A work tote bag is a versatile carryall designed to hold your daily office essentials.
It usually features a spacious main compartment, durable straps, and a professional look.
Perfect for laptops, documents, and personal items, it blends practicality with style.
Customisable totes also serve as excellent branded accessories for professionals on the go.
The best work tote bags for customisation include the Denim Carrie Tote, Two Tone Carrie Tote, Basic Tote, Pocket Tote Bag, Oversized Tote Bag, Canvas Tote Bag, Carrie Tote Bag, Parcel Tote Bag, and Shoulder Tote. Each offers a unique blend of functionality and print-ready surfaces ideal for branding.
The Denim Carrie Tote is a stylish choice for embroidery, while the Two Tone Carrie Tote adds bold contrast for logos. The Basic Tote shines at high-volume events thanks to its affordability and screen print compatibility. For added utility, the Pocket Tote is unmatched with its organised layout, and the Oversized Tote is great for large items or travel. Meanwhile, the Canvas and Carrie totes offer balance in size and style, perfect for everyday office use. The Parcel Tote stands out with its clean lines, ideal for modern branding, while the Shoulder Tote is an excellent all-rounder for both professional and educational environments. Work tote bags like these options combine practicality with style, making them suitable for various professional environments.
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Denim Carrie Tote
Crafted from mid-weight (350 GSM) 100% cotton denim, the Denim Carrie Tote features reinforced shoulder straps, a roomy main compartment, and a stylish folded bottom. Measuring 42cm x 42cm, it’s a perfect everyday accessory. Best suited for daily commutes, casual outings, and stylish workplace environments, making it ideal for creative industries or retail settings.
- Best for Customisation: Ideal for embroidery and digital printing. The denim fabric showcases embroidered designs beautifully, offering a classic and high-quality finish.
Two Tone Carrie Tote
Heavy-weight (320 GSM), this 100% cotton canvas tote combines durability with style, featuring reinforced contrast shoulder straps and a generous 42cm x 42cm compartment with a 9.5cm gusset. Great for corporate gifts, trade shows, promotional events, and daily office use, especially where branding and visibility are important.
- Best for Customisation: Excellent for screen printing and embroidery. The two-tone design makes it ideal for bold logos or contrasting embroidered designs, enhancing brand visibility.
Basic Tote
Lightweight (200 GSM) and versatile, this 100% cotton tote offers simplicity with reinforced shoulder straps, a large main compartment, and dimensions of 42cm x 42cm with a 9.5cm gusset. Excellent for promotional giveaways, conferences, and events where bulk distribution is needed at an economical cost.
- Best for Customisation: Perfect for screen printing, particularly suited for large-scale promotional events, as it provides clear, crisp printing results at cost-effective pricing.
Pocket Tote Bag
Heavy-weight (320 GSM) 100% cotton canvas with reinforced shoulder straps, a spacious 50cm x 40cm main compartment, a substantial 30cm gusset, and three external pockets for easy access to essentials. Ideal for professionals needing extra organisation, such as teachers, healthcare professionals, or business executives who carry numerous daily essentials.
- Best for Customisation: Embroidery and screen printing excel here, especially with detailed logos or designs on the pockets, enhancing both functionality and branding appeal.
Oversized Tote Bag
An exceptionally spacious option with heavy-weight (320 GSM) cotton canvas, reinforced shoulder straps, one expansive main compartment measuring 68cm x 37cm, and a generous 46cm gusset. Perfect for travel, weekend trips, large-scale events, or industries where carrying bulky items like samples or promotional materials is required.
- Best for Customisation: Ideal for screen printing large logos or event designs. Perfect as branded merchandise for conferences, retreats, or team-building events.
Canvas Tote Bag
Made from sturdy 10oz cotton canvas, this tote features a double carry handle and a spacious compartment (38cm width x 43cm height) suitable for daily use. Suited for daily professional use, small businesses, boutiques, or anyone seeking a practical yet stylish customisable bag.
- Best for Customisation: Suitable for both embroidery and digital printing. Its high-quality canvas ensures vibrant, durable printing ideal for sophisticated logos or artwork.
Carrie Tote Bag
A mid-weight (320 GSM) tote crafted from 100% cotton canvas with reinforced shoulder straps and a convenient main compartment, measuring 42cm x 42cm. Ideal for everyday office use, professional events, workshops, or educational seminars where branding presence matters.
- Best for Customisation: Embroidery and screen printing are recommended. This tote provides a smooth, professional surface ideal for crisp, detailed logo placement.
