Types of Bags: The Complete Guide to Every Bag Style for Business Programs

Bags are the most universally useful category in the wholesale apparel market — and also the most confusing to buy for. Every buyer faces the same question: with dozens of distinct bag types across construction, capacity, carry style, and use case, how do you know which type is right for your program, your customer, or your inventory?

This guide covers every major bag type in one place — what each type is, who uses it, what it carries, and when to choose it for a wholesale program. Whether you're buying bags for corporate gifting, school programs, sports teams, gym merchandise, retail inventory, or promotional events, this guide helps you choose the right type before you order.

Quick navigation: Use this guide to identify any bag type and jump directly to the wholesale options at Simplstc Apparel. Every type covered links to the relevant category.

The Main Categories of Bags — An Overview

Bags fall into five broad functional categories, each serving a different primary use case:

• Carry bags (totes, shoppers, grocery bags): open-top or easy-access bags for carrying everyday items; the most common promotional merchandise bag type

• Backpacks (school, laptop, hiking, sport): two-strap back-carry bags for hands-free carrying of heavy loads; the most popular bag category by volume

• Shoulder and crossbody bags (messenger, sling, crossbody): one-strap bags carried on the shoulder or across the body for everyday and urban carry

• Sport and travel bags (duffel, gym bag, weekender, travel): large-capacity bags for athletic equipment, gym gear, and travel

• Fashion and lifestyle bags (handbags, clutches, pouches): appearance-forward bags where design and brand communicate status or identity

Explore all bag types at Simplstc Apparel — including Backpacks, Tote Bags, Duffel Bags, Messenger Bags, Crossbody Bags, School Bags, and Travel Bags.

20 Types of Bags — Complete Style Guide

1. Tote Bag

The tote bag is the most popular bag type in the wholesale promotional market — a simple, open-top bag with two parallel handles attached to the top of the bag's main compartment. Totes are available in every material from canvas and cotton to nylon, polypropylene, and recycled fabrics. The flat, uninterrupted front panel of a canvas tote is the most popular screen printing surface in the bag category — making it the default choice for conference giveaways, grocery and retail programs, nonprofit merchandise, and eco-conscious brand programs.

• Best for: promotional events, conference giveaways, grocery and retail programs, teacher appreciation, eco brand merchandise

• Materials: canvas cotton (most popular), nylon, recycled cotton, RPET (recycled plastic bottle), non-woven polypropylene

• Wholesale programs: available from $1.50 per unit (non-woven) to $12+ (premium canvas) — the widest price range of any bag type

• Decoration: screen printing on canvas; embroidery for premium programs; DTF printing for full-color designs

Explore wholesale tote bags at Simplstc Apparel.

2. Backpack

The backpack is the most versatile bag type — a two-strap, back-carry bag that distributes weight across both shoulders for comfortable carrying of heavy loads. Backpacks range from simple drawstring cinch sacks under $5 per unit to structured laptop backpacks with padded compartments, external USB charging ports, and anti-theft construction. The backpack is the most ordered bag type for school programs, corporate onboarding kits, gym memberships, and athletic team programs.

• Best for: students, corporate employees, gym members, athletic teams, travelers, hikers

• Types within backpacks: drawstring/cinch sack (budget promotional), school backpack (student daily use), laptop backpack (corporate), sport backpack (athletic), hiking backpack (outdoor), tactical/military backpack

• Wholesale programs: drawstring backpacks start under $5; structured laptop backpacks $25–$50+

• Decoration: embroidery on front panel (corporate programs); screen printing on drawstring bags; DTF for full-color lifestyle brand programs

Explore wholesale backpacks and school bags at Simplstc Apparel.

3. Crossbody Bag

The crossbody bag has a single long strap worn diagonally across the body — from one shoulder, across the chest, to the opposite hip. The crossbody keep the bag secure and accessible while leaving both hands free. It's a daily-use bag for essentials: phone, wallet, keys, sunglasses, and small accessories. Crossbody bags are particularly effective branded merchandise because the logo panel faces outward toward every person the wearer passes — generating more public brand impressions per day than almost any other bag type.

