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It’s hard to imagine our lives without canvas tote bags. As one of the original eco-friendly alternatives, the staple bag is a mainstay in so many wardrobes—whether it’s because you have a pile of reusable shopping bags shoved in the corner, or you use one as your daily catch-all.
“Canvas bags are a must-have staple because they are practical and super functional, but they are also super fashion-forward,” says stylist and costume designer Ariel Tunnell. And, while the shopping bags we might hoard technically count as canvas tote bags, Tunnell says the canvas tote bag is not to be confused with the freebies we’ve collected over the years. According to wardrobe stylist Taylor Greeley, the canvas tote is now what the briefcase was to the ‘50s and ‘60s. “It is the staple item for carrying around daily essentials,” she explains.
Byrdie Researched & Approved
Our top pick is the L.L.Bean Large Boat and Tote because it's affordable, durable, and features a classic design. If you're wanting something more trendy, we recommend Marc Jacobs' The Large Tote Bag. Not only is it spacious, but it's designed from thick canvas so you know you'll get a ton of use out of it over the years. It even features a luggage strap and three interior pockets.
With its essential function in our wardrobes, we set out to find the best canvas tote bags, and searched high and low to find options that are sustainable, have pockets, can double as a purse, and more.
Find our top picks for the best canvas tote bags, ahead.
Best Overall: L.L.Bean Large Boat and Tote
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L.L.Bean
In the name of canvas tote bags, there’s nothing more iconic than the L.L.Bean Boat and Tote. This durable bag does it all. It’s great as an everyday bag, for the office, at the pool and beach, as a carry on—you name it. The handcrafted tote is high-quality, can withstand heavy contents, and also has some fun customization options, like the choice between eight colors, size, closure, and monogramming.
Material: 100% cotton | Dimensions: 15 x 17 x 7.5 inches
Best Sustainable: Everlane The Canvas Teardrop Tote
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Everlane
Everlane is our go-to for sustainable style. And, this tote meets all of our standards. The bag is designed with sustainably sourced organic cotton constructed in a unique teardrop silhouette, giving it a little something extra to stand out. We love it as an everyday handbag, but it’s also spacious enough to moonlight as an overnight bag, carry-on, or school bag—and is durable enough to hold all of those books, too.
Material: 100% organic cotton | Dimensions: Not listed
Best Budget: JOANN Canvas Tote with Rope Handles
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JOANN
You don’t need to spend a lot to secure a great tote bag. JOANN’s Canvas Boat Bag is under $10, is made from durable construction, has comfortable handles, and includes a front pocket for easy access. And, if you love a craft project and want to add some more style, you can always decorate it. From tie-dye to patches to embroidery, there are endless ways to dress it up.
Material: Cotton | Dimensions: 19 x 15 x 6 inches
Best Designer: Marc Jacobs The Large Tote Bag
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Bloomingdale's
The Marc Jacobs Traveler Canvas Tote is the designer canvas tote. Designed with heavy-duty cotton canvas, a secure zippered top closure, and roomy over-the-shoulder handles, the tote bag makes for a great everyday purse replacement, travel bag (hence the name), and work bag. It also has an interior zip pocket and wall pockets for added organization.
Material: Canvas | Dimensions: 16 x 13 x 7 inches
Best Value Pack: TOPDesign 3-Pack Stylish Canvas Tote Bag
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Amazon
Canvas tote bags are the ultimate eco-friendly shopping bag—so stocking up is a must. For a high-quality value pack, we love this trio from Amazon. The large bags come in a variety of colors and are made out of durable 12-ounce canvas, so they can hold a lot of weight.
Material: Cotton | Dimensions: 21 x 15 x 6 inches
Best on Amazon: Carhartt Legacy Essentials Tote
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Amazon
Amazon is a great place for canvas tote bags, but our top pick for this category has to be the Carhartt Essential Tote. This bag is a good carry-all tote with interior pockets for your phone and keys so you can stay organized, and an ultra-roomy bucket to fit all of the things. The handles are also a little longer than some other options, providing more comfort while carrying.
Material: 100% polyester | Dimensions: 12.6 x 14.75 x 5.3 inches
Best for Work: MAKR Work Caryall Tote Bag
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Madewell
The best canvas tote bag for work is MKR Work Carryall Tote available from Madewell. This tote is a spacious as others but even better thanks to its large exterior pockets great for chargers, headphones, or even a paperback for the subway or your lunch break.
Material: Cotton duck canvas | Dimensions: 12.5 x 17 x 5 inches
Best for Errands: Baggu Duck Bag
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Baggu
When running errands, we need a bag that can support everything we collect along the way, with the option to wear it on the shoulders or across the body for added comfort. The Baggu Duck Bag is our go-to style for these needs as it’s the perfect convertible bag. It has comfortable top straps that wrap around the shoulders, plus an adjustable crossbody strap. On top of that, it also has room for your laptop and other essentials.
