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The 21 Best Designer Beach Bags to Hold All Your Essentials

Hit the beach in one of the hottest designer bags of the season.

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Aemilia Madden, Nikki Chwatt

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April 30, 2023, 3:41pm

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A dark brown and beige bast bag by Tory Burch and gold sandals by Tory Burch as a detail of german actress Lara-Isabelle Rentinck during a street style shooting on March 29, 2021 in Hamburg, Germany.

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Whether crafted from canvas, spun from straw, or laced up with leather, a versatile beach bag is a summer wardrobe stalwart.

Yes, a cute beach outfit and a sun hat are necessary, too, but a designer beach is the one that will carry all your seaside essentials and add style to your look. However, 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 must-haves, and make sure your bag is large enough to stash your beach towel, a book, cute summer 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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Keep scrolling to check out the best designer beach bags no matter what ocean you’re dipping your toes into, along with expert tips on what to look for and more information on the best beach bag trends for 2023.

Related:
Best Designer Handbags
Best Straw Bags
Best Slouchy Bags
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Best Designer Tote Bags

Top Designer Beach Bags of 2023

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QTMY Bow Rattan Woven Bag

Having a picnic on the beach? Grab QTMY’s Bow Rattan Woven Bag. This wicker basket handbag has a stiff design that ensures your belongings stay put. The rattan material is lightweight and sturdy, but the best part is that each bag is individually crafted, so no two bags are the same. Style it with a prairie dress and thong sandals.

What reviewers say: “SUPER CUTE!!! The draw bag has a lot of room for my stuff and I love that I can close it and not have to worry about anything falling out or someone reaching in without my knowledge! The ribbon is a little long but I can always cut it to have one on each side. It also can with a little necklace chain that I didn’t know I needed!! This is by far one of my favorite Amazon buys!!!”

QTMY Bow Rattan Woven Bag $39.99 Buy Now at amazon

Naghedi Women’s St Barths Large Tote

Best Lightweight Designer Beach Bag

On the hunt for something that will hold up to the sand and ocean waves? Naghedi’s best-selling bag is for you. It’s made of woven neoprene — a sure sign that it can handle the elements while being lightweight and easy to carry. Use the included pouch to store your essentials or as a clutch for a night out.

What reviewers say: “Bought as a beach bag but have been using it as my everyday bag. Large and easy to carry.”

Naghedi Women’s St Barths Large Tote $315 Buy Now at amazon

Naghedi Women’s St Barths Large Tote $315 Buy Now at bloomingdales

Naghedi Women’s St Barths Large Tote $315 Buy Now at shopbop

Casa Clara Beachy Party Tote

Best Open-Weave Designer Beach Bag

Plan ahead to avoid the pesky sand that often makes it home with you inside of a deep beach bag. This woven bag by Casa Clara allows any sand and debris to just fall right through. To keep smaller items secure, place them inside a zip bag or pouch and tuck it inside the tote. Consider using the bag beyond the beach, as it makes a great farmer’s market tote for all of your fruits and vegetables.

Casa Clara Beachy Party Tote $84 Buy Now at revolve

Dagne Dover Vida Cotton Tote Bag

Best Canvas Designer Beach Bag

If you prefer lugging every potential accessory option to the beach, you’re going to need a big bag. Dagne Dover’s canvas tote bag fits the bill. The soft, neutral-colored style includes four exterior pockets, one interior slip pocket for a laptop, and two strap options, so you can carry it as a top handle bag or as a tote bag. Be sure to pack all of your picnic snacks and a blanket inside — you’ve got the room.

What reviewers say: “This is my ‘take it everywhere’ bag! The pockets are amazing and the water bottle sleeve is so helpful so your bottle doesn’t fall over. The bag is very structured at first! If you don’t like how rigid it is but you like the bag itself, give it a chance because the fabric does chill out over time!”

