The 17 Best Tote Bags for Men: Polo Ralph Lauren, COACH, Jil Sander, and More

You may think that you already have all of the accessories needed for your various different outfits, but do us a favor real quick—peak inside your closet and see if there's a tote bag somewhere in there. We're willing to bet the answer is probably no because, fellas, a lot times you overlook tote bags in favor of just simply carrying your wallet by itself, briefcases, and backpacks. Now hear us out for a second—a tote bag can just as efficient of an option if you are willing to give it a shot—especially in the summer. Why? Well, because they are versatile, stylish, durable, and convenient. You still probably aren't convinced, so we've put together a list of the best tote bags for men to carry this season and beyond. First, however, there's a few things we need to cover.

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Image credit: Ralph Lauren

Totes are absolutely in style. What was first primarily more of a pragmatic bag has blossomed into a mainstay of contemporary men's fashion. Whether you need a simply canvas tote for a day around the city or something more substantial as a true daily bag, tote bags provide a stylish and simple option.

Here are some things to keep in mind when buying a tote bag:

Volume: How big do you want your tote bag to be? This is a personal preference that only you can decide and base off of what you plan to use the bag for.

Material: Most tote bags are made with canvas material, but you can also purchase bags that are made with leather, cotton, etc.

Strap Length: Some tote bags have a long strap while other have a shorter strap. The length of the strap will determine if you can wear it over one shoulder or two, and overall comfortability.

Construction: Construction is just a fancier way to say the design of the bag, which is again a personal preference.

Closure: While there are tote bags out there that have a closure, some do not, so that's something to keep in mind. You can always add a closure yourself if you are up to the task.

Durability: A good way to determine durability is to read reviews from others to see how long their bags have lasted—especially if you are spending a considerable amount of money.

Color: Liking the colors of the bag is important as well. Ideally you'll want something that is versatile enough to be paired with multiple outfits.

Best Overall Tote Bag - Polo Ralph Lauren Heritage Tote, $598

Also Great - Bellroy Tokyo Tote Bag, $129

Best Waxed Canvas Tote Bag - Mission Heritage Waxed Canvas Tote, $279

Best Minimalist Tote Bag - COACH Outlet Hudson Double Handle Tote, $165

Best Designer Tote - Balenciaga Hardware Large Tote, $1,350

Also Great - Balenciaga Artie Tote in Black, $1,090

Most Convenient Tote Bag - Todd Snyder Porter Tanker Tote Bag, $434

Most Affordable Tote Bag - Keith Haring Heart Tote Bag, $18

Best All-Purpose Tote Bag - L.L. Bean Hunter Tote Bag, $54.99

Best Constructed Tote Bag - Filson Tote Bag, $250

Most Luxurious Tote Bag - Jil Sander Grande Book Tote Bag, $950

Best Collaboration - A.P.C. x Brain Dead Tote Bag, $87.50

Best for the Office - Saint Laurent Beige Rive Gauche Tote, $2,100

Best Tote Bag for Traveling - Lululemon Daily Multi-Pocket Canvas Tote Bag, $68

Best Waterproof Tote Bag - Rains Waterproof Tote Bag, $95

Best Technical Tote Bag - Patagonia Black Hole 25 L Tote, $69

Image credit: Polo Ralph Lauren

Best For: Design and storage space

Color: Tan, Saddle | Material: Full-Grain Leather | Volume: 15 " L x 7½" W x 14" H | Closure: Buckle Strap

Ralph Lauren's Heritage Tote offers both a beautiful design and versatility as it has plenty of space, and can be taken just about anywhere. In addition to the two stunning colors to choose from, there's also the signature Polo Heritage logo patch at the front of the bag, and three slip pockets along with an interior pocket.

SHOP NOW AT POLO RALPH LAUREN, $598

Image credit: Bellroy

Best For: Versatility

Color: Melbourne Black, Bronze, Navy, Ranger Green, Saltbush | Material: Woven Fabric | Volume: 15L | Closure: Zip Closure

Bellroy's Tokyo Tote Bag is another bag that blends together design and functionality beautifully. While it might look small at first glance, this bag has enough space for a laptop, shoes, a small umbrella and more. Gotta love a multi-purpose bag!