• Best for: everyday casual carry, travel, commuting, errands, events, outdoor activities

• Materials: canvas, nylon, leather, vegan leather, woven fabric

• Types: mini crossbody (essentials-only), standard crossbody, large crossbody, anti-theft travel crossbody, sling bag

• Wholesale programs: lifestyle brand accessories, travel brand merchandise, gym membership gifts, promotional events

Explore wholesale crossbody bags at Simplstc Apparel.

4. Messenger Bag

The messenger bag is a single-strap shoulder bag with a large main compartment, a flap closure, and an adjustable shoulder strap — originally designed for urban bike couriers who needed quick access to deliveries without removing the bag. Today the messenger bag is the standard professional carry bag for creative professionals, tech workers, graduate students, and anyone who prefers shoulder carry over backpacks for their laptop and daily work essentials.

• Best for: professionals, creatives, commuters, students, corporate gifting

• Materials: canvas, nylon, waxed canvas, leather, ballistic nylon

• Types: laptop messenger bag, bike messenger bag, small messenger bag, briefcase messenger

• Wholesale programs: corporate executive gifting, law and consulting firm branded bags, graduate school programs, cycling brands

Explore wholesale messenger bags at Simplstc Apparel.

5. Duffel Bag

The duffel bag is a cylindrical or rectangular soft-sided bag with a zipper top opening and carrying handles — the standard bag for athletic equipment, gym gear, travel, and weekend getaways. The duffel's large open-top compartment accommodates bulky items that won't fit in a backpack. In wholesale, sport duffel bags are the most ordered bag type for school athletic programs — decorated with the team name, school colors, and season year, one per player.

• Best for: sports teams, gym members, travelers, weekend trips, corporate travel gifting

• Materials: polyester (most common for sport), canvas (heritage/travel programs), nylon, waterproof

• Types: sport duffel, gym duffel, canvas duffel, large duffel, small duffel, waterproof duffel

• Wholesale programs: school athletic teams (15–60 per team), gym membership gifts, corporate travel gifting, basketball and soccer leagues

Explore wholesale duffel bags at Simplstc Apparel.

6. Shoulder Bag

The shoulder bag is a catch-all category for any bag worn on one shoulder via a single strap. It encompasses hobo bags, saddle bags, bucket bags, and structured shoulder bags. Unlike crossbody bags (strap across the chest) or messenger bags (flap closure), the shoulder bag typically has a shorter strap that keeps it at hip level. In wholesale programs, canvas shoulder bags are common for grocery, library, and everyday carry programs.

• Best for: everyday carry, shopping, casual outings, lifestyle retail

• Materials: canvas, leather, vegan leather, nylon, woven fabric

• Types within shoulder bags: hobo bag, saddle bag, bucket bag, structured shoulder bag, half-moon bag, barrel bag

7. Tote Bag for School

The school tote is a variation of the standard tote bag — larger, reinforced, and often with interior pockets for organization. Canvas school bags, library bags, and student totes serve book fairs, school spirit programs, PTA giveaways, and orientation welcome packages. The school tote differs from a school backpack in that it's open-top and hand-carried rather than back-carried — making it simpler, less expensive, and more suitable for shorter-distance or lighter-load school use.

• Best for: book fairs, school spirit programs, PTA events, student orientation

• Wholesale programs: back-to-school giveaways, library card programs, teacher appreciation gifts

Explore wholesale school bags at Simplstc Apparel.

8. Drawstring Bag / Cinch Sack

The drawstring bag — also called a cinch sack, string bag, or gym sack — is the most affordable bag type in wholesale. A simple polyester or nylon bag with two drawstring cords through the top that serve as both the closure and the shoulder straps. No structure, no pockets, no hardware — just a lightweight, portable bag that collapses flat when empty. The drawstring bag is the standard bag for school giveaways, youth sports programs, promotional events, and any program where a low per-unit cost is the primary requirement.

• Best for: youth sports, school giveaways, promotional events, community programs

• Price point: under $5 per unit at volume — the most affordable bag style

• Decoration: screen printing and DTF on the flat polyester body — the most popular promotional decoration

Explore wholesale backpacks including drawstring styles at Simplstc Apparel.

9. Travel Bag / Weekender Bag

The travel bag — also called a weekender bag or overnight bag — is a carry-on-compatible bag designed for 1–3 night trips. The weekender has a structured rectangular body, top handles, a shoulder strap, and interior organization for clothes, toiletries, and accessories. Travel bags are the premium end of the branded bag market — a corporate gift that recipients use on every business trip, generating brand impressions at airports, hotels, and offices across the country.

