Tote bags are one of the most popular types of bags because they are versatile and functional. They are typically large and have wide openings and sturdy handles, which makes them the perfect bag for carrying a variety of items, whether for work, school, or grocery shopping. Besides that, most of them come at a reasonable price with commendable durability that will last you for a long time.
Since they are quite popular, there are unlimited options to choose from, which can make the search for the perfect bag even more challenging. To help you with that, we offer you our list of the best products you can score online, together with our buying guide on how to choose the right bag for you. Read along to know more!
Quick List - Top Tote Bags
Longchamp
Eco-Friendly and Fashionable Bag With a Cult Following
Lacoste
Versatile Tote Perfect as Work and Travel Companion
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
Table of Contents
If you haven’t made up your mind yet, set your worries aside. While tote bags are fairly simple, there are many options to consider when purchasing one. Read along to know more about the factors to keep in mind to make a great tote bag purchase!
Tote bags come in different types that serve different purposes. Assessing your need will help you identify which type of tote bag will work best for you.
The foldable tote is the most popular and affordable type of tote bag. It offers commendable durability and practicality, suitable for shopping and carrying bulky items. Some may come with magnetic buttons and zippers, while others simply have no closures, which makes them easier to use as a grocery bag, depending on the size.
Canvas bags are available in plain styles or spruced up with vibrant prints and colors. However, if you are not comfortable with the rough texture of a canvas tote, you can opt for other foldable materials that deliver a softer and smoother surface texture, such as nylon, polyester, and cotton.
Work totes combine form and function in one. They are usually made of leather, which makes them noticeably more expensive than the other types of totes. There are also work totes made of synthetic leather for those who would like a more budget-friendly alternative.
The typical work tote bag is boxy in shape to accommodate laptops and notebooks, and has compartments for smaller items. When choosing one, make sure to check the size and durability - is it large enough for all your workday essentials? Is it comfortable and durable enough to carry on a commute? These are the usual considerations to think about when it comes to work tote bags.
Diaper totes have the added advantage of having slots that are designed to organize necessities like feeding bottles, clothes, milk dispensers, diapers, and more. These compartments allow you to organize things in a more efficient way so that you can have a fuss-free outing with your baby. They are also typically made of soft cotton for maximum comfort.
If you are planning to go on a trip, a travel tote will come in handy. This type offers a vast amount of space that comes with multiple pockets for easier organization. Travel totes are usually larger than work and canvas tote bags, and are perfect for those days when you need to step out on a day tour and just need to carry some essentials.
Beach bags are one of the most popular travel totes. They are usually crafted from durable and wear-resistant materials like jute or polyester. They may also come in a waterproof plastic material that can keep your things dry at the beach.
Tote bags are made with different materials that may affect their functionality, durability, and overall appearance. Knowing which material your preferred tote bag is made of will give you an idea of how you can utilize and take care of it. The most common materials are canvas, cotton, and leather.
Canvas is the most commonly used material for totes. Despite being lightweight and easy to carry, it offers superb durability that can withstand the wear and tear of everyday use. Additionally, this material can excellently hold colored prints without flaking even after a long period of usage, making it a great fabric for printed designs.
On top of that, it is also easy to clean, which makes it an ideal material for grocery shopping. You can get rid of most stains and dirt on a canvas bag just by tossing it into the washing machine. However, take note that it has a rough texture that may be irritating to people with sensitive skin.
Totes crafted from leather deliver a classy look that's perfect for formal occasions and work settings. Compared to other tote bag materials, this type is significantly more expensive, particularly when authentic leather is used. Thankfully, you can get the same stylish and elegant look with less expensive types like suede and synthetic leather.
Since tote bags are meant to be hung on the shoulder, skin contact is inevitable, especially if you are wearing sleeveless tops. Cotton tote bags naturally have a smoother and more refined texture that makes them more suitable to use if you have sensitive skin.
Additionally, cotton is easy to clean, making it a great companion for everyday use. However, when it comes to carrying heavy loads, this material is not as tough and resilient as canvas, so you might want to consider this factor before using a cotton tote for grocery shopping.
Tote bags are available in different sizes ranging from small to large. Small totes usually come in 12 inches width and 13 inches height, and are best for storing just a few essentials such as your keys, wallet, phone, and other tiny objects.
