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Updated April 26, 2024: This article on the best canvas tote bags was updated with new editor product picks and trending brands. We are currently testing additional canvas tote bags for consideration in this guide.
The best canvas tote bags are always function-forward in terms of durability and easy-clean convenience, and serve as a unique accessory that can take you from the grocery store to the office and to the beach and back in chic style. Canvas totes are neutral by design, while inviting natural textures and reusable sustainability to your wardrobe — but they certainly don’t have to sacrifice on high-style appeal. We’ve rounded up elevated new releases and decade-defying styles that are bound to serve as staples in your bag rotation for years to come.
Canvas tote bags are “one of the essential building blocks of anyone’s handbag wardrobe,” says Marissa Galante Frank, Accessories Fashion Director at Bloomingdale’s. “Canvas totes are versatile, functional and totally timeless.” While the style dates all the way back to 1944 when L.L.Bean invented the first-ever canvas tote as a water-resistant vessel to transport ice, its celebratory fashion appeal has never been greater.
Consider the cottage-core trend, which paints a leisurely aesthetic of fresh-cut florals peeking out from the top of an open-top canvas tote upon a jaunt to the farmer’s market, while ironic fashion fans have also taken the style in stride with customizable totes that front faux “Gucci” or “Hermès” logos. Or, refer to the recent Trader Joe’s mini canvas tote TikTok craze that had shoppers swiping the supermarket’s stock to later DIY with ribbons, embroidery, and Jane Birkin-esque adornments.
At the end of the day, a practical canvas tote bag can complement an entire closet of ensembles. You can wear it casually to run errands with your favorite pair of jeans and simple white sneakers, or sling it over your shoulder on your way to a picnic in a summer dress. A canvas tote also makes a strong case for your commute to the office, or for hauling essentials while you’re away on vacay. Its durability and breathable texture makes the style a no-brainer for sun-soaked days on the beach, with the ability to earn you style points later at a sunset dinner along the shore.
There are many canvas bag options to choose from in varying styles, so we created this guide with expert tips and product picks to discover the best option for every single need.
Editor’s Choice: Top 3 Canvas Tote Bags of 2024
A canvas tote bag should function as a reliable everyday bag with durable construction and spacious storage. While it can certainly be a toss-on-and-go style, there are a myriad of modern iterations to shop that bring value to an outfit as a fashion statement, too, especially as the silhouette continues to trend through the summer seasons. Canvas tote bags can range in various styles, functional needs, sizes, colorways, and price points, so we spotlit our top three most-recommended options that reflect various preferences. Our favorites below were ranked based on key criteria that constitutes a high-quality canvas tote, such as essential durability, carrying comfort, overall style, and impressive storage capacity.
- L.L. Bean Boat and Tote Bag: Ranking as the most classic canvas tote bag on the market, we’d be remiss to exclude this iconic L.L. Bean tote from our list. The highly durable and especially trendy canvas tote bag is affordable and endlessly versatile, with expandable storage capacity for bulky items like beach towels or extra shoes. It’s a staple that’s withstood the test of time since 1964, and its New England-chic aesthetic has been carried by the likes of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy and Gwyneth Paltrow.
- Baggu Small Heavyweight Canvas Tote: The best canvas tote bag for the double bag trend is this small but mighty option from Baggu. One editor swears by her Baggu tote that carries more than meets the eye. Its wide top allows you to fish out items at a glance, while super sturdy straps and a stiff base keeps everything secure at your side. Available in a slew of playful color trims and prints, this compact carrier is an ideal daily hauler, especially if you’re headed to the farmer’s market or a picnic in the park.
- Coach Cargo 42 Tote Bag: Looking for a stylish canvas tote bag? Coach has you covered. We adore Coach’s commitment to sustainable design and function with this hefty — but not bulky! — canvas tote bag. Made of durable cotton canvas, it’s large enough to excel as a lightweight and washable designer work bag, while fronting luxe details like a turn-lock exterior pocket, leather trims, and embroidered branding.
Top Canvas Tote Bags of 2024
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Editor’s Choice
L.L. Bean Boat and Tote Bag
Editor testing review rating: 4.9/5 rating
Materials: Canvas
Special features: Double-layer base and overlapped, double-stitched seams
Pros: The handles have been tested to hold up to 500 pounds. You can also choose the handle length when ordering direct at L.L. Bean.
Cons: No separate compartments so it’s less organized when you use it.
L.L.Bean Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.9/5 stars
L.L. Bean’s Boat and Tote has been one of the catalysts in the rise of popularity 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 by one in Maine, ensuring the highest of quality.
