Drawstring Backpack Inspiration for Brands, Schools & Events
Drawstring backpacks are one of those simple, branded products that can be surprisingly effective.
They are light, practical, easy to use, and visible in everyday life. For schools, institutions, events, cafés, bookshops, and lifestyle brands, they can become much more than a giveaway. With the right design, they can feel like useful merchandise people actually want to keep.
Recently, I noticed a lovely example of this kind of bag at a large bookstore. Their creative-looking drawstring bags had that relaxed, everyday feeling that works so well for lifestyle brands. They were not trying too hard, but still looked useful, casual, and easy to carry, which is exactly why this type of bag can work so well.
A drawstring backpack does not need to be complicated to feel good. The right colour, a strong logo placement, and a simple print can be enough to make it feel intentional.
Why Drawstring Backpacks Work So Well
Drawstring backpacks are popular because they sit somewhere between a tote bag, a gym bag and a small everyday backpack.
They are easy to fold, easy to hand out and easy to carry.
For schools and institutions, they are practical for students, events, open days and activity kits. For companies and organisations, they work well for conferences, welcome packs, campaigns and promotional gifts. For lifestyle brands, cafés and bookshops, they can become a small piece of branded merchandise that customers use beyond the first purchase.
Drawstring backpacks are also useful when a standard tote bag feels too formal or too flat, as they have a more relaxed and active feeling.
It works especially well for casual, creative, and younger audiences.
Good Uses for Drawstring Backpacks
Drawstring backpacks can be used in many different settings.
They are especially useful when the bag needs to be lightweight, easy to distribute, and practical for the person receiving it.
They are often used for school events, university welcome packs, sports clubs, summer camps, museums, galleries, bookshops, cafés, festivals, trade fairs, product launches, children’s events, travel campaigns, and staff gifts.
They can also work as shoe bags, gym bags or simple activity bags, depending on the size, material and design.
This makes them flexible for institutions, hospitality brands, sports organisations, and lifestyle businesses.
Design Ideas for Branded Drawstring Bags
The best drawstring backpacks are usually simple.
A clean logo, a strong colour contrast, or a small illustration can be enough.
For a café, a drawstring bag could feature a small logo, a coffee-related phrase or a minimal line drawing.
For a bookshop, it could include a quote, a reading-themed illustration, or a simple brand mark.
For a school or institution, it could include the logo, event name, or a visual identity connected to a specific programme.
A black bag with a white print can feel clean and modern. A natural cotton-style bag can feel softer and more organic. A bright colour can work well for schools, events, and sports clubs.
The choice depends on whether the bag should feel premium, playful, practical, or campaign-focused.
From Inspiration to Your Own Bag
Seeing a good branded bag in real life is often the best way to understand what works.
That is the same approach brands can use when creating their own custom drawstring backpacks.
Start with the use case first. Is it for students? Event guests? Customers? Staff? Travellers? Sports participants? Once that is clear, it becomes much easier to choose the right size, material, colour, and print style.
A drawstring backpack can be simple, but it should still feel considered.
Custom Drawstring Backpacks for Brands, Schools, and Events
At Prints & Bags, we help businesses and organisations create custom printed bags for real use, not just one-time giveaways.
Drawstring backpacks can be a good choice when you want something lightweight, practical, and easy to distribute.
They are especially suitable for schools, institutions, campaigns, cafés, bookshops, events, and lifestyle brands that want a useful branded bag with a clear logo or design.
Whether you are planning a school event, a brand campaign, a product launch or a simple merchandise item, a printed drawstring backpack can be a practical way to make your brand visible in everyday life.
Look here: Black drawstring cotton backpack, 140 g/m².
Look here: Natural white cotton drawstring backpack, 38x46 cm and 140 g/m²
FAQ: Drawstring Backpacks with Logo
What are drawstring backpacks used for?
Drawstring backpacks are often used for schools, universities, events, sports clubs, museums, cafés, bookshops, festivals, campaigns, and welcome kits. They are lightweight, easy to hand out, and practical enough for people to use after the event.
Are drawstring backpacks the same as shoe bags?
Not always. A drawstring backpack usually has two cords that allow the bag to be worn on the back. A shoe bag is often a smaller drawstring bag used for shoes, travel, sports, or hotel use. Some drawstring bags can be used as shoe bags, depending on the size and design.
Can drawstring backpacks be printed with a logo?
Yes, drawstring backpacks can be printed with a logo, illustration, campaign design, or event name. A simple one-colour print often works very well, especially when the design has strong contrast against the bag colour.
Are drawstring bags good for schools and institutions?
Yes. Drawstring bags are a practical choice for schools and institutions because they are easy to distribute, useful for students, and suitable for open days, welcome packs, sports days, activity kits, and events.
Are drawstring backpacks good for events?
Yes. They work well for events because guests can use them immediately to carry brochures, gifts, merchandise, or personal items. They are also more casual and active-looking than a standard tote bag.
What kind of design works best on a drawstring backpack?
Simple designs usually work best. A clear logo, short phrase, small illustration or strong campaign graphic can make the bag feel intentional without looking too busy. The print should be easy to read from a distance.
Can cafés, bookshops, and lifestyle brands use drawstring backpacks as merchandise?
Yes. Drawstring backpacks can work beautifully as branded merchandise for cafés, bookshops, museums, galleries and lifestyle brands. They feel relaxed, useful, and easy to carry, which makes them a good alternative to a classic tote bag.
What should I consider before ordering custom drawstring backpacks?
Start with the use case. Think about who will receive the bag, how they will use it, what colour fits your brand, and whether the print should feel playful, premium, minimal, or campaign-focused. This makes it easier to choose the right bag and design.
More about cotton bags with custom print
Best Tote Bags for Bookstores and Events
What Is DTG Printing and When Is It Used for Custom Tote Bags?
