The 15 Best Canvas Tote Bags for Bringing Whatever, Whenever

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.

“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.

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.

Best Overall

L.L.Bean Large Boat and Tote

L.L.Bean

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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. 

Price at time of publish: $35

Material: 100% cotton | Dimensions: ​​15 x 17 x 7.5 inches

Best Sustainable

Everlane The Canvas Teardrop Tote

Everlane

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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. 

Price at time of publish: $65

Material: 100% organic cotton | Dimensions: Not listed

Best Budget

JOANN Canvas Tote with Rope Handles

JOANN

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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.

Price at time of publish: $10 

Material: Cotton | Dimensions: 19 x 15 x 6 inches

Best Designer

Marc Jacobs The Large Tote Bag

Bloomingdale’s

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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. 

Price at time of publish: $215

Material: Canvas | Dimensions: 16 x 13 x 7 inches

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Best Value Pack

TOPDesign 3-Pack Stylish Canvas Tote Bag

Amazon

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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.

Price at time of publish: $33

Material: Cotton | Dimensions: 21 x 15 x 6 inches

Best on Amazon

Carhartt Legacy Essentials Tote

Amazon

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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. 

Price at time of publish: $30

Material: 100% polyester | Dimensions: 12.6 x 14.75 x 5.3 inches

Best for Work

MAKR Work Caryall Tote Bag

Madewell

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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.

Price at time of publish: $210

Material: Cotton duck canvas | Dimensions: 12.5 x 17 x 5 inches

Best for Errands

Baggu Duck Bag

Baggu

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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. 

Price at time of publish: $39

Material: Recycled cotton | Dimensions: 12.5 x 17 x 4.25 inches

Best for Travel

Calpak Hotel Calpak Tote Bag

Calpak

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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. 

Price at time of publish: $22

Material: 100% cotton | Dimensions: 15 x 16 inches

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Best Backpack

Notabag 3-in-1 Convertible Backpack

Amazon

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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. 

Price at time of publish: $28

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

Pottery Barn

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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

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Best for Everyday

Big Bud Press Everyday Tote Bag

Big Bud Press 

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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. 

Price at time of publish: $35

Material: 100% cotton denim | Dimensions: 16 x 14 x 3.5 inches

Best Design

Vince Camuto Orla Textured Canvas Tote Bag

Macy’s

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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. 

Price at time of publish: $138

Material: Canvas with cotton lining | Dimensions: 16 x 11.5 x 5.5 inches

Best Embroidered

Fanm Mon Cherry Canvas Tote Bag

Fanm Mon

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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. 

Price at time of publish: $209

Material: Cotton canvas | Dimensions: 14 x 18.5 inches

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Best for Books

Goddee rPET Bassi Market Tote

Goddee

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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.

Price at time of publish: $125

Material: Canvas made from 100% recycled plastic | Dimensions: 16 x 15.5 x 3 inches