The 22 Best Designer Beach Bags to Hold All Your Essentials
Before you commit to your first summer beach trip, you need to have the gear to execute the day successfully. More important than a towel or sun hat is the bag that will help you carry it all in. A designer beach bag can offer ample storage along with the luxurious vibe you need to live out your sunscreen-slathered fantasies. But, not all beach totes are created equal — investing in a designer tote bag that’s both practical and worthy of a spot on the Instagram feed takes some careful curation.
“Think about your beach essentials, and make sure your bag is large enough to stash your beach towel, a book, sandals and a cool drink,” suggests Lisa Park, Vice President/General Merchandise Manager of shoes, handbags and soft accessories at Bergdorf Goodman. “Durability is also key, so invest in something that will hold up to the elements — sand, sea, sun and water. Over-the-shoulder straps or easy-to-carry top handles are also essential as well as pouches or pockets to stash keys and valuables.” Unlike the bag you choose for your day-to-day activities around the city, a beach bag runs the risk of getting sandy, sun-soaked and possibly even drenched in salt water. So, if you’re investing in a luxury purchase, you want to make sure it can handle that type of wear and tear.
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Below, shop the best designer beach bags no matter where you’ll be dipping your toes in the ocean.
Top Designer Beach Bags
Best Luxury Canvas Tote: Proenza Schouler Morris Tote Bag
Best Logo Beach Bag: Gucci GG Marmont Tote Bag
Best Minimalist Tote: Khaite Osa Medium Palm Fiber Tote Bag
Best Celebrity-Inspired Bag: Balenciaga Beach Tote Bag
Best Suede Beach Bag: Chloé Woody Tote Bag
Best Canvas Tote: Hereu Calella Tote Bag
Best Mini Beach Tote: Rue De Verneuil
Best Colorful Raffia Tote: Etro Straw and Leather Tote Bag
Most Versatile Beach Bag: Tory Burch McGraw Bucket Bag
Best Classic Beach Bag: Loewe Shell Basket Bag
Best Crochet Designer Bag: Alanui Beach Break Tote
Best Nylon Bag: The Row Drew Bag
Best Terry Cloth Bag: Prada Terry Tote Bag
Best Open-Weave Designer Bag: Clare V. Sandy Tote
Best Colorful Bag: JW Anderson Bicolor Tote Bag
Best Mixed Media Designer Bag: Proenza Schouler White Label Morris Tote
Best Canvas Bag: Raf Simons Canvas Tote Bag
Most Unique Beach Bag: Lastframe Ichimatsu Market Bag
Best Fringe Designer Beach Bag: Petit Kouraj Fringe Net Tote Bag
Best Eco-Friendly Beach Bag: Altuzarra Watermill Tote
Best Bag for Packing: Isabel Marant Color-Block Tote Bag
Best Lightweight Bag: Naghedi Large Tote Bag
Related Story: The Best Designer Handbags from Top Luxury Purse Brands, According to Experts
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Proenza Schouler Morris Tote Bag
Best Luxury Canvas Tote Bag
Size: 11” x 13” x 12.5”
Color: Red
Material: Coated suede
Best for: Post-beach drinks
Just because you’re heading to the beach, doesn’t mean your designer beach bag has to have a beachy feel to it. This structured, polished style from New York label Proenza Schouler is sleek enough to bring to the office. Pair with a minimal swimsuit for a beach-to-city ensemble.
Proenza Schouler Morris Tote
Gucci GG Marmont Tote Bag
Best Logo Designer Beach Bag
Size: 10” x 12.75 x 5”
Material: Raffia
Color: Taupe and Blue
Best for: Designer shoppers
You already know Gucci’s classic logo bag, the Marmont tote. But now, you can take your love of designer bags to the beach with this raffia take on the classic silhouette. The blue leather trim and graphic G logo nod to the waves and sky. Contrasting stripes add a little extra intrigue.
