A customised tote bag in Singapore usually comes down to three choices: material, shape and print area. Canvas suits reusable gifts and retail, non-woven suits large events and seminars, linen gives a natural look, clear PVC suits visible event kits, and foldable polyester or Oxford bags suit everyday shopping. Screen or UV printing works on most bag materials.
Tote bags are a workhorse of corporate gifting. They carry event materials on the day, then go on to carry groceries, gym clothes and laptops for months afterwards. Because the bag itself is simple, small decisions make a big difference: the fabric, whether it has a base and sides, how large the print panel is and who will carry it. This guide covers each choice for event, marketing and procurement teams.
Choosing a customised tote bag in Singapore: materials compared
Canvas totes
Canvas is the most popular choice when the bag should be kept and reused. Our Eco-friendly Canvas Tote Bag is listed as 12 oz canvas in beige, in several standard sizes with a bottom and no sides, and other canvas totes come in flat styles in beige, black or white. Canvas feels sturdy and has a natural texture that suits lifestyle brands, retail and client gifts. See the full canvas bags collection.
Non-woven bags
Non-woven fabric is light and comes in many colours, so it is the practical choice when you need bags for a large crowd at a seminar, exhibition or roadshow. Options include standard non-woven bags and the Laminated Non-woven Tote Bag, listed as a waterproof coated non-woven with a bottom and sides. We have covered this material in depth in our guide to non-woven bags.
Linen and jute-style bags
For a rustic, natural look, our vintage linen tote is a good fit for green events, F&B brands and festive packaging. If you are considering jute, our article on corporate jute bags explains where they work best.
Clear PVC totes
The PVC Transparent Tote Bag comes in a wide range of listed sizes. Because the contents are visible, clear PVC works well for event kits, retail promotions and situations where bags may need a quick visual check at entry.
Foldable shopping bags
Foldable bags pack into a small pouch and suit everyday shopping and travel. The Folding Recycled Eco-friendly Shopping Bag is listed as waterproof recycled polyester, and nylon and Oxford cloth folding bags are also available in our shopping bags collection. They make good staff gifts and customer loyalty rewards. According to the National Environment Agency, since 3 July 2023 larger supermarket operators with annual turnover of more than $100 million have charged at least five cents for each disposable carrier bag at their SFA-licensed supermarkets, a measure intended to nudge shoppers to bring their own reusable bags.[1]
Bag shapes: flat, bottom-only or fully gusseted
Our listings describe three common constructions, and they affect both use and branding:
- No side and no bottom (flat): the simplest shape, best for documents, brochures and light items. The front panel is completely flat, which makes printing straightforward.
- With bottom, no sides: a base panel gives the bag depth for boxed items, notebooks or a water bottle while keeping a clean front.
- With bottom and sides (gusseted): the bag stands upright and carries bulkier items such as gift sets, groceries or food. Side panels can carry a second print.
If your bag will hold a gift box or a stack of event materials, choose a bag with a bottom so items sit flat rather than stretching the fabric.
Comparison: which tote bag for which job?
| Material | Best for | Listed logo methods | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canvas | Retail, client gifts, reusable event bags | UV/screen printing | Sturdy, natural texture; flat and bottom styles |
| Non-woven | Seminars, exhibitions, large giveaways | UV/screen printing | Light; many colours; laminated option listed as waterproof coated |
| Linen | Green events, F&B and festive packaging | UV/screen printing | Rustic look; natural colour |
| Clear PVC | Event kits, promotions | UV/screen printing | Contents visible; many sizes listed |
| Foldable polyester, nylon, Oxford | Everyday shopping, staff gifts, travel | UV/screen printing | Folds into a small pouch |
| Felt | Design-led gifts | Laser engraving, printing | Soft, structured feel |
Print area and branding tips for tote bags
Most of our tote bags list UV or screen printing. Screen printing gives solid, opaque colour and suits simple logos in one or two colours, while UV printing handles more colours and detail. For a full explanation of each method, read our guide to logo printing methods for corporate gifts.
- Keep away from seams and handles. The usable print area is smaller than the bag; leave a margin around the edges.
- Think about both sides. A logo on one side and an event hashtag or website on the other gives two branding faces.
- Consider fabric colour. Light ink on dark canvas or bold ink on beige both read well; very fine lines can blur on textured fabrics.
- Use the gusset. On bags with sides, a small logo on the side panel is visible when the bag is carried.
- Ask for a proof. Check logo size against the actual bag dimensions before production.
Planning checklist for events, retail and seminars
- List what goes into the bag (brochures, notebook, bottle, gift box) and choose a size and shape that fit.
- Decide whether the bag is a one-day event bag or a long-term reusable gift; this guides the material choice. For event bags, the National Environment Agency's page on reducing disposables links to its guidelines for making an event environmentally friendly.[2]
- Pick a bag colour that works with your logo colours.
- Confirm your event date early and leave time for proofs. Our article on event door gifts in Singapore has more planning ideas.
- If sizes are custom, mention it; several listings note that other dimensions can be discussed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for a customised tote bag: canvas or non-woven?
Canvas is sturdier and feels more premium, so it suits retail, client gifts and bags you want people to keep. Non-woven is lighter and comes in many colours, which makes it practical for large seminars, exhibitions and roadshows. Choose canvas for longevity and non-woven when you need a light bag for a big crowd.
What does "with bottom and sides" mean for tote bags?
It describes a gusseted bag with a base panel and side panels, so the bag stands upright and holds bulky items like gift boxes or groceries. "With bottom, no sides" adds depth only at the base, and "no side, no bottom" is a flat bag best for documents and light items.
Can I print on both sides of a tote bag?
Yes, printing on both sides is a common request. Many companies put the logo on the front and an event name, slogan or website on the back. Each extra print position is factored into the quote, so mention every position you want when you request pricing.
Are clear PVC tote bags good for events?
They work well for event kits and promotions because contents are visible, which makes packing and checks simple. They also show off what is inside, such as a branded notebook or gift. For bags people will reuse for shopping, canvas or foldable fabric bags are usually more comfortable.
How do I get a quote for customised tote bags in Singapore?
Share the bag style or material, size, rough quantity, logo artwork, print positions and delivery date. The quote depends on product, quantity, branding method and timing, so these details help us respond accurately.
Planning bags for a seminar, retail campaign or event? Browse our reusable bags and request a quote with your quantity, artwork and date. Ether Gifts offers 1,000+ customisable gift items for businesses in Singapore.
Last reviewed: 18 October 2026. This article was prepared by Ether Gifts as a general buying guide and does not constitute legal or regulatory advice.
