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Introduction
Tote bags are a perfect blend of sustainability, style, and functionality, but choosing the right size is one of the crucial aspects. These bags are great when you are heading to work, gym, beach, school, and even for groceries, but the size of your tote bag impacts your comfort level and suitability.
A tote that is too small may not carry all your essentials, whereas large tote bags for small-sized things may look awkward. Tote bags are manufactured in a versatile variety in terms of dimensions; you can choose a compact everyday tote bag or an oversized bag based on your purpose of use.
The guide below discusses in detail the different tote bag sizes and how each size can be put to purpose. So, let’s read.
Understanding Tote Bag Measurements
To choose a perfect tote bag, understanding the way they are measured is crucial. The key dimensions that you must look into when choosing a tote bag are as follows:
Width
The width of the tote bag is measured across the front side when the bag is laid flat. It will help you determine the horizontal space you will have inside the bag.
Height
The height of the tote bag is measured from the top to the bottom edge of the bag, and it doesn’t include the handles.
Depth
The depth of the bag is also known as the gusset, which is the bottom width on complete expansion; it shows the amount of stuff that a bag can hold front to back.
Handle Drop
Handle drop is measured as the distance between the top of the handles and the top of the bag opening. It tells how the bag will hang when carried crossbody or in the hand.
You can consider an example of a tote bag which says 15” W x 16” H x 4” D with a 10” handle drop, it would be labelled as a medium tote bag that can be carried on the shoulder.
How Big Are Tote Bags? A Visual Breakdown
Manufacturers offer Tote bags in multiple sizes, each ensuring a different need is met. The table below provides a visual representation of the common dimensions offered by tote factories, their uses, and object comparison. Besides these common dimensions, you can order custom totes as well.
| Tote Size | Approx Dimensions | Common Use Case | Object Comparison |
| Small | 9” W x 10” H x 2” D | Running errands or party favors | It is the size of a small tablet or a paperback book. |
| Medium | 13” W x 15” Hx 4” D | School, daily essentials, and work bag | It can fit a notebook, water bottle, laptop, and lunchbox. |
| Large | 16”+ W x 17”+ H x 5”+ D | Gym, beach, or shopping bag | It can hold books, gym clothes, beach towels and snacks |
| Oversized | 20” + wide | Grocery, travel, and laundry | It can hold multiple clothes, bedding, and a lot of groceries. |
How to Choose the Right Tote Bag (Step-by-Step)
Choosing the right tote bag is very important, and for that, you need to consider a couple of things before contacting a vendor, which are discussed below.
1. Define Your Main Use
Before you start with the idea of comparing dimensions and material, consider the most critical aspect, and that is the purpose of the tote bag. Ask yourself why you need a tote bag and what you will be using it for.
There are different needs that a tote bag can cover, and these may comprise the following:
- Commuting: You may need a tote bag that accompanies you to school or the office and carries your laptop, pens, chargers, and other multiple items.
- Shopping: When you are heading for grocery shopping, you will need something that is large-sized and sturdy enough to hold your stuff with enough room. The tote bag for shopping should also be easy to clean so that when you keep fresh produce and it gets dirty, you can easily clean it.
- Travel: Totes are great for travel purposes, whether you are heading for a weekend getaway or an international trip. A proper tote that has a zip top closure type can carry all your travel essentials, followed by clothes and gadgets.
- Gifting: Small-sized totes are great reusable options for the purpose of wrapping gifts. You can fill them up with party favors and books.
- Promotions: Totes featuring the brand’s identity are used for trade shows and conferences. They are manufactured in bulk, are lightweight, and also offer affordability when ordered in bulk.
2. Decide What You Need to Carry
After you have identified the purpose of having a tote bag, the next thing you need to assess is what you need to carry in that tote bag. There are various items that you can keep in your tote bag, and some of these are as follows:
- Tech Gadgets: If you’re carrying your gadgets, assess their size and then choose a tote bag accordingly. If you want to keep a laptop, ensure that you measure it diagonally and compare the internal width of the bag. Also, assess if there is available space for your accessories like a mouse, charger, phone, or tablet.
