Tote bags

A tote bag is a bag with two short handles, either open or closed with a simple zip, made from thick cotton canvas or coated canvas. It is worn on the shoulder, folds flat when empty, and serves well as a shopping bag, study bag or beach bag.

What size to choose for a tote bag

The most common size fits a flat A4 binder, which is enough for a laptop stored in its case. Before buying, measure what you carry most often and compare it to the dimensions of the tote bags listed on the product sheet, including height, width, and depth of the gusset. The tote bags in thick fabric stand up when filled, while a bag without a gusset remains flat and pinches its contents. Finally, check the length of the handles; if they are too short, they can hinder shoulder carrying with a coat.

Beige, ecru or black colours for a tote bag

Ecru fabric gets dirty quickly at the corners and on the handles, but it can be machine washed and comes out like new. Beige and sand tote bags have the same effect while marking much less, while dark colours hide everything and highlight a light print. A coated canvas adds a barrier against light rain and can be cleaned with a sponge, albeit at the cost of a stiffer feel.

Zip or open-top tote bags, what to choose

An open-top is handy at the market and library, it allows visibility of the contents and fills up quickly. Zip-top tote bags secure the bag on the metro and keep out rain, at the sacrifice of slower access. Some models add a central snap button or drawstring, which is a reasonable compromise. Lined tote bags with an inner zipped pocket address the issue differently; the bag remains open while keeping sensitive items enclosed.