Drawstring bags and gym bags are projected to reach a market size of US$ 2.7 billion by 2032, after seeing exponential growth over the past few years, mostly due to the rise in casual fashion and emphasis on health and fitness. Drawstring bags are well known for their versatility and practicality, acting as giveaways at trade shows all the way through to gym bags for personal use.

In this guide, we’ll be exploring all of the different aspects of drawstring bags, from their uses, types and materials, through to their customization options. Whether you’re looking to create your own merch for the next show or for your team, or you simply interested in finding out whether drawstring bags are right for you, our guide will have you covered. Let’s dive in.

Types Of Drawstring Bags

There are a few different ways that you can classify types of drawstring bags - material, purpose or features.

Material

There are a number of materials that drawstring bags are made out of. These include:

Cotton

Cotton is a natural fiber making cotton tote bags an ideal choice for the more eco-concious. They are biodegradable, but strong and long-lasting, meaning they can withstand regular use and washing without easily wearing out.

Nylon

Nylon is a popular material for drawstring bags due to its resilient and strong features. Nylon is resistant to tears and abrasions, making it suitable for rough use and carrying heavier items. Despite this, it’s lightweight material, and is naturally water-resistant, helping to protect it from rain or spills.

Polyester

Polyester is a robust and durable synthetic fiber that can withstand significant wear and tear. It resists abrasions and remains in good condition even after frequent use. Polyester is lightweight, making it easy to carry without adding extra bulk, and is quick drying to prevent mould or mildew growth.

Canvas

Canvas is a heavy-duty fabric well-known for its strength and durability making it ideal for carrying heavy items. Typically made from cotton or linen, they are an eco-friendly and sustainable option with a classic, timeless appearance that appeals to many styles.

Purpose

Sports & Gym Bags

Drawstring bags are perfect for sports and gym use due to their lightweight, compact design and easy accessibility. They can conveniently hold different gym and sports essentials, making them a popular choice for sports teams, athletes and fitness enthsisasts.

Promotional Bags

As promotional bags, drawstring bags are a cost-effective and versatile solution for businesses and events. They provide ample space for branding and logos, making them ideal giveaways at trade shows, conferences, and marketing campaigns, helping to increase brand visibility and engagement.

Fashion Bags

In the realm of fashion, drawstring bags combine practicality with style. Available in various materials, colors and designs, they can complement casual outfits and serve as trendy accessories.

Storage Bags

For storage purposes, drawstring bags offer an efficient way to organize and protect items. They are perfect for storing toys, laundry, shoes, or travel essentials, keeping belongings tidy and easily accessible. Their simplicity and versatility make them a household staple.

Unique Features

There are a few different unique features that you can keep in mind when finding the right drawstring bags for you. These include:

Waterproof

If you’re going to be using your bags in all weather conditions or you want to make sure your belongings won’t be impacted by sweat on longer adventures, then look for waterproof materials or other feature like moisture-wicking.

Reflective

Reflective materials are important for safety uses and for general visibility particularly late at night or in lowlight conditions. Reflective materials catch and reflect light, making the bag stand out against darker backgrounds. These are suitable for a wide range of activities and can be beneficial in all seasons.

Padded

Want to enhance comfort or keep your belongings protected while travelling? Then look for padded features which can provide extra linings. Padding in the shoulder straps can help to reduce strain on the shoulders and can also add for even weight distribution to help prevent potential injury. Padding also acts as a cushion to absorb shocks and impacts, which can protect delicate items such as electronics, books, or fragile goods from damage.

Uses & Applications Of Drawstring Bags

Drawstring bags are extremely versatile and practical, serving a wide range of purposes from everyday use and sports to promotional activities and travel. With their lightweight design, ease of use and customizable nature, they are suitable for a range of applications, catering to the needs of students, professionals, athletes, travelers and more. Some of the main uses for drawstring bags include:

Every Day Use

Drawstring bags are ideal for carrying daily essentials such as keys, wallet, phone and a water bottle. Their lightweight and compact nature make them perfect for commuting . They are also convenient for carrying groceries and other small purchases or for casual outgoings like picnics and beach trips where you need to carry a few items without the bulk of a larger bag.

