Do Canvas Bags Shrink?

Here’s What You Need to Know About Promotional Canvas Bags

When it comes to eco-friendly and stylish solutions for carrying your essentials, promotional canvas bags are among the most reliable and versatile choices out there. But if you’re investing in them for your business, events, or giveaways, there’s one question you might be asking: Do canvas bags shrink?

Let’s unpack the answer and what it means for you.


Yes, Canvas Bags Can Shrink—but Here’s Why

Canvas is a woven fabric made primarily from cotton or a blend of cotton and synthetic fibers. Like most cotton-based materials, it has a tendency to shrink when exposed to high heat, especially during washing or drying. If you toss your canvas tote into a hot washer and then dry it at a high temperature, you might end up with a smaller version of the bag you started with.

But don’t worry—this doesn’t mean your promotional canvas bags are doomed to shrink! You can preserve their shape and structure by following proper care instructions.


How to Keep Your Canvas Bags from Shrinking

  1. Cold Wash Only – Use cold or lukewarm water when washing. Hot water is one of the main culprits of fabric shrinkage.

  2. Air Dry – Skip the dryer. Hang or lay your canvas bags flat to dry naturally.

  3. Gentle Handling – If you're cleaning them by hand, avoid twisting or wringing the fabric harshly.

By caring for them correctly, your canvas bags can stay in top shape for years, looking just as good as when you first got them.


Why Businesses Still Choose Promotional Canvas Bags

Even with this small caveat, promotional canvas bags remain one of the best tools for brand marketing and customer engagement. Here's why:

  • Durability: When made with high-quality material—like those from CraftClothing.ph—these bags are designed to last. They can handle the weight of books, groceries, gadgets, or giveaways without ripping or fading.

  • Customization Power: With a generous surface area for your logo, tagline, or message, canvas bags offer one of the best promotional real estates. Plus, with options for silkscreen printing or embroidery, your branding won’t fade after a few uses.

  • Sustainability: These bags can be reused hundreds of times, which not only helps the environment but also ensures your brand stays in your customer’s line of sight.

  • Function + Fashion: Whether it's a tote for errands, a laptop canvas backpack, or a drawstring swag bag, canvas bags come in all shapes and styles—making them practical and trendy for any target audience.


Want Canvas Bags That Last?

CraftClothing specializes in custom-made canvas bags that are not only stylish and functional, but also built to withstand the test of time—and the laundry machine, when cared for correctly. Whether you’re giving them away at an event or selling them under your own brand, our team will help you create canvas bags that customers will use and love for years.

Ready to customize your own? Browse our promotional canvas bags here and let’s start crafting your vision today.


TL;DR: Yes, canvas bags can shrink, but only if washed in hot water or machine-dried. Treat them right, and they’ll stay reliable, stylish, and brand-worthy for a long time.


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