Tote bags can be made with almost any material under the sun, but the big three materials are polypropylene, cotton canvas, and polyester.
Polypropylene bags are made from a type of plastic that is melted down and strung together to create sheets of fabric, which are sewn together into bags. This type of material is most commonly used to make reusable grocery shopping totes as it is water-resistant and budget-friendly.
Canvas is a heavy layered cotton fabric, which means that tote bags made from this material are going to be strong and sturdy. Canvas bags are also machine-washable and stretch easily, making them a great, durable product.
Polyester is a synthetic fiber made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic that tends to feel silky to the touch. Polyester bags are strong and easy to wipe clean. Polyester is also wrinkle-resistant, making this material great for packable or collapsible bags.