Material: Recycled cotton | Dimensions: 12.5 x 17 x 4.25 inches
Best for Travel: Calpak Hotel Calpak Tote Bag
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Calpak
The CALPAK Hotel Tote Bag is a canvas tote that is easy to pack—just roll or fold it up and stick it in the side of your bag. It's also great for travel because, despite its simple design, it has interior pockets and organization for all of your souvenirs, or even for organizing your dirty laundry. Finally, it's made of high-quality cotton, boasts a ton of space, and is ideal for over-packers and trinket collectors alike.
Material: 100% cotton | Dimensions: 15 x 16 inches
Best Backpack: Notabag 3-in-1 Convertible Backpack
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Amazon
A tote bag that doubles as a backpack? Yes, please. The Notabag Convertible Backpack comes in over 30 colors and patterns and is specifically designed with straps that easily slide into tote bag or backpack shape, depending on what you need in the moment. It’s a great bag for every day as it can morph with whatever you need while on the go, is durable, and comfortable enough for all-day wear.
Material: Cotton and nylon blend | Dimensions: 6.93 x 4.09 x 1.65 inches
Best for Picnics: Pottery Barn Canvas Picnic Tote - Set for 2
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Pottery Barn
We are obsessed with this Canvas Picnic Tote from Pottery Barn. The bag boasts a mix of cotton canvas and wicker, giving it a slight nod to the iconic picnic basket. It also has lots of room and storage for all of your essentials, and even comes with necessities like plates, wine glasses, and utensils.
Material: Cotton and wicker | Dimensions: 14.75 x 11.5 x 13.5 inches
Best for Everyday: Big Bud Press Everyday Tote Bag
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Big Bud Press
We can’t leave home without our Big Bud Press Everyday Tote Bag as it truly lives up to its name. The Los Angeles-made tote bag comes in over a dozen colors, has two large front pockets for necessities, and is large enough to carry everything you need throughout the day. Additionally, it’s a great sustainable option, too, as it’s made from locally sourced materials and dyed with non-toxic, low-impact dyes that are better for the environment.
Material: 100% cotton denim | Dimensions: 16 x 14 x 3.5 inches
Best Design: Vince Camuto Orla Textured Canvas Tote Bag
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Macy's
If you want a natural canvas tote bag that has a little something extra, this pick is a must. The natural canvas colorway features intricate detailing on the front with added rope texture on the handle. It has a large slip back pocket, plus an interior slip pocket for added organization, has enough room for a 13- or 15-inch laptop, and is made of high-quality, durable cotton canvas.
Material: Canvas with cotton lining | Dimensions: 16 x 11.5 x 5.5 inches
Best Embroidered: Fanm Mon Cherry Canvas Tote Bag
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Fanm Mon
We love a tote bag with some personality, and this one from Fanm Mon caught our eye. The Cherry Bag is made of cotton canvas and designed in shopper silhouette, so it’s big enough to hold a day’s work of essentials, whether you’re going to the office, running errands, or even heading to the beach. It’s the perfect simple and sophisticated style.
Material: Cotton canvas | Dimensions: 14 x 18.5 inches
Best for Books: Goddee rPET Bassi Market Tote
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Goddee
Known for carting tons of books everywhere you go? Us too. Our go-to canvas tote bag for books is this one from Goodee. The canvas bag, made from recycled plastic, is designed with an exterior pocket perfect for a small paperback (plus more space inside if we need to sneak in a few more titles). The bag also doubles as a simple overnight tote, too.
Material: Canvas made from 100% recycled plastic | Dimensions: 16 x 15.5 x 3 inches
How We Researched
To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features—like ingredients, shade range, or design—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We then used this research to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list.
Meet the Expert
- Taylor Greeley is a wardrobe and prop stylist who is based in New York and Boston. She's worked with commercial clients including Converse, Brahmin, New Balance, and TJ Maxx.
- Ariel Tunnell is a stylist and costume designer based in Los Angeles.
What to Look for in Canvas Tote Bags
Style
With so many styles available, Tunnell says it’s important to consider which one works for you. “Think about your daily life and what style and kind of bag would benefit you most,” she explains. “If you are looking for a daily multi-use option that could double as a purse, think about something slightly more fashion-forward with interior pockets to keep you organized." In addition to pockets, strap comfortability is another style feature to consider, especially “if you are in the market for a large carry-all style that could get heavy once it’s loaded up.”
Care
“Always check the care tag to double-check it’s a washable option,” says Tunnell. And, when considering care, the color is also important. “Consider the color with your lifestyle—white can be hard if you tend to spill or stain, whereas a cute stripe or pattern could camouflage spills and stains.”
Structure
“A great bag is one that can stand upright and is not floppy,” says Greeley. With that in mind, structure is important to consider (especially if you want a bag that is easy to pack!).
Why Trust Byrdie
Contributing writer Jessie Quinn has a bachelor’s degree in fashion journalism. From working in the fashion closet and interviewing designers at NYLON to now writing about the best style trends for various publications, Jessie researches and sources the best fashion finds. When researching the best canvas tote bags, Jessie tuned into her fashion experience, as well as her knowledge of fabric and design from her personal sewing projects, to determine what makes a canvas tote bag the best. Additionally, she considered, size, function, quality, and design.
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