Editor testing and review notes: “I’ve been gifted two L.L. Bean bags — one was part of a brand mailer and the other was a holiday gift from a former boss, complete with my initials embroidered on the canvas. The reason it’s such a good gift idea is that it’s easy to personalize and anyone can use it for a beach trip or to carry a heavier load on your way to work. They’ve both lasted me several years thanks to the durable canvas construction and hardy handle. I use them most during the summer when I don’t want to carry around a leather tote bag that can feel sticky or heat up in the hot weather, but they’re useful year-round as sturdy, do-it-all bags.”
What testers say: “These rugged and heavy-duty totes are by far the most durable and the best tote bags on the market. The sturdy reinforced handles are key. We use all of our totes daily. Groceries, camping, trips to the beach, and everything in between.”
Durability: 5/5 rating | Carrying comfort: 4.7/5 rating | Style: 5/5 rating | Storage Capacity: 5/5
Price upon publish date of this article: $34.95
Editor’s Choice
Baggu Small Heavyweight Canvas Tote
Editor testing review rating: 4.9/5 rating
Materials: Recycled heavyweight cotton canvas
Special features: Front slip pocket
Pros: Roomy
Cons: No interior pockets
Baggu Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Baggu is the ultimate destination to shop affordable, reusable totes with reliably durable construction features. The Small Heavyweight Canvas Tote is unique for its compact silhouette and serious storage capacity, as well as its rainbow of colorway options that are practically begging to be collected. It has an exterior slip pocket that’s large enough to hold your phone and keys, long carrying handles so the bag falls perfectly above your hip, and is machine-washable for those inevitable stains and spills.
Editor testing and review notes: “I was one of the lucky few to snag this mini tote during Baggu’s collaboration with Sandy Liang last year. The limited release was the exact same design as this one, with just a few addition cosmetic touches, and I was instantly surprised by its sturdy feel and spacious capacity. Its wide top and structured base has served me well; for a weekend getaway, I was able to comfortably carry two laptops, a few novels, and even a cosmetic bag all at once. I routinely use it as ‘Mary Poppins’ purse, too, especially for long days around NYC.”
What testers say: “Love! This is such a good bag! Sturdy and small but still roomy. The front pocket is nice as well.”
Durability: 5/5 rating | Carrying comfort: 5/5 rating | Style: 5/5 rating | Storage Capacity: 4.7/5
Price upon publish date of this article: $44
Sponsored
Coach Cargo 42 Tote Bag
Editor testing review rating: 5/5 rating
Materials: Canvas, grosgrain, and recycled leather; fabric lining
Special features: Zip closure, exterior turnlock pocket, exterior snap pocket
Pros: Fits a 16″ laptop
Cons: Does not include a crossbody strap
Coach Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
The Coach Cargo Tote takes the reusable and sustainable canvas tote bag style to the next level with regenerative cotton construction that not only protects the planet, but ensures decades worth of wear in your wardrobe. The spacious carry-all is large enough to function as a laptop bag or convenient flight carry-on, with a secure zip-top closure and handy exterior pockets for small essentials you need at-the-ready.
What testers say: “This is my first official tote bag and I must say I love it! The handles are very sturdy for the type of work that I do as a teacher. I’m able to fit my laptop and other daily essentials inside. I love it!”
Durability: 5/5 rating | Carrying comfort: 5/5 rating | Style: 5/5 rating | Storage Capacity: 5/5
Price upon publish date of this article: $295
Covelin Retro Canvas Tote Bag
Materials: Canvas
Special features: Adjustable shoulder strap, two interior pockets
Pros: There are two small pockets so everything doesn’t fall to the bottom in one place.
Cons: You may want to remove the tag, which can be tricky to do.
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
An affordable style from Amazon is a great entrance into the canvas tote bag world, as you can see how much use you get out of it before you invest in something bigger. But you may find that this Covelin Retro Canvas Tote Bag already does everything you could want. A relaxed hobo silhouette made of soft canvas is ideal for casual wear. Use it as a tote, crossbody, or shoulder bag.
What testers say: “This bag is very comfortable to carry. I love the fact that it has a zipper and it has two inside pockets where you can put your cell phone and other small items or cash with adjustable straps.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $11.99
Best Luxury Canvas Tote Bag
Gucci Embossed Canvas Tote Bag
Materials: Natural canvas
Special features: Interior zip pocket
Pros: Long shoulder strap allows comfort for heavier hauls
Cons: Open top lacks closure
Gucci Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Choose between vivid orange, black, and signature green and red striping with this subdued-yet-playful style that has Gucci written all over it. This Gucci Tote has a canvas composition and logo embossing that brings elegance to any outfit. With a pair of loafers and breezy button-down, you’re channeling the dolce vita fantasy.