Sports & Fitness

From gym bags to carrying sports equipment for sports teams, drawstring bags are perfect for holding workout clothes, shoes, sports gears, water bottles and more. They are suitable for a wide range of activities while carrying lightweight and essential items.

Promotional Use

Drawstring bags are commonly used as corporate gifts with company logos, serving as practical and memorable promotional items. They are also popular at trade shows, conferences and community events as a way to distribute promotional materials or samples, and are also an effective branding and aedvertising tool themselves when customized.

Travel

Drawstring bags are small enough to be taken onto planes, making them ideal for regular travelers. They can be used as a lightweight day pack to carry maps, snacks, cameras and other essentials as well as helping to organize items within bigger luggage cases, such as separating shoes, toiletries or even dirty laundry.

Customization Options

One of the biggest benefits of drawstring bags is just how easy they are to customize. Whether you’re looking to add your brand name for promotional reasons or you want to add your own message to the bag for your recipients, there are plenty of customization options you can consider.

Printing

There are a few different types of printing that you can choose:

Screen Printing

Screen printing is a highly popular method where ink is pressed through a screen to create designs. This method is ideal for large quantities and simple, bold graphics.

DTF Transfers

DTF transfers involve transferring a design from a piece of paper onto the bag using heat. They are suitable for detailed and colorful designs. This highly versatile printing method allows you to transfer any design, no matter how intricate, onto almost any product, material, and color with great durability.

Sublimation Printing

This print method uses a dye that is transferred to the fabric using heat, resulting in vibrant, full-color designs that are part of the fabric itself. This is best suited to polyester bags.

Digital Printing

This uses inkjet technology for high-quality, detailed images directly on the fabric. This is useful for small runs and intricate designs.

How To Choose The Right Drawstring Bags

Consider Your Needs

When buying drawstring bags you should always consider the purpose, frequency of use and your own personal style preferences (or those of your recipients). This will help to narrow down elements like material of your bag, the customization option and the size of your bag to suit your requirements.

Evaluate Material & Durability

Evaluating the bag’s material can help you to better assess durability. Some materials are good for everyday use, while others are best for water-resistance. Others are known for being strong and are best for carrying heavy loads.

Check Size & Capacity

The size and capacity of the bags you buy will also depend on your needs. Small bags are ideal for carrying small items or for children, medium are good for gym gear and supplies, and large drawstring bags are best for travel, sports equipment or grocery shopping. Ensure the bag can accommodate the items you plan to carry and always check the dimensions and volume capacity.

Look For Additional Features

Take into consideration all of the additional features that drawstring bags can include before making your purchase. Some of the best features include:

• Internal or external pockets
• Additional zippers, velcro or snaps for enhanced security
• Reflective strips for enhanced safety
• Padded straps or sections for comfort and protection
• Water resistant materials for outdoor use

Drawstring Bag Care & Maintenance

This wouldn’t be a complete guide without a few tips on post-purchase care for your drawstring bags. Regularly cleaning and maintaining your drawstring bags can help them to last even longer.

Some of our top general care and maintenance tips include:

• Make sure to clean the bag regularly to prevent dirt and grime buildup.
• Store the bag in a cool, dry place when not in use to avoid mildew and maintain its shape.
• Do not overfill the bag beyond its capacity to prevent damage to the fabric and drawstrings.
• Only machine wash bags that are made of cotton or polyester. Canvas and nylon drawstring bags should be spot cleaned or hand washed, as well as air dryed thoroughly.
  

It’s also important to properly maintain different parts of the bag. Inspect the drawstrings for signs of wear and tear and lubricate if the drawstring action becomes stiff for any reason. You should also make sure to inspect the bag for any damage, such as on the seams and in the stitching. If there are any zippers and fasteners on the bag, then make sure that they are free from dirt and debris to maintain smooth operation.

By following these guidelines, you can extend the life of your drawstring bags, keeping them functional and looking good for a long time.

Conclusion

That concludes our guide to drawstring bags. Now you should have everything that you need to make the right choice for you on whether or not drawstring bags are the best choice for your tradeshow, event, team, gift and more.

At RushOrderTees, we can help you to find the right drawstring bags for you needs and can even take the hassle out of customization for you. Simply choose your product, upload your design, and place your order. We’ll do the rest!

Browse our extensive catalog of drawstring bags today.