If you’re guilty of schlepping around with multiple bags in tow, it’s time to invest in a summer carryall. From classic straw to sturdy canvas and even towel-inspired pieces, the hour has come to retire that cotton tote bag you got for free at a work event four years ago.
Open weaves let grains of sand fall through, while waterproof fabrics will keep your essentials safe and dry. You want to look for styles that are cavernous enough to fit a towel, book, sunscreen, water bottle and some beachside snacks. And if they’re also chic enough to take to the office (and large enough to fit a laptop), that’s an instant add-to-cart.
Woven
It’s hard to pass on a classic straw bag. Often, the best ones are carried by women who say things like “Oh this? I picked it up at a market in the south of France years ago.” But woven wares are making a comeback, featuring in summer collections from some of our favourite brands. There are ultra-luxe styles from Celine and Jacquemus for those so inclined. This timeless style from Oroton comes in neutral, as well as yellow and blue iterations. Kiwi brand Deadly Ponies adds a sunset-hued spin to its Mr Porter tote for summer. Gold Coast-based Mimmi Terra offers a limited-edition drop of colourful bags made from recycled plastic, which are lightweight, durable and waterproof – and instantly conjure European glamour. Lee Mathews stocks a rotating collection of handwoven styles from Italian-Guatemalan brand Palorosa and NYC-based label Gabriele Frantzen. And St Agni’s brown Bagu tote has all-season (and all-weather) appeal, as does this blue macramé style from Friends with Frank x Muunsan.
Canvas
The definition of utility-chic, a canvas bag is a wardrobe chameleon. Haulier’s signature orange-trimmed design pays homage to the humble tote’s heritage – in the 1940s, similar styles were used to haul coal and ice around. Poppy Lissiman and Pan After sate an appetite for stripes. Meanwhile, Hommey, Venroy and Byron Bay hotel The Sunseeker keep the logo alive. Master's of packing light, July's Everyday tote isn't just for sojourns – the multi pocket style is complete with an internal drink bottle holder, as well as a zipped compartment so you don't loose your keys in the sand.
Towelling
Terry cloth is having a moment in the sun, with short-and-shirt sets, bucket hats and even bags cut from the plush fabric. Laze Res makes its Island Memoires tote to match this textured chocolate brown towel, while EM on Holiday’s checked shopper and Lucy Folk’s Lalla pouch offer brighter options to support our obsession. Hommey offers another hit with its beach bag in four neutral hues. And Sunday Supply Co takes things a step further, making its beach-picnic-ready cooler bags with a towelling outer.
This story was originally published on Feburary 10, 2023 and has since been updated.
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