“Canvas totes are a great alternative for daytime and work bags ahead of the summer,” says Tiffany Hsu, chief buying officer at Mytheresa. “Canvas, compared to leather, typically means an attractive price point too. And overall it’s a chic and practical update to your wardrobe.”
Hsu likes to lean toward options that are both lightweight and structured, from brands including DeMellier, Gucci, Valentino, and Loro Piana. “I also like to pick canvas totes that look less formal so I can use them for holiday and travel too,” she adds.
“A great canvas tote is all about durability and smart design,” echoes luxury bridal stylist Maisie-Kate Keane, who relies on totes for both shoots and wedding days. “I always look for a heavyweight cotton canvas—think: a similar weight to cardboard—since it holds up much better than lighter calico options.” Keane also says to check the construction thoroughly. “I prefer seams finished with binding, rather than overlocked,” she advises. “It makes a huge difference to how well the bag wears over time. Strong cross-stitched handles are key too. No one wants to deal with a strap snapping mid-commute. If you’re carrying a lot of things, go for a tote with boxed corners. It provides extra space at the bottom for heavy items without making the bag look oversize.”
From budget-friendly options to statement splurges, read on for our guide to the best canvas tote bags to shop now.
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Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper’s BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
Leave it to this Parisian label by Vincent Ribat to elevate a canvas tote to new desirable levels. In two-tone chocolate brown or navy and white, the Sellier bag is simple, stylish, and practical for whatever you have on the agenda.
Size: 9.8 x 19.7 in.
Colors: brown, white
Beach bag, baby bag, and every need in between: Paravel’s Cabana tote is an icon in the making. This sturdy and durable bag is crafted from sustainable EcoCraft Canvas (a.k.a. 33 recycled plastic bottles) and repurposed vegan leather. Because it’s durable, waterproof, and stain-repellent, it’s ideal for everyday use. The option to add a hand-painted monogram or personalized embroidery further seals the deal.
Size: 14.5 x 7.5 in.
Colors: Paloma, Marlin, Shandy, Domino
What reviewers are saying: “Great weekend bag. So well made, with pockets inside and out. It holds a ton!”
Veronica Beard’s Dash bag has become an editor favorite, thanks to both its ability to carry a multitude of items and its upscale appearance. The new Italian linen-canvas version is a welcome swap for the warmer weather, accentuated further by an adjustable belted leather strap. This firmly structured bag also boasts interior and slip pockets, making it a great all-day accessory.
Size: 7.5 x 7.3 in.
The canvas body of this roomy oatmeal bucket bag is elevated with a faint herringbone pattern, which contrasts nicely against sleek buffed leather. With its shoulder strap and padded base, it’s substantial enough to fit a change of clothes inside, making it perfect for slinging over your shoulder ahead of a busy day on the go.
Size: 15 x 19.5 in.
In line with the resurgence of utilitarian silhouettes like barn jackets and cargos, Toteme’s canvas bucket bag from the brand’s 10th-anniversary collection feels like the perfect of-the-moment update. The earthy khaki shade is juxtaposed against a rich, glossy oxblood-hued strap that’s finished with a gold clasp. While it’s feather-light—weighing just 1.5 pounds—a flat leather base with protective metal feet and firm sides with built-in slip pockets ensures that it holds its shape.
Size: 11.75 x 12.5 in.
Owning Longchamp’s Le Pliage City Bag is a veritable rite of passage. And now, the French brand is offering fans of the classic a finely woven canvas and leather option. Its size and reliability are ideal, plus, like its counterparts in the Le Pliage family, it conveniently folds flat for storage (and travel) purposes.
Size: 13 x 11 in.
A striking cutout leather handle and trim give a new lease on life to Hereu’s top-handle tote in premium ecru canvas. The bag, lovingly handmade in Spain by artisans, can be secured with a tie closure, and it comes with an additional shoulder strap.
Size: 11.8 x 21.3 in.
Colors: black, tan
We love the nostalgic yet fresh nautical feel of the punchy blue and white stripes on this Polo Play tote. The relaxed shopping-bag-style shape is elevated with tonal leather handles, a snap closure, and a logo tag. Crafted in firm cotton canvas, it also contains a handy removable zip pouch to pop your valuables in.
Size: 11.3 x 15.5 in.
