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23 Beach Bags Guaranteed to Make You Dream of Summer

Dig your flip-flops out of the closet and pack the cooler—it’s time for a trip to the beach. Or not!

By Laura Lajiness Kaupke, Meg Donohue and Dale Arden Chong
best beach bags
Courtesy of retailers

There’s nothing wrong with reaching for one of your much-loved beach bags the next time you pack for a day of fun in the sun. That said, when you have the choice to upgrade your full beach look—complete with a chic bikini or one-piece swimsuit, a cover-up, and comfortable summer sandals—you might want to consider options that feel a little more elevated. Whether you’re planning a trip to Sicily à la White Lotus season 2 or you’re planning to put down roots next to a pool, a stylish bag to hold your essentials can make all the difference (especially for those inevitable vacation Instagrams and TikToks).

  • Market Net Tote Bag

    The Netted Pick

    theindigotribe Market Net Tote Bag

    $12 at Etsy
    Read more
  • The Organic Canvas Mini Tote

    New-and-Improved Canvas

    Everlane The Organic Canvas Mini Tote

    Read more
  • Remi Tote

    Sleek, Straw, and Simple

    Cult Gaia Remi Tote

    Read more
  • The Mesh Traveler Tote

    Everyday Classic

    Marc Jacobs The Mesh Traveler Tote

    Read more
  • Beaded Wonder Clutch

    Crochet Crush

    FP Collection Beaded Wonder Clutch

    Read more

By now, you’ve probably seen the signs that spring is officially here. And you know what that means: it’s time for to fill your carts with warm-weather staples, including those for your summer work outfits. If you weren’t planning on refreshing your bag stash, think again. This season’s range of summer 2023 bag trends include plenty of beach-ready options, as well as plenty of sophisticated evening bags for when you’re having those après-beach moments, too. From fisherman’s totes and sand-proof fabrics to designer collections and funky patterns, here are 23 of the chicest beach bags to carry your belongings⁠—wherever this summer takes you.

The Netted Pick

theindigotribe Market Net Tote Bag

Market Net Tote Bag
The Netted Pick

theindigotribe Market Net Tote Bag

$12 at Etsy

Net shopping totes are hands down our favorite grocery bags, but they double as the best beach bags, too—mainly due to the fact that they expand wide enough to fit your towel, a jumbo tube of SPF, and all your snacks.

Customer review: “The quality, look, and description of these bags are on point! I purchased [it] for an upcoming vacation as I did not want to pack a big beach bag. So far, they fit everything I will need. The colors are great and complement most of my outfits. So happy I ordered these!”

Dimensions: N/A

Colors: 16 options

Material: 100% cotton

Capacity: Holds up to 40 lbs

    New-and-Improved Canvas

    Everlane The Organic Canvas Mini Tote

    The Organic Canvas Mini Tote
    New-and-Improved Canvas

    Everlane The Organic Canvas Mini Tote

    This one’s for the straw tote-averse.

    Customer review: I love this little canvas tote. The fabric is sturdy, when you pack a lot of product in it, it shapes up like a barrel, and the multiple bands allow you to carry it with one hand or as a crossbody, tight, but still super cute. I want it in all colors, so, again, thank you Everlane!

    Dimensions: 12” x 10” x 6.5”

    Colors: Black, Natural, Cappuccino, and Brilliant Blue

    Material: 100% organic cotton

    Sleek, Straw, and Simple

    Cult Gaia Remi Tote

    Remi Tote
    Sleek, Straw, and Simple

    Cult Gaia Remi Tote

    This chic husk tote looks like it belongs on a yacht. Take it there, or keep it with you on the side of your beach chair.

    Dimensions: 3.93” x 17.32” x 15.74”

    Colors: Natural

    Material: 100% corn husk, trim: 100% cow leather

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    Everyday Classic

    Marc Jacobs The Mesh Traveler Tote

    The Mesh Traveler Tote
    Everyday Classic

    Marc Jacobs The Mesh Traveler Tote

    Logo lovers can bare it all with this semi-transparent tote. Plus, it’s water-resistant, rendering it ideal for all your seaside adventures.

    Customer review: This will be my go-to bag. Love the size and style. I now have something that is perfect when I’m dressed in jeans for the weekend or if I want to wear a nice sundress in the summer.

    Dimensions: 16.53” x 6.3” x 13”

    Colors: Blackout/Nickel and Candy Pink/Nickel

    Material: Nylon

    Crochet Crush

    FP Collection Beaded Wonder Clutch

    Beaded Wonder Clutch
    Crochet Crush

    FP Collection Beaded Wonder Clutch

    Now 49% Off

    Go ahead, tell everyone you made this yourself. It’ll be our little secret.

    Customer review: I bought this in the green shade and absolutely adore it! The crochet stitching and beads give this bag a Boho look that is adorable. I coveted it online when I saw it and am so happy with it in person. It is, as I stated, beyond pretty! Love the quality! It comes with a zippered pouch that is perfect for containing anything from credit cards/cash to makeup.

