Carried Away
Forget everything you know about promotional bags. Each year brings new developments and trends that could reshape the way you sell. Whether it's unprecedented bag bans or increased consumer demand for fashion and function, the bag market is changing fast. Here are some of the latest styles to help you keep up.
Act Natural
The Jumbo Natural Tote from Ame & Lulu comes in natural canvas with astor, willow, sugar, wish, canary, villa or cricket pattern detailing. At a spacious 24x6.5x15", it's great for use on boating trips—or for using as a boat if you don't already own one. (Seriously, this bag is massive.) For more information, visit www.ameandlulu.com.
Cube-ism
The Cube with Poly Board Insert from American Ad Bag is made from nonwoven polypropylene containing 20 percent post-industrial recycled content. (That's a fancy of way of saying: "Every time you use this bag, a cute baby sea otter high-fives another, even cuter, baby sea otter.") The bag features reinforced 20" handles, a poly board insert, and contrasting handle and trim color. For more information, visit www.adbag.com.
Cool Under Pressure
"Clutch" has been our least favorite word ever since that incident in driver's ed. (Who knew a transmission could catch fire like that?) But thanks to the Clutch Lunch Bag from Evans Manufacturing, our opinion has changed. The 210D polyester bag has a PEVA lining, a zippered main compartment and a reinforced handle. It also folds flat for storage and comes in five colors. For more information, visit www.evans-mfg.com.
If It Ain't Got That Sling
Because 1930s nicknames are the best, we're bringing them back, starting with the Sling Crossbody from Bag Makers. We call it the "King of Sling," and with good reason. The bag features two zippered pockets, a 50" adjustable strap and a Velcro closure. It also has a 4x6" imprint area and comes in three colors. For more information, visit www.bagmakersinc.com.
Oval and Out
Logomark's Oval Cooler Bag has a 20-can capacity and a zippered, watertight, PEVA-lined main compartment. (Cooler bag? More like coolest bag!) Made from woven polyester mesh, the bag also features black trim and an adjustable shoulder strap. For more information, visit www.logomark.com.
Game of Totes
Norwood's Clear Game Tote is made of PVC vinyl, has a 3.3125x4.5" imprint area and is available in six handle and trim colors. It also complies with the NFL's bag policy—good if you want to carry essentials into the stadium, but not-so-good if you want to smuggle a cheesesteak past gate security so you don't have to spend $45 at the concession stand. For more information, visit www.norwood.com.
Alumni Association
With a large, zippered main compartment and multiple pockets, the Alumni Tote from Southern Plus holds all the important things college students need: Pop-Tarts, Red Bull, iPad. (Oh, and like, books and stuff.) The 600D polyester bag also has wide shoulder straps, a pen loop and a 4x4" imprint area. It is available in eight colors with black and gray front accents. For more information, visit www.southernplus.com.
Supreme Court
We may never sit courtside at an NBA game next to Woody Allen or Spike Lee, but the Courtside 21" Duffel from Starline Inc. can probably hold a whole lot of their DVDs, so ... close enough. The bag has a large main compartment, a front zippered pocket, a back shoe compartment and side zippered pockets. It is available in red, hot green, blue or orange and has multiple areas for imprint. For more information, visit www.starline.com.
We're Not in Canvas Anymore
TARGETLINE's Cotton Canvas Tote Bag has a 9x9" imprint area (8x8" for full-color imprints) and is made from lightweight 6 oz. cotton canvas. It's so light, you'll actually burn more calories than you'll ingest if you eat it! [Ed. note: The preceding statement may be a lie. Please do not eat this bag. Or any bag, for that matter.] The 11x13x5" tote comes in natural color only. For more information, visit www.targetline.com.
The Skipper, Too
The Skipper Bag from Towel Specialties: fashionable enough for a three-hour tour, yet roomy enough to hold everything you'd need should you end up stranded on a desert island with a bunch of weirdos. The 22x15x7" bag is made from a cotton/polyester blend and comes in white with turquoise, lime, red, orange or navy stripes. For more information, visit www.towelspecialties.com.
Get Your Paws on This
The Paws N Claws Sport Pack from Vitronic Promotional Group is made of 210D polyester and is available in 20 animal designs, including bear, eagle, shark and bulldog. (It is not available in naked mole rat, because naked mole rats are gross.) The bag also features a 9x4" imprint area and a double drawcord closure. For more information, visit www.vitronicpromotional.com.