Dagne Dover Vida Cotton Tote Bag $175 Buy Now at dagne dover

Dagne Dover Vida Cotton Tote Bag $175 Buy Now at nordstrom

Dagne Dover Vida Cotton Tote Bag $175 Buy Now at saks fifth avenue

Gucci GG Marmont Tote Bag

Best Logo Designer Beach Bag

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

courtesy of Ssense

Gucci GG Marmont Tote $2650 Buy Now at gucci

L.L Bean Boat and Tote

Most Versatile Designer Beach Bag

If you want a designer beach bag that can do it all, consider this L.L. Bean canvas tote. This style debuted in 1944, made of builders’ canvas intended for hauling ice ‘from car to ice chest,’ demonstrating how durable it is. The style comes with handles tested to hold up to 500 pounds and overlapped double-stitched seams that won’t rot or break. It’s large enough to fit an iPad Pro or Kindle for your beach needs and can be customized with one’s monogram. Plus, celebrities like Sarah Jessica Parker, Reese Witherspoon, Gwyneth Paltrow, Chloe Sevigny, and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy have carried this classic style.

L.L Bean Boat and Tote $44.95 Buy Now at l.l. bean

Mark & Graham Leather Circle Handle Straw Beach Bag

Add a bit of “you” to your wardrobe with a personalized designer beach bag by Mark & Graham. You can choose up to three characters in gold or silver foil for embossing on the base of the leather handle. The spacious silhouette combines the flexibility and natural beauty of woven rattan with the strength and soft feel of leather. Plus, it’s handmade by artisans in the Philippines. 

Mark & Graham Leather Circle Handle Straw Beach Bag $119  $84.99 Buy Now at mark & Graham

Béis The Terry Backpack Cooler

Béis’ travel products, co-founded by actress Shay Mitchell, are created to be functional, stylish, and affordable, and that’s exactly what you get with the Terry Backpack Cooler. It features a traditional backpack design but with modern updates like an insulated cooler compartment so that you can be in charge of making sure everyone stays hydrated in the sun. When you’re not in charge of refreshments, the cooler compartment can be removed to free up space for your towels and sunscreen. It also has a luggage sleeve, making it the perfect travel companion for any journey.

What reviewers say: “Obsessed with this item. It is perfect for pool day/beach days. The color is so cute and perfect for summer.”

Beis The Terry Backpack Cooler $98 Buy Now at beis revolve

Khaite Osa Palm Fiber Tote Bag

Best Minimalist Designer Beach Bag

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

courtesy of Net A Porter

Khaite Osa Medium Palm Fiber Tote Bag $980 Buy Now at net-a-porter

Madewell The Transport Tote: Straw Edition

Best Straw Beach Bag

Crochet bags made from straw have made a lasting impression on the fashion crowd for their farmer’s market feel. Better yet, they’re lightweight and fold down to a thin profile for easy packing. Madewell’s The Transport Tote is a great option: The minimal silhouette and medium size make it versatile for the beach, shopping, and everything in between. Plus, it comes in the perfect pink hue that’s an instant summer sweetener.

What reviewers say: “This bag is perfect for summer: on the beach or out for dinner. I purchased this bag for a vacation because it is “packable”- easy to fold into luggage. The bag is roomy and has a pocket for smaller items. I wish it had a snap or other type of closure, but overall I’m happy with my purchase!”

Madewell The Transport Tote: Straw Edition $98 Buy Now at madewell

Chloé Woody Tote Bag

Looking for a designer bag that you can tow to the beach and beyond? This rounded tote from Chloé fits the bill. The ecru and black canvas straps will stand out in the sand but won’t clash with your outfit. Style it with a white crochet summer dress and black slide sandals.

Chloé Woody Tote Bag $790 Buy Now at chloé

Hereu Calella Tote Bag

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 with a sleek shirt dress and your favorite leather sandals.

Hereu Calella Tote Bag

courtesy of Matches Fashion

Hereu Calella Canvas & Leather Shoulder Bag $455 Buy Now at luisaviaroma

Related: Best Shoulder Bag

L/Uniform No 131. Mini Canvas Tote Bag

Best Mini Designer Beach Bag

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. Parisian label L/Uniform crafts bags where form follows function, marrying a classic utilitarian aesthetic with playful French details. Its 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.

