What is a Tote Bag: A Complete Guide to Styles, Uses, and More
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Tote bags are a fashion staple, blending functionality and style. Their roomy interiors mean you can pack everything you need, whether heading to the gym, the beach, or even the office. Totes are also some of the most popular bags in the fashion world. Brands from Marc Jacobs to Saint Laurent offer their own unique versions, making the tote this year's designer "must-have" item.
If you've found our article because you wondered, "What is a tote bag?", you're in the right place. Read on to discover exactly what a tote bag is, but also how to choose the best one for your needs.
What Defines a Tote Bag?
The big question: What is a tote bag? Tote bags, or just totes, are simple yet spacious bags with two handles that normally go over your shoulder. Practicality is usually the top priority for totes but many versions help you make a fashion statement.
Key Characteristics of a Tote Bag
The tote bag is larger than your average handbag and often has an open top. Some designers are now producing totes with zip or clip closures for security and convenience. The most common feature of all totes is their parallel handles, one on each side of the bag. While totes are generally carried on one shoulder, smaller models can be carried by hand. Some even have adjustable straps for extra comfort.
Totes can come in just about any material but some of the most common are canvas, leather, cotton, and nylon. Leather is the most durable and arguably the most stylish, but you can find many great-looking totes in other materials.
Your choice of material also impacts where and how you can use your tote bag. Cotton tote bags are ideal for quick trips to the store, but a bulky canvas tote bag might be better for heavy loads. Leather is better for professional or formal settings.
History and Evolution of the Tote Bag
The term "to tote" originated in the 17th century, meaning to carry something around. However, the phrase "tote bag" wasn't coined until the very early 20th century. These bags were originally entirely utilitarian, designed for lugging loads from one place to another. Today, there's a whole range of tote bags from your eco-friendly shopping bag to weekend tote bags that hold water bottles, clothes, and more for trips away.
Popular tote bags come in a variety of styles, colors, and materials. They've evolved into one of the most versatile bag types on the market today.
Types of Tote Bags
Tote bags come in a range of materials and styles. To help you make the right choice, we've highlighted some of the most popular kinds.
Canvas Totes
Lightweight and durable, canvas totes are ideal for casual outings and shopping trips. These nylon or cotton bags often carry minimal styling, so they work with most outfits.
Take a look at the Canvelle Canvas Everyday Tote — a sturdy, eco-friendly tote ideal for errands and outings in all types of everyday lives.
Pros:
- Made from sustainable materials
- Highly affordable
- Some offer a protective coating
Cons:
- A plain canvas tote bag lacks the formal styling required for professional settings
Leather Totes
Quality leather totes provide a polished, luxurious look, making them excellent for professional or formal settings. Leather is also highly durable making it a solid investment.
The Saint Laurent Leather Tote is a high-quality example that offers style beyond a simple tote while still being spacious and practical.
Pros:
- A classic leather tote offers a stylish alternative to most reusable tote options
- Leather is extremely durable
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Leather is a heavy choice as a material for tote bags
- Expensive
Recycled and Sustainable Totes
Eco-friendly buyers can source totes made from more environmentally-kind materials. Examples of tote bags in this category include those made from recycled trash, reclaimed fabrics, or sustainable fibers.
The Canvelle Eco Tote Bag is a sustainable tote crafted from recycled plastic bottles. Buyers get the benefits of a sizeable, smart tote in a totally eco-friendly design.
Pros:
- Eco-friendly
- Unique designs
Cons:
- Availability can be limited
Luxury Totes
Luxury totes are a step above your average tote, often featuring premium materials and intricate designs. Designer tote bags also offer brand prestige, making them ideal investment pieces.
The Gucci GG Supreme Tote is the perfect example of an iconic designer tote that blends luxury and functionality.
Pros:
- Stylish
- Durable
- Many carry brand prestige
Cons:
- Premium price point
Common Uses for Tote Bags
So, what is a tote bag actually for? You can use your tote for so much more than replacing your paper or plastic shopping bags. Take a look at these common uses for this perfect accessory.
Work and Office
Totes are a surprising addition to your workplace attire. Many are smart, crafted from leather or other polished materials, with space for office essentials like laptops, notebooks, and chargers.
A great example of a professional-looking tote is the Tory Burch Perry Tote. It features a center zip pocket for additional organization, combining practicality with style.
