Tote bags have been around for a long time, first mentioned in 1900. They have come in and out of fashion. These days, there is a large offering of tote bags on the market, and they are anything but boring.
But what is a tote bag, what can you use them for, and how many different types are there?
This guide will answer these questions and more. I will introduce 10 different types of tote bags with some examples for each type. There are more, but these 10 are the most popular ones.
What Is A Tote Bag?
You may have already seen plenty of tote bags, or even used one, without knowing what they are called. The origin of the word tote is still unclear, with some ideas being debunked and others not having a clear source.
“Tote” is considered a colloquial American term that may have its roots in the Old German word “tute,” which has a modern equivalent, “Tüte,” which is simply translated as “bag.”
So what is it? After all, “bag” is a broad term. A tote bag’s shape is usually square, sometimes with a bottom that reminds you of the shape of a boat.
Tote bags are spacious, generally don’t have a zip or buttons to close them, and have two parallel handles you use to carry them.
What To Consider When Buying A Tote Bag
You might be fine with any tote bag, but with so many different types, there’s no reason not to buy the perfect one. Before you decide on what to buy, you should think about the following:
- How much the tote bag needs to hold
- What kind of material you prefer
- Whether you want a quirky or beautiful design printed on your bag.
- Whether it needs to be waterproof or not
- Whether you would like some extra features, like different compartments to organize your stuff inside the tote bag
- What you will mainly use the tote bag for
10 Different Types Of Tote Bags
Now that you know what you want, it’s time to look at different types of tote bags more closely. As there are hundreds of options on the market, I have chosen two examples for each type of tote bag based on fair pricing, durability, and design.
1. Shopping Tote Bags
If you shop for groceries, you already have seen shopping tote bags. Most grocery stores sell them as a reusable alternative to plastic grocery bags. The ones sold in grocery stores are the most basic shopping tote bags and do their job well. However, you can also find better alternatives.
I like the styles you can choose when you buy from BeeGreen. BeeGreen’s reusable grocery tote bags are small, but you get 12 in total. You can choose from lovely designs. These bags are foldable, washable, and comfortable to carry.
For bigger shopping trips, or if you want to use one large tote bag, you should opt for a heavy-duty reusable grocery tote bag. This particular one also offers some nice design options and has the advantage of having a small extra compartment that you could use to store smaller items.
2. Work Tote Bags
Work tote bags are very handy. They are different from your classic tote bag as they usually have extra compartments for work-related items, e.g., a laptop compartment or smaller compartments for a calculator, pens, small tools, etc.
The Kroser Laptop tote bag is great if you carry your laptop (also ideal for students). You can fit a laptop up to 15.6 inches into this tote bag. There is also a lot of room for other things, and best of all: this tote bag is waterproof, which is important if you want to keep your laptop safe on a rainy day.
The Utility Tote Bag by IBFUN is awesome for keeping more things organized. This colorful tote bag (different designs available). This tote bag has 14 outer pockets PLUS 10 inner pockets. With 24 pockets, you’ll never be more organized. This is a great option for teachers.
3. Picnic Tote Bags
Almost everyone loves a picnic, but getting everything to your picnic spot can be challenging. A picnic tote bag is a perfect solution. Many of these are insulated, which will help with keeping your food and drinks cool until you get there.
While the Picnic Time tote bag isn’t insulted, it is a great picnic tote bag that doesn’t fall over. Its look fits a picnic perfectly. The bag is easy to fill, easy to clean, and easy to carry. This is a cool choice unless you need an insulated tote bag.
An insulated picnic tote bag is the better choice to keep your picnic food and drinks cool. You can also use it to keep your takeaway food warm until you arrive where you want to be.
4. Book Tote Bags
Are you a regular library visitor or love spending more money than you should in bookstores (I know what it’s like)? Then a book tote bag will make it easier to carry your haul back to your home.
BeeGreen’s book tote bag shows everyone that you love books and might carry books in your bag. The design is perfect for book lovers and durable enough not to fall apart when you put in some heavy books.
64Hydro’s book tote bag is more colorful and made of leather, so it is durable but needs more care if you want it to last a long time. A bonus of this book tote bag is a removable zipper bag which is great for storing essentials like your library card.
5. Overnight Tote Bags
Sometimes you just visit someone for a day, stay overnight and then travel home again. Or you go to an event for a day. These days, there’s no reason to pack a suitcase or huge backpack for an overnight/weekend stay. An overnight tote bag is spacious enough to pack everything and easy to carry.
The LOVEVOOK overnight travel tote bag comes with a nice extra: a smaller bag for your toiletries. This will help you to keep everything organized, and you can take the smaller bag to the bathroom with you instead of searching for everything inside the main tote bag.
Jadyn Lola’s Travel tote bag is great for overnight stays. It looks awesome and combines the best of duffel bags and tote bags in one bag you won’t want to miss. The bag is spacious, and thanks to the adjustable handles, you can also use it as an over-shoulder bag, making it easy to carry.
