25 Best Tote Bags For Summer (And Every Season After)
This page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon and Rewardstyle affiliate, we may earn a small commission for any purchases made through these links. Click here for the disclosure statement.
When it comes to bags, few are as functional and unique as the tote. Whether you’re going to the farmer’s market or heading to a picnic, this bag is your best friend for running errands this summer. For a student on the go, a daily office commuter, or a fashion enthusiast, finding the best tote bag for you can elevate your everyday look and simplify your life.
Regardless of what you’re looking for, there are truly dozens of styles and materials on the market, meaning your perfect bag is out there somewhere. To help you find the perfect one, I’m here with a roundup of the cream of the crop!
What Are Tote Bags Best Used For?
Although there isn’t a right or wrong reason for using a tote bag, there are a few scenarios in which I find them to be the most effective. While going to a fancy dinner or event may not be the best time to be carrying a large, casual looking bag, if you’re heading to an event where you need to carry a lot of things (or you want to make your outfit a little more edgy and laid back), a canvas tote bag is a perfect choice.
I carry my everyday tote bag, well…everyday. It fits everything I could possibly need while I’m out and about–my water bottle, wallet, chapstick, sunnies, phone, you name it. Everything is within reach and easily accessible. And that’s what a tote bag is all about: making your life easier.
What Makes A Bag A Tote Bag?
There are very few “must haves” for a bag to qualify as a tote. Usually, a tote bag is one large pouch with straps long enough to fit comfortably over your shoulder. Closures at the top of the bag are optional. While many totes are left with no fastenings, others may have magnetic snaps or zippers to keep your belongings safe.
If you’re looking to add a new everyday bag to your bag rotation, keep reading.
Price Reference (average price):
$ | Under $50
$$ | Between $50-$100
$$$ | More than $100
Best Tote Bags To Match Your PersonalStyle
Image: Madewell
The Zip-Top Transport Carryall
Madewell
Price: $$$
With two straps for a handheld or shoulder option, this tote comes with a zipper closure, making it perfect for carrying important items to and from work. Made from vegan leather, this bag also includes two interior pockets. Although this option is a bit more expensive than a classic canvas tote, the quality reflects the cost.
Image: Baggu
Duck Bag
Baggu
Price: $
It doesn’t get much better than this! This bag by Baggu is a classic canvas tote with a bit of flair. This bag includes two strap options as well–handheld and shoulder–and offers a secure button closure. There’s one internal pouch and dozens of prints and colors to choose from.
Image: Nike
Nike Air Futura Luxe
Nike
Price: $$
The perfect combination of sporty and edgy, this fashion tote is a great elevated basic. With silver hardware and an exterior zipper pouch, this tote bag screams style. Choose your favorite color from the three options available: yellow, peach, or pink.
Image: L.L. Bean
Boat and Tote
L.L. Bean
Price: $
This bag is classic for a reason. It makes the absolute perfect summer tote bag: lightweight, sturdy, and cute!
Bonus: Many Boat and Tote owners opt to customize their tote with their name or favorite moniker embroidered on the side. This way you can create a customized and unique tote, just for you.
Image: Quince
Revive Nylon Large Tote
Quince
Price: $$
Quince is an awesome sustainable brand. It only makes sense, then, that they sell this awesomely sustainable tote bag. With reinforced corners and exterior pockets, this bag will handle anything you throw at (or in!) it.
Image: The North Face
Never Stop Tote
The North face
Price: $$
Much like the name implies, this bag is perfect for the busy woman on the go. Its durable and versatile design makes this a perfect work tote, while the multiple pockets also make it great for summer picnics.
Image: Los Angeles Apparel
Bull Denim Tote Bag
Los Angeles Apparel
Price: $
A classic tote bag with a twist! Made from denim to be even more durable, these bags have a more unique and edgy feel with the same silhouette you know and love.
Image: Frank and Oak
The Skyline Tote Bag
Frank And Oak
Price: $$
This quilted puffer is a unique tote bag if I’ve ever seen one. While it is perfect in any season, there’s something about the quilted material that is reminiscent of colder months. Whenever you choose to wear it, you’ll be sure to get tons of compliments.
Image: SSense
Beige Carrie Print Tote
JW Anderson
Price: $$$
With a campy reference to the cult classic Carrie, this unique bag is perfect for the movie lover in your life. Ultra-cool and ultra-convenient, this printed tote is sure to be a conversation starter on your shoulder.