• Best for: corporate travel gifting, executive onboarding, golf tournament gifts, hotel loyalty programs

• Materials: canvas, nylon, ballistic nylon, polyester, waxed canvas

• Wholesale programs: corporate employee gifts (25–500 units), golf club membership gifts, hospitality loyalty programs

• Decoration: embroidery on front panel or end panel — the premium corporate travel bag standard

Explore wholesale travel bags at Simplstc Apparel.

10. Golf Bag

The golf bag is a specialized sport bag designed to carry golf clubs — available in stand bag (with retractable legs), cart bag (designed to sit on a golf cart), carry bag (lightweight for walking), and travel bag (padded rolling case for air travel) formats. In wholesale, golf travel bags from premium brands like OGIO are popular corporate gift items for executive golf programs, golf tournament player gifts, and country club merchandise.

• Types: stand bag, cart bag, carry bag (Sunday bag), travel/flight case

• Wholesale programs: golf tournament player gifts, country club merchandise, corporate golf event gifting

• Decoration: embroidery on bag body or side panel with club name, tournament name, or company logo

Explore wholesale golf bags and travel bags at Simplstc Apparel.

11. Gym Bag

The gym bag is a purpose-built duffel or backpack variant designed for the specific demands of athletic training — typically featuring a ventilated shoe compartment to separate footwear from clean clothes, water bottle side pockets, and multiple organizational compartments for toiletries, electronics, and equipment. In wholesale, gym bags are the most popular merchandise item for fitness studio member programs — the member uses the branded bag every workout, generating daily brand impressions.

• Best for: gym members, fitness studios, athletic teams, personal trainers

• Key features: ventilated shoe compartment, water bottle pocket, adjustable shoulder strap

• Wholesale programs: gym membership gift (24–200 units), fitness brand merchandise, athletic team programs

Explore wholesale duffel bags at Simplstc Apparel.

12. Laptop Bag / Laptop Backpack

The laptop bag encompasses two distinct constructions: the laptop tote (a structured tote bag with a padded laptop sleeve) and the laptop backpack (a structured backpack with a dedicated padded laptop compartment). Both protect laptops (typically fitting 13", 15", or 17" devices) with padded compartment walls while providing organizational structure for daily professional carry. The laptop backpack is the most popular corporate gifting bag for tech companies, startups, and professional services firms.

• Best for: corporate employees, tech professionals, students, business travelers

• Types: laptop tote, laptop backpack, laptop messenger bag, laptop briefcase

• Wholesale programs: corporate new-hire welcome kits, employee appreciation gifts, technology company branded merchandise

Explore wholesale backpacks and messenger bags at Simplstc Apparel.

13. Sling Bag

The sling bag is a compact single-strap bag worn across the body — similar to a crossbody bag but typically with a more structured, gear-oriented design. Sling bags are popular in outdoor and travel markets for carrying essentials during hiking, cycling, and urban travel where a full backpack is too large but pockets are insufficient. The single-strap construction can be worn across the back or swung to the front for quick access.

• Best for: outdoor activities, cycling, hiking, urban travel, day trips

• Materials: nylon, polyester, canvas

• Wholesale programs: outdoor lifestyle brands, travel brand merchandise, corporate outdoor event gifts

Explore wholesale crossbody bags and travel bags at Simplstc Apparel.

14. Briefcase

The briefcase is a structured, top-handle professional bag — the traditional formal professional carry bag for law firms, financial firms, and executives. Modern briefcases include laptop sleeves, multiple organizational compartments, and often a luggage pass-through strap for travel. While backpacks have replaced briefcases for many professional roles, the briefcase remains the right choice for formal professional environments where traditional appearance communicates seniority and credibility.

• Best for: lawyers, financial professionals, executives, formal business environments

• Materials: leather, faux leather, canvas, ballistic nylon

• Wholesale programs: law firm associate welcome kits, executive gifting, financial services firm branding

Explore wholesale messenger bags including briefcase styles at Simplstc Apparel.

15. Clutch Bag

The clutch is a small, handleless bag held in the hand or tucked under the arm — designed for carrying only the absolute essentials: phone, card, cash, and keys. Clutches are a women's evening and going-out bag category. In wholesale and promotional contexts, branded clutch bags or zipper pouches serve as premium event gifts, boutique retail accessories, and beauty brand giveaways.