SHOP NOW AT BELLROY, $129

Image credit: Mission

Best For: Carrying around all day

Color: Brown, Green, Cream | Material: Waxed canvas and vegetable leather | Volume: 19" H x 22" W x 7D | Closure: N/A

Constructed with waxed canvas and vegetable leather, Mission's Heritage Waxed Canvas Bag is a must-have when it comes to tote bags as it's made with the finest quality and boasts a unique design. There's three different colorways to choose from giving you a nice selection, and the bag is versatile enough to be worn to work and off-the-clock functions.

SHOP NOW AT MISSION, $279

Image credit: COACH OUTLET

Best For: Getting from Point A to Point B

Color: Gunmetal/Black, Gunmetal/Brown | Material: Natural Pebble Leather | Volume: 13 3/4" (L) x 12 1/2" (H) x 5 1/4" (W) | Closure: Snap Closure

If in need of a bag to take you from Point A to Point B, you could always roll with this Hudson Double Handle Tote from COACH Outlet which is made with natural pebble leather, and features an inside zip, cell phone and multifunction pockets, and a snap closure for safe storage. A nice price as well considering it's, well, COACH.

SHOP NOW AT COACH OUTLET, $165

Image credit: Balenciaga

Best For: Making a statement

Color: Black, Beige | Material: Cotton Canvas and calfskin | Volume: L18,1 x H13 x W6,3 inch | Closure: N/A

What else is there to say about this tote from Balenciaga? Crafted with silky cotton canvas and calfskin, the tote has two handles, one patch pocket in the front, two inner pockets for additional space, and, of course, the Balenciaga logo printed at the front.

SHOP NOW AT BALENCIAGA, $1,350

Image credit: Burberry

Best For: Making a minimalist statement

Color: Black | Material: Polyamide | Volume: 35 x 8 x 38cm/13.8 x 3.1 x 15in | Closure: Magnetic Closure

Effortless elegance seems to be the goal Burberry was looking to achieve when they crafted this piece, and we'll say they definitely nailed it. While the bag is on the smaller side, it works for those days where you are going somewhere, but don't necessarily have a lot to carry. Plus, it's Burberry.

SHOP NOW AT BURBERRY, $1,090

Image credit: Todd Snyder

Best For: Running those quick errands

Color: Green | Material: Nylon | Volume: N/A | Closure: Zip-Top Closure

Made with military-grade fabric, the Porter Tanker has a tough exterior and an equally tough interior with 3-layer construction and durable nylon as it's designed to hold whatever you throw at it (both literally and figuratively). A great everyday bag if you're looking for one.

SHOP NOW AT TODD SNYDER, $434

Image credit: PacSun

Best For: Keeping it simple

Color: Cream/Red | Material: Canvas | Volume: N/A | Closure: Open

Who doesn't love cool graphics on their clothing and accessories? PacSun gives you a neat one with their Keith Haring Heart Bag, which is designed to give you all the storage space in the world (well not literally, but you get it). The iconic Keith Haring graphics alone are enough to make us say yes. Throw in the price and it's an automatic yes.

SHOP NOW AT PACSUN, $18

Image credit: L.L. Bean

Best For: Outdoor activities

Color: Maple Brown, Gray Camo, Camouflage, Black, Olive Drab | Material: Polyester | Volume: 12"H x 13"W x 6"D | Closure: N/A

Is the outdoors a regular part of your life? If so, it might be a good idea to grab L.L. Bean's Hunter's Tote Bag as it's described as great for waterfowling, dog training, and shooting. It's also built to withstand years of rugged use, making it very durable.