Image: Nordstrom
The Tote Bag
Marc Jacobs
Price: $$$
No ultimate tote bag list would be complete without mentioning this Marc Jacobs classic! This fashion tote is perfect for travel or simply carrying to the park.
Image: Clare V
Canvas Store Tote
Clare V
Price: $
Rep your favorite city with Clare V.’s LA / Paris tote bag. This affordable option will add a great pop of color to your everyday wardrobe.
Image: Banana Republic Factory
Straw Tote Bag
Banana Republic
Price: $$
This could very well be the tote of the summer! With a straw body and leather handles, this cute bag is perfect for days in the park from early spring to late fall. This tote bag is begging to go to the beach, ASAP!
Image: Parker Clay
Merkato Shopper
Parker Clay
Price: $$$
Parker Clay is a great brand that offers beautiful leather tote bags. Driven to empower women across the globe, Parker Clay provides resources for women in Ethiopia to lift up their community with every bag sold.
Image: Amazon
Women's Convertible Daypack
CYUREAY
Price: $
Is it a backpack or is it a tote bag? The answer is both! This affordable bag offers the fashionability of a tote bag combined with the convenience of a backpack. You’ll get the best of both worlds.
Image: Baggu
Standard Baggu
Baggu
Price: $
Baggu does bags right! This reusable tote is perfect for when you need to carry something extra lightweight on the go. Since the bag folds up into a convenient pouch, you can carry this bag inside another bag. Tote bag-ception!
Image: Food 52
Insulated Cooler Tote Bag
Food 52
Price: $
This perfect summer cooler bag makes picnics at the park a breeze–just pack it full of ice packs to ensure your drinks and snacks make it to your next gathering at the perfect temperature. Best of all, the exterior pocket will keep your phone and wallet dry!
Image: Wild One
Everyday Carrier
Wild One
Price: $$$
Is a tote bag even perfect if you can’t share it with your BFF (best furry friend)? The carrier tote bag fits your pup with ease, leaving room left over to hold your everyday essentials.
Image: Macy’s
Combined Bucket Handbag
Mango
Price: $$
This fashionable bucket bag combines utilitarian canvas with beautiful leather details. Carry this one to transition from a day event to a night on the town.
Image: Vera Bradley
Straw Bucket Tote Bag
Vera Bradley
Price: $$
This unique straw tote is perfect for any outdoor event you have coming up. The beautiful woven material is easy to clean and is sure to attract more than a few looks of admiration.
Image: Kohl’s
Crochet Tote Bag
Sonoma Goods FOr Life
Price: $
A circular bag is a great way to stand out from the crowd. Take this crocheted tote out for a spin next time you’re headed out on the town. The natural fiber makes this one of the best tote bags out there.
Image: Coach
Field Tote 22 With Rexy
Coach
Price: $$$
What could be better than a cherry red tote bag? A cherry red tote bag with an embroidered T-rex, that’s what! This bag by Coach is perfect to go wherever life takes you.
Image: Target
Mesh Tote Bag with Towel Straps
Sun Squad
Price: $
Nothing screams summer quite like the perfect pool bag. This all-mesh tote has plenty of space to store sunscreen, sunglasses, and your beach read. Bonus: the straps expand to carry your towel on the exterior of the bag.
Image: Uncommon Goods
Farmers Market & Grocery Tote
Uncommon Goods
Price: $$
Just like the name states, this bag is absolutely perfect for ferrying to the farmers market and grocery store. With multiple pouches and an adjustable outer strap to carry flowers, this is truly the multi-tool of tote bags. However, the adorable stripes will want you to keep carrying this bag all year long.
Image: World Market
Multicolor Chindi Stripe Upcycled Tote Bag
World Market
Price: $
Made from upcycled fabric, this tote is handmade by artisans in India. The unique design and sustainable materials make this a perfect selection.
Image: Free People
Caravan Canvas Tote
FP Collection
Price: $$
Combining brightly colored canvas with an effortlessly cool design, this is an absolute essential. Carry by the shoulder straps or the built-in top handles depending on your mood. The choice is yours!
Hopefully you agree with me that a tote bag is a game changer for both fashion and functional purposes. The best tote bag for you is out there somewhere–and hopefully on this list! Regardless of which you choose, I hope that you find a bag that perfectly fits all of life’s essentials inside.
