What is a Tote Bag?
History of the tote bag
The tote bag was developed and launched in 1944 by L.L.Bean in Maine. Its initial purpose was to carry ice from the car to the freezer however, it was only a matter of time before it was used for groceries and household chores. In the 1960’s L.L.Bean renamed the tote bag to what it currently is, ‘Boat and Tote’. They also upgraded a few aesthetic design elements, including a colourful trim which remains as one of the company’s best sellers today. Other companies around this time started to recognise the tote bag to be fashionable ad would release their very own tote bag based upon the original L.L.Bean design. By the time the 80’s was reached, the tote bag was seen as an efficient marketing method once businesses realised that printing logos and branding onto tote bags was easy and cost effective. It seems that it was the famous New York book store, The Strand that pioneered this after the brand introduced its own tote design. By 2010, tote bags were seen everywhere. They became a way to express yourself by being able to customise your own to being able to buy one from all of your favourite stores – Tote bags are a true representation of character.
Today tote bags are as popular as ever. With an endless number of brands releasing their very own tote bags, we have seen many different styles and colour variations. At Ecoduka we can turn your plain tote bag into wearable art, check out our branding options for the opportunity to customise your very own tote bag or create a bespoke style.
Why tote bags are popular
Tote bags are extremely practical to carry your every day essentials. You can fit everything you need into a tote bag making it perfect for on-the-go storage. When a tote bag is empty they can also be folded down and stored in your pocket, handbag, office etc until you need it meaning that you don’t always need to have it in sight, but you can always have it in mind.
Modern day fashion sees no limits, especially with tote bags. You can find a tote bag in just about every shape, size, colour, fabric, finish and with almost every single design component that you can think of. Being such an adaptable staple product means that there is a style of tote bag out there for everyone. High fashion designer brands have even released their own takes on tote bags, because of this the uprising urgency to own one, no matter the style continues to grow everlastingly.
At Ecoduka we offer many different shapes and sizes of cotton totes with different thicknesses and colours, we even have a certified range of bags. We always ensure we offer something for everyone.
To help our environment in 2025 we all should stop using plastic bags and introduce tote bags into not only our shopping trips, but our everyday lives. Tote bags can be used over and over again before showing signs of wear and tear. Most plastic bags are single use due to their extreme lack of durability.
Unlike plastic bags, tote bags are made from renewable resources. Renewable resources are everlasting meaning that we won’t ever run out of them. For example, tote bags are typically produced from cotton or jute. These are both plants that can be grown again and again which contributes to oxygen in our atmosphere.
Different types of tote bag
There are many different types of tote bag within the textile and fashion industry. Here is what Ecoduka has to offer.
Our cotton and canvas totes are available in 5oz, 8oz, 10oz, 12oz, and 16oz. We offer multiple style options from long handles, webbed handles, short handles, t-gussets, full gussets, drawstring closure, zipper closure and most importantly every colour you can think of!
Not forgetting our jute tote shoppers which are the perfect, durable bag for your heavier every day items. Many of our jute bags come with a colour trim option or full colour, as well as many styles having a cotton canvas feature panel on them which may function as an internal or external pocket; the perfect place to keep your wallet and keys.
Most importantly we have a range of certified bags where we offer products made from Fairtrade cotton, organic cotton, Antimicrobial finishing, recycled cotton, Cyclo® + Aware™ Technology, and Recycled PET (rPET) Recron® GreenGold Bags. We pride ourselves on these certifications as they make our products even more sustainably and environmentally friendly to ensure that not only our company, but everyone who buys our products represent sustainable living.
How to use a tote bag
Tote bags can be used for just about anything. They are the perfect bag for work or school supplies as you can fit your laptop, packed lunch, pencil case, binder, PE kit and more in the bag all at once.
At Ecoduka we personally think they are the perfect shopping bag. Our cotton bags are able to hold a lot of items. Put your heavier items at the bottom of the bag and pack the lighter at the top and you will soon enough see just how much shopping you can fit into just one bag!
Tote bags are also great for the beach. Pack your suncream, beach towel, book, sunglasses, bucket and spade all into one bag whilst still looking stylish.
Many people use their tote bags as everything bags because why should there be a limit? Use it to go to the library, clothes shopping, for picnic storage, a nappy bag. The sheer versatility of totes makes it our favourite!
To summarise, if you haven’t bought a tote bag after reading this blog you are missing out on a perfect all-rounder that is suited to all and every occasion. Stay sustainable today!
