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The very best canvas tote bags are accessories that you’ll have for years to return, and a purchase order that you would be able to wear with on a regular basis ease. As Accessories Fashion Director at Bloomingdale’s Marisa Galante Frank says, these bags are “one in every of the essential constructing blocks of anyone’s handbag wardrobe. Canvas totes are versatile, functional and totally timeless.”
A canvas tote bag can complement all forms of outfits. You may wear it casually to run errands with a pair of jeans and easy sneakers. Or you possibly can throw it over your shoulder as you head to a picnic in a summer dress. Perhaps you’re off to an upscale lunch, by which case it goes along seamlessly with a midi skirt and wedges. In case you’re dipping your toes on the earth of designer handbags, a luxury canvas bag is an excellent investment.
Canvas bags are also ideal gifts for ladies and gifts for mothers. Frank explains that they’re a “go-to recent baby gift for family and friends, often monogrammed with their newborn’s initials.” With the long-lasting L.L. Bean Boat and Tote Bag making a comeback this summer, there’s a rush of latest types of the classic silhouette. Plus, reusable canvas tote bags can help you shop with a sustainable conscience.
There are various canvas bag options to select from in various styles, so we created this bag guide with expert suggestions and product picks to seek out the very best one for anyone’s needs. Behold, the 15 best canvas tote bags to buy the staple today.
Top Canvas Tote Bags of 2023
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L.L. Bean Boat and Tote Bag
Best Personalized Canvas Tote Bag for Women
- Materials: Canvas
- Special features: Double-layer base and overlapped, double-stitched seams
- Pros: The handles have been tested to carry as much as 500 kilos. You may as well select the handle length when ordering direct at L.L. Bean.
- Cons: No separate compartments so it’s less organized whenever you use it.
L.L. Bean’s Boat and Tote has been one in every of the catalysts within the rise of recognition of canvas tote bags, with shoppers embroidering whimsical or ironic sayings on their totes. Heavyweight canvas and double-stitched seams make for a durable piece. L.L. Bean constructs these totes one after the other in Maine, ensuring the very best of quality.
What reviewers say: “These rugged and heavy-duty totes are by far probably the most durable and the very best tote bags in the marketplace. The sturdy reinforced handles are key. We use all of our totes each day. Groceries, camping, trips to the beach, and every little thing in between.”
Courtesy of LL Bean
Covelin Retro Canvas Tote Bag
Best Canvas Tote Bag on Amazon
- Materials: Canvas
- Special features: Adjustable shoulder strap, two interior pockets
- Pros: There are two small pockets so every little thing doesn’t fall to the underside in a single place.
- Cons: Chances are you’ll wish to remove the tag, which might be tricky to do.
A reasonable style from Amazon is an excellent entrance into the canvas tote bag world. You may see how much use you get out of it before you spend money on something larger. But it’s possible you’ll find that this Covelin Retro Canvas Tote Bag already does every little thing you may want. A relaxed hobo silhouette made from soft canvas is good for casual wear. Use it as a tote, crossbody, or shoulder bag.
What reviewers say: “This bag may be very comfortable to hold. I really like the undeniable fact that it has a zipper and it has two inside pockets where you possibly can put your cellphone and other small items or money with adjustable straps.”
Courtesy of Amazon
Gucci Jumbo GG Mini Tote Bag
Best Logomania Canvas Tote Bag
- Materials: Canvas, leather
- Special features: Shoulder strap, dust bag
- Pros: The detachable shoulder strap gives you versatility with how you select to hold it.
- Cons: It’s pretty small, so you possibly can’t fit rather more than a cardholder and phone.
- Retailer availability: Net-a-Porter, Gucci
Make a choice from lilac and mint for a playful style that has Gucci written throughout it. The Gucci GG Jumbo Tote Bag has a canvas-jacquard composition and leather-trimming that brings elegance to any outfit. With a pair of loafers and blazer, you’re channeling utmost sophistication.
Courtesy of Gucci
Hereu Cala Large Canvas Tote
Best Canvas Bag for Groceries
- Materials: Organic cotton canvas, leather
- Special features: Two interior card slots, leather tie closure
- Pros: The 2 ways to hold the bag make for the utmost of practicality.
- Cons: The bag is a bit too big for on a regular basis use.
The very best part about this Hereu bag is its dual carrying methods. We adore it for the food market because in the event you are only bringing home a couple of items, you should utilize the highest handles. Then again, if you’ve gotten a heavy load, the shoulder straps provide you with extra support. It has a big capability with two interior card slots for simple organization.
Courtesy of Bloomingdale’s
J. Crew Weekender Montauk Tote Bag
Best Canvas Weekender Tote Bag
- Materials: Cotton
- Special features: Detachable strap, inner pocket
- Pros: The strap makes it easy to hold for traveling purposes.