Everyday Errands and Shopping
Your tote is the must-have accessory for everyday life. Use totes as reusable shopping bags and to keep your essentials on hand. While some people like a fanny pack for security while shopping, it's not large enough to store more than keys, coins, and a phone. Totes come in a range of sizes to suit all types of everyday outings.
The Canvelle Everyday Shopper Tote is a roomy, durable tote in a manageable size, perfect for groceries or light shopping.
Travel and Weekend Trips
Totes make great carry on travel bags because they're small enough to tuck under your seat but spacious enough for your essentials. Store your toiletry pouch, a change of clothes, and other daily essentials in your tote.
The Longchamp Le Pliage Tote is a foldable, lightweight travel accessory with a capacity large enough for weekend trips.
Beach or Picnic Outings
Totes are perfect for beach trips, especially larger models that allow you to pack in towels, swimwear, and sunscreen. You can even use a tote bag to take a picnic to the park or your favorite outdoor spot.
The LL Bean Boat and Tote is a durable canvas tote designed for outdoor use, large enough to carry all your beach or picnic essentials.
How to Choose the Right Tote Bag
Now you've got some ideas of what a tote bag is for and why you might want one. Here are some tips on choosing the tote that's right for you.
Material Matters
Leather tote bags often have a professional or elegant look, ideal for work or formal events. However, they're heavier than other material choices. Canvas tote bags are lighter and more casual, making them great for grocery shopping and other errands.
Consider where you'll be using the bag and the impression you want to make, but also how durable you need the bag to be. Look out for sustainable materials that help you stay eco-conscious.
Consider Size and Structure
Larger, open-top totes are ideal for daily errands where quick access is a priority. Smaller totes are better for going out on the town. If you need your essentials to be organized, source a structured tote with internal pockets and compartments. Consider how you'll use your tote and what you plan to carry.
Closure Type and Security
Open-top totes help you cram everything you need in your bag quickly. But if security is a concern, a bag with a zip, clip, or magnet closure might be better. Bags that close completely are ideal for commuting or traveling in crowded, urban areas.
Style and Personal Preference
Your style is your own so you should always go for a bag that elevates your personal look. Consider how the bag will complement your wardrobe. All totes offer practicality but the right color and style can make it a lasting fashion choice.
Top Tote Bags Available on Canvelle
Here are just a few of the versatile tote bags available onCanvelle.com.
Canvelle Eco-Friendly Canvas Tote
Made from recycled bottles, this tote combines sustainability with practicality. Its roomy interior and durable canvas construction make it a lasting choice for eco-conscious shoppers.
Pros:
- Eco-friendly
- Lightweight
- Affordable
Cons:
- Limited to casual styling
- Not ideal for formal settings
Canvelle All-Day Tote
This spacious tote is designed for everyday use and offers a balance of style and function. The minimalist design suits a wide range of outfits making this a versatile accessory.
Pros:
- Spacious
- Affordable
- Modern look
Cons:
- Limited internal compartments for organization
What Is a Tote Bag? Your New Favorite Accessory
Totes are so popular because of their versatility and practicality. You can use a tote for just about anything, from travel to nights on the town. They're spacious and come in so many great looks to suit whatever your personal style is right now.
Hopefully, we've neatly answered the question, "What is a tote bag?" and left you with just one task — finding the perfect tote for you. Take the time to explore different styles, sizes, and materials, and look out for internal pockets and other organizational extras. For more inspiration, head over to Canvelle to discover high-quality tote bags expertly crafted from eco-friendly materials, balancing style, sustainability, and functionality.
FAQs
What is the purpose of a tote bag?
What is a tote bag? It's a simple bag with over-the-shoulder straps designed to carry more than the average handbag. Totes are for everyday essentials but also stylish enough for less casual outings.
What makes a bag a tote?
A tote is larger than the average handbag, often with a basic shape, and importantly, two parallel handles. Totes come in various materials and can be a style statement as well as a practical accessory.
What is the difference between a tote bag and a normal bag?
Totes are different from other bags because of their shape and handle type. Unlike sling bags that go across the body or around the waist, totes have two handles held on the arm or shoulder. However, some totes have shoulder straps so they can be used as crossbody bags.
Why are they called tote bags?
"Tote" is a 17th-century word that means to carry something about. Your tote bag is literally your tool for carrying everything you need, no matter where you need to be.