The 15 Best Beach Bags For Toting Your Sunscreen, Towels, And More
They're free to get a little sandy.
If life’s a beach, then you better make sure you’ve got a swimsuit and the best beach bag ready to go at all times.
Think of a beach bag as your oversized work tote's cool, casual sister—practical, but with a sense of fun. Firstly, it should be able to handle a little sand. I can’t stand it when I get home from a beachy afternoon and have to shake a pile of sand out of the bottom of my bag. Second, it should be able to fit everything you might need from SPF, to your beach read, to afternoon snacks. Lastly, it should look good—just because you’re in the great outdoors doesn’t mean sacrificing your usual style.
"Basket bags are some of the most timeless beach staples," Sophie Hersan, co-founder and fashion director at Vestiaire Collective, recommends. Alongside crochet and canvas styles, structured raffia bags are her top choice for any trips to Rockaway, Santa Monica, or Copacabana.
Whether your visit to the beach is for a relaxing solo trip or for sunset “I do’s,” there’s a size and silhouette of beach bag to style with your swimsuit or party dress. With prime beach weekends fast approaching, take a look through my 15 best beach bags and totes for this summer’s trips to the sea and beyond. My beach bags may have been purchased first with the intention of carrying my goodies from Brooklyn to Montauk, but they’ve become my favorite bags for popping by the farmer’s market at home, too.
Related article: Head Off On Your Next Beach Vacation With Tory Burch
The Best Beach Bags and Beach Totes of 2023
BOLD BEACH COLOR
Gucci Medium Interlocking G Tote Bag
There's no chance you’ll lose sight of this bold green bag on the beach. Gucci’s structured tote can hold all the essentials, and easily sift out any sand that gets inside.
Material: Raffia-effect viscose
Size: 10.6"H x 14.9"W x 6.6"D
BRING ON IBIZA
Loewe + Paula's Ibiza Anagram Tote
Loewe’s collection of raffia totes are some of my favourites for beach trips. The brand’s collaboration with iconic boutique Paula’s Ibiza cements its status as the perfect vacation bag. "Loewe is the star of the beach this summer, with its basket bags and the new fold shopper," Hersan says.
Material: Raffia, leather
Size: 22.44" H x 19.7" W x 17.32" D
COOL CARRYALL
Kule The All Over Striped Tote
Canvas totes are my go-to thanks to their durability, and unlike a super pricey designer bag, I’m okay with them getting a little scuffed in transit. This style from Kule is my summer swap for my usual New Yorker tote. It’s just the right size for fitting a towel and a change of clothes.
Material: 100% Cotton
Size: 17" H x 25" W
FOR WORK OR WAVES
Khaite Lotus Bag
Don’t relegate a beach tote just for the beach. Khaite’s take is elegant enough to wear to the office once your weekend away is over.
Materials: Raffia, leather
Size: 22.44" H x 19.7" W x 17.32" D
CREATIVELY CRAFTY
Memorial Day Ruffled Cotton Shoulder Bag
A splash of red, a little ruffle, and a non-traditional shape still a beautiful beach bag make. Go beyond your usual idea of what usually constitutes a beach tote, and opt for this bag that can easily be worn crossbody.
Material: 100% Cotton
Size: 15.5 H x 11.5 W"
YOUR GETAWAY TOTE
Clare V. L'ete Tote
Spell it out. A clever crochet tote from Clare V. is just the thing for a long weekend out of town. Even on Monday, the tote will hold its water.
Material: Crochet
Size: 6" H x 18.5" W
LBB (LITTLE BLACK BAG)
Vivienne Westwood Black Large Macrame Tote
Calling all beach goths. Here's a black bag that’s perfect for stowing your beach necessities. The macramé will let sand through, so you may want to keep your small items in a pouch to protect them.
Material: Cotton
Size: 11.5" H x 11.5" W x 0.75" D
A TOTE FOR TRAVELING
Prada Large Crochet Tote Bag
Prada's crochet totes are one of Hersan's favourite options for a summer beach bag. This striped iteration is a playful take on the classic and my choice for a trip to Nice or Sicily.
Material: Straw
Size: 13.3" H x 15.7" W x 5.9" D
THE SMART SHOULDER BAG
Tory Burch Ella Hand-Crocheted Tote
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One pet peeve of mine is when a heavy tote doesn’t have handles or a strap long enough to put over my shoulder. But this crochet tote can carry your beach goodies and leave your hands free with its perfectly proportioned straps.
Material: Raffia
Size: 14"H x 13"W x 2"D
What reviewers say: "A good beach bag for the summer to carry a change of clothes, towels, etc., can't wait to use it more!"
ONE BAG, TWO WAYS
Jacquemus Le Petit Filet Bag
A bag within a bag means that you can use Jacquemus’ take on the beach tote in multiple ways. Take out the removable inner pouch and tuck your towel or suit inside the bag.
Materials: Cotton, leather
Size: 20" H x 11.5" W x 6" D
MELLOW YELLOW
Proenza Schouler White Label Morris Raffia Tote
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Carry the top handles, or swap for shoulder straps: Either way, you’ll be ready to hit the beach with Proenza Schouler’s take on the raffia tote. In my mind, the yellow hue is an almost-neutral, meaning that it stands out but can still go with whatever bikini you choose.
Materials: Raffia, leather
Size: 15" W x 13" H x 10" D
DON'T MESS WITH THE CLASSICS
L.L.Bean Boat and Tote
There’s a reason L.L. Bean’s Boat and Tote remains a favourite among men and women alike. The canvas is durable, and the range of sizes, from mini to XL, means that you can find the space for your beachy necessities.
Material: Canvas
Size: 15" H x 17" W x 7.5" D
What reviewers say: "I've owned well over 15 L.L. Bean Boat and Totes in various sizes. These rugged and heavy-duty totes are by far the most durable and the best tote bags on the market."
SEASIDE CELEBRATION BAG
Petit Kouraj Petit Kouraj Mini Fringe Top Handle Bag
Are you more the type to enjoy a sunset cocktail by the beach instead of laying on the shore? Petit Koraj’s fringed tote won’t hold the sand, but will hold everyone's attention.
Material: Cotton
Size: 8" H x 9" W
THE LOVED AGAIN BEACH BAG
Celine Leather Tote
I purchase almost all of my luxury bags pre-loved, so I’m all for the idea of picking up a stylish tote second hand. This perforated leather bag is somewhere in between a traditional beach tote and a work bag.
Material: Leather
Size: 11" H x 9.5" W x 11" D
THE CUTE CARRYALL
Mango Jute Basket Bag
A woven basket has long been a staple for the beach. Mango's take looks expensive but comes in under $100.
Material: Jute
Size: 12.2" H x 24.41" W x 4.72" D
This article originally appeared in Harper's BAZAAR US.