Gucci GG Marmont Tote
Khaite Osa Medium Palm Fiber Tote Bag
Best Minimalist Designer Beach Bag
Size: 9.4” x 14.6” x 22.8”
Color: Taupe
Material: Raffia
Best for: Classic beachgoers
If your personal style is sleek and minimalist, you’ll want to have Khaite’s take on a beach bag in your rotation. The leather-trimmed raffia tote has a spacious shape with a wider opening and narrower bottom. Be assured: You won’t lose your beach read in here.
Khaite Osa Medium Palm Fiber Tote Bag
Balenciaga Beach Tote Bag
Best Celebrity-Inspired Designer Beach Bag
Size: 10.6″ x 18.5″ x 6.7″
Color: Black
Material: Cotton
Best for: Kim Kardashian fans
Kim Kardashian has become a major supporter of Balenciaga since designer Demna Gvasalia took the helm. She’s often photographed in the bodysuits and sleek boots of the brand. So, keep an eye out and you may just spot her carrying this minimalist tote as well. The sleek black design makes it an easy choice.
Balenciaga Beach Tote
Chloé Woody Tote Bag
Best Suede Beach Bag
Size: 14.6″ x 10.2″ x 4.7″
Material: Suede
Color: Green, Red, Blue
Best for: A durable statement
Looking for a durable designer bag that you can lug to the beach and beyond? This suede tote from Chloé fits the bill. The bold green color will stand out in the sand, but won’t clash with your outfit.
Chloe Woody Tote Bag
Hereu Calella Tote Bag
Best Canvas Designer Beach Bag
Size: 20.6” x 13.6” x 5”
Material: Canvas
Color: Taupe
Best for: Minimalist beachgoers
Hereu is an emerging Spanish label known for its attention to craftsmanship. This handmade canvas tote is architectural and minimal — not your standard beach tote. Since it’s an elevated take on a beach bag, try styling it back to a sleek cotton dress and your favorite leather sandals.
Hereu Calella Tote Bag
Rue De Verneuil Mini Canvas and Leather Tote Bag
Best Mini Designer Beach Bag
Size: 9.7” x 8” x 4”
Material: Canvas
Color: Blue
Best for: Light packers
Not every beach visit requires packing along snacks, a book, and sunscreen. If you’re popping down to the beach with no need to tote along a full day’s worth of necessities, then this mini-sized bag is a must. The cotton canvas is durable and the cross-body strap makes it easy to carry. A snap closure at the top will ensure that your goods will stay safe.
Rue De Verneuil
Etro Straw and Leather Tote Bag
Best Colorful Designer Beach Bag
Size: 4.3” x 3.3” x 8.7”
Material: Raffia
Color: Multi
Best for: Making a statement
Bring a bold pop of color into your summer beach style with this playful multicolor tote from Italian label Etro. The colorful patches and straps offer versatility that will work with a wide arrange of beach outfits — from denim cutoffs to wispy dresses. The tie top will keep your towel snug inside.
Etro Straw and Leather Tote Bag
Tory Burch McGraw Bucket Bag
Most Versatile Designer Beach Bag
Size: 10.6” x 10” x 4.2”
Material: Pebbled leather
Colors: Tiramisu, Black, Brie
Best for: An everyday tote
If you want a designer beach bag that can double for use around town, consider this leather die-cut bucket bag from Tory Burch. The style comes with a practical snap-on drawstring pouch for holding your essentials and that can be easily removed for cleaning. It’s also large enough to fit an iPad Pro or Kindle for your beach needs.
Tory Burch McGraw Bucket Bag
Loewe Shell Basket Bag
Best Classic Designer Beach Bag
Size: 12.6” x 21.5” x 5.5”
Materials: Straw
Colors: Taupe
Best for: Fitting all your beach needs
Designer Jonathan Anderson has helped make Spanish label Loewe a must-own luxury option. This elephant grass tote bag with leather straps is simple and features a keychain with the brand’s anagram. “Loewe’s raffia totes are always a favorite, and since I have a fondness for elephants, the label’s Elephant totes are at the top of my list,” Park says. The wide shell-shaped opening of the basket is ideal for fitting a towel and other beach accessories inside.