- Books and Notebooks: If you are into education as a student or teacher, you can go for a medium tote or a large one that can hold your books and hold the shape.
- Lunch Boxes and Water Bottles: Water bottles and lunch boxes are bulky and rounded, and they need depth in a tote bag. Therefore, opting for a tote with a gusseted bottom and a lining that resists spills is a better choice.
- Shoes and Clothes: People who take short trips or need a tote for gym accessories and clothing must look into the bag’s capacity. They should choose a bag that has depth and ample space. Also, you can consider having an internal and external pocket for the shoes.
- Personal Essentials: If you want to have a tote for your everyday essentials that meets your personal style, go for small tote bags. These can carry keys, phones, and wallets.
3. Think About Comfort & Fit
When choosing the right bag, make sure it is the one that can be carried comfortably. Since it helps the shoulder, especially if you have to hold for longer hours, comfort is crucial.
Assess Your Body Frame
The body frame you have must be taken into account when selecting a tote bag. If you are petite, you will need medium-sized tote bags that have short handles. The larger sizes may appear to be an uncomfortable fit for your body.
Whereas if you are tall, going for tote bags that have a longer handle can be comfortable, as it doesn’t ride higher. It is also better to choose bags that have a long handle or wide straps so that you can help prevent them from slipping off.
Weight and Straps of Bag
Tote bags can be used for heavy-duty usage as well as light-duty. You need to consider the shoulder straps and weight in a single frame. The wider straps help to distribute the weight evenly and are suitable for heavy loads. At the same time, the thin straps are meant to handle the lighter loads. The tote bag needs to have sturdy handles with the right positioning and length.
Totes are crossbody-designed with crossbody options, and they are great if you want to travel with them and get your stuff carried.
4. Pick Material by Purpose
Factories offer tote bags in various fabrics, each with its own pros and cons. The section below highlights in detail the different materials you can choose and how they can be used. It will help you select the right material for your tote bag.
Cotton
Cotton tote bags are known for their soft and biodegradable nature; they are also very lightweight and can easily be folded. These tote bags are great when you need to do light shopping or consider them for promotional purposes. These totes have some limitations, such as not being suitable for heavy loads and may wrinkle.
Canvas
Canvas tote bags are thick and sturdy; they are highly durable and can be washed when needed. Canvas bags are great for carrying laptops and books and can be opted for everyday use when heading to school or work.
These bags are heavy, and if you do not clean them timely, they may get stained. Hence, if anything spills, make sure to consider spot cleaning to keep them shining for a long.
Laminated Canvas
Laminated canvas is also called coated canvas. This material is easy to clean, water resistant, and even retains its structure. The laminated canvas totes are suitable for beach bags, traveling, and grocery shopping. Hoover, the canvas ones are less breathable, and with time, they may end up cracking.
Polyester or Nylon
Polyester or nylon is a lightweight material that is highly water resistant and can be folded. It is great for gym use and travel purposes and is a good everyday bag. However, polyester or nylon totes are less eco-friendly, and their appearance is less premium.
Leather or Faux Leather
Leather tote bags are quite stylish and even look highly professional. Leather totes are durable and can be carried for casual outings, office purposes, and events. Leather totes, however, are heavy, and they cannot be machined or washed.
5. Don’t Forget Handle Drop
Handle drop is the distance between the top of the bag and the top of the handle. It reflects the distance the bag will be from your hands or shoulders. Considering that handle drop is one of the essential parts when choosing a tote bag. The standard size of the handle drop is as follows:
- The 7 to 9-inch handle drop is created for handheld carrying.
- 10 to 12 inches is suitable to carry the bag on your shoulder.
