Tote bags are the unsung heroes of our bag collection — they’re practical, functional, and versatile. What’s more, we usually like to have a wide range of such bags, and one of our favorite marketplaces is Etsy. Investing in tote bags on Etsy, especially from indie sellers, is a favorite. That way, we’re not only supportive of their craft, but we also get to grab some so very oh-so-pretty pieces. Whether it’s a leather tote bag, a vacation-ready crochet creation, or an everyday canvas tote that we can pair with practically everything, the indie website has a plethora of choices. Did we mention that many of the bags we picked were under USD 20? Yes! So, there’s a tote for every occasion on the website! Here’s a useful and detailed guide to choosing the best tote styles on Etsy.
Everly Grayce Personalized Canvas Tote Bag
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We have always loved canvas bags for their lightweightness and versatility. They’re perfect for every time we want to be on the grab-and-go and want to keep some stuff close at hand all the time. One of our favorite Etsy tote bags, canvas kind, is the Everly Grayce Personalized Canvas Tote Bag. Whether it was packing for running a quick errand to the market, for a gym run, or even a pool trip, this tote bag was very practical and cute.
We loved the size of the bag that was just right for hauling everything, from groceries to other essentials. However, what we liked most about the bag was that we were able to personalize it with our names! Not just that, but we could even select the color, type, and placement of the text, as well as add a cute little bow on the top — again of our choosing. So, these make for excellent bachelorette party bags as well.
How would you like a personalized tumbler to carry with this personalized bag? Check out the best Etsy personalized tumblers for travel.
Pros
- We could personalize the bag with our names.
- There’s a little bow on top, whose color we could choose.
- The size of the bag is perfect.
- The handles are large and make the bag easy to carry.
Cons
- Some people might not be comfortable with the open top of the bag.
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Canopy Verde Convertible Tote Bag
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Convertible, vegan, and travel-friendly — there’s not one box that this Canopy Verde Convertible Tote Bag doesn’t check. Whether we wanted to carry our laptop to the office or head out straightaway from there to lunch, this tote bag was the ever-super-helpful companion we needed to be on the move. One of the best things about this tote bag was that it could be worn in a variety of ways, depending on what we were carrying. So, we could wear it as a crossbody bag, an over-the-shoulder tote bag, or even carry it as a regular tote bag. What’s more, a variety of colors and can be worn as an over-the-shoulder tote or a cross-body bag, depending on what you’re carrying.
We also loved the handcrafted quality of the bag, but what we loved the most was the presence of five pockets, and that too zippered ones. So, we could organize all our necessities properly without any issues. Since the bag comes in as many as seven colors, we didn’t have to worry. The best bit, though? It even came with a trolley sleeve whose color, again, we could choose!
Pros
- This bag is convertible and can be worn in different ways.
- It’s available in many colors, including the trolley sleeve.
- We love the zippered pockets and spaces.
Cons
- It sells out quickly and is slightly more expensive.
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Sun Freckled Studio French Market Crochet Bag
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We were looking for cute travel tote bags that would render us ready to hit the road. That’s why we loved the Sun Freckled Studio French Market Crochet Bag. Stylish and stretchy, these cotton mesh tote bags would easily expand to accommodate as much as 22 lbs of groceries! So, we would be able to run a ton of errands with just this bag. What’s more, the open and flexible weave made these market bags easily packable too. So, when we went on a beach trip on the weekend, we tossed more than one or two in our baggage, using them throughout the trip. Spacious, sturdy, and lightweight, this bag had the perfect blend of flexibility and durability, effortlessly stretching to accommodate anything we needed to carry.
Pros
- We had the choice of many colors.
- The design and open weave can accommodate a lot of goods.
- It was made of pure cotton.
Cons
- Some people might not be comfortable with the open design.
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Linden Is Enough Leather Duffle Bag
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We wanted to buy stylish Etsy tote bags, the leather kind, for the fellas in our lives so they could carry their gear from one place to another in style. The Linden Is Enough Leather Duffle Bag was the perfect bag for them. Adventure-ready and sturdy, this men’s tote bag is handmade from vegetable-tanned leather. We loved the saddle-stitched accents and details as well as the solid brass YKK zippers, which allowed them to carry them everywhere, no matter how rough the adventure. What was interesting was the high-grade polyviscose tartan lining, which represents Scottish tradition and ensures maximum durability. Finally, this bag with a beeswax finish featured an expandable body and an adjustable shoulder strap, which allowed them to carry it comfortably.
