The 15 Best Beach Bags for Toting Your Sunscreen, Towels, and More

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

If life’s a beach, then you better make sure you’ve got a swimsuit and the best beach bag ready to go at all times.

Think of a beach bag as your oversized work tote's cool, casual sister—practical, but with a sense of fun. Firstly, it should be able to handle a little sand. I can’t stand it when I get home from a beachy afternoon and have to shake a pile of sand out of the bottom of my bag. Second, it should be able to fit everything you might need from SPF, to your beach read, to afternoon snacks. Lastly, it should look good—just because you’re in the great outdoors doesn’t mean sacrificing your usual style.

"Basket bags are some of the most timeless beach staples," Sophie Hersan, co-founder and fashion director at Vestiaire Collective, recommends. Alongside crochet and canvas styles, structured raffia bags are her top choice for any trips to Rockaway, Santa Monica, or Copacabana.

Whether your visit to the beach is for a relaxing solo trip or for sunset “I do’s,” there’s a size and silhouette of beach bag to style with your swimsuit or party dress. With prime beach weekends fast approaching, take a look through my 15 best beach bags and totes for this summer’s trips to the sea and beyond. My beach bags may have been purchased first with the intention of carrying my goodies from Brooklyn to Montauk, but they’ve become my favorite bags for popping by the farmer’s market at home, too.

Medium Interlocking G Tote Bag

There's no chance you’ll lose sight of this bold green bag on the beach. Gucci’s structured tote can hold all the essentials, and easily sift out any sand that gets inside.

Material: Raffia-effect viscose

Size: 10.6"H x 14.9"W x 6.6"D

+ Paula's Ibiza Anagram Tote

Loewe’s collection of raffia totes are some of my favorites for beach trips. The brand’s collaboration with iconic boutique Paula’s Ibiza cements its status as the perfect vacation bag. "Loewe is the star of the beach this summer, with its basket bags and the new fold shopper," Hersan says.

Material: Raffia, leather

Size: 22.44" H x 19.7" W x 17.32" D

The All Over Striped Tote

Canvas totes are my go-to thanks to their durability, and unlike a super pricey designer bag, I’m okay with them getting a little scuffed in transit. This style from Kule is my summer swap for my usual New Yorker tote. It’s just the right size for fitting a towel and a change of clothes.

Material: 100% Cotton

Size: 17" H x 25" W

Lotus Bag

Don’t relegate a beach tote just for the beach. Khaite’s take is elegant enough to wear to the office once your weekend away is over.

Materials: Raffia, leather

Size: 22.44" H x 19.7" W x 17.32" D

Ruffled Cotton Shoulder Bag

A splash of red, a little ruffle, and a non-traditional shape still a beautiful beach bag make. Go beyond your usual idea of what usually constitutes a beach tote, and opt for this bag that can easily be worn crossbody.

Material: 100% Cotton

Size: 15.5 H x 11.5 W"

L'ete Tote

Spell it out. A clever crochet tote from Clare V. is just the thing for a long weekend out of town. Even on Monday, the tote will hold its water.

Material: Crochet

Size: 6" H x 18.5" W

Black Large Macrame Tote

Calling all beach goths. Here's a black bag that’s perfect for stowing your beach necessities. The macramé will let sand through, so you may want to keep your small items in a pouch to protect them.

Material: Cotton

Size: 11.5" H x 11.5" W x 0.75" D

Large Crochet Tote Bag

Prada's crochet totes are one of Hersan's favorite options for a summer beach bag. This striped iteration is a playful take on the classic and my choice for a trip to Nice or Sicily.

Material: Straw

Size: 13.3" H x 15.7" W x 5.9" D

Ella Hand-Crocheted Tote

One pet peeve of mine is when a heavy tote doesn’t have handles or a strap long enough to put over my shoulder. But this crochet tote can carry your beach goodies and leave your hands free with its perfectly proportioned straps.

Material: Raffia

Size: 14"H x 13"W x 2"D

What reviewers say: "A good beach bag for the summer to carry a change of clothes, towels, etc., can't wait to use it more!"

Le Petit Filet Bag

A bag within a bag means that you can use Jacquemus’ take on the beach tote in multiple ways. Take out the removable inner pouch and tuck your towel or suit inside the bag.

Materials: Cotton, leather

Size: 20" H x 11.5" W x 6" D

Morris Raffia Tote

Carry the top handles, or swap for shoulder straps: Either way, you’ll be ready to hit the beach with Proenza Schouler’s take on the raffia tote. In my mind, the yellow hue is an almost-neutral, meaning that it stands out but can still go with whatever bikini you choose.

Materials: Raffia, leather

Size: 15" W x 13" H x 10" D

Boat and Tote

There’s a reason L.L. Bean’s Boat and Tote remains a favorite among men and women alike. The canvas is durable, and the range of sizes, from mini to XL, means that you can find the space for your beachy necessities.

Material: Canvas

Size: 15" H x 17" W x 7.5" D

What reviewers say: "I've owned well over 15 L.L. Bean Boat and Totes in various sizes. These rugged and heavy-duty totes are by far the most durable and the best tote bags on the market."

Petit Kouraj Mini Fringe Top Handle Bag

Are you more the type to enjoy a sunset cocktail by the beach instead of laying on the shore? Petit Koraj’s fringed tote won’t hold the sand, but will hold everyone's attention.

Material: Cotton

Size: 8" H x 9" W

Leather Tote

I purchase almost all of my luxury bags pre-loved, so I’m all for the idea of picking up a stylish tote second hand. This perforated leather bag is somewhere in between a traditional beach tote and a work bag.

Material: Leather

Size: 11" H x 9.5" W x 11" D

Jute Basket Bag

A woven basket has long been a staple for the beach. Mango's take looks expensive but comes in under $100.

Material: Jute

Size: 12.2" H x 24.41" W x 4.72" D

Why trust Harper’s BAZAAR?

For more than 150 years, Harper’s BAZAAr has been the preeminent fashion, beauty, and lifestyle resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in fashion by working with the world’s leading authorities in ready-to-wear, footwear, accessories, and more. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of editors and industry experts.

You Might Also Like

• 4 Investment-Worthy Skincare Finds From Sephora

• The 17 Best Retinol Creams Worth Adding to Your Skin Care Routine