Price upon publish date of this article: $1,980
Best Affordable Canvas Tote Bag
Land’s End Open Top Canvas Tote
Materials: Cotton canvas
Special features: Exterior pocket, four exterior pockets, key ring attachment
Pros: Customizable
Cons: Short straps may not fit over bulky jackets
Target Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
Land’s End Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.75 stars
If you’re looking for a canvas tote that’ll front your monogram or a quippy phrase, the large Land’s End Open Top Canvas Tote is your ticket to quintessential cottage-core. It’s strong enough to haul a whopping 500 pounds worth of weight, with extra strong wide felled seaming that maintains the bag’s structure no matter how many items you store. Plus, you can choose from a wide array of color options to match your wardrobe.
What testers say: “I really love this bag! The quality is outstanding! It is just the right size for taking notebooks and supplies to meetings. I really like the handles; they are soft and long enough to easily be slung over my shoulder so the bag is comfortable to carry!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $35.96
Longchamp Le Pliage Recycled Canvas Tote Bag
Materials: Polyamide, leather
Special features: Interior slip pocket
Pros: Folds flat for easy storage and travel
Cons: Unlined and a little less structured, so it takes time for the bag to hold its form
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Longchamp’s Le Pliage tote is making a comeback. The bag’s practicality and sleek shape make it a foolproof choice for taking to the office or on weekend travels. Made from recycled canvas, the sustainable style is an environmentally conscious choice. You can’t go wrong with the graphite hue, a timeless shade that won’t show wear as blatantly. The fold-flat design is also ideal for travel.
What testers say: “Perfect size for daily use. I’ve tried cheaper versions of this bag but the quality of this one is much better.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $155
Best EVeryday Canvas Tote Bag
Marc Jacobs The Canvas Medium Tote Bag
Materials: Canvas
Special features: Detachable strap, interior zip pocket, wall pockets
Pros: The pockets allow for easy organization of your belongings
Cons: For those averse to logomania, the branding of this bag is very standout
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Neiman Marcus Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Known for its practical and stylish bags, it’s only fitting that Marc Jacobs has one of our favorite canvas totes. This one is perfect for traveling, as it folds flat so you can pack it in your suitcase if you don’t want 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 can choose from four different colors to find a style that’s personal to you.
What testers say: “I get tons of compliments everyday about the bag. It’s made from very durable material, enough space and a great bag to use daily. I am purchasing another color before they sell out completely.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $195
J. Crew Weekender Montauk Tote Bag
Materials: Cotton
Special features: Detachable strap, inner pocket
Pros: Strap allows for comfortable carrying
Cons: Lacks internal organization
J.Crew Top-Quality Store Badge on Google:Â 4.7/5 stars
J. Crew’s weekender is fit for any overnight on your calendar. It’s extra durable, with a beachy silhouette that can hold all necessities. At least 30 percent of the fabric is made from recycled materials, catering well to those who shop sustainably. There’s a zippered closure to secure your belongings, and the bag even features an inner pocket for smaller items.
What testers say: “I think this is the best beach tote on the market! Large size, beautifully designed classic beach bag, top zipper, and crossbody strap, sold me on the weekender.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $104
Ganni Large Easy Recycled Polyester Shopper Bag
Materials: Recycled cotton
Special features: Logo embroidery, shoulder straps
Pros: Structured flat base
Cons: Open top without closure
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
This tote from Ganni fronts the design of a typical shopper, with elevated details that make it a style statement, like embroidered branding and a friendly phrase. Rather than a tote freebie you’d collect from a bookstore or supermarket, this canvas bag is made of recycled polyester, boasting stiff structure and a flat bottom to support heavy items. The carrying strap is long enough to fit comfortably on the shoulder, so the bag can rest on the hip while you go about errands or head off on your morning commute.
Price upon publish date of this article: $145
Chloé Mini Woody Canvas Tote Bag
Materials: Canvas, leather
Special features: Interior pocket, shoulder strap
Pros: The interior wall pocket adds slight separation within the mini bag for keys or cards.
Cons: Small carrying capacity
Saks Fifth Avenue Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4/5 stars
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
The linen canvas bag from Chloé is perfectly petite, apt for short ventures. If you want a featherweight tote, this one is as light as it gets. Choose from three different colorways, all complete with neutral tones to pair seamlessly with any look. You can opt for the brand’s matching sandals for a complete Chloé fit.