If handmade stuff is what you like, then you might also want to check out the best travel handmade purses on Etsy.
Pros
- We loved the sturdiness of this leather duffle bag.
- It’s handcrafted from vegan leather, especially for eco-conscious buyers.
- The cognac color is perfect for all ages and occasions.
Cons
- Since it’s a leather duffle, it needs to be taken care of.
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Alphabet Bags Everything Really Big Bag
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The very definition of a tote bag is a huge bag. So, when one needs to carry more than a few usual items, oversized totes are a blessing. So imagine our surprise when we came across this gorgeous Alphabet Bags Everything Really Big Bag. It reminded us of the designer “The Tote Bag” from Marc Jacobs! Whether it was a busy day when we were running a ton of errands or were on an overnight getaway, this large bag helped us carry everything we needed.
There were a lot of things we loved about the bag. Firstly, it was available in a gamut of colors, including the pleasing green below. However, what we really liked about the bag was the huge and bold ‘EVERYTHING’ design printed on the front. Besides the excellent and durable stitching, we loved the deep flat base that allowed us to actually stack and arrange items in the bag, rather than just throwing them in one huge heap. Since it was made from 15oz heavyweight canvas, it was extremely durable. Finally, the mid-length handles made it extremely easy to carry the bag around, even with all the items.
Pros
- We loved the strength, stitching, and durability of the bag.
- The quality is excellent, as is the design.
- It came in a plethora of colors.
Cons
- Some people might not like the size and landscape design of the bag.
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Old Town Leather Small Leather Tote
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We should all have a small tote in our bag collections, right? Behold the Old Town Leather Small Leather Tote, one of the most unique tote bags we’ve ever seen. It’s made from thick cognac leather and is convenient yet compact enough to be taken around everywhere every day. What’s more, the shop can even customize the model in other colors, like burgundy, yellow, olive, and more. We loved the two internal pockets, which allowed us to stash smaller stuff inside and not have it mixed up with the contents of the main space. The sewn handles were sturdy and easy to hold, and the bag itself held its shape very well. With the unique leather of the bag poised to only get better over time, this small leather tote is a must-buy.
“We loved the smaller size of this tote bag, which is very unusual. Plus, the fact that we could customize the bag colors was the best!”
WOW Travel
Pros
- The make of the leather is very unique and long-lasting.
- The bag is customizable in multiple colors.
- It does come in five size options.
Cons
- None!
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How To Choose The Best Tote Bags on Etsy?
Style
When choosing a tote bag, we usually look for timeless designs. For instance, we go for classic suede tote bags for the office. Meanwhile, if we’re going for a more casual look, such as a top and jeans, then a vintage bag will be better.
Durability and strength
Next, we look for bags that are well-constructed and durable, qualities which mostly depend on the material. Most of the best quality totes are made from leather and last very long, even though they are expensive. Additionally, they complement any outfit and look lavish as well. Even if the bags aren’t made of leather, they should be just of good quality, as they’ll require minimum care.
Are you a leather snob? Don’t worry; it’s a good thing! Here are the best handmade leather goods on Etsy.
Convenience
Finally, we look for convenience in tote bags, that is to say, whether they’re comfortable and lightweight or not. Since a tote bag is meant for prolonged use, we look for features like zippered closures and multiple chambers to keep different things secure.
What is the most popular tote size?
Medium/large-sized tote bags are the most popular and most commonly chosen size due to their ample space and versatility.
How long does a tote bag last?
While the tote bag’s lifespan usually depends on the use, weight, and material of the bag, the heavier-duty ones will generally last at least a few couple of years, if not longer, with light, sporadic use. However, fabric bags like jute or canvas ones usually last longer than other alternatives like polyester or non-woven ones.
Should I wash my tote bag?
Even if one doesn’t use the tote bag every day, it could gather bad odors, dirt, and dust even just sitting around. So, it’s important to wash them before you take them on the next long trip.
Some images on this article are copyrighted by Etsy.
