Canvas vs Cotton vs Jute: Which Tote Bag Suits Your Brand?

When it comes to branded merchandise, tote bags are a promotional powerhouse. But with so many material types available—from canvas to cotton, jute to RPET eco options—how do you choose the one that fits your brand values, budget, and audience?

At Cubic Promote, we sell these tote bags in bulk and custom brand them for Australian businesses, charities, schools, and event organisers. Each tote bag material has its story, feel, durability, and promotional impact. Let’s unpack the differences so you can make the right call for your next campaign.

Cotton Tote Bags: Lightweight, Affordable, Familiar

Custom cotton tote bags are often the entry point for many brands. They’re soft, easy to fold, and incredibly lightweight, making them ideal for simple giveaways or low-cost mailers. Because they’re made from natural fibres, they appeal to brands looking for a more organic image.

However, cotton is less durable than canvas or jute and can wear down over time. Frayed edges and loose seams will begin to be visible. Branding options usually include screen printing or digital transfer, allowing for vibrant, full-colour designs.

Best for:

1. Education packs
2. Mail-out promotions
3. Trade show giveaways (with no heavy items)

Canvas Tote Bags: Strong, Stylish, Long-Lasting

Custom canvas tote bags is a heavier, more durable form of cotton, making canvas tote bags the go-to for businesses that want something practical and high-quality. They hold more weight, resist tearing, and are often associated with premium branding.

These bags are perfect for high-value clients or event attendees you want to impress. Canvas handles the same printing options as cotton but with better longevity, especially if paired with thicker inks or embroidery. The negative with Canvas is that it does cost extra. The bag itself is also slightly heavier.

Best for:

1. Corporate event bags
2. Executive giveaways
3. Retail and bookshop promotions

Jute Tote Bags: Natural Texture, Eco Appeal

Custom jute tote bags look and feel like rope. They have a rough, raw, earthy quality. Jute is also biodegradable and grown with fewer chemical inputs than conventional cotton, making it a top pick for eco-focused brands.

Jute doesn’t suit fine-detail printing. The ink gets lost in the material. For the best effect, use big prints with as few details as possible. While not as soft to the touch, jute exudes authenticity.

Best for:

1. Events where you are expecting heavy content
2. For really yelling out your green credentials
3. Paired with a suitable event theme

Non-Woven Tote Bags: Cheap and Cheerful

Custom Non-woven tote bags are the ultimate budget-friendly option. They’re synthetic, recyclable in some areas, and ideal for mass giveaways when you need to stretch your budget without sacrificing branding surface. It is the most popular type of tradeshow bag.

Although not biodegradable like cotton or jute, they’re reusable and available in various colours. These are a common sight at expos, conferences, and product launches.

Best for:

1. Conferences
2. Expo giveaways
3. Mass handouts

Nylon Tote Bags: Weather-Resistant and Sleek

Custom Nylon tote bags offer something different: water resistance, a smooth feel, and a slightly more modern look. Often used in sporting or outdoor-focused promotions, they’re easy to wipe clean and don’t stain as easily as fabric-based options.

They’re not biodegradable or eco-friendly, but they last long and suit brands that want a practical, active-looking product.

Best for:

1. Outdoor events
2. Need fun shiny colours
3. Lightweight bag
4. Expecting lighter content inside the bag

Eco-Friendly Tote Bags: Recycled RPET for a Sustainable Edge

When we label custom eco tote bags as “eco-friendly,” we often talk about RPET: recycled polyethene terephthalate. These bags look just like non-woven bags, but they are made from at least 40% recycled material. They cost between 10% and 25% more than standard non-woven bags.

Best for:

1. An Eco-alternative to standard custom non-woven bags

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Tote

There’s no universal “best” tote bag—only the best one for your goals. Cotton is affordable and familiar. Canvas is strong and stylish. Jute makes a rustic eco statement. Non-woven suits big numbers. Nylon handles the outdoors. RPET ticks the sustainability box without compromising on looks.

Want help finding the right bag for your next promo push? Explore our full collection of branded tote bags on our website, or contact our team for a free quote and mockup.

Need it fast? We offer free Australia-wide delivery and the fastest turnaround in the industry.

Call 1300 858 288 or visit cubicpromote.com.au to get started.