• Best for: events, going out, boutique retail, beauty brand merchandise

• Types: envelope clutch, fold-over clutch, wristlet clutch, box clutch, zipper pouch

16. Backpack vs School Bag — What's the Difference?

In the wholesale market, 'school bag' is a specific category within backpacks — school bags are typically structured, multi-compartment backpacks with padded back panels and laptop sleeves designed for daily student use. Standard backpacks cover a broader range including hiking, sport, and drawstring styles. School bags specifically prioritize book and device organization, comfortable padded carry, and durability for daily student use through a full academic year.

Explore the full school bags catalog at Simplstc Apparel for student-specific styles.

17. Luggage & Travel Bags

Luggage encompasses the full range of travel bag types — rolling suitcases (carry-on and checked), hardshell cases, rolling duffels, and travel duffels. In wholesale and corporate programs, 'travel bag' most commonly refers to the weekender/overnight bag (carry-on-compatible soft-sided bag) rather than rolling suitcase luggage. Golf travel bags (padded rolling cases for golf clubs) are also a specific wholesale category.

• Types of luggage/travel bags: rolling carry-on, checked luggage, hardshell case, weekender bag, rolling duffel, golf travel case

• Wholesale programs: corporate travel gifts, golf program accessories, hotel loyalty merchandise

Explore wholesale travel bags at Simplstc Apparel.

18. Bucket Bag

The bucket bag is a soft, unstructured bag with a rounded or cylindrical shape — wider at the top and narrower at the bottom, like a bucket. It typically has a drawstring or cinch closure at the top and a shoulder strap. The bucket bag is a fashion-forward women's bag type that has crossed from high fashion into lifestyle retail and branded merchandise programs for boutique brands, yoga studios, and wellness lifestyle brands.

• Best for: women's lifestyle retail, boutique merchandise, yoga and wellness studio programs

• Materials: canvas, leather, vegan leather, suede, nylon

19. Reusable Shopping Bag / Eco Bag

The reusable shopping bag is a grocery-and-retail-carry-focused tote designed to replace single-use plastic bags. Available in canvas, cotton, RPET (recycled plastic bottles), and non-woven polypropylene, the reusable shopping bag is the most popular eco-merchandise item in the promotional market. For eco-conscious brands, RPET reusable bags provide a specific sustainability story — each bag is made from post-consumer recycled plastic bottles.

• Best for: grocery stores, retail co-ops, eco-conscious brands, nonprofit programs

• Materials: canvas cotton, RPET recycled polyester, non-woven polypropylene, organic cotton

• Price point: $1.50–$5 per unit at volume — the most cost-effective branded bag

Explore wholesale tote bags including eco-friendly options at Simplstc Apparel.

20. Fanny Pack / Belt Bag

The fanny pack — rebranded as a 'belt bag' or 'waist bag' in contemporary fashion — is a small zippered bag worn around the waist on a belt strap or slung across one shoulder as a crossbody. Originally popular in the 1980s for hands-free carry during outdoor activities, the fanny pack has re-emerged as a legitimate lifestyle and streetwear accessory and outdoor activity staple. In wholesale, fanny packs and belt bags are ordered for outdoor lifestyle brands, music festival merchandise, and athletic event programs.

• Best for: outdoor activities, festivals, streetwear, concerts, sporting events

• Wholesale programs: music festival merchandise, outdoor brand accessories, athletic event promotional gifts

Quick Reference: All 20 Bag Types at a Glance

Types of Bags for Women vs Types of Bags for Men

While most wholesale bag types are technically unisex, specific styles skew toward female or male buyers in both retail and program contexts. Understanding these distinctions helps build the right bag assortment for a given audience.

Types of Bags That Skew Women's

Types of Bags That Skew Men's

Wholesale Bag Buying Guide — How to Choose the Right Bag Type for Your Program

The right bag type for a wholesale program isn't the one that looks best in a catalog photo — it's the one recipients will actually use every day. Here's how to choose correctly.

Match the Bag to the Recipient's Daily Life

• Corporate employee: laptop backpack or tote. The bag must be premium enough to use in front of clients and colleagues — a branded bag an employee uses to a client meeting generates hundreds of brand impressions.