Colors: blue, white
Leatherology’s affordable Belmont tote is rendered in organic canvas and Italian leather and features a built-in pouch to keep valuables safe. This spacious tote also boasts subtle gold hardware and a magnetic closure. Plus, shoppers can personalize it.
Size: 11.75 x 19.25 in.
Colors: white and black
What reviewers are saying: “I can use it for business and weekends. Large enough for a laptop or iPad. I received so many compliments and love the bag!”
The humble L.L. Bean Boat and Tote might just be the dictionary definition of a classic canvas bag, having first presented itself in 1944. Equal parts familiar and endearing, each iteration is still handcrafted with love in Maine by a small team of stitchers. With no shortage of color and size options available, there’s a guaranteed bag for every taste and every lifestyle.
Size: 15 x 17 in. (large), 12 x 13 x 6 in. (medium), 10.5 x 9.5 x 5 in. (small)
Colors: black, white, navy, red, pink, olive, khaki, etc.
What reviewers are saying: “I use my boat tote almost every week as a laptop bag for work. It’s very lightweight, and I love the colorful straps set against the neutral-colored canvas. Plus, I’m all about personalization. I have my initials stitched in the center and bag charms hanging from the straps. It’s a practical work bag in my rotation, but one that extends far beyond to use as a travel carry-on, gym, and grocery bag. The list goes on.” —Julie Tong, senior commerce content lead
With its distinctive tricolor trim and understated stamped logo signature, there’s no mistaking the renowned designer behind this off-white canvas tote. Between its classic shape, timeless, unisex design, and seasonless appeal, this one from Thom Browne is a holdall you will reach for for years to come.
Size· 13 x 20 in.
We adore this fresh take on a canvas tote. Tod’s famed Italian craftsmanship comes to the forefront in this roomy mixed-media tote, constructed from striped panels of contrasting leather and canvas. This Di Bag isn’t just aesthetically pleasing either; it’s big enough to store a laptop and all your other essentials, while a removable zipped pouch can stash your keys, wallet, and lip balm.
Size: 9.8 x 13 in.
Colors: taupe
Whether you have something athletic on the agenda or not, this nostalgic Sporty & Rich tote is a fan favorite for a reason. For less than $100, it’s a solid gym, work, or short-haul travel bag, with one interior slip pocket to keep things organized.
Size: 13.8 x 20.6 in.
Colors: navy, chocolate
Gap’s canvas and vegan-leather carryall doesn’t just look the part. Inside you’ll find a handy inner pocket with card slots, and there are both top-handle and shoulder-strap options for more ways to wear it. Not to mention, the price tag is so pleasing that you could snap up both colorways. After all, this timeless tote will never go out of style.
Size: 12 x 4.5 in
Colors: black, brown
What reviewers are saying: “I could not love this bag more! So pretty and very well made.”
The bonus addition of a functional belt means you can cinch this softly structured bag to change its shape. As this cool canvas carryall is from the last collection designed under the tenure of the brand’s founders, Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, fashion fans will likely snap this one up as a memento of the label’s original DNA.
Size: 31 x 35 cm
Colors: black, white
B Corp–certified brand Kassl’s East-West bag takes the traditional idea of a canvas tote and soups it up a little with faux leather trimming and a nonchalant, slouchy rectangular silhouette. Inside, there’s a slip pocket, and the bag comes with two handle options, making it an ideal option for a weekend escape.
Size: 13.7 x 24.4 in.
Colors: cream, brown, black
It’s not easy to reinvent the tote bag, but here’s an idea we haven’t seen before. This satchel-style take on a canvas tote is given a fashionable makeover thanks to a removable buckled shoulder strap, leather detailing, and statement gold hardware.
Size: 8 x 17.5 x 5.5 in.
Khaite’s Lotus might just be the Rolls-Royce of canvas totes. Made in Italy from vegan leather and cotton canvas, it’s the ultimate day-to-day bag that will go with every outfit and carry all your belongings with elegant ease.
Size: 15.5 x 22 in.
Colors: honey
In this hit from Toteme, a simple cream canvas tote-bag body is given added panache and polish thanks to contrasting black leather piping and handles and a perforated logo label tag. A nice option for work or play, it has a slip pocket inside to keep items safe and secure.
Size: 23.6 x 13.4 in.
Colors: black, cream
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