Loewe Shell Basket Bag
Alanui Beach Break Tote Bag
Best Crochet Designer Beach Bag
Size: 13” x 13.5” x 7.5”
Materials: Cotton
Colors: Multi
Best for: A slouchy carryall
Add some color to your warm-weather look with Alanui’s crocheted cotton tote in a colorful striped print. Inspired by the hues of the sunset, this lightweight bag with wide handles is a perfect piece to style back to a breezy white dress and gladiator sandals. An added bonus: This soft bag will easily fit in your luggage, making packing a breeze.
Alanui Beach Break Tote
The Row Drew Bag
Best Nylon Designer Beach Bag
Size: 13.3” x 11.8” x 11.8”
Materials: Nylon
Colors: Black
Best for: A practical bag
Luxury can also be practical. The Row is known for its luxurious, minimalist staples, but this square nylon bag is a sporty option from the brand that you can easily bring along on beach days. The drawstring closure will keep your goodies safe, and the sturdy straps won’t cut into your shoulder as you schlepp your way to the sand. Stick to the pared-back aesthetic of The Row and stylet this piece with a black bikini or one-piece and neutral shorts.
The Row Drew Bag
Prada Terry Tote Bag
Best Terry Cloth Designer Beach Bag
Size: 5.9” x 7.9” x 13.4”
Materials: Terrycloth fabric
Colors: Blue
Best for: Statement dressing
This square tote from beloved Italian fashion house Prada is the best bag if you’d consider your style trend-forward and fun. Consider wearing it with a relaxed tie-dye tee and denim cutoffs or elevate the ensemble with a cutout dress.
Prada Terry Tote Bag
Clare V. Sandy Tote bag
Best Open-Weave Designer Beach Bag
Size: 11” x 15/25” x 1.25”
Materials: Crochet
Colors: Taupe, Black
Best for: Getting sandy
Plan ahead to avoid the pesky sand that often makes it home with you inside of a deep beach bag. This woven rope bag by Clare V. allows any sand and debris to just fall right through. To keep smaller items secure, place them inside a zip bag and tuck it inside the tote. And, consider using the bag beyond the beach, as it makes a great farmer’s market tote for all of your fruits and vegetables.
Clare V. Sandy Tote
JW Anderson Bicolor Tote Bag
Best Colorful Designer Beach Bag
Materials: Cotton
Colors: Pink and Blue
Best for: Adding a pop of color
“JW Anderson has super fun knitted shopper hobos and totes in a rainbow of colors,” Park says. This playful knit cotton bag is a departure from a standard tote bag, but it still can handle sitting in the sand all day. Pair this funky bag with bold beach pieces like a mesh dress layered over a bikini.
JW Anderson Bicolor Tote Bag
Proenza Schouler White Label Morris Tote
Best Mixed Media Designer Tote Bag
Size: 27” x 32.5” x 20.5”
Materials: Raffia, leather
Colors: Chartreuse, Grey, Orange
Best for: Bringing your beach read
Proenza Schouler is a favorite label for New York’s fashion set, and its raffia tote bag is the ideal city-to-beach choice. The playful color and leather details give the bag an edge that fits NYC’s downtown style. Still, the raffia material is lightweight and sturdy enough to handle an afternoon in the sun.
Proenza Schouler White Label Morris Tote
Raf Simons Canvas Tote Bag
Best Canvas Designer Beach Bag
Materials: Canvas
Colors: Cognac
Best for: Getting dirty
If you prefer lugging every potential accessory to the beach, you’re going to need a big bag. Raf Simons’ supersized canvas tote bag fits the bill. The soft, richly-colored style includes a zip top to keep your stuff protected. Be sure to pack all of your picnic snacks and a blanket inside — you’ve got room.
