Choosing the Best Custom Drawstring Bags: 4 Expert Tips

Custom drawstring bags are one of the most practical and cost-effective promotional products available. They're lightweight, easy to distribute, and useful enough that people often keep and reuse them long after an event ends.

Whether you're ordering bags for a sports team, school program, fundraiser, gym, or community event, choosing the right style can help maximize both usability and brand visibility.

Before comparing individual styles, browse our collection of Custom Drawstring Bags to see budget-friendly, cotton, zipper pocket, comfort, and large-capacity options.

Use these four expert tips to choose the best custom drawstring bags for your needs.

What Is a Custom Drawstring Bag?

A drawstring bag is a lightweight bag that closes using cords threaded through the top opening. When pulled tight, the cords secure the contents while also allowing the bag to be carried on your back.

Compared to traditional backpacks, drawstring bags are simpler, lighter, and more affordable. Compared to tote bags, they're easier to carry hands-free and often work better for active or casual use.

That combination makes them especially popular for promotions, sports events, schools, camps, and giveaways.

Why Custom Drawstring Bags Work So Well for Promotions

Custom drawstring bags offer a strong balance of affordability and usability.

They're often less expensive than many promotional products while still providing a large decoration area for logos and branding. Because people use them repeatedly for everyday activities, they can continue generating visibility long after they're handed out.

They're also easy to store, easy to transport, and easy to distribute at events.

Whether you're ordering for a school program, charity event, sports team, or marketing campaign, drawstring bags are one of the most versatile promotional products available.

Expert Tip #1: Start With Your Budget and Quantity

Budget is often the first factor to consider, especially for larger orders.

Lower-cost drawstring bags are ideal for mass giveaways, community events, and fundraising programs where quantity is a priority. More feature-rich bags may make sense when recipients are expected to use them regularly.

Before selecting a bag, ask yourself:

• Is this a mass giveaway or a targeted promotion?
• Will recipients use the bag once or repeatedly?
• Is price-per-unit the primary concern?
• Would additional features add meaningful value?

If affordability is your main goal, our Budget Drawstring Bags (BPNWBP) are designed specifically for large giveaways, community events, and promotional campaigns.

Expert Tip #2: Consider Your Logo Size and Print Area

Most drawstring bags provide a large front decoration area, making them ideal for logos, event graphics, and promotional messaging.

However, larger print areas don't necessarily mean more complicated designs work better.

For best results:

• Keep artwork simple
• Avoid small text
• Use high-contrast colors
• Focus on readability from a distance

Drawstring bags are often viewed while someone is walking or carrying them across a room. Simple designs typically perform better than detailed artwork packed with small elements.

If you're balancing budget and design requirements, our guide on cost-saving tips for custom printing explains how artwork, quantities, and product choices can affect overall costs.

Expert Tip #3: Choose the Right Fabric

Fabric affects durability, appearance, and intended use.

Cotton drawstring bags offer a traditional fabric feel and are often chosen for schools, community programs, retail promotions, and giveaways.

Polyester and nylon drawstring bags tend to be lighter and more resistant to moisture, making them a common choice for sports teams, outdoor events, and gyms.

The right material depends less on the fabric itself and more on how recipients will use the bag.

For organizations looking for a traditional fabric option, our Cotton Drawstring Bags (BP6BP) are a popular choice for schools, fundraisers, and community events.

Expert Tip #4: Decide Whether Extra Features Are Worth It

Some drawstring bags include additional features such as:

• Zipper pockets
• Reinforced corners
• Larger storage capacity
• Softer carrying cords

These upgrades can improve convenience and usability, but they also add cost.

For many promotional events, a basic drawstring bag is more than sufficient. However, if recipients are likely to use the bag regularly, additional features may be worth considering.

Need extra storage? Our Zipper Pocket Drawstring Bags (BPNBP) include a convenient front pocket for phones, keys, and other small items.

Drawstring Bags vs Tote Bags

Both drawstring bags and tote bags are popular promotional products, but they serve different purposes.

Drawstring bags are often a better fit for:

• Sports events
• Camps
• Schools
• Fitness promotions
• Youth programs

• Trade shows
• Conferences
• Retail promotions
• Shopping use
• Events involving printed materials

Neither option is better overall. The best choice depends on how the bag will be used.

If you're considering a tote bag instead, browse our collection of Custom Canvas Tote Bags to compare promotional tote styles designed for trade shows, conferences, community events, and giveaways.

Still comparing bag styles? Our guide on Which Type of Promotional Bag Works Best for Your Event? explains when tote bags, drawstring bags, and reusable bags make the most sense.

Drawstring Bags vs Traditional Backpacks

Compared to traditional backpacks, drawstring bags are significantly lighter, easier to distribute, and more affordable.

Backpacks are often selected when multiple compartments, padded straps, or heavier carrying capacity are required. Drawstring bags are designed for simplicity and convenience.

For most promotional uses, drawstring bags offer a practical balance of functionality and cost.

If comfort is important, our Comfort Drawstring Bags (Liberty Bags 8881) feature softer cords designed for easier carrying during longer events and everyday use.

Best Uses for Custom Drawstring Bags

Custom drawstring bags are especially popular for:

• Sports teams
• School programs
• Camps
• Fundraisers
• Community events
• Charity walks and runs
• Gym promotions
• Brand awareness campaigns

They're lightweight, easy to carry, and useful enough that people often keep them long after the original event.

For events requiring additional storage space, our Large Drawstring Bags (Liberty Bags 8882) offer extra capacity while maintaining the convenience drawstring bags are known for.

Choosing the Right Drawstring Bag Comes Down to Fit

The best custom drawstring bag is the one that fits your audience, budget, and purpose.

Start by considering how recipients will use the bag, what features matter most, and how many bags you'll need. From there, it becomes much easier to narrow down the right option.

When chosen carefully, custom drawstring bags can provide long-term visibility and practical value while remaining one of the most affordable promotional products available.