Parcel Tote Bag
Featuring a unique squared-off hem, reinforced shoulder straps, and constructed from mid-weight (320 GSM) 100% cotton canvas, this tote offers ample space at 39cm x 35.5cm. Excellent for boutique retail, creative agencies, modern corporate branding, and stylish personal use.
- Best for Customisation: Perfect for digital and screen printing, especially for contemporary graphics or minimalist branding due to its distinctive squared design.
Shoulder Tote
Description: Durable mid-weight (320 GSM) 100% cotton canvas tote with reinforced shoulder straps and a roomy main compartment measuring 37cm x 46cm. Suitable for daily commutes, student use, workshops, seminars, or conferences, offering durability and ample space for daily essentials.
- Best for Customisation: Ideal for embroidery and screen printing, this tote provides an excellent canvas for professional branding and promotional merchandise.
How to Choose the Right Work Tote Bag for Customisation
Choosing the right work tote bag for customisation is about balancing form, function, and visual impact. With the right combination, your tote won’t just carry essentials it ll carry your brand message too.
1. Define the Purpose and Use
Before selecting a tote, think about its primary function. Will it be used for daily office commutes, trade shows, staff gifts, or client giveaways? The bag s size, shape, and structure should align with your needs whether that s carrying laptops, documents, or marketing materials.
2. Choose the Right Material
The material of the bag plays a big role in both durability and customisation. Cotton canvas and denim are excellent for long-term use and offer reliable surfaces for both embroidery and printing. Lightweight cotton works well for budget-friendly campaigns and high-volume orders.
3. Consider Customisation Compatibility
Match the bag type with your preferred decoration method. Embroidery is best suited for thick fabrics like canvas or denim, adding a premium, textured look. Screen printing is great for bold and cost-effective branding, while digital printing works well for intricate or colourful designs.
4. Factor in Brand Aesthetics and Budget
Make sure the tote aligns with your brand s style minimalist, eco-conscious, corporate, or creative. Also consider your budget: invest in high-quality totes for executive gifts and use more economical options for broader campaigns or events.
What makes a tote bag suitable for work?
A work tote bag should be spacious enough to hold all your daily essentials think laptops, notebooks, chargers, lunch containers, and personal items without looking bulky. Look for reinforced shoulder straps and structured bottoms for added support and long-lasting durability.
A professional-looking finish, such as clean lines and neutral colours, helps the tote blend seamlessly into office environments. Additional features like internal pockets, zippered compartments, or gussets can significantly improve functionality and make staying organised easier during commutes or at your desk. Internal compartments or gussets can further enhance its functionality.
Which customisation method is most durable for daily use?
Embroidery is the most durable option, especially for heavy-use totes. It won t fade or peel and gives a premium finish. Screen printing is also long-lasting when applied correctly, while digital printing is best for detailed or colourful designs that are less exposed to abrasion.
Are personalised work totes eco-friendly?
Yes, many work totes are made from natural fibres like 100% cotton or recycled canvas. Opting for reusable totes over disposable bags also reduces waste. For eco-conscious branding, look for bags labelled organic, sustainable, or made from recycled materials.
How much does it cost to customise a tote bag?
Costs vary based on the type of bag, quantity, and decoration method. Screen printing is budget-friendly for bulk orders, while embroidery costs more per piece but offers durability. Digital printing falls in between. Setup fees and design complexity can also impact pricing.
Can I order just one customised work tote bag?
Yes, some custom printing services offer no minimums, allowing single-unit orders. This is great for personal gifts, samples, or trial runs before placing a bulk order. However, per-unit pricing is usually higher for small quantities.
What should I print on a custom tote for work?
You can print your business logo, department name, slogan, or even your initials. For internal teams, adding titles or roles (like “Marketing Team” or “Client Relations”) enhances clarity. You can also customise based on event themes or company values.
How long does it take to receive a customised tote order in Australia?
Standard turnaround ranges from 5 to 14 business days, depending on order size, printing method, and design complexity. Rush orders may be available at an additional fee. It’s best to confirm timelines before placing your order, especially for events.
What s the difference between promotional totes and premium work totes?
Promotional totes are generally lighter, simpler, and cost-effective ideal for giveaways. Premium work totes are sturdier, often with thicker canvas, structured bases, or added features like pockets, making them suitable for everyday use and client-facing environments.
Are customised tote bags tax-deductible for businesses in Australia?
In many cases, yes custom totes used for marketing or business operations may qualify as deductible expenses. Always consult a tax advisor to determine eligibility based on your business activities.
Where can I get work tote bags customised in Australia?
You can get high-quality custom tote bags through Garment Printing, an experienced provider offering embroidery, screen printing, digital decoration, and a wide selection of tote styles for all budgets and branding goals.