5. Beach Tote Bags
You can also use a tote bag for your trips to the beach. For this, you must ensure you get a tote bag that is waterproof or has some sort of wet pocket to keep your wet/damp bathing suits separate from everything else.
Ceneda’s large beach bag is spacious enough for everything you need for a trip to the beach. It also has a wet pocket and hooks for your sunglasses and keys. This bag is ideal for keeping your phone dry and everything neatly organized. It doesn’t hurt that the tote bag also comes in some great designs.
Buoy’s Beach Tote bag is different from other tote bags. It is made of EVA rubber, totally waterproof, and easy to clean. The advantage of this is that you can easily shake all the sand from the bag, as it won’t get stuck in any fabric.
7. Gym Tote Bags
Gymgoers know that things you wear in the gym can get a little smelly, so it’s best to have a tote bag dedicated to these. Gym tote bags usually have extra compartments and are not quite as big as grocery tote bags.
Adidas is a well-known brand in the world of sports, and they also sell an Adidas gym bag that is compact and easy to carry. You can carry this like a normal tote bag or crossbody. While it’s not super spacious, it is big enough for most people’s gym essentials.
Fancyfree’s gym tote bag is great if you also need to change your shoes when you get to the gym. This nice tote bag has a separate shoe compartment from the rest of the bag, so your clothes won’t smell of shoes, and the other way around.
8. Diaper Tote Bags
Changing diapers in public spaces is awkward. It’s even more awkward if you can’t find a suitable changing table or have everything you need spread in various places. A diaper tote bag helps you to stay organized, and some come with useful extras that make a diaper-changing life much easier.
Lekebaby’s diaper tote bag won’t let anyone guess what’s in the bag. It has a large storage space and includes a cushioned changing mat. This mat is helpful if you can’t find a suitable changing table in public. The bag is easy to clean and looks quite stylish!
Dikaslon’s diaper tote bag is also stylish, multifunctional, and durable. In addition to a large compartment for diapers, there are multiple pockets to store the essentials you need for your baby. You can carry this bag over your shoulder, crossbody, or as an everyday tote bag.
9. Foldable Tote Bags
Foldable tote bags are ideal if space is limited and you want your tote bags neatly folded away when they are not in use. Foldable tote bags are perfect for keeping in your car, so you always have them when shopping.
BAGCU’s foldable reusable tote bags look great folded and unfolded. There are six in a pack, and each of them looks different. These tote bags also have a small pocket built into them, which is great for keys, library cards, and other small valuables.
Baleine’s oversized foldable tote bag is perfect for grocery shopping but can also be used to store items (especially if you regularly need to move these items). You can choose from many different designs. This tote bag has reinforced handles, which are also great for carrying heavier loads. Once you don’t need it any longer, you can fold the tote bag, and it won’t need much space.
10. Market Tote Bags
Going to the market can lead to a lot of fun, great savings on fresh produce, and the creation of lasting connections with traders. Of course, you need a suitable bag for market shopping, and tote bags shine here. They tell everyone you care about the environment and have a great style. And of course, they make transporting your shopping easier.
Capabunga’s farmer’s market tote is great if you buy items like baguettes or need a bottle holder. Or a place to put fresh flowers. Everything is possible with this market tote. Flowers, bottles, baguettes, or tall vegetables find space in the long outer pockets, while everything else can go into the spacious central compartment.
NowDesign’s Market tote is a bit simpler but has a nice design with the words “To the market we go!” printed on it. It is a single-compartment tote bag with reinforced materials, so you can be sure it will safely hold all your shopping. This is the best choice if you want a simple market tote bag.
Tote Bag Related Questions
What Are Common Features Of Tote Bags?
Most tote bags are fairly simple in their design, but these days, you will often find that they have a small inner pocket in addition to the main compartment.
This is used for small valuables like your keys.
What Are Tote Bags Made Of?
The types of materials used to make tote bags can differ, but the most common ones are cotton, jute, and canvas. These are lightweight but fairly robust. A good quality tote bag can last many years.
Other materials are used for tote bags, too, but they will often come with a higher price tag. A fairly new example is tote bags made from vegan leather. These look like leather tote bags but without the animal cruelty and environmental damage of the leather industry.
Of course, you can also get leather tote bags, but not only are these on the pretty expensive side, but they are also connected to environmental damage and animal cruelty. Most people also do not want to care for leather properly (or do not know how).
Another example is tote bags made from different types of plastic, e.g., Polyurethane or PVC. These are not as flexible as other tote bags but are great if you need something waterproof.
Are Tote Bags Washable?
You can wash most tote bags by hand or in your washing machine. Just read the label, as you can only wash some at low temperatures.
How washable a tote bag is depends on the material it is made of. A leather tote bag, for example, needs different care than a tote bag made from plastic or canvas.
Final Thoughts
A tote bag is a nice addition to your bag collection. Tote bags are usually simple but can have some smart features to make your life easier.
As long as you know what you will mainly use the tote bag for, you can find a perfect bag that will last you a long time.
