Men's tote bag: city, market, and beach bags

The men's tote bag section has lost its image of a simple bag made of canvas: The North Face Borealis, Base Camp, Never Stop, Hot Shot and Red Box, recycled tote bags Patagonia Great Pacific and Repair Shop, Sandqvist Grid Expandable, Dickies Ashville and Enon, Gramicci Pack, Service Works and Anerkjendt.

The tote bag, the all-purpose bag

At the market, at the beach, at the office or at the gym, the tote bag holds everything you put in it. Open on top and worn over the shoulder, it replaces plastic bags and backpacks on days when you’re carrying a bit of everything.

Men have adopted it in the city, in more robust and technical versions.

The North Face, the technical tote

The North Face offers its iconic bags in tote bag style: Borealis, Base Camp, Never Stop, Hot Shot and Red Box. Sturdy fabric, reinforced bottom, inner pockets: bags designed to last.

Patagonia, the recycled tote

Patagonia creates tote bags from recycled materials, like the Great Pacific and the Repair Shop, a nod to the brand's repair programme. Bags that carry its commitment to the environment.

Sandqvist Grid Expandable

The Grid Expandable from Sandqvist, a brand from Stockholm, expands based on what you put inside. A clever design that transitions from a city tote to a shopping bag.

Dickies, Gramicci and Service Works

Dickies, an American workwear brand, offers the Ashville and Enon, both sturdy and understated. Gramicci, born in Californian climbing, presents the Pack. Service Works, inspired by kitchen wear, and Anerkjendt complete the range.

Tote bag or backpack?

Tote bag: you can throw everything in, with immediate access from the top.
Backpack: better for carrying heavy loads over long durations.
Expandable tote: a compromise for shopping days.

The tote bag at the office

A thick canvas tote can hold a laptop in a sleeve, a notebook, a water bottle, and a sweater. It can be worn with a wool jacket or a trench coat for a casual yet tidy look.

The tote bag at the market

At the market or for shopping, a sturdy tote replaces disposable bags. A reinforced bottom supports the weight of bottles and vegetables.

The tote bag at the beach

Towel, sunscreen, book, water bottle: the tote bag is perfect for a day at the beach. A fabric that shakes off sand easily with a quick motion.

The sports tote bag

For a yoga class, climbing session, or swimming, a tote bag is enough to carry an outfit and a towel, without the bulk of a sports bag.

Carrying a tote bag

Over the shoulder, with long handles, it’s great for everyday use. By hand, with short handles, it looks sharper. Try not to overload one side: alternate shoulders.

The materials

Thick cotton canvas is durable and washable. The technical fabrics from outdoor brands are more water-resistant. Recycled materials lessen the bag's footprint.

The tote bag for cycling

When cycling, a tote bag with long handles can be worn cross-body or tucked into a basket. It's better to choose one that closes to avoid losing anything along the way.

A tote to replace plastic

A sturdy tote bag can be used hundreds of times. Folded in a backpack or glove box, it prevents the need for disposable bags during unexpected purchases.

Colours

Black, khaki, and beige match any outfit. Logos from The North Face or Patagonia add a clear outdoor touch.

Maintaining your tote bag

Empty it and shake it out regularly. A cotton tote can, according to the label, be machine washed on a low temperature. Technical fabrics can be cleaned with a damp sponge. Air dry.

Also see

For carrying heavier loads, check out the backpacks; for sports, the sports bags; for essentials, the bum bags. The entire range is in the men's bags.