Medium-sized totes, on the other hand, usually come with 16 inches width and 15 inches height. They are perfect for larger items like books, journals, and the like. Large tote bags, on the other hand, usually come in 22 inches width and 15 inches height. They are big enough to store items like shoes, clothes, and other essentials, making them ideal for use for traveling.
Tote bags come with different types of closures that may help you ensure that your things are secure and well-protected inside. The most common closures used for tote bags are zippers, magnetic buttons, and velcro strips.
Zippers offer premium security since you can be sure that the top of your bag is fully closed and secure. On the other hand, a magnetic button, usually located in the middle of the opening, allows for more ease. However, this type leaves wide gaps on both sides of the opening, which can leave you vulnerable to pickpockets or lead to your things falling out easily.
Meanwhile, a velcro strip offers a more reliable closure than a magnetic button since it requires a little more force to open. However, just like a magnetic button, this may also leave the opening with gaps on both ends. Also, the velcro strip may eventually lose its texture and become worn out after a long period of use.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Longchamp Le Pliage Green Top Handle Bag M Red | ![]() | Eco-Friendly and Fashionable Bag With a Cult Following | |
2 | Nike One Women's Training Tote Bag | ![]() | Sporty Tote for Athletes and Gym Enthusiasts | |
3 | Lacoste Women's L.12.12 Concept Vertical Zip Tote Bag | ![]() | Versatile Tote Perfect as Work and Travel Companion | |
4 | Straightforward Daily Vegan Leather Portrait Tote Bag | ![]() | Eco-Friendly Tote Crafted From Vegan Leather | |
5 | Adidas Canvas Shopper | ![]() | Vibrant Yellow Tote to Brighten Up Your Day | |
6 | Superdry Darcy Jute Tote Bag | ![]() | Stylish Jute Bag for Beach Outings | |
7 | Tender Luv Carter Large Quilted Tote Diaper Bag | ![]() | Carry Your Little One's Essentials in Style | |
8 | Kate Spade New York The Little Better Sam Nylon Mini Tote Crushed Watermelon | ![]() | A Pop of Color That Will Surely Show Off Your Chic Side and Grab Attention | |
9 | Trendy Graphic Canvas Flat Tote Bag Minimalist Designs | ![]() | Go Minimalist With Nordic Designs | |
10 | Canvas Tote Bag With Graffiti Design | ![]() | Offers A Mix of Rustic and Fun Elements |
We can't talk about tote bags without mentioning Longchamp. This bag has a cult following worldwide because of the great value it provides. Not only is it lightweight and foldable, but it is literally a heavy lifter. You'd be surprised how much you can fit in a Longchamp!
Aside from that, this bag is eco-friendly since it's made from recycled polyamide canvas. The attention to detail is impeccable, and you can see this in the horse embroidery and the leather trimmings. You don't need to worry about security, too, since this bag offers a zipper closure and a snap closure on top of that.
The stylish design makes it versatile for use in various settings - whether for work or casual outings, this bag will serve you well. With all of these useful features, it's easy to see why the Longchamp enjoys its great reputation!
Hitting the gym and bringing everything you need is a piece of cake if you have this sporty travel tote from Nike. It offers a number of compartments that you can use to organize your gym essentials, like towels and extra clothes. There's also an inner pocket designed to keep your water bottle in an upright position, preventing messy spills.
It's not just athletes and gym enthusiasts who love this bag, though. Students also find it practical for use in school since its size is big enough to accommodate journals, books, and laptops. Not only that, but it will also protect your gadgets from getting scratched through its built-in padded sleeves.
Looking for a tote that can accompany you on work and travel errands? This minimalist tote from Lacoste might be the solution to your problem. This product has a superb shape-retaining feature due to its 100% PVC material, so it can stay sleek and stylish even if you put bulky items inside.
Its medium size is also adequate to hold items you'll need for work or travel. In fact, it can fit even large items like journals, laptops, and important work documents. On top of that, the tote has a zipper closure to secure your things and keep them from falling out.
This casual and practical tote bag is available in different colors ranging from dark tones like black, navy blue, and maroon to lighter shades like sky blue, gray, tan, and pastel green. Whatever you're in the mood for, you'll definitely find your match in this style!
