The Best Tote Bags
While small bags like clutches and crossbody styles are popular purses, there's nothing quite like the convenience of a tote bag. These large shoulder bags offer a practical way to carry everything you need all in one place. Whether you're headed to the grocery store and want an eco-friendly way to transport your haul or need a stylish accessory you can carry to the office, there's a tote bag out there for you. From simple cotton designs to high-end designer options, we've rounded up a few of our favorites below.
What to Look For
When shopping for a new tote bag, we suggest focusing on three key qualities: the overall style of the bag, the length of the straps, and the type of closure. Those criteria helped lead us to our favorite totes. For example, TopDesign’s tote is versatile enough to use as a shopping bag, purse, or school bag, making it an all-purpose option you’ll turn to again and again. The Marc Jacobs Traveler tote bag, on the other hand, is a stylish designer pick that will elevate the look of any outfit. Discover these totes and our other top picks below.
TopDesign Cotton Tote Bag
This no-frills tote bag offers an affordable and practical way to store your must-have items. Made from 100% cotton, it’s both durable and lightweight, ensuring it can hold up to daily use. Perfect for trips to the grocery store, this reusable bag will also help you cut down on single-use plastic. You can even add your own decorative touches with paint, iron-on vinyl, or embroidery if you prefer a more custom look.
Pros:
- We appreciate being able to choose from many different colors and quantities here. That makes this tote perfect for group gifts or eco-friendly favor bags at birthday parties.
- If the tote gets dirty, you can just throw it in the washing machine for fast and easy maintenance.
Cons:
- The fabric is a bit thin, so it can snag easily.
TopDesign Canvas Tote Bag
See the world in black and white
This durable tote bag is an excellent all-purpose option. With shoulder-length handles and a flat bottom, it can carry everything from water bottles and snacks to blankets and towels. Each seam is sewn for maximum strength, so you can even carry heavy items like wine bottles or books. You can also choose from the plain black-and-white design or opt for a bag with a single embroidered initial, lending the bag a more bespoke feel.
Pros:
- These reusable bags are the perfect alternative to single-use gift bags. Add the gift, top the bag with tissue paper, and you’ll have a memorable and eco-friendly way to wrap your gifts.
- The bag has a flat bottom, which ensures it stands up on its own, even when it’s full.
Cons:
- Though the beige color looks very light online, it appears much darker in person.
Ayieyill Corduroy Tote Bag
With the help of this corduroy tote bag, you can add unexpected texture and dimension to any outfit. Available in several different muted shades, the bag is lightweight and durable enough to double as a backpack or work bag. The straps also have nearly a foot-long drop, ensuring you can easily get it on and off your shoulders, even when wearing bulky jackets or coats. Try using this spacious and stylish bag to carry all of your must-have items like your wallet, keys, books, and electronics.
Pros:
- We love that it has multiple interior pockets to help keep the contents organized.
- The magnetic closure at the top of the bag ensures nothing falls out unexpectedly.
Cons:
- The lining is made from a very thin material that rips easily.
Marc Jacobs The Small Traveler Tote Bag
Crossed out
Instead of the classic should bag, opt instead for this crossbody tote. The medium-sized tote is spacious enough to hold all of your items like a wallet, keys, umbrella, and sunglasses, with some extra room to spare. It also has an adjustable shoulder strap, making it comfortable to wear for extended periods. Whether you’re traveling, running errands, or just want a hands-free option, this tote should fit the bill.
Pros:
- It’s large enough to fit tablets and e-readers, so you can also take all of your devices with you on the go.
- Because the bag can be dressed up or down, it can be worn for almost any occasion. That means you’re likely to get a lot of wear out of it.
Cons:
- The fabric attracts dust and lint, which is annoying to remove.
Covelin Canvas Tote Bag
Strap in
This casual bag is an ideal option for everyday use. Made from soft and lightweight canvas, it’s big enough to fit all of your essentials and then some. The top zips closed for added security, while the interior features several pockets for added organization. You can even adjust the length of the strap to find the perfect size, making it more comfortable to carry.
Pros:
- Because the bag comes in many shades, it’s easy to coordinate with any ensemble.
- It can be worn both as a shoulder bag and a crossbody bag, making it even more versatile.
Cons:
- It has a large patch sewn on the front. Some may feel that this makes it seem less stylish than other tote bags.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are tote bags in style?
Yes. Rather than using plastic bags on a daily basis, many people are turning to reusable cotton totes because of their sustainability. Leather or canvas tote bags are also very popular, especially among women, as a daily purse. Tote bags can be worn with everything from casual ensembles like leggings and a T-shirt to business attire like pencil skirts and dresses.
Do tote bags have zippers?
Some but not all tote bags have a zipper closure. The closure style is highly dependent on the style and size of the bag overall. Higher-quality leather and canvas bags are more likely to have a zipper closure than simple and affordable cotton totes.
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