- If you go for 13 inches or more, it will be fine for holding bulky clothes or for people who are tall.
Handle drop matters because if it is too short, these may not perfectly fit your shoulder. If it is too long, it bounces uncomfortably. Hence, make sure to consider the strap length, softness, and rigidity of the handles, followed by their adjustability.
Bonus Features to Consider
The material, size, and length of the handle are essential when it comes to tote bags, but some features that a tote bag offers as a bonus also enhance the practicality and user experience. No matter whether you plan to use the tote bag for work, travel, or shopping, these bonus features can make a big difference in adding durability, organization, and convenience.
Interior pockets for keys and phones
One of the major issues people face when using tote bags is the lack of easy access to small belongings. This problem can be solved by adding pockets on the interior side for the phone and keys. They not only help to organize items but also make your stuff easily accessible. You can keep your small-sized items like phones, makeup, and other accessories easy to take out when needed.
Blind digging can be difficult in the tote, and when these pockets are present, you do not need to empty your entire bag to take one thing out.
Zipper closures for travel and safety
Most of the bags are open-top totes, but if a zipper closure is added to the tote bag, it can be a great feature to make it accessible. It offers ease when traveling or commuting by public transport. The zippered tote ensures that your belongings are kept safe, and if it tips over, you don’t have to worry about the things spilling out.
Moreover, if you are traveling, the risk of pickpocketing and losing your belongings is also minimized. Some tote bags also come with magnetic snaps that offer some security, not as much as zippered ones.
Reinforced base for carrying weight
A tote bag is known for its roomy layout and stylish look, but due to its weight, it may sag from the bottom and look unappealing. Opting for a reinforced base can help the bag maintain its shape and support heavy items.
Having a reinforced base is great for totes that are used for shopping or as a work bag, as they can carry bulky items. Reinforced bottoms also let the bags sit upright when they are kept on the surface.
Washability for daily and grocery use
If you use a tote for your entire life, especially for outdoor activities and grocery shopping, then it will get dirty. Washability is, therefore, a crucial factor for the tote bags. Cotton and canvas tote bags can be machine-washed; hence, they are easy to maintain.
Bags that have synthetic and laminated materials can not be washed, but you can wipe them with a damp cloth. However, it is suggested to always look at the label to care for it accordingly so that it maintains its shape in the long run. Make sure to also store these totes in a dust bag when not in use to enhance their life.
FAQs
What size tote bag fits a 13” or 15” laptop?
A 13-inch laptop fits in a tote that has a width of at least 14 inches, whereas a 15-inch laptop will fit in a tote with 16 to 17 inches of width. It is also essential to ensure that a depth of 3 to 4 inches is present in the tote to keep other essentials and chargers.
How do I measure a tote bag I already have?
To measure a tote bag that you already have, lay the bag flat and measure its depth, height, and width, as well as the handle drops. When measuring height, do not include handles.
Can tote bags be used for travel?
Yes, a large bag is a must-have accessory when heading for travel. These totes are great to be carried on flights or for weekend trips. Make sure to choose a tote that has compartments and zippers and is sturdy when traveling.
Are tote sizes standard across brands?
No, the sizes across the brands vary; they can label it small, medium, and large, but every brand will have a different size compared to other brands.
How much weight can a large tote carry?
Most of the large-sized totes can carry a weight of 10 to 20 pounds, based on the capacity and material of the bag, and the strength of the strap matters. Reinforced bags and canvas materials can carry more weight than cotton ones.
Conclusion
Choosing the right tote bag is not just about how its looks, you need to have the right balance of functionality, materials and size that matches your lifestyle. The right tote bags are the ones that can carry all your everyday essentials without any hassle and offer you comfort and accessibility.
The best part is that you can even have custom tote bags designed by well-known vendors to cater to your requirements. As you have understood the measurements of these tote bags and what features a perfect-sized tote bag must have, you can now choose the right option for yourself.
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