- Cons: Other than the one internal pocket, there isn’t much separation so your whole things fall together.
J. Crew makes a weekender fit for any overnight in your calendar. It’s extra durable, with a beachy silhouette that may hold all necessities. At the very least 30 percent of the material is constructed from recycled materials, giving a sustainable aspect that makes you capable of shop with a clearer conscience. There’s a zippered closure to secure your belongings, and the bag even features an inner pocket for smaller items.
What reviewers say: “I feel that is the very best beach tote in the marketplace! Large size, beautifully designed classic beach bag, top zipper, and crossbody strap, sold me on the weekender.”
Courtesy of J.Crew
Marc Jacobs The Medium Tote Bag
Best Canvas Tote Bag for Travel
- Materials: Canvas
- Special features: Detachable strap, interior zip pocket, wall pockets
- Pros: The pockets allow for simple organization of your belongings.
- Cons: For those averse to logomania, the branding of this bag may be very standout.
- Retailer Availability: Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Revolve, Marc Jacobs, Amazon, Bloomingdale’s
Known for its practical and classy bags, it’s only fitting that Marc Jacobs has one in every of our favourite canvas totes. This one is ideal for traveling, because it folds flat so you possibly can pack it in your suitcase in the event you don’t wish to carry it on the plane. The ergonomic design features an adjustable strap for convenience, with an added bonus of an interior zip pocket and two wall pockets. Plus, you possibly can select from 4 different colours to seek out a method that’s personal to you.
What reviewers say: “I get tons of compliments on a regular basis concerning the bag. It’s constructed from very durable material, enough space and an excellent bag to make use of each day. I’m purchasing one other color before they sell out completely.”
Courtesy of Nordstrom
Sporty & Wealthy Logo-Print Canvas Tote Bag
Best Canvas Tote Bag for the Gym
- Materials: Canvas
- Special features: Open top
- Pros: It’s not too big or too small, the proper size for all gym essentials.
- Cons: This bag doesn’t have a zipper to secure belongings or separate pockets for organizational purposes.
In contrasting red and white, this tote bag is literally branded for the gym. Sporty & Wealthy has risen to popularity for its ironic designs printed across premium materials. The 2 long handles make it easy to hold, with an open top to throw your clothes and sneakers into. Snag a tote from one of the vital coveted athleisure brands while you possibly can.
Courtesy of Farfetch
Jil Sander Leather-Trimmed Canvas Tote
Best Canvas Tote Bag for On a regular basis
- Materials: Cotton, canvas, linen
- Special features: Interior pockets add separation for smaller belongings.
- Pros: The zip fastening keeps every little thing extra secure, especially when using it in a city.
- Cons: No shoulder strap so it will probably get heavy when it’s more filled.
- Retailer Availability: Net-a-Porter, Nordstrom, Farfetch
This bag embodies the minimalist elegance that Jil Sander is understood for. Leather trim elevates the canvas silhouette to make it a classy style for on a regular basis wear. An interior pocket and zip closure keep your things succinctly stored. This bag is aligned with the present trend of quiet luxury, keeping branding to a minimum and letting the timeless design rise to the forefront.
Bloomingdale’s Canvas Tote
Best Reasonably priced Canvas Tote Bag for Women
- Materials: Canvas
- Pros: The lightweight design makes it easy to hold all over the place.
- Cons: It’s as basic because it gets, so with no pockets, every little thing will fall into one pile.
This no-frills option is one in every of Frank’s picks. It’s super lightweight and simple, and Frank likes it especially for shopping, saying, “Canvas totes make for excellent shopping partners because they might be used time and time again; from the farmers market to Bloomingdale’s.” The design is as literal because it gets.
What reviewers say: “This bag is the proper size plus it’s loads sturdier than I believed. The fabric is thicker, not flimsy.”
Courtesy of Bloomingdale’s
Bottega Veneta Arco Tote Bag
Best Luxury Canvas Tote Bag for Women
- Materials: Canvas, linen, polyurethane
- Special features: Detachable pocket
- Pros: The detachable pocket allows for more versatility in its use.
- Cons: The colour can get dirty easily, especially the inside because it’s a cream color. There’s also only a tie for closure, which keeps it less secure than others.
- Retailer availability: Bloomingdale’s, Saks Fifth Avenue
Bottega’s tote is one other one in every of Frank’s favorites. The medium-sized tote bag is constructed in canvas with leather trim in the home’s signature intreccio pattern. There’s a detachable pocket so you possibly can determine if it suits to your intended purpose. Dress it up or dress it down, the choices are countless.
What reviewers say: “This tote by Bottega is so very nice! I received it in a short time, so I used to be more than happy!”
