The Best Canvas Tote Bags To Carry This Summer

The best canvas tote bags offer unparalleled versatility, as well as durability similar to luxe materials like leather or suede—something I particularly value in cute summer outfits (like breezy dresses) and airy linen sets. Sure, plenty of flimsy styles won’t cut it to carry your laptop or as an everyday bag. (Read: free tote bags you’ve scored at events.) But the crème de la crème are crafted from sturdy woven fabric that stands up to daily use, whether you’re running errands or heading to the beach.

“I love how canvas as a fabric adds a casual, undone finish to feminine summer style and how timeless and versatile it is,” says Paulina Liffner von Sydow, founder and CEO of the Scandinavian bag label Little Liffner. “It transitions easily from the farmers’ market to the seaside and back to the city as a relaxed summer work bag.”

With their casual charm and a wide range of styles and prints, canvas totes effortlessly complement a wide range of outfits. Whether you’re seeking one to carry to the office or on vacation, your ideal version should include a few key traits. Most important: ample storage space. “It should be roomy enough to be versatile,” Liffner von Sydow says. The designer also suggests high-quality fabric with a heavier weight and “a small leather detail that elevates the design and gives it a refined finish.”

Ahead, discover the 15 best canvas tote bags to shop now, offering the perfect blend of style and practicality.

Related article: Must Have Beach Totes For Your Next Island Getaway

The 15 Best Canvas Tote Bags of 2023

BEST LOGO CANVAS TOTE

Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Canvas Tote

This iconic logo tote from Saint Laurent is a staple in every luxury lover’s collection.

Dimensions: 12" H x 15.5" W x 7" D; handle drop 16"

Colours: Ivory/tan/black

BEST WOVEN CANVAS TOTE

Bottega Veneta Arco Canvas Tote Bag

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Bottega Veneta’s signature intrecciato weave in canvas form? Yes, please.

Dimensions: 12.5" H x 17.5" W x 4.75" D; handle drop 7.5"

Colours: Natural black

BEST STRIPED CANVAS TOTE

Little Liffner Stripe Tote Brown

“I’m a long-term lover and avid collector of all things striped,” Liffner von Sydow says. “A simple block stripe is my favourite, as it brings to mind Daniel Buren’s playful art, beach parasols, and sunny childhood memories. [These striped totes] also go with everything from a summer dress to a trench coat and denim, and are just a general mood-booster.”

Dimensions: 18" H x 13" W x 10" D; handle drop 7"

Colours: Brown, beige, white

BEST CUSTOMIZABLE CANVAS TOTE

L.L. Bean Medium Boat and Tote, Zip-Top

L.L. Bean’s ironic boat tote is the ultimate customisable canvas bag that truly endures. If you’re more about simplicity, you can still tailor the heavyweight canvas bag to your liking, as it comes in 10 colours, three sizes, and two handle length options.

Dimensions: 12" H x 13" W x 6" D; handle drop regular 6", long 14"

Colours: Black, blue, dark green, field gold, mauve, natural, red, regatta blue, rustic green, slate

What reviewers are saying: “LL Bean makes the most well made, durable, utilitarian, smart looking tote on the market.”

BEST EXTRA-LARGE CANVAS TOTE

Métier Perriand Weekend Leather-Trimmed Linen-Canvas Tote

When you need extra room for a major schlep or a couple days away, Métier’s canvas weekender is a minimal, chic option. It’s made in Italy from durable linen canvas with leather handles and trim.

Dimensions: 12.2" H x 19.9" W x 9.8" D; handle drop 9.4"

Colours: Beige

BEST BEACH CANVAS TOTE

Kule The All Over Striped Tote

A supersize canvas tote in bright two-tone stripes is perfectly whimsical for beach days. Toss it all in, from your towels to a picnic lunch and change of clothes.

Dimensions: 17" H x 25" W; handle drop 3"

Colours: Pink/poppy, canvas/navy, canvas/royal blue, canvas/green, canvas/green/grape, canvas/poppy, royal blue/poppy, canvas/peach, navy/forest

BEST STRUCTURED CANVAS TOTE

Chloé Woody Large Canvas Tote

Chloé’s Woody tote is another designer cult classic. The natural material perfectly offsets the structured boxy shape for a timeless, summery look you can wear with everything.

Dimensions: 13" H x 17" W x 4.5" D; handle drop 5"

Colours: Beige

BEST PRINTED CANVAS TOTE

Altuzarra Printed Canvas Weekender Bag

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Not all canvas totes are neutral. Enter Altuzarra’s printed tote for bolder sensibilities.

Dimensions: 13.5" H x 26" W x 13" D; handle drop 8.5"

Colours: Berry blue

BEST NAUTICAL CANVAS TOTE

Cesta Collective Limited-Edition Stripe Tote

A graphic black-and-white design and leather trim elevate this striped tote, whether worn with nautical attire for a sail or with a summery LBD in the city.

Dimensions: 14" H x 19.6" W x 7.8" D; handle drop 8"

Colours: Natural/navy stripe

BEST CANVAS TOTE FOR WORK

The Row Soft Margaux 15 Canvas Tote Bag

Lean into quiet luxury with The Row’s canvas and leather tote. It’s a sophisticated pairing with your Monday-through-Friday workwear.

Dimensions: 11" x 15" x 9"

Colours: Red

BEST UTILITARIAN CANVAS TOTE

Everlane The Organic Canvas Weekender

This oversize canvas tote is perfectly utilitarian, from the simple design to functional details like internal zippered pockets and a main compartment zip-top.

Dimensions: 15" H x 24" W x 8" D

Colours: Natural, cappuccino, black, black/bone

What reviewers are saying: “It accidentally turned into my everyday bag—I love it so much. It won’t show dirt, and it’s easy to care for.”

BEST MODERN CANVAS TOTE

Proenza Schouler White Label Extra Large Morris Canvas Tote

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The trapeze shape of this striped canvas tote gives it an ultramodern feel you can confidently wear in the city or on vacation abroad.

Dimensions: 13" H x 15.25" W x 10.25" D

Colours: Ecru black

BEST LEATHER-TRIMMED CANVAS TOTE

Serapian Secret Leather-Trimmed Cotton and Linen-Blend Canvas Tote

We love the heritage feel of this leather-trimmed canvas tote. Wear it with everything from T-shirts and jeans to preppy attire and crisp midi dresses.

Dimensions: 11.8" H x 17.9" W x 9.4" D; handle drop 8.5"

Colours: Tan

BEST CONVERTIBLE CANVAS TOTE

DeMellier New York Striped Canvas Tote Bag

Adjust this striped canvas tote to your liking: It converts from a wide triangular shape to a slimmer bucketlike silhouette.

Dimensions: 8.3" L x 18.5" W x 7.1" D; handle drop 4.3"

Colours: Yellow

BEST CASUAL CANVAS TOTE

Madewell Makr Canvas Farm Tote Bag

Casual doesn’t mean unsightly. The clean lines and utilitarian design elements of this Makr design ensure it feels considered, even paired with sweats.

Dimensions: 26" x 13.5" x 7"

Colours: White, green

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This article originally appeared in Harper's BAZAAR US.