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Dec 11, 2023

15 Best Canvas Tote Bags of 2023

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The best canvas tote bags are accessories that you will have for years to come, and a purchase that you can wear with everyday ease. As Accessories Fashion Director at Bloomingdale's Marisa Galante Frank says, these bags are "one of the essential building blocks of anyone's handbag wardrobe. Canvas totes are versatile, functional and totally timeless."

A canvas tote bag can complement all sorts of outfits. You can wear it casually to run errands with a pair of jeans and simple sneakers. Or you can throw it over your shoulder as you head to a picnic in a summer dress. Maybe you’re off to an upscale lunch, in which case it goes along seamlessly with a midi skirt and wedges. If you’re dipping your toes in the world of designer handbags, a luxury canvas bag is a great investment.

Canvas bags are also ideal gifts for women and gifts for moms. Frank explains that they’re a "go-to new baby gift for friends and family, often monogrammed with their newborn's initials." With the iconic L.L. Bean Boat and Tote Bag making a comeback this summer, there's a rush of new styles of the classic silhouette. Plus, reusable canvas tote bags allow you to shop with a sustainable conscience.

There are many canvas bag options to choose from in varying styles, so we created this bag guide with expert tips and product picks to find the best one for anyone's needs. Behold, the 15 best canvas tote bags to shop the staple today.

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Best Personalized Canvas Tote Bag for Women

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.

What reviewers 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."

Courtesy of LL Bean

L.L. Bean Boat and Tote Bag $44.95 Buy Now at L.L. Bean

L.L. Bean Boat and Tote Bag $39.95 Buy Now at Zappos

Best Canvas Tote Bag on Amazon

An affordable style from Amazon is a great entrance into the canvas tote bag world. 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 reviewers 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."

Courtesy of Amazon

Covelin Retro Canvas Tote Bag $19.99 $12.49 Buy Now at Amazon

Best Logomania Canvas Tote Bag

Choose between lilac and mint for a playful style that has Gucci written all over 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

Gucci Jumbo GG Mini Tote Bag $1,690 Buy Now at Gucci

Gucci Jumbo GG Mini Tote Bag Buy Now at Net-a-Porter

Best Canvas Bag for Groceries

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.

Courtesy of Bloomingdale's

Hereu Cala Large Canvas Tote $465 Buy Now At Bloomingdale's

Hereu Cala Large Canvas Tote $421 $322 Buy Now At Farfetch

Best Canvas Weekender Tote Bag

J. Crew makes a weekender 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, giving a sustainable aspect that makes you able to 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 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."

Courtesy of J.Crew

J. Crew Weekender Montauk Tote Bag $168 $109.50 Buy Now AT J.CREW

Best Canvas Tote Bag for Travel

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 reviewers 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."

Courtesy of Nordstrom

Marc Jacobs The Medium Tote Bag $195 Buy Now At Nordstrom

Marc Jacobs The Medium Tote Bag $195 Buy Now At Ssense

Marc Jacobs The Medium Tote Bag $195 Buy Now At Neiman Marcus

Best Canvas Tote Bag for the Gym

In contrasting red and white, this tote bag is literally branded for the gym. Sporty & Rich has risen to popularity for its ironic designs printed across premium materials. The two long handles make it easy to carry, with an open top to throw your clothes and sneakers into. Snag a tote from one of the most coveted athleisure brands while you can.

Courtesy of Farfetch

Sporty & Rich Logo-Print Canvas Tote Bag $105 Buy Now At Farfetch

Best Canvas Tote Bag for Everyday

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.

Jil Sander Medium Leather-Trimmed Canvas Tote $1,220 $854 Buy Now at Net-a-Porter

Best Affordable Canvas Tote Bag for Women

This no-frills option is one of Frank's picks. It's super lightweight and straightforward, and Frank likes it especially for shopping, saying, "Canvas totes make for excellent shopping partners because they can be used time and time again; from the farmers market to Bloomingdale's." The design is as literal as it gets.

What reviewers say: "This bag is the perfect size plus it's a lot sturdier than I thought. The material is thicker, not flimsy."

Courtesy of Bloomingdale's

Bloomingdale's Medium Canvas Tote $28 Buy Now at Bloomingdale's

Best Luxury Canvas Tote Bag for Women

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 pattern. 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 reviewers say: "This tote by Bottega is so very nice! I received it very quickly, so I was very pleased!"

Courtesy of Bottega Veneta

Bottega Veneta Arco Tote Bag $3,300 Buy Now at Saks Fifth Avenue

Bottega Veneta Arco Tote Bag $3,300 Buy Now at Ssense

Best Canvas Tote Bag for the Beach

We love a beachy tote, and this striped one from Isabel Marant gives us all 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 a great way to nod to its history and always look chic." For additional storage options, there are interior and exterior pockets.

Courtesy of Isabel Marant

Isabel Marant Stripe Canvas Tote Bag $295 $235 Buy Now at FWRD

Isabel Marant Stripe Canvas Tote Bag $295 Buy Now at Farfetch

Best Black Canvas Tote Bag

One reason we love a black canvas tote bag is because it won't get dirty (or show it) as easily. We also love this Ganni tote bag because the brand's graphic design is edgy, but not too edgy. It's a simple style with a neat design that makes for a unique selection. Throw on some combat boots and a bomber jacket, and you’ve got a rocking look. The bag's cotton and leather is recycled, so the sustainability component makes it a done deal.

Courtesy of Bloomingdale's

Ganni Canvas Tote Bag $322 $248 Buy Now at Farfetch

Ganni Canvas Tote Bag $322 $193 Buy Now at Neiman Marcus

Best Mini Canvas Tote Bag

The linen canvas bag from Chloé is perfectly petite, apt for short ventures. If you want a lightweight 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.

Courtesy of Nordstrom

Chloé Mini Woody Canvas Tote Bag $850 Buy Now at Saks Fifth Avenue

Chloé Mini Woody Canvas Tote Bag $850 Buy Now at Nordstrom

Best Sustainable Canvas Tote Bag

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. Plus, the fold-flat design is a handy factor for all packing needs.

What reviewers say: "Perfect size for daily use. I’ve tried cheaper versions of this bag but the quality of this one is much better."

Courtesy of Longchamp

Longchamp Le Pliage Recycled Canvas Tote Bag $155 Buy Now at Nordstrom

Longchamp Le Pliage Recycled Canvas Tote Bag $155 Buy Now at Neiman Marcus

Best Fringed Canvas Tote Bag

A fringed bag from Melissa Odabash delivers beachy glamor wherever you desire to tote it. The tan leather handles and gold hardware elevate the cotton canvas exterior. There are two interior pockets to help with organization, plus an additional zip pocket to secure all valuables. It delivers a textural touch to any sundress or cute summer outfit you wear it with.

Courtesy of Farfetch

Melissa Odabash Ferrat Frayed Tote $272 $237 Buy Now at FarFetch

Melissa Odabash Ferrat Frayed Tote $209 Buy Now at Neiman Marcus

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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.

Marisa 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.

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.

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