L/Uniform No 131. Mini Canvas Tote Bag $317 Buy Now at matchesfashion

Related:
Best Crossbody Bag
Best Designer Tote Bag

Loewe Shell Basket Bag

Best Classic Designer Beach Bag

Designer Jonathan Anderson has helped make the 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 $750 Buy Now at loewe

Clare V. Summer Simple Tote

Best Crochet Designer Beach Bag

Add some color to your warm-weather look with Clare V’s crocheted tote. Inspired by the hues of a sunset in a lush locale, this bold checkered bag has wide handles, a lightweight design, and a spacious interior. It’s a perfect piece to style with a breezy white dress and gladiator sandals. An added bonus: This soft bag will easily fit in your luggage, making packing a breeze.

Clare V. Summer Simple Tote $295 Buy Now at clare v

The Row Leo Sporty Bag

Best Nylon Designer Beach Bag

Luxury can also be practical. The Row is known for its impeccably designed minimalist staples, and this nylon bucket bag is a sporty option that you can easily bring along on beach days. The adjustable cinch strap 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 style this piece with a black bikini or one-piece and neutral shorts.

The Row Leo Sporty Bag $1800 Buy Now at nordstrom

The Row Leo Sporty Bag $1800 Buy Now at 24S

The Row Leo Sporty Bag $1800 Buy Now at ssense

Prada Terry Tote Bag

Best Terry Cloth Designer Beach Bag

This square tote from the beloved Italian fashion house Prada is the best bag for those who consider their 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. Still not convinced? Charli D’Amelio and Shay Mitchell are just two of many celebrities who carry the style.

Prada Terry Tote Bag $1950 Buy Now at prada

JW Anderson Knotted Tote Bag

“JW Anderson has super fun shopper hobos and totes in a rainbow of colors,” Park says. This playful knit 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 Knotted Tote Bag $495 Buy Now at jw anderson

Petit Kouraj Fringe Net Tote Bag

Best Fringe Designer Beach Bag

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 $495  $297 Buy Now at nordstrom

Altuzarra Watermill Tote Bag

Best Eco-Friendly Designer Beach Bag

Park highlights that one 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

Courtesy of Bergdorf Goodman

Altuzarra Watermill Tote Bag $545  $408.75 Buy Now at bergdorf goodman

Altuzarra Watermill Tote Bag $545  $408.75 Buy Now at neiman marcus

Proenza Schouler Morris Tote Bag

Best Luxury Beach Bag

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 style from New York label Proenza Schouler is sleek enough to bring to the office. The PVC coating protects the cotton bag from getting damaged or damp during your trip to the beach or the pool. Pair with a minimal swimsuit for a chic ensemble.

Proenza Schouler Morris Tote

Proenza Schouler Morris Tote $389 Buy Now at farfetch

Designer Beach Bag Trends for 2023

From left to right: Jil Sander Spring/Summer 2023 (courtesy of WWD), Max Mara Spring/Summer 2023 (Courtesy of Filippo Fior/Gorunway.com), Jacquemus Spring/Summer 2023 (Courtesy of Isidore Montag/Gorunway.com), Max Mara Spring/Summer 2023 (Courtesy of Filippo Fior/Gorunway.com)

What to Look for in a Designer Beach Bag

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. 

How We Selected the Best Beach Bags for 2023

Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as “the fashion bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections.

In order to curate the best designer beach bags, we interviewed a fashion and accessory industry expert for product selections and style recommendations, as well as key knowledge on purse styling, popular trends for summer 2023, and various occasion functionality. We chose the best beach bags for women that reflect current and emerging trends, fabric and material innovation, durability, convertibility, and traditional design applications. We also compared customer review quotes, employed research across the designer bag market, and considered our own product testing.

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.

Meet the Authors

Aemilia Madden is a writer, editor, and brand consultant who has worked in the fashion industry for over eight years. She’s an Oakland, California native and Brooklyn resident. When she’s not writing about the latest trends, Madden is running in prospect park, testing new recipes on her friends, and trying to keep up with her New Yorker subscription. Madden wrote the original version of this designer beach bag story for 2022.

Nikki Chwatt is the Style Commerce Editor for WWD and Footwear News, where she both writes and edits stories on the latest clothing, accessory, and shoe must-haves. As a city dweller, she’s garnered a love for handbags because they can be worn for different occasions around the city. In her spare time, Chwatt keeps up with street style to understand which garments and accessories are highly coveted by the style set. Chwatt updated this designer beach bag story with new expert tips and styles to wear for 2023. Learn more about us here.

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