What testers say: “Cute bag! This handbag’s open-top design makes accessing items easy.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $880
Isabel Marant Toledo Embroidered Canvas Tote
Materials: Canvas, leather trim
Special features: Patch interior pocket, leather trim
Pros: Can be worn on the shoulder or as a top-handle bag
Cons: Not sturdy enough to hold heavy items like a laptop
Shopbop Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 5/5 stars
MyTheresa Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
Isabel Marant‘s contemporary take on a classic canvas tote is chic and inviting, with a unique curved handle strap that fits on the shoulder for easy carrying. Its expandable design bodes well for a spare sweater or a stack of reading material, while its interior pocket is the perfect size for storying a phone, key ring, or makeup compact.
Price upon publish date of this article: $553
Hereu Cala Canvas Tote
Materials: Organic cotton canvas, leather
Special features: Two interior card slots, leather tie closure
Pros: Two ways to carry the bag
Cons: The may be too large for petite frames
Bergdorf Goodman Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
The best part about this Hereu bag is its dual carrying methods. We love it for the grocery store because if you are just bringing home a few items, you can use the top handles. On the other hand, if you have a heavy load, the shoulder straps give you extra support. It has a large capacity with two interior card slots for easy organization.
Price upon publish date of this article: $570
Jil Sander Wander Canvas Tote
Materials: Cotton, canvas, linen
Special features: Interior pockets, detachable shoulder strap
Pros: The zip fastening keeps everything extra safe, especially when using it in a city.
Cons: Not large enough to hold a laptop
Luisaviaroma Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.2/5 stars
Farfetch Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.1/5 stars
This bag embodies the minimalist elegance that Jil Sander is known for. Leather trim elevates the canvas silhouette to make it a sophisticated style for everyday wear. An interior pocket and zip closure keep your things succinctly stored. This bag is aligned with the current trend of quiet luxury, keeping branding to a minimum and letting the timeless design rise to the forefront.
Price upon publish date of this article: $1,220
Bottega Veneta Arco Tote Bag
Materials: Canvas, linen, polyurethane
Special features: Detachable pocket
Pros: The detachable pocket allows for more versatility in its use.
Cons: The color can get dirty easily, especially the interior as it’s a cream color
Saks Fifth Avenue Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4/5 stars
Bottega’s tote is another one of Frank’s favorites. The medium-sized tote bag is constructed in canvas with leather trim in the house’s signature intreccio design. There’s a detachable pocket so you can decide if it fits for your intended purpose. Dress it up or dress it down, the options are endless.
What testers say: “This tote by Bottega is so very nice! I received it very quickly, so I was very pleased!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $3,300
What to Look for In a Canvas Tote Bag
- Size: A canvas tote that’s too big can be cumbersome, and one that’s too small won’t hold enough. You want to find a size that fits your wallet, phone, sunglasses, water bottle, and any other day-to-day essentials.
- Use: Consider how much you plan to use your tote. Frank says, “Strong straps and handles are key elements of a good canvas tote because you will totally want to stuff this bag to the brim.” So look at the sturdiness of the straps and their stitching when you think about desired usage.
- Color: A white or off-white canvas tote is easy to pair with summery styles, but darker colors won’t get dirty as easily. “I personally love the mix of leather straps on canvas because it elevates your look and allows for more versatile styling,” Frank adds.
- Style: Think about how branded you want your canvas tote bag to be. You can partake in logomania, with designer monogramming covering the exterior, or you can opt for a style that abides by the quiet luxury trend. Whichever you decide, make sure you are confident and comfortable wearing it.
How We Selected the Best Canvas Bags
Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as “the fashion bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections.
Through extensive market research, we selected the best canvas tote bags by comparing customer reviews, testing products, and searching through a variety of silhouettes. We also got expert advice from Accessories Fashion Director Marisa Galante Frank to give us a professional opinion. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Expert
Marissa Galante Frank is Accessories Fashion Director at Bloomingdale’s. With over a decade of experience in the fashion industry, she is extremely knowledgeable in all aspects of fashion. Her expertise in accessories makes her a valuable asset in selecting the best bags on the market.
Meet the Author
Gabriela Keiderling is a freelance writer, covering fashion, lifestyle, sports, travel, and more. She has her own extensive bag collection, so when it comes to tote bags, she has plenty of firsthand experience.
Olivia Cigliano is a Commerce Writer & Producer at Footwear News and WWD where she writes and edits shopping content across fashion, beauty, footwear, TikTok style trends, and more. Cigliano received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Emerson College, and her byline can be found in publications including Elite Daily and CR Fashion Book. As a loyal canvas tote bag lover, Cigliano rides the pulse of handbag trends, and regularly recommends and reports on new releases from top brands. She updated this shopping guide in April, 2024, with new releases and editor-tested canvas tote bags for spring and summer.