If you are looking for a tote that will embody your advocacy for nature, then this eco-friendly tote is a must-have. It is crafted from vegan leather that is sustainable, practical, stylish. On top of that, its straightforward design makes it suitable for all genders, and there are various color selections, too!
Additionally, it offers wide variations of subtle colors perfect for minimalist outfits. You can rock this carry-all bag as casual accessories for your daily outdoor errands and as a school bag that can fit student essentials like journals and even gadgets like iPads and laptops.
Bring a little shine wherever you go with this vibrant yellow tote from Adidas. The product boasts superior durability and is made of 100% plain woven cotton. It comes with one main compartment with a closure-free opening that allows you to easily toss everything you need inside.
This casual-looking tote definitely accomplishes both form and function easily. Gym-goers like the sporty look, while students find the size just perfect for their laptops and notebooks. If you prefer a more low-key option, this tote is also available in chalk white or black with a print of the Adidas logo.
If you are on the hunt for a multi-purpose tote that will give you your money's worth, why not try this Darcy Jute Tote Bag from Superdry? The product is crafted from polyurethane material with quick-drying properties and is resistant to chemicals and abrasions.
This bag is the perfect beach companion. The size is large enough to hold all your beach essentials and more - towels, beach mats, sunscreen — name it, and this bag can hold it! While it has no main closure, the bag does have a zipped inner pocket where you can stash your valuables, such as your cellphone, keys, and cash.
Traveling with your little one is not an easy task, but having a bag that can organize your baby's essentials makes it much easier. This diaper tote bag is a good example of that. With its numerous compartments that can fit diapers, feeding bottles, milk dispensers, and tiny items like pacifiers and teethers, you can take care of everything your baby needs on the road.
This diaper tote is made with polyester fabric with moisture-resistant and shape-retaining properties. It also includes a changing pad and stroller straps for extra convenience. Reviewers say that this bag is not only stylish but also spacious and lightweight.
This hot pink tote bag from Kate Spade will bring out the classy kikay in you. It comes in a size that can fit small items like cards, keys, and phones. You can use this bag two ways - as a tote and as a crossbody bag with an adjustable strap that you can attach to the sides. With its stylish design, this bag is perfect for trips to the mall or for hanging out with your friends!
It is crafted from a combination of virgin and recycled nylon material that delivers exceptional wear-resistant properties. The material is also resistant to oils and other chemicals and is very easy to clean. Just take a damp cloth and mild soap to wipe away dirt and stains, and you're good to go!
Tote bags made of canvas are generally less expensive than any other material. But they need not look cheap, as this trendy graphic canvas bag shows. With its simple minimalist vibe and Nordic-inspired prints, it actually looks stylish and classy, which is rare for a canvas bag.
This is great to use as a grocery bag or for carrying books and notebooks because it's sturdy and easy to clean. It's also good to give as a gift! However, keep in mind that this bag has no closure, so make sure not to leave your valuables inside.
This cute and unique tote will finish off your casual OOTD with its fusion of rustic and quirky elements. The canvas material features a rough woven texture, and the natural brown tone gives it a rustic feel. Meanwhile, the fun prints give the bag a splash of color that contrasts the rough brown canvas nicely. Who says canvas bags have to be boring?
This bag is great for picnics, strolls, or lounging at the beach! It can fit different essentials like sunglasses, sunscreen, wipes, a water bottle, and a few valuables. You can choose from different designs like flamingos, tropical leaves, and anime-inspired prints.
Need a few more accessories to pull off a sleek OOTD? Check out our article reviews of wardrobe and style essentials that can upgrade your overall look from head to toe!
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Totes are carry-all bags that are both fashionable and functional. They come in different shapes, sizes, and styles that can match your preference and needs. Regardless of how you will use them, we hope we have helped you find the best one through this article.
Author: E. Hubilla
Editor: R. Umlas
No. 1: Longchamp|Le Pliage Green Top Handle Bag M Red
No. 2: Nike |One Women's Training Tote Bag
No. 3: Lacoste|Women's L.12.12 Concept Vertical Zip Tote Bag
No. 4: Straightforward|Daily Vegan Leather Portrait Tote Bag
No. 5: Adidas|Canvas Shopper
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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