Tote bag vs shopper

"Tote" is a centuries-old word meaning to carry, so a tote bag is simply a bag for carrying things. Most people use it for any cloth bag with two handles, and so do plenty of shops. "Shopper" is short for shopping bag, and gets used just as loosely.

Bag makers are more precise, and so is our range:

• A shopper is two flat panels of fabric sewn together at the sides and bottom. It lies completely flat, like an envelope with handles. The classic size is 38 x 42cm, which holds about 10 litres.
• A tote has a gusset: extra fabric at the base, and often the sides, that gives the bag depth. It opens into a box shape, holds 18 to 21 litres in our range, and usually stands up on its own.

Fabric names like cotton, canvas and jute sit alongside both. You can have a canvas shopper or a cotton tote. Our cotton, jute and canvas guide covers the fabrics.

Choose a shopper when

• You're giving bags away. Shoppers cost less per bag, so your budget goes further at a conference, fair or freshers' event.
• They need to pack flat. A flat shopper folds small for posting, for delegate packs and for handbags.
• The load is light. Brochures, an A4 folder, a lunch or a few bits of shopping sit easily in 10 litres.
• You want the biggest flat print surface for the money.

Our Cotton Tote Bag Long Handle comes in 48 colours, and the Recycled Cotton Tote Bag is our lowest-price full-size bag. Despite their names, both are flat shoppers. For something sturdier, the Premium Recycled Cotton Tote Bag is heavy 280gsm canvas in the same flat shape.

Choose a tote when

• People will carry real weight. Groceries, books, bottles and boxes sit better on a flat base than squeezed into a flat bag.
• You're selling it. A gusseted tote in heavy canvas looks and feels like something worth paying for. See our merch tote bags.
• It needs to stand up. On a shop counter or in a car boot, a tote stays open while you fill it.
• It's a gift. Hampers, welcome packs and wine travel better in a bag with depth. See our welcome pack bags.

Our Recycled Canvas Tote Bag is a good all-rounder, and the Premium Recycled Canvas Stand Up Tote is one of our roomiest, with a coated fabric that stands up by itself and three sizes to choose from. For big bags generally, see our large tote bags.

What about a sling?

A sling bag has one extra-long strap instead of two handles, worn across the body or over one shoulder. Our Cotton Sling Tote Bag is a flat 34 x 40cm bag in that style.