This spring, bigger is better.

After years of handbags becoming smaller and smaller (and less and less functional in the process), oversized versions are now all the rage on catwalks, at retail and among celebrities, presenting an opportunity for companies in the promo industry.

Fashion houses like Bottega Veneta, Prada and Luar recently featured extra-large handbags in their spring collections – including slouchy carryalls and structured totes – and they’ve been spotted on the arms of celebrities such as Zoë Kravitz and Katie Holmes.

Fortunately, this trend brings ample sales opportunities to the promo industry, particularly since totes in particular continue to find favor among a variety of audiences – consider new TikTok-inspired personalization takes on L.L. Bean’s Classic Boat & Tote and the many literary-themed bags available – and large versions provide ample room for branding. The possible markets and applications are legion; here are a few.

1. Room Drops

Consider a tote with a whimsical print for a room drop during a women’s event. The bag can be used to bundle other branded gifts and can then be utilized on the trip during day excursions, shopping outings and nights on the town.

Canvas/faux leather printed tote and matching wristlet (CJ1069) from World Gifts Makers (asi/98119)

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2. Gifts With Purchase

Consider pitching oversized totes to local retailers, grocery stores and farmers markets that they can distribute to loyal customers after a certain amount of money spent. Businesses can also offer them for sale in-store as an alternative to single-use plastic.

Washable kraft paper tote (WB20916) from American Ad Bag Co. (asi/35290)

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3. Incentive Programs

Suggest that corporate clients include high-end leather goods as sales incentives and milestone-anniversary gifts. They make perfect year-end gifts for top performers, or as offerings in gift catalogs and company storefronts.

Oversized square genuine leather tote (SF-11V) from Clava American (asi/45335)

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4. Resort Stores

Travelers love picking up souvenirs, especially functional items they can take to the beach while on vacation. Encourage hotel, resort and cruise clients to consider beach-inspired tote bags to sell in their retail locations, particularly those made with jute – it’s sustainable and offers a tropical aesthetic.

Large jute handbag (SLSA192) from Skylight Promo (asi/87634)

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5. Outdoor Trips

Wherever they’re headed, lovers of the outdoors often have a lot of gear to carry. Consider an oversized bag that fits everything they need for a camping trip, day at the beach, picnic lunch, yoga class or shopping.

Extra-large waterproof tote (EYSK194) from Flyer Sourcing (asi/54871)

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