Courtesy of Bottega Veneta
Isabel Marant Stripe Canvas Tote Bag
Best Canvas Tote Bag for the Beach
- Materials: Nylon, polyester, polypropylene
- Special features: Front zip-fastening pocket
- Pros: The pockets all have zip fastenings so you possibly can safely keep things within them.
- Cons: In case you are averse to logomania, the branding may be very standout on this bag.
- Retailer availability: Farfetch, FWRD, Isabel Marant
We love a beachy tote, and this striped one from Isabel Marant gives us all of the summery feels. Frank also adds, “The canvas tote has coastal roots, so styling your tote back to classic styles: striped shirts, crisp button downs and ballet flats is an excellent approach to nod to its history and all the time look chic.” For extra storage options, there are interior and exterior pockets.
Courtesy of Isabel Marant
Best Black Canvas Tote Bag
- Materials: Cotton, leather
- Special features: Magnetic closure, interior zip pocket
- Pros: The inside zip pocket is a pleasant organizational touch.
- Cons: The graphic design might be limiting if you should dress the bag up.
One reason we love a black canvas tote bag is since it won’t get dirty (or show it) as easily. We also love this Ganni tote bag since the brand’s graphic design is edgy, but not too edgy. It’s an easy style with a neat design that makes for a singular selection. Throw on some combat boots and a bomber jacket, and also you’ve got a rocking look. The bag’s cotton and leather is recycled, so the sustainability component makes it a done deal.
Chloé Mini Woody Canvas Tote Bag
Best Mini Canvas Tote Bag
- Materials: Canvas, leather
- Special features: Interior pocket, shoulder strap
- Pros: An interior wall pocket adds slight separation inside the mini bag for keys or cards.
- Cons: The strap is just not detachable or adjustable.
- Retailer availability: Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, Net-a-Porter
The linen canvas bag from Chloé is perfectly petite, apt for brief ventures. In case you want a light-weight tote, this one is as light because it gets. Pick from three different colorways, all complete with neutral tones to pair seamlessly with any look. You may go for the brand’s matching sandals for a whole Chloé fit.
Courtesy of Nordstrom
Longchamp Le Pliage Recycled Canvas Tote Bag
Best Sustainable Canvas Tote Bag
- Materials: Polyamide, leather
- Special features: Interior slip pocket
- Pros: The tote folds down in order that it’s incredibly compact and simple to travel with.
- Cons: It’s unlined and just a little less structured, so it takes time for the bag to carry its form.
- Retailer availability: Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Longchamp
Longchamp’s Le Pliage tote is making a comeback. The bag’s practicality and sleek shape make it a foolproof selection for taking to the office or on weekend travels. Created from recycled canvas, the sustainable style is an environmentally conscious selection. You may’t go fallacious with the graphite hue, a timeless shade that won’t show wear as blatantly. Plus, the fold-flat design is a handy factor for all packing needs.
What reviewers say: “Perfect size for each day use. I’ve tried cheaper versions of this bag but the standard of this one is a lot better.”
Courtesy of Longchamp
What to Search for In a Canvas Tote Bag
- Size: A canvas tote that’s too big might be cumbersome, and one which’s too small won’t hold enough. You should discover a size that matches your wallet, phone, sunglasses, water bottle, and another day-to-day essentials.
- Use: Consider how much you propose to make use of your tote. Frank says, “Strong straps and handles are key elements of a great canvas tote since you will totally wish to stuff this bag to the brim.” So have a look at the durability of the straps and their stitching when you consider desired usage.
- Color: A white or off-white canvas tote is simple to pair with summery styles, but darker colours won’t get dirty as easily. “I personally love the combination of leather straps on canvas since it elevates your look and allows for more versatile styling,” Frank adds.
- Style: Take into consideration how branded you wish your canvas tote bag to be. You may partake in logomania, with designer monogramming covering the outside, or you possibly can go for a method that abides by the quiet luxury trend. Whichever you select, be certain that you’re confident and cozy wearing it.
How We Chosen the Best Canvas Bags
Since 1910, WWD — also known as “the style bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the worldwide women’s and men’s fashion, retail and wonder communities, while also informing the buyer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for each fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors proceed to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections.
Through extensive market research, we chosen the very best canvas tote bags by comparing customer reviews, testing products, and looking through a wide range of silhouettes. We also got expert advice from Accessories Fashion Director Marisa Galante Frank to present us an expert opinion. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Expert
Marisa Galante Frank is Accessories Fashion Director at Bloomingdale’s. With over a decade of experience in the style industry, she is incredibly knowledgeable in all features of fashion. Her expertise in accessories makes her a beneficial asset in choosing the very best bags in the marketplace.
Meet the Creator
Gabriela Keiderling is a contract author, covering fashion, lifestyle, sports, travel, and more. She has her own extensive bag collection, so in the case of tote bags, she has loads of firsthand experience.
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