your occasion. We feel that tote bags are a bit more premium and classy, and are perfect for trade shows and corporate events. On the other hand, drawstring bags are a more budget-friendly option, and are great for schools, sports teams, youth events, and festivals.

2. Which lasts longer: tote bags or drawstring bags?

In general, tote bags are a bit more durable and will last longer, especially if they are made of canvas or cotton. Drawstring bags can be just as durable, but the longevity of the bags depends a lot on the thickness of the material and the quality of the drawstring cords.

3. Can I print on both the tote bags and the drawstring bags in full color?

Absolutely. We offer full color digital printing, heat transfers, and even full color screen printing on both the tote bags and the drawstring bags. Your prints will look amazing no matter which style you choose.

4. What are the most common sizes for tote bags and drawstring bags?

Common sizes for tote bags are 15 in height by 16 in width and 20 in height by 15 in width.

As for drawstring bags, the common size is 14 in height by 18 in width.

These sizes give the perfect space for printing your design as well as making it a useful bag to use on a regular basis.

5. Are tote bags and drawstring bags eco-friendly?

Tote bags come in different eco-friendly materials like cotton, recycled, and canvas. Drawstring bags do not have as many eco-friendly options; they have some non-woven and recycled materials, but overall, they have fewer eco-friendly options.

6. Do you offer rush production?

Yes. There is rush production for some of our more popular tote bags and drawstring bags for those who have events coming up really soon or something of the sort. It all just depends on what you are ordering.

7. What’s the minimum order quantity?

Tote bags: typically 50-100 pieces

Drawstring bags: typically 100 pieces

The more you order, the more you save on each bag and the more you get out of your campaign.

8. Are these bags reusable and washable?

Yes, for sure. Cotton and canvas totes are super washable and extremely reusable. Polyester drawstring bags can be used many times and can be cleaned by wiping them down. Non-woven bags can be used a lot, but they really shouldn’t be machine washed.

9. Can I print on both sides of the bag?

Yes, a lot of these styles offer on both sides printing. This is a great way for your logo to get more visibility without being seen to be overpriced.

10. Are these bags good for fundraising?

Yes, these bags can also be used for fundraising. both tote bags and drawstring bags high value and low cost. They are perfect for fundraising purposes like for school, church, non-profit, and community fundraising events.