Canvas Totes Have Gotten a Refresh for East Coast Summer

This summer is full of exciting handbag trends, and while some emphasize a playful motif over practicality, the current season also features a refreshing number of bags ready to serve a meaningful purpose throughout your adventures. Joining the nylon bag revival, the canvas tote is one of the most trend-forward options for beach days, farmers’ market trips, and overall jam-packed agendas—but we’re not talking about the flimsy bags you might use at the grocery store or receive too many of from events. Instead, we’re seeing lots of elevated canvas tote designs that stand up to daily wear and tear while maintaining a stylish appearance with thoughtful details. Ahead, learn all about canvas totes’ long-overdue refresh, complete with styling tips and a few standout picks to shop.

About the Trend 

Over the last few seasons, we’ve seen a shift from more impractical silhouettes that prioritized tiny sizes and avant-garde details to sturdier designs that can withstand daily use and offer ample storage. Tote bags themselves have risen alongside growing bans on plastic bags, leading to an increase in canvas styles for errands and as gift bags. As more people look for reusable bag options, the classic canvas tote is more ubiquitous than ever, as it can hold all your grocery items while also being versatile enough to take to work, the beach, or anywhere else you’re headed. Specific styles have also had their moment: For example, the Trader Joe’s mini tote bag developed a cult following, with massive lines outside stores to obtain the $3 bag. 

The simplicity and practicality of the canvas tote trend also place it among the phenomena that many on the internet have been calling “recession indicators.” From ballet flats to workwear pieces like blazers for going out, much of modern fashion prioritizes versatile staples that fit within a capsule wardrobe, which can be appealing to both those looking to budget and anyone who wants to simplify their closet. Shoppers are ready to invest in handbags that are durable, timeless, and able to last for many seasons to come, creating a prime environment for the modern canvas tote.

The Modern Canvas Tote 

Modern canvas totes often hold more than their ubiquitous, simple counterparts, and many feature more structure to maintain the bag’s shape consistency. The bags still primarily comprise durable canvas, but some also feature leather or metallic accents and/or embroidery for contrast and added intrigue. Most have thick straps to keep your tote securely on your shoulder while carrying everyday essentials, and a few even include a cross-body strap or zip-top for added functionality.

While modern canvas totes come in all sorts of colors and patterns (such as the timely leopard print take above), many stick to neutral hues like white, perhaps with a pop of color on the straps. This simple base allows you to customize your bag to your taste, be it with an array of bag charms or by embroidering your initials. Opting for one of these more pared-back styles is a great option for a bag you’ll love for years to come, with accessorizing being a fun way to switch it up. That being said, canvas totes are relatively affordable, making them a worthwhile style choice for trying something bolder, especially if you find yourself reaching for this silhouette every day.

How To Style 

While the canvas tote is versatile, one of the more popular ways to style this bag is by embracing this season’s East Coast summer trend, which provides us with outfit inspiration that combines both coastal grandma looks and fashion inspiration from Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. For a classic, Cape Cod-inspired look, wear your canvas tote with white wide-leg linen pants and a striped boat-neck top. To dress it up, pair your white canvas bag with a maxi dress or skirt and a fun hat for a bohemian-meets-coastal vibe, perfect for a resort-approved lunch or laid-back dinner date. 

A canvas bag can be the perfect addition to your vacation looks, especially when headed out for a beach day or lounging poolside. A bright bikini, tankini, or one-piece with a sarong-style cover-up feels fun and seasonally appropriate, and a simple tote complements it effortlessly.

Headed into town or to an elaborate picnic? Bring a more embellished canvas tote bag to wear with a colorful sundress: Your outfit will stand out while you easily carry all your essentials. If you’re heading back to the office, you can even make your tote function as a work bag. Simply pair it with a light blazer, a button-down shirt, and trousers for an effortlessly pulled-together outfit. 

Lastly, when in doubt, jeans and a T-shirt are a classic choice to pair with your tote, especially when you’re out running errands and just going about your daily life. Whatever you choose to wear, a modern canvas bag is able to fit right in, along with all of your stuff. 

The Best Canvas Totes to Shop in 2025 

Ready to make the canvas tote a regular staple in your handbag rotation? Ahead, check out 10 of our top picks, from no-frills standbys to trend-forward adaptations.