Raf Simons Canvas Tote Bag
Lastframe Ichimatsu Market Bag
Most Unique Designer Beach Bag
Size: .8” x 12.6” x 13”
Materials: Polyamide
Colors: Yellow, Purple, Red, Pink, Black
Best for: Beach to drink dressing
Calling all color enthusiasts: Japanese label Lastframe’s bright checkered bag is a playful alternative to a more traditional beach bag. Checker print has been a popular choice among the fashion set over the last year, and it won’t be going anywhere this summer. To style, keep the rest of your look on the sporty side with denim shorts or comfy sport shorts and a baseball cap,
Lastframe Ichimatsu Market Bag
Petit Kouraj Fringe Net Tote Bag
Best Fringe Designer Beach Bag
Size: 12” x 13”
Materials: Textile
Colors: Tan
Best for: Dressing up post-beach
The best beach tote for a night out is one that has something textural and eye-catching that takes it beyond just a catchall for your things. Petit Kouraj’s fringed tote bag, which is made in Haiti by artisans, has an elegance that is begging to be worn with a silky slip dress post-dip in the ocean. The netted construction means that any sand you may kick up on your evening out won’t make it back to the room with you.
Petit Kouraj Fringe Net Tote Bag
Altuzarra Watermill Tote Bag
Best Eco-Friendly Designer Beach Bag
Size: 13.5” x 25” x 11.5”
Materials: Palm leaf, cactus leather
Colors: Tan and Black
Best for: Conscious shopping
Park highlights one bag innovation worth paying attention to is the use of alternative materials. In its latest totes, Altuzarra employs cactus leather to create sleek options that do better for the environment. Perfect for shoppers seeking the best minimalist beach bag, the Watermill tote has a sculptural shape and simple lines that keep the style from feeling too casual.
Altuzarra Watermill Tote
Isabel Marant Color-Block Tote Bag
Best Designer Beach Bag for Packing
Size: 20.8” x 11” x 5.1”
Materials: Raffia
Colors: Multi
Best for: A beach wedding
French label Isabel Marant’s raffia bag is begging for a trip to Cannes. The color-blocked body of the bag offers a bright twist on classic woven styles. Meanwhile, the leather details are durable and elevated. Plus, the silhouette is malleable, making this the best bag to pack in a suitcase without worrying about it being bent out of shape.
Isabel Marant Color-Block Tote Bag
Naghedi Large Tote Bag
Best Lightweight Designer Beach Bag
Size: 8” x 22” x 12.5”
Materials: Neoprene
Colors: Almond, Rainbow, Rosewater, Capri, Hibiscus, Limon, Corsica, Coconut, Punch
Best for: Running errands after a beach day
On the hunt for something that will hold up to the sand and ocean waves? Naghedi’s bag is made of woven neoprene — a sure sign that it can handle the elements. The graphic pink and white pattern pops, so there will be no losing sight of where you’ve claimed your spot at the beach.
Naghedi Large Tote Bag
Designer Beach Bag Trends for 2022
When it comes to this season’s of-the-moment styles, keep an eye out for luxury details paired with traditional summery materials. “Raffia, straw and canvas totes have been updated with leather embellishments such as caged straps or tassels,” Park says. JW Anderson is a favorite of hers for bold, summery designs. She also suggests Spanish label Loewe and French fashion house Chloé as standout designers for the season. As the fashion world embraces slouchier, 2000s-inspired silhouettes across handbag categories, you may also consider choosing a slouchier option over your usual stiff bag.
What to Look for in a Designer Beach Bag
Still, trends can only provide so much direction; the right bag for you is the one that fits your individual needs — including the upcoming occasion you’ll be breaking it out for. If you’re planning to travel, avoid a structured straw bag that may be too bulky to fit easily in your suitcase. Instead, opt for a soft leather or knit design. Instead, if you anticipate a more active day, you may want to consider something that can handle a bit of splashing — like a neoprene or plastic option. If you’ll be dressing for a beach wedding, think elegance and simplicity. Lastly, take stock of the aesthetic of your warm-weather destination. Bold, colored designs are fitting for tropical shores in locations like Hawaii or Costa Rica. A more classic silhouette and color scheme is suited for the south of France.
Meet the Expert
Lisa Park is the Vice President/General Merchandise Manager of shoes, handbags and soft accessories at Bergdorf Goodman. She has previously held similar high-level roles, with a focus on accessories, at Coach and Barneys New York.
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