Choose Your Tote
Because a Good Tote Bag Is Hard to Find
There are many tote bags in the world, but there are very few genuinely good totes. That is to say, the kind that is a joy to wear and use, and not best suited for sitting inside a tote bag that is full of other cast-off totes. You know the one.
There are many philosophies for how to build a good tote, of course. Logo-full or logo-free, with a pocket or without, vertically or horizontally oriented, with or without closures, rectangular or in some other, more daring shape. Designers have pushed the boundaries on what sort of bag qualifies as a tote per se, but at the very least a tote ought to be able to carry the day’s supplies, with room to pick up a few things along the way—without being so large it sets the wearer up for an appointment with the chiropractor. Below, these totes represent the best of the bunch across all shapes, sizes, and styles.
Model wears Museum of Peace & Quiet tote.
This is the classic tote par excellence. Rendered in an infallible beige canvas, with thick straps and one massive interior compartment, it’s the kind of bag that goes anywhere and everywhere.
Featured In This Image: Marc Jacobs tote.
Subtlety is overrated. This is a durable, spacious bag for everything you need. And yes, it’s by Marc Jacobs.
Model wears Marni tote.
There is no rule that says totes cannot be chic. Marni’s Italian-made, shopping-bag style carryall is stylish enough to transform a grocery run outfit of sweats and a hoodie into an elevated ensemble.
Featured In This Image: Ader/Error bag.
Some totes need to be able to withstand a beating. Ader Error’s PVC-coated bucket bag is sturdier than most, with interior zippered pockets and an adjustable shoulder strap for when the load gets heavy.
Featured In This Image: MM6 Maison Margiela tote.
This is the tote that can be worn on a night out—small and stylish enough for cocktails but with enough space to carry supplies for the next morning.
Featured In This Image: A.P.C. tote.
Sturdy and able to go with everything, denim totes should be more popular. A.P.C.’s collaboration with Sacai pizzazes simple denim with a two-for-one logo.
Model wears Bao Bao Issey Miyake tote.
A tote can be a statement bag, too. Issey Miyake’s vinyl-faceted mesh tote has a texture unlike any other, making it double as a bold accessory and a utilitarian carrier.
Model wears Acne Studios tote.
It’s a giant black tote. Everyone needs one. Acne’s can hold everything and then some, but with a horizontal shape that makes it easier to fish around for keys out of the bottom.
- Date: November 22, 2022
