A tote bag is a bag used to carry items, usually made of a soft material with one or more handles or grips for people to carry. Tote bags are widely used in retail, shopping, packaging, gifts, advertising and other areas.

Tote bags can come in many different materials, including paper, fabric, plastic, leather and more. Different materials differ in appearance, texture, longevity and environmental friendliness. For example, paper tote bags are usually light and environmentally friendly for lighter items and short-term use, while fabric tote bags are usually more durable and suitable for long-term use. Plastic tote bags are usually cheaper and more durable, but somewhat controversial in terms of environmental friendliness.

Tote bags can also come in a variety of designs and styles, from simple one-color bags to custom styles with printed graphics, text, brand logos and more. Tote bags can also be equipped with zippers, snap closures, hooks and other devices to provide better closure and convenience.

In the retail industry, tote bags are often used as shopping bags where customers can place their purchases into tote bags for easy portability. In addition, tote bags are often used to wrap gifts, give away items or as a form of advertising, printed with corporate logos, advertising messages or other promotional elements to establish a brand image in the public. In some countries and regions, governments have also implemented policies to restrict or ban the use of plastic carrier bags in order to reduce the negative impact on the environment and promote environmental protection and sustainable development.