Back to School Bag Guide: Drawstring, Tote or Backpack?

Back to school season is almost here, and one of the most important decisions you'll make isn't the stationery or the shoes — it's the bag. Your bag gets thrown on the floor, stuffed in a locker, dragged through rain, and expected to hold everything you own. Choosing the right one from the start makes the whole year easier. But with so many styles out there — drawstring bags, tote bags, backpacks — how do you know which is actually right for you?

This guide breaks down all three styles honestly, so you can pick the one that works for your school day, your kit, and your personality.

Drawstring Bags: Light, Easy, and Great as a Second Bag

Drawstring bags are the unsung hero of the school bag world. They're lightweight, easy to chuck over one shoulder, and perfect when you don't need to carry much. If you've got PE, drama, or a packed extracurricular schedule, a drawstring bag is ideal as a second bag — toss your trainers, kit, or overflow gear in it and leave your main bag uncluttered.

The best all-over print drawstring bags also double as a style statement. With bold AI-designed art covering every inch of the fabric, they're the kind of bag that gets noticed across the school hall. They're machine washable, compact when empty, and genuinely fun to own.

Best for: PE kit, gym days, sports clubs, festivals, or as a second carry bag alongside a backpack.

Not ideal for: Heavy textbooks, laptops, or days when you need everything in one place.

Tote Bags: The Easy-Going Everyday Carrier

Tote bags have had a serious glow-up. Once seen as a purely casual option, a well-made tote bag is now a perfectly practical school bag — especially for sixth formers, college students, and anyone who walks between lessons rather than living out of a locker.

A good tote bag sits comfortably on one shoulder, opens wide for easy access, and can hold a surprising amount: A4 folders, a laptop, your lunch, water bottle, and more. All-over print tote bags in particular are a great way to add personality without compromising practicality. Look for reinforced handles and a decent size — anything too small and you'll be frustrated by half-term.

Best for: Sixth form or college, lighter loads, commuters, anyone who prefers open-top carry access.

Not ideal for: Days when you need hands-free movement or are carrying genuinely heavy kit across a large campus.

Backpacks: The Classic Choice for Heavy Loads

There's a reason the backpack has been the default school bag for decades. When you're carrying textbooks, a laptop, PE kit, a packed lunch, and a water bottle, nothing else distributes the weight properly. A good backpack spreads the load across both shoulders, keeps your hands free, and gives you proper organisation with multiple compartments.

All-over print backpacks take things up a notch — instead of the same black bag as everyone else, you get a fully printed design that covers the entire bag. From abstract minimalist patterns to bold rainbow cybernetic prints, there's a style to match any personality. Look for padded shoulder straps, a laptop sleeve, and sturdy zips.

Best for: Heavy daily loads, longer commutes, large schools with no lockers, laptop carriers.

Not ideal for: If you're only carrying a few items and want something easier to sling down and grab from quickly.

So Which Should You Actually Buy?

Here's the honest answer: most people end up with two bags. A backpack for the heavy days and a drawstring or tote for when the load is lighter. That said, if you can only choose one, ask yourself what your typical school day actually looks like:

• Lots of books and a laptop? Go backpack.
• Sixth form or college with a lighter load? A tote bag gives you style and practicality.
• PE or sports every week? A drawstring bag as a second bag is a must.

Whatever you choose, make it yours. All-over print bags mean you're not stuck with the same generic design as the rest of your year group. Browse the full range of AI-designed bags at WhatUWant2Buy — from bold drawstring bags to structured totes and statement backpacks, there's a style for every kind of school day.