The 15 Best Canvas Tote Bags That Fashion Experts Say Are Lightweight, Durable, and On-Trend for Spring

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.

Editor testing and review notes: “I’ve been gifted two L.L. Bean bags — one was part of a brand mailer and the other was a holiday gift from a former boss, complete with my initials embroidered on the canvas. The reason it’s such a good gift idea is that it’s easy to personalize and anyone can use it for a beach trip or to carry a heavier load on your way to work. They’ve both lasted me several years thanks to the durable canvas construction and hardy handle. I use them most during the summer when I don’t want to carry around a leather tote bag that can feel sticky or heat up in the hot weather, but they’re useful year-round as sturdy, do-it-all bags.”  

What testers 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.”

Durability: 5/5 rating | Carrying comfort: 4.7/5 rating | Style: 5/5 rating | Storage Capacity: 5/5

Price upon publish date of this article: $34.95

Baggu is the ultimate destination to shop affordable, reusable totes with reliably durable construction features. The Small Heavyweight Canvas Tote is unique for its compact silhouette and serious storage capacity, as well as its rainbow of colorway options that are practically begging to be collected. It has an exterior slip pocket that’s large enough to hold your phone and keys, long carrying handles so the bag falls perfectly above your hip, and is machine-washable for those inevitable stains and spills.

Editor testing and review notes: “I was one of the lucky few to snag this mini tote during Baggu’s collaboration with Sandy Liang last year. The limited release was the exact same design as this one, with just a few addition cosmetic touches, and I was instantly surprised by its sturdy feel and spacious capacity. Its wide top and structured base has served me well; for a weekend getaway, I was able to comfortably carry two laptops, a few novels, and even a cosmetic bag all at once. I routinely use it as ‘Mary Poppins’ purse, too, especially for long days around NYC.”

What testers say: “Love! This is such a good bag! Sturdy and small but still roomy. The front pocket is nice as well.”

Durability: 5/5 rating | Carrying comfort: 5/5 rating | Style: 5/5 rating | Storage Capacity: 4.7/5

Price upon publish date of this article: $44

The Coach Cargo Tote takes the reusable and sustainable canvas tote bag style to the next level with regenerative cotton construction that not only protects the planet, but ensures decades worth of wear in your wardrobe. The spacious carry-all is large enough to function as a laptop bag or convenient flight carry-on, with a secure zip-top closure and handy exterior pockets for small essentials you need at-the-ready.

What testers say: “This is my first official tote bag and I must say I love it! The handles are very sturdy for the type of work that I do as a teacher. I’m able to fit my laptop and other daily essentials inside. I love it!”

Durability: 5/5 rating | Carrying comfort: 5/5 rating | Style: 5/5 rating | Storage Capacity: 5/5

Price upon publish date of this article: $295

An affordable style from Amazon is a great entrance into the canvas tote bag world, as 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 testers 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.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $11.99

Choose between vivid orange, black, and signature green and red striping with this subdued-yet-playful style that has Gucci written all over it. This Gucci Tote has a canvas composition and logo embossing that brings elegance to any outfit. With a pair of loafers and breezy button-down, you’re channeling the dolce vita fantasy.

Price upon publish date of this article: $1,980

$35.96 $44.95 20% off

$44.95

If you’re looking for a canvas tote that’ll front your monogram or a quippy phrase, the large Land’s End Open Top Canvas Tote is your ticket to quintessential cottage-core. It’s strong enough to haul a whopping 500 pounds worth of weight, with extra strong wide felled seaming that maintains the bag’s structure no matter how many items you store. Plus, you can choose from a wide array of color options to match your wardrobe.

What testers say: “I really love this bag! The quality is outstanding! It is just the right size for taking notebooks and supplies to meetings. I really like the handles; they are soft and long enough to easily be slung over my shoulder so the bag is comfortable to carry!”

Price upon publish date of this article: $35.96

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. The fold-flat design is also ideal for travel.

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

Price upon publish date of this article: $155

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 testers 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.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $195

J. Crew’s weekender is 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, catering well to those who shop sustainably. There’s a zippered closure to secure your belongings, and the bag even features an inner pocket for smaller items. 

What testers 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.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $104

This tote from Ganni fronts the design of a typical shopper, with elevated details that make it a style statement, like embroidered branding and a friendly phrase. Rather than a tote freebie you’d collect from a bookstore or supermarket, this canvas bag is made of recycled polyester, boasting stiff structure and a flat bottom to support heavy items. The carrying strap is long enough to fit comfortably on the shoulder, so the bag can rest on the hip while you go about errands or head off on your morning commute.

Price upon publish date of this article: $145

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

What testers say: “Cute bag! This handbag’s open-top design makes accessing items easy.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $880

$553 $790 30% off

$553 $790 30% off

Isabel Marant‘s contemporary take on a classic canvas tote is chic and inviting, with a unique curved handle strap that fits on the shoulder for easy carrying. Its expandable design bodes well for a spare sweater or a stack of reading material, while its interior pocket is the perfect size for storying a phone, key ring, or makeup compact.

Price upon publish date of this article: $553

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.

Price upon publish date of this article: $570

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.

Price upon publish date of this article: $1,220

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 design. 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 testers say: “This tote by Bottega is so very nice! I received it very quickly, so I was very pleased!”

Price upon publish date of this article: $3,300