The Tote Bag Fetish

An ultimate guide to choosing your perfect tote bag

I love a good tote, I do. I like carrying items with me even if I’m not using all of them on daily basis. Everything I put in my tote are the “what if I need this” kind of items. Yes, some would argue, it’s true backpacks are convenient and hold so much more, but you can’t compare the look of the tote with that. Tote bags have come a long way in this world, from being the useful, almost invisible, yet faithful item to carry heavy duty loads from the market, to now becoming fashion statements. The original tote bags were made of canvas, burlap, cloth, or other durable materials, featuring simple, utilitarian designs and used for carrying a variety of items. These days, you have totes of different materials, ranging from simple canvas to the ultra-luxurious saffiano leather ones.

Though I have been using bags of different sizes all my life, the first time a tote bag actually caught my attention was on a flight. There was a young woman carrying a large black tote with a minimalistic golden logo near its handles. During the flight I saw her take out from it a water bottle, a book, a stole and a laptop. That bag had struck me. As soon as we landed, I googled the description of the bag and the logo and found the designer. Ever since then, I saved up to buy me THAT bag exactly.

So, even though new bag collections and designs were introduced every year, when I had enough saved up to get my hands on a good quality, beautiful tote, I got that one. I used it thoroughly and took care of it too. Ensured to get all my money’s worth, and the bag still stands. Now i have a bag fetish and I reward myself with a bag whenever I can, but I also still use my old ones and I still take care of them like before. So here are some simple considerations I take before making a purchase.

WHAT TO CONSIDER BEFORE BUYING YOUR FAVOURITE TOTE BAG:

If you love a tote bag as much as I do, here are some pointers to consider before buying a new one. That feeling when you buy a good bag which you use thoroughly makes the purchase all the more satisfying.

1. Intention

Be true to yourself and clarify your specific need and intended use for the tote bag. Do you want a bag that carries all of your things when you go out for brunch? Is it a work bag to fit your laptop? Do you want to travel with it? Is it an airport carry on? How do you intend to use the bag?

2. Research styles

Bag collections change every year and your style of bag also show your personality. Some styles can be:

1. Classic Canvas Tote: The quintessential tote bag style, characterized by its simple, unstructured design and durable canvas material. Its features are classified as open top, spacious interior, sturdy canvas construction, often with reinforced handles. This is ideal for everyday use, shopping, beach trips, and casual outings.
2. Leather Tote: A more sophisticated take on the classic tote, crafted from high-quality leather for a luxe look and feel. This one features a more structured silhouette, using premium leather material, sometimes with additional pockets or compartments. This is suitable for work, travel, and occasions where a polished appearance is desired.
3. Reversible Tote: A versatile option that offers two looks in one, with reversible designs featuring contrasting colors or patterns on each side. Featuring a dual-sided design, often with a reversible closure mechanism, spacious interior for ample storage. This one provides flexibility to match different outfits or moods, suitable for various occasions.
4. Foldable Tote: A compact and lightweight tote bag designed to fold or collapse for easy storage and portability. It has a collapsible structure, often made of lightweight nylon or polyester material, mostly ideal for travel, shopping trips, and as an emergency bag for unexpected purchases. Perfect for trips to the farmer’s market, grocery store runs, and eco-conscious consumers looking to reduce plastic bag usage.
5. Convertible Tote Backpack: A hybrid design that combines the functionality of a tote bag with the versatility of a backpack, featuring convertible straps for multiple carrying options. Convertible straps that allow the bag to be worn as a tote or backpack, multiple compartments for organization. Offers flexibility for commuting, travel, and outdoor activities where hands-free carrying is preferred.
6. Tote with Laptop Compartment: A specialized tote bag designed to safely and securely carry laptops and other electronic devices. Padded laptop compartment, additional pockets and organizers for tech accessories, durable materials for protection. Ideal for professionals, students, and anyone who needs to carry a laptop or tablet regularly.
7. Fashion Statement Tote: A stylish and trend-forward tote bag designed to make a fashion statement, often featuring bold prints, embellishments, or unique design elements. Eye-catching design, fashion-forward details such as metallic accents, fringe, or embroidery, may include smaller sizes for carrying essentials. Adds a pop of personality to any outfit, perfect for fashionistas and those who want to express their individual style.

3. Material options

• Mesh woven
• Canvas
• Cotton fabric
• Jute fibre
• Bamboo fibre
• Faux leather
• Premium leather
• Vegan leather
• Suede
• Plastic
• Denim
• Nylon

4. Size and Capacity

A medium-sized tote:

Height: 10-12 inches (25-30 cm)

Width: 12-14 inches (30-36cm)

Depth: 5-8 inches(15-20cm)

A large tote would be anything greater than this.

5. Pattern:

Minimal is classic. One can never go wrong with these. Colourful prints, on the other hand, are bold and vibrant. Which one are you?

6. Brands:

Brands for bags can be classified based on various factors such as price range, target demographic, design aesthetic, and reputation for quality. Here’s a classification of bag brands based on these factors:

• Luxury brands

Examples: Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci, Prada, Hermès.

• Designer brands

Examples: Michael Kors, Coach, Kate Spade, Tory Burch, Marc Jacobs.

• Contemporary brands

Examples: Fossil, Caprese, Lavie, Baggit

• Athletic or sportswear brands

Examples: Nike, Adidas, The North Face

• Fast fashion brands

Examples: Zara, H&M, Forever 21, ASOS

• Ethical and sustainable brands

Example: Moonrabbit, Brownliving

• Artisanal and independent

Examples: Sellers on Etsy

I do strongly recommend you to do your own research on even reputable brands and thoroughly read customer reviews for insights before closing in on your choice.

My personal fascination with tote bags now extends beyond their utility. Whether it’s the allure of creative and vintage designs, the eco-consciousness of reusable materials, or the status symbol of luxury brands, it is now a kind of self-expression for me through fashion and lifestyle choices. What is it for you?