Bag Lady Variety: 3 Types Of Totes And Why They Matter

Totebags offer a lot of use and versatility for such a small investment. Wholesale cotton totes can fill pretty much any role asked of them -- use heavy duty canvas bags as gift tote bags, grocery bags, beach bags, or in lieu of a backpack on campus. The fact that they can be bought in bulk or individually means you can get a great discount on high quantities. However, not all material is created equal: if you've got a need for multiple tote bags, you're going to want to make sure you've chosen the right material. Let's take a closer look at your three main options.

• Canvas: Canvas is made from cotton, but requires a plain weave (a knitting technique that strengthens the fabric). The result is an incredibly sturdy and durable fabric -- it is resilient to wear and tear, making it an excellent choice in situations where heavy loads in dirty locations (such as a camping trip) are needed.

• Cotton: Cotton is one of the world's most common fibers; it is used clothes, bedsheets, towels, curtains, etc. The final product is much softer than canvas and less durable as a result. Though wholesale cotton totes can stand up to repeated use pretty well, they are most reliable in lighter load situations. However, it is also a perfect fabric to print on -- if you simply want to let your creativity flow on a tote bag you may use to carry your makeup or spare clothes in, cotton is the way to go.

• Jute: If you've ever seen tote bags that are rough and made of a twine-looking material, you already know what jute is. The rough fibers come from the stems of a tropical Old World plant and are used to make twine and rope; the material is excellent for weaving and creates quite the long-lasting bag, though not quite as long-lasting as canvas. It is a reusable, easily recyclable, and biodegradable fiber.

Whether you're crafting a last minute gift (as 25% of the population tends to do) or investing in wedding tote bags for your guests, the material you choose depends on your personal needs. How much you're looking to carry, and for how long, in what setting can take you on a journey of fabrics you never knew existed.