• Student: structured school backpack or drawstring bag depending on budget. For back-to-school giveaways, drawstring bags maximize units within budget. For premium school programs, structured backpacks provide daily use value.

• Athlete or gym member: sport duffel or gym backpack with shoe compartment. The bag must accommodate athletic equipment — a standard tote bag fails for this audience because it can't separate sweaty shoes from clean clothes.

• Traveler: weekender bag or travel duffel. The bag must be carry-on-compatible and durable enough for the physical demands of travel — it will be packed and unpacked dozens of times and spend hours in overhead compartments and rental car trunks.

• Everyday commuter: crossbody bag, messenger bag, or tote depending on load. Light commuters (phone, wallet, earbuds) want a crossbody. Heavy commuters (laptop, documents) want a messenger or backpack.

Match the Decoration to the Bag Type

Different bag types respond to different decoration methods — here's the guide:

• Canvas tote bags → screen printing (most popular), embroidery (premium programs), DTF printing (full-color designs)

• Polyester drawstring bags → screen printing and DTF (excellent on polyester surface)

• Structured backpacks and duffels → embroidery on front panel (the standard for corporate and gym programs)

• Canvas and nylon crossbody bags → embroidery (premium) or screen printing (promotional)

• Messenger bags and briefcases → embroidery (the decoration that reads as professional investment rather than giveaway)

• Golf bags and travel bags → embroidery on the bag body or end panel

Volume & Budget Guidance

Which Bag Type Generates the Most Brand Impressions?

For corporate gifting and brand merchandise programs, the ROI on a bag is measured in brand impressions per dollar — how many times does someone see your logo on this bag per day it's carried?

For programs where maximizing brand impressions per dollar is the goal, crossbody bags and tote bags are consistently the strongest performers — see the full crossbody bags and tote bags catalogs at Simplstc Apparel.

FAQs — Types of Bags

What are the main types of bags?

The main types of bags are: tote bags, backpacks, crossbody bags, shoulder bags, messenger bags, duffel bags, travel/weekender bags, drawstring bags, clutches, briefcases, gym bags, laptop bags, sling bags, bucket bags, fanny packs/belt bags, reusable shopping bags, golf bags, and school bags. Each type serves a different primary use case and audience.

What types of bags are best for women?

The most popular bag types for women in wholesale and retail programs are: crossbody bags (everyday carry), tote bags (work and shopping), bucket bags (fashion/lifestyle), shoulder bags (casual everyday), canvas eco bags (sustainable programs), and clutches (evening and events). See the full women's-appropriate bag catalog at Simplstc Apparel.

What type of bag generates the most brand impressions?

Crossbody bags generate the most brand impressions per day — the logo panel faces outward away from the wearer toward every person they pass, and the bag is used in diverse daily public settings. Tote bags rank second — carried visibly in grocery stores, offices, and campuses. Both deliver more daily brand impressions per dollar than most other promotional merchandise categories.

What is the difference between a tote bag and a crossbody bag?

A tote bag has two parallel top handles and is carried by hand or on the crook of the arm — an open-top carry bag for everyday items. A crossbody bag has a long single strap worn diagonally across the body from shoulder to opposite hip — hands-free secure carry for essentials. Totes are best for larger loads; crossbodies are best for lighter daily carry with hands-free security.

What type of bag is best for a corporate gifting program?

Laptop backpacks and weekender/travel bags are the most effective corporate gifting bags — they must be premium enough for the recipient to choose them over their own personal bag, which means the bag gets daily use and generates consistent brand impressions. Embroidery is the preferred decoration for corporate bags. Explore the full range at Simplstc Apparel.

What is the cheapest bag type for a wholesale program?

Non-woven polypropylene promotional tote bags are the most affordable wholesale bag — under $2 per unit at high volume with screen-printed logo. Drawstring cinch sacks are the most affordable bags that can be worn (under $5 per unit). For higher-quality promotional programs, canvas tote bags start around $4–$6 per unit.

Where can I buy wholesale bags with custom logos?

Simplstc Apparel offers all bag types with custom decoration via embroidery, screen printing, and DTF printing from 12 pieces with no setup fee. Free shipping on all orders over $149.99. Call +1 773-245-6241 for a bulk bag program quote.