    Dimensions: 0.4” x 9.8” x 9.8”

    Colors: Aperol Spritz and Seafoam

    Material: 100% cotton

    The Head-Turning Steal

    H&M Fringed Shopper

    Fringed Shopper
    The Head-Turning Steal

    H&M Fringed Shopper

    Now 20% Off

    This woven tote is deceptively affordable but looks designer.

    What people are saying: This bag is large and roomy. The only thing is that it only has 1 inside zipper pocket. I wish it had at least one more pocket for my cell phone and perhaps a key tag. If you need a large bag, definitely order this one. An added bonus is that it’s not heavy.

    Dimensions: 13” x 12.5” x 5.5”

    Colors: Natural White

    Material: Shell: 100% cotton; lining: 100% polyester

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    The Luxury Love

    Loewe Large Basket Tote Bag

    Large Basket Tote Bag
    The Luxury Love

    Loewe Large Basket Tote Bag

    If there’s one designer bag to rule them all, it’s this one.

    Customer review: Beautiful bag...it is huge...perfect for all your summer stuff...I purchased both sizes...the smaller one to use with dresses out on the town.

    Dimensions: 13.6” x 11.8” x 22.4”

    Colors: Natural/Tan

    Material: Palm leaf with leather trim

    The Mini Tote Bag

    DeMellier Santorini Mini Caged Straw Top-Handle Bag

    Santorini Mini Caged Straw Top-Handle Bag
    The Mini Tote Bag

    DeMellier Santorini Mini Caged Straw Top-Handle Bag

    The name of this bag says it all: it’s meant for a trip to Greece. And with beautiful-but-tough leather surrounding the straw, it’ll definitely handle a long flight, too.

    Customer review: Great tote. Used it all summer long with various outfits. Very versatile.

    Dimensions: 7.4” x 12.6”

    Colors: Natural

    Material: Straw and leather

    The Tried-and-True Tote

    L.L.Bean Large Boat and Tote, Zip-Top

    Large Boat and Tote, Zip-Top
    The Tried-and-True Tote

    L.L.Bean Large Boat and Tote, Zip-Top

    Anyone who’s ever experienced the magic of an L.L.Bean Boat and tote knows: L.L.Bean’s totes are so durable, you’ll own yours for life.

    Customer review: Again and again this bag rules: over the years have ordered it many times and the quality remains unbeatable, the price more than reasonable and the monogram precisely what I wanted— why get anything else?

    Dimensions: 15” x 17” x 7”

    Colors: 8 options

    Material: Heavy-duty 24 oz. cotton canvas

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    The Portable Option

    Baggu Big Baggu

    Big Baggu
    The Portable Option

    Baggu Big Baggu

    Baggu’s extra-large shoppers are great for chronic overpackers. The best part? When you aren’t heading to the pool or beach, they make for a great grocery bag. Just fold it up and keep it in your purse whenever you don’t need it.

    Dimensions: 33” × 18” × 9”

    Colors: Strawberry, Sunset Quilt Stripe, Lemon Tree, Hello Kitty, and Black

    Material: Recycled ripstop nylon

    The Unassuming Hit

    Lululemon Clean Lines Tote Bag 22L

    Clean Lines Tote Bag 22L
    The Unassuming Hit

    Lululemon Clean Lines Tote Bag 22L

    Sleek, simple, and practical. Why fuss around with your bag when you could focus more on your swimsuit?

    Customer review: I love it! Lots of room to get all my stuff in, zips closed nicely, the straps stay on my shoulder and [it] doesn’t slide off. Stylish and practical. Love the mesh inside as it holds stuff that is easy to reach.

    Dimensions: 22.4” x 5.9” x 14”

    Colors: White Opal, Grey Sage, Trench, and Black

    Material: Body: 100% recycled nylon, liner: 100% recycled polyester, mesh: 100% polyester

    The Wicker Wonder

    Wicker Wings White Mini Fan Bag

    White Mini Fan Bag
    The Wicker Wonder

    Wicker Wings White Mini Fan Bag

    Here is an elevated version of the wicker tote. You’re welcome. No, it won’t hold your beach towel and other essentials, but it’ll sure look cute when you head to dinner or a yacht party at night.

      Customer review: “Perfect summer purse.”

      Dimensions: 10.6” x 1.9” x 6.6”

      Colors: White

      Material: Rattan and leather

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      The ’70s-Inspired Hobo

      Nannacay Love Bag

      Love Bag
      The ’70s-Inspired Hobo

      Nannacay Love Bag

      Trust us, it doesn’t get more beach-ready than this.

