4 Tips to Buying the Perfect Tote Bag for Your Lifestyle and Purpose

There are few things more useful than a well-made tote bag. So much so, that it’s become one of the most essential items in any outfit. Whether you’re headed to work, school or just running errands, a tote is something you can always have on hand. They offer convenient storage space and are extremely versatile in their uses. As such, many women now own multiple totes in different colors and styles for different occasions or activities. Whether you need a bag for work, school, gym, or just everyday errands, it helps to know what to look for when buying one. A good tote not only offers you ample storage space but also needs to be the right size and style that fits your needs and lifestyle. Here are some tips on how to buy the perfect totes:

basic canvas tote bag

Know Which Type of Tote Bag You Want

There are many types of totes, which can make it difficult to choose the perfect one. You should think about your lifestyle and what you need before choosing a particular type of tote. For example, if you have a large purse that fits everything you need for your day, then an oversized tote might not be necessary. On the other hand, if you carry a lot of stuff with you every day or have kids that usually come along on errands with you, then an oversized tote would be a better choice.

Check the Material

The material of the tote is key to its use. For example, if you need a bag for school or work, then it needs to be made from a more durable and heavyduty material than one that would be used for casual errands. A good rule of thumb is to buy totes that can carry at least 5 kg and has a wide base. A lightweight or thin tote won’t offer you enough space or durability. You want a bag that will last you as long as possible. The larger the base of the tote bag, the more it can hold without being stretched out by use. Plus, a bigger bag also makes it easier to carry around when full of contents. You also want to think about what style of bag you like best. There are totes that close with a zipper, magnet snaps, buttons or drawstrings. One thing to consider when choosing closure type is whether you need easy access to your items while still on the go or not. If you don’t need access to your items on the go then zippers are best since they make it harder for someone else to unzip it and sneak in their own belongings. But if you do need access on the go then magnets snaps are best so that people can't just open up your purse and take what they please from inside your bag!

Check the Straps and Handles

When you're buying a tote, the straps and handles are really important. You want to think about how you'll use your bag, where you'll be using it, and what kind of shape it will be in when fully packed. If you plan on carrying your bag by hand all day, then opt for a shorter strap that's more comfortable to hold onto. Straps that are too long can sometimes get in the way or feel uncomfortable. If you plan on carrying your bag over your shoulder often or have to carry it for extended periods of time, then opt for a wider strap with more padding so it feels more comfortable on your shoulder. Similarly, if you need to carry heavy loads for long periods of time, then look for reinforced handles or straps that will offer better support. If this isn't an issue though, then any type of handle should work well.

Check the Dimensions and Weight

The first thing you need to consider when buying a tote is the size and weight of the bag. A good tote should be big enough for your everyday needs but not too bulky or heavy. Ideally, it should also have a handle that's easy to grip. If you commute by car, get a smaller bag that can fit in the backseat without taking up too much space. If you use public transportation, get one that's big enough to hold all your items while not being too heavy. You also want it to be durable and water-resistant so it doesn't get wet or damaged during inclement weather.

The Importance of Quality When Buying Locally Made Tote Bag

What most people don’t realize is that when you buy a tote bag, you’re buying more than just the fabric. You are also buying the quality of the stitching and the type of threading that will be used to assemble the bag. For example, there are some companies that use polyester threading because it is cheaper and faster but it doesn’t last as long. If you buy a cheaper bag with polyester threading, it will eventually start to break down and show wear and tear which will cause it to become unusable. Cheap bags not only look bad but they also fail quickly which makes them an awful purchase in the first place. To avoid this, opt for a brand that uses cotton threading or even better yet linen threading if budget allows. Cotton is soft and durable which means your bag should last for years without any signs of wear or tear.

Tips for Finding the Perfect Tote Bag

Since tote bags are something you would use almost every day, it's really important to find something that has a good reputation and positive reviews. Talk to your friends and ask for recommendations. It's also important to read product reviews from customers to hear what they have to say and get a better understanding of what you're about to buy. 


One of the most important things that people forget to check when buying locally made tote bags is cleaning. It's safe to assume that tote bags made with fabric are machine washable, but this might not always be the case. Due to the material used, fabric tote bags can easily get dirty and start smelling bad. Having the option of being able to just throw it in the washer is a convenience you'd love to have in your locally made tote bag. 

Final Words

Every woman needs a tote bag in her closet. They are not only stylish and fashionable but they are extremely versatile and can be matched with any outfit. So, make sure you invest in one that will last you for years to come. To help you find the perfect one for your needs, follow these four tips on how to buy the perfect totes.