Gone are the days of throwing your beach essentials into any old plastic bag and calling it a day, which is why we researched the best beach bags and totes — there are a lot out there! This summer calls for carrying your belongings in proper beach bags that will make your life easier and keep your essentials out of harm’s (sand’s) way, all while elevating your outfit. From athletic-inspired beach bags that can withstand the test of your travels to high-fashion beach bags with ingenious compartments and waterproof materials, we found the best poolside bags (including a chic option that doubles as a beach cooler bag) by asking stylists and our very own editors their favorite picks for this season.
This year, when it comes to beach bags, elevated yet practical pieces are in. New York City-based fashion stylist and editor Audree Kate López says that recently we’ve seen the return of the large tote, hobo bags and a major shift to functional, multiuse pieces. “Current fashion trend aesthetics like Old Money, Coastal Grandmother, Cottagecore and Coquette tend to lean more neutral or toned-down colors, so you can expect to see a lot of woven, canvas, straw and raffia bags,” López says. “These types of bags are super versatile for summer and can be worn for various occasions.”
Even if you’re not looking for a bag to actually wear to the beach, you can take inspo from the resort-worthy trend. “As we approach the peak of the summer season, the equally fashionable and functional beach tote has quickly made a reemergence to boardwalks and cityscapes everywhere, with some interesting twists,” says celebrity stylist Mickey Freeman. “Many designers are using leather appliqués as a stark contrast to raffia beach totes, which adds a much-needed touch of luxury to the bag as well.”
Whether you want to keep things simple with a classic beach tote or prefer something more runway-inspired to sport away from the water, we’ve rounded up the best beach bags and totes from stylists, along with some editor-favorite options below.
Best straw beach bags
How many times have you scrunched your favorite hat when shoving it inside your bag? “This is perfect for travel days so you’re hands-free and don’t have to worry about your hat getting damaged or flying off your bag,” López says.
If you’re looking for a straw bag that won’t break the bank and holds everything you need for a day under the sun, López loves this pick from Target.
Looking for a lunchbox that doesn’t look like one? López recommends this this sleek wicker bag from Modern Picnic that features an insulated lining so you can pack all your snacks and drinks in style.
Associate beauty editor Sophie Shaw owns a Mark & Graham raffia tote bag similar to this one, and she gets compliments on it every time she wears it. “It’s big enough for a beach towel, change of clothes and the essentials. And you can personalize basically any product from the brand, which is a nice touch,” she says.
I’ve got my eye on this chic straw bag that’s adorned with wooden beads. This handwoven bag also comes in black for a more unexpected take on the classic summertime staple.
Best totes
“The L.L.Bean tote is the current cool-girl tote bag,” López says. It’s easy to see why: It doesn’t break the bank, it’s durable and you can personalize it. “We have seen these blow up on social media as personalized bridal party gifts, [for] group vacations or your daily work tote,” she adds.
If you’re looking to opt into the designer label trend, Freeman likes this brightly colored tote by Brandon Blackwood. It comes in a variety of rainbow colors that’ll add some fun to your beachy look. Plus, it comes with a detachable pouch for extra storage.
You likely know Simple Modern from its cult-favorite tumbler cups and water bottles, and the brand’s other items are just as great. López loves this getaway bag because it’s durable and easy to clean and won’t collect sand, thanks to the porous design.
“Growing up in a beach town, I’ve learned to be a truly minimalistic beach goer, and this Vera Bradley tote has been my go-to bag for peak summer all the way through fall,” says associate editor Jillian Tracy. “The main compartment holds my towel, beach book, sunscreen stash, water bottle, snacks, hat and dry clothes. Plus, the exterior and interior pockets let me keep essentials like my keys, phone, credit cards, ID and lip balm safe from the sun and sand. The straps are comfortable on my shoulder as I search for the perfect spot near the dunes — and the best part? If it gets dirty, I just shake it out and throw it in the wash.”
“Since I live in a landlocked state, going to the beach typically means going to a lake,” says editor Kai Burkhardt. “Whether I’m just relaxing on the shore or paddling on the water in a kayak, I always bring this Rux Waterproof Bag. It’s lightweight, has convenient carrying options and, most importantly, is 100% waterproof. Thanks to its roll top, I can stash all my precious belongings and electronics without any worry of water damage.”
Both Freeman and López picked this bag as one of their favorites for this season, so you know it’s a must-have. It comes in neutral colors and brights like this electric green, and the cutouts ensure you won’t carry sand around too.
I’m a huge fan of Dagne Dover’s grocery tote, which is super lightweight yet durable and is made of mesh, so it’s also great for sifting out sand. It also doubles as a great gym bag and, as it’s name suggests, a grocery tote.
López recommends this heavy-duty, waterproof Yeti tote, which comes in three sizes and an array of fun colors.
“I love this Mark & Graham bag because it’s waterproof, has a zipper closure for protection and [is] perfect for the beach, pool or a personal item for the plane,” López says. You can also get it embroidered for a unique touch.
Best crossbody beach bags
Editorial coordinator Joe Bloss loves the convertible straps on this Cotopaxi bag. “Wearing it as a messenger bag or a backpack means I don’t have to worry about the straps falling off my shoulder while I carry a cooler or a chair,” he says. “It’s not huge, but it has enough compartments for a light towel and my other beach essentials, plus a water bottle pouch. A fun bonus: Each bag rocks a one-of-a-kind color scheme made of repurposed nylon material, so you won’t know your colors until it arrives.”
“This one is smaller than your typical beach bag, but I brought it on vacation to Australia this year and it was my go-to adventure bag,” Shaw says. “I brought it with me for long walks in the city and on the beach because it packs in a lot for its smaller size. I fit a water bottle, sunglasses case, wallet, headphones and keys, plus I even stuffed a bathing suit and cover-up in there. It has lots of pockets on the inside and outside too, which felt like a good safety measure for valuables on the beach and just traveling in general.”
Freeman recommends this transparent Telfar tote, which makes it easy to see what’s inside. Plus, the crossbody strap allows for hands-free carrying.
Best terry bags
“Last summer, I was lucky enough to spend some time in Italy, where all the fashionable ladies shouldered one of these colorful, boho beach bags,” says health, fitness, and food editor Tobey Grumet Segal. “Though I popped into the closest boutique to snag one for myself, I checked to make sure I could get them when I was back in the States, and thankfully, they can easily be ordered online. I love this one in terry because even if it gets wet, it still holds up and keeps all my stuff nice and dry.”
López loves this 2-in-1 terry cloth bag, which transforms into a beach towel.