      Dimensions: 11” x 14.25” x 3.5”

      Colors: Multi

      Material: Crochet

      The Camper’s Favorite

      Patagonia Patagonia Black Hole Gear Tote

      Patagonia Black Hole Gear Tote
      The Camper’s Favorite

      Patagonia Patagonia Black Hole Gear Tote

      Sometimes, you gotta bust out the big guns. When that’s the case, bring this bad boy.

      Customer Review: I feel like Mary Poppins with the Black Hole Tote, was very impressed with how much gear I could fit in this bag. Bucket straps on the inside help keep it all secured too.

      Dimensions: 22” x 14.5” x 8.5”

      Colors: Black, Black/Fitz Trout, and Black/Pitch Blue

      Material: Postconsumer recycled ripstop polyester

      Beach Bag, But Make It Leather

      Dragon Diffusion Nantucket Large Woven-Leather Basket Bag

      Nantucket Large Woven-Leather Basket Bag
      Beach Bag, But Make It Leather

      Dragon Diffusion Nantucket Large Woven-Leather Basket Bag

      At first glance, this looks like a straw tote, but it’s actually woven leather. Chic. Plus, you’ll get so many comments on it looking like vintage Bottega.

      Dimensions: 18.1” x 8.6” x 5.9”

      Colors: Green, Black, Brown, Beige, and Tan

      Material: Leather

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      The Party Purse

      Poolside Faux Pearl Disco Ball Wristlet

      Faux Pearl Disco Ball Wristlet
      The Party Purse

      Poolside Faux Pearl Disco Ball Wristlet

      For when you’re going to a beach party, obviously.

      Dimensions: 16” x 7” x 13”

      Colors: Noix Dcoco

      Material: Water reed with faux pearls

      Covetable Crochet

      Ganni Cotton Crochet Frill Tote

      Cotton Crochet Frill Tote
      Covetable Crochet

      Ganni Cotton Crochet Frill Tote

      Now 30% Off

      Keep this packable tote in your car for groceries and unexpected beach trips alike.

      Dimensions: 9.75” x 13.5” x 4.75”

      Colors: Golden Kiwi

      Material: Crochet

      Denim Blues

      Isabel Marant Yenky Logo Canvas Tote

      Yenky Logo Canvas Tote
      Denim Blues

      Isabel Marant Yenky Logo Canvas Tote

      Casual and chic, you’ll want to carry this everywhere you go, be it the beach, the pool, the park—anywhere.

      Dimensions: 14” x 15 1/2” x 7”

      Colors: Blue and Grey

      Material: Canvas

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      The Sand-Friendly Shopper

      Bembien Rosa Tote

      Rosa Tote
      The Sand-Friendly Shopper

      Bembien Rosa Tote

      This structured rattan shoulder bag will go with everything.

      Dimensions: 11.75” x 15.75” x 6”

      Colors: Sienna Rattan

      Material: Woven rattan and cowhide leather handles

      Salty and Sassy

      btb Los Angeles Salty As a Beach Straw Tote

      Salty As a Beach Straw Tote
      Salty and Sassy

      btb Los Angeles Salty As a Beach Straw Tote

      Why not have some fun with your summer beach day looks and get a little cheeky?

      Customer review: Got this bag for a spring break trip and to use this summer at the beach. It was perfect—very durable material, high-quality bag. More space than I was expecting. If this comes back in stock, grab it!

      Dimensions: 17” x 14” x 6.5”

      Colors: Black/Dusty/White and Sand Pink Rainbow

      Material: Paper straw and polyester

      Headshot of Laura Lajiness Kaupke
      Laura Lajiness Kaupke
      Laura Lajiness Kaupke is a freelance writer and editor covering fashion, accessories, and lifestyle topics, including beauty, home, fitness, and travel. You can see her work across various outlets, including VOGUE, Harper’s BAZAAR, ELLE, Marie Claire, InStyle, Glamour, Esquire, Women’s Health, Brides, The Zoe Report, Popsugar, Refinery 29, Coveteur, Byrdie, Well+Good, The Editorialist, among other titles and brands. Laura has worked in the fashion industry for over 11 years and held senior fashion editor positions at Popsugar and The Zoe Report, with additional experience as a copywriter and fashion publicist.
      Headshot of Meg Donohue
      Associate Fashion Commerce Editor

      Meg is the Associate Fashion Commerce Editor at ELLE.com where she researches trends, tests products, and looks for answers to all your burning questions. She also co-writes a monthly column, Same Same But Different. Meg has previously written for Cosmopolitan and Town & Country. Her passions include travel, buffalo sauce, and sustainability. She will never stop hoping for a One Direction reunion tour.

      Headshot of Dale Arden Chong

      Dale Arden Chong is the Senior Fashion Commerce Editor at ELLE.com. Previously, she was an editor at MensHealth.com and has written for Who What Wear, GLAMOUR, The Coveteur, and more. She loves fashion, food, and art, among other things—but her greatest love is K-pop idol V of BTS. 

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