27 Summer Bags for Toting Around All Your Essentials

If you’re guilty of schlepping around with multiple bags in tow, it’s time to invest in a summer carryall. From classic straw to sturdy canvas and recycled nylon pieces, the hour has come to retire that cotton tote bag you got for free at a work event four years ago.

Open weaves let grains of sand fall through, while waterproof fabrics will keep your essentials safe and dry. You want to look for styles that are cavernous enough to fit a towel, book, sunscreen, water bottle and some beachside snacks. And if they’re also chic enough to take to the office (and large enough to fit a laptop), that’s an instant add-to-cart.

Woven

It’s hard to pass on a classic straw bag. Often, the best ones are carried by women who say things like “Oh this? I picked it up at a market in the south of France years ago.” But woven wares are making a comeback, featuring in summer collections from some of our favourite brands. There are ultra-luxe styles from Loewe and Jacquemus for those so inclined. This timeless style from Oroton is finished with leather detailing. Kiwi label Deadly Ponies adds a raffia spin to its Mr Bandit tote for summer. Gold Coast-based Mimmi Terra offers a drop of colourful bags made from recycled plastic, which are lightweight, durable and waterproof – and instantly conjure European glamour. We’re eyeing this cream-and-black colourway. Lee Mathews stocks a rotating collection of handwoven styles from Belgian brand Dragon Diffusion and NYC-based label Gabriele Frantzen. Wynn Hamlyn's woven style is stylish enough to take from beach to bar, adorned with wooden beads. Aussie label Helen Kaminiski adds subtle structure to raffia bags. And St Agni’s brown Bagu tote has all-season (and all-weather) appeal, as does this red crochet style from Friends with Frank x Nananita.

Our pick

Nylon

Lightweight and easy to clean, nylon is a natural fit for beach days. Pan After’s colourful market-style totes are made from recycled nylon and have long been a local favourite. The Collingwood homewares store’s carryall comes in a myriad of colours and sizes, including this red-and-white plaid number. Eau Bags leans into bold stripes, with some designs finished with sleek metal handles. Meanwhile Samsonite takes a more pared-back approach with a timeless all-black tote. Nere delivers solid block colours like slate, lilac, lemon yellow. July updates its Everyday tote for summer with prints inspired by Portofino and Amalfi – easy to throw in the wash post-swim. There’s also Any Day’s easy totes in colourways like burgundy and lilac and aqua and navy. And while technically made from recycled polyester, Ucon’s stylish carryalls earn a mention for their clever design, seamlessly transitioning from handbag to backpack. 

Our pick

Canvas

The definition of utility-chic, a canvas bag is a wardrobe chameleon. Poppy Lissiman splashes playful prints across its generously-sized totes. Oroton keeps the logo alive with its Everyday tote and Skipper style, which has a shoulder strap and top handles for flexible styling. July’s Everyday carryall isn’t just for sojourns – the multi pocket style is complete with an internal drink bottle holder, as well as a zipped compartment so you don’t lose your keys in the sand. Same goes with Nere’s striped tote which comes with two detachable pouches. Lean into colour with this structured deep plum-hued Cos number. And Byron Bay hotel The Sunkeeper’s oversized tote channels retro energy. 

Our pick

Additional reporting by Gitika Garg.

This story was originally published on Feburary 10, 2023 and has since been updated.

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