SHOP NOW AT L.L. BEAN, $54.95

Image credit: Outland USA

Best For: Durability

Color: Green | Material: Cotton Twill | Volume: 12"H x 13"W x 6"D | Closure: N/A

You want a bag that is going to beat the odds? That, our friends, is this tote bag from Filson which is water-repellent, has a reinforced base for extra-heavy loads, heavy-duty Bridle Leather handles, abrasion-resistant fabric, and four stow pockets for your essentials. Yeah, nothing is getting past this bag.

SHOP NOW AT OUTLAND USA, $250

Image credit: PacSun

Best For: Hitting the trails

Color: Black | Material: Polyester | Volume: N/A | Closure: Zipped Closure

Speaking of bags that are tough beyond belief, check out this Terrain Duel Pocket Tote bag from New Balance, which is available via PacSun. While stylish, the bag is also super athletic and spacious as it's built with two zipped pockets in the front, along with a large zipped main compartment that has a padded backpanel for superior comfort. Very durable as well.

SHOP NOW AT PACSUN, $63.99

Image credit: Saks Fifth Avenue

Best For: Walking around in style

Color: Thyme Green | Material: Cotton/Linen | Volume: 15.75"W x 27.6"H x 8.7"D | Closure: N/A

If you want to walk around in style but in a rather minimalist way, then consider this tote bag from Jil Sander as a potential option. The sleek canvas is a standout, the gorgeous leather top handles are definitely a bonus, and while the front of the bag does feature the Jil Sander logo, it isn't done in a boisterous way that takes away from the bag. Any Jil Sander product requires an investment, but it's one that we're happy to make.

SHOP NOW AT SAKS FIFTH AVENUE, $950

Image credit: A.P.C.

Best For: Showing off a little bit

Color: Black | Material: Cotton/Linen | Volume: N/A | Closure: N/A

A.P.C. has quite a bit of tote bags currently available in their catalogue at the moment, and while all are nice, the A.P.C. x Brain Dead Tote Bag stands out to us due to the fact that it's two notable streetwear brands coming together. If, however, this bag isn't your type, feel free to browse through the rest of their bags to see if anything fits your style.

SHOP NOW AT A.P.C., $87.50

Image credit: Matches

Best For: Versatility and durability

Color: Beige | Material: Twill | Volume: 18.9in x 14.2in x 7.1in | Closure: N/A

In case you didn't know, Saint Laurent's Rive Gauche Logo Tote Bag is in high demand. Now that you know that piece of information, you can move accordingly in terms of purchasing.

SHOP NOW AT MATCHES, $2,100

Image credit: Lululemon

Best For: Being on the go

Color: Natural/True Navy, Natural/Black | Material: Cotton | Volume: 20 L | Closure: Snapped Closure

A tote bag that is simple, efficient, and gets the job done of carrying your essentials while still having a cool look. Not too shabby.

SHOP NOW AT LULULEMON, $68

Image credit: Nordstrom

Best For: Securing essentials

Color: Black | Material: Polyester | Volume: 13 1/2"W x 14"H x 5"D | Closure: Zipped Closure

If you need a back specifically built to withstand the rain, then the Rains Waterproof Tote is the bag for you. It keeps your essentials secure, and has a removable shoulder strap that you can also adjust to your liking.

SHOP NOW AT NORDSTROM, $95

Image credit: Backcountry

Best For: Taking it outdoors

Color: Black, Shine Yellow, Perennial Purple | Material: Recycled Polyester | Volume: 25 L | Closure: Hook Closure

You can always count on Patagonia to deliver that clutch assist when it comes to clothing and accessories. Their Black Hole Tote is an excellent and affordable bag certainly worth your coins.

SHOP NOW AT BACKCOUNTRY, $69

Are Tote Bags in Style?

As we mentioned earlier, tote bags very much are in style, and they have become even more popular these past several years for traveling, day trips, market shopping, and other activities where you need a bag to carry your belongings.

How Do I Wash My Tote Bag?

The best and safest way to wash your tote bag is to either hand wash with a detergent and water mixture, or wash on a gentle cycle depending on the instructions (which you can find on the tag of the bag). Most bags require an air-dry, so you'll want to avoid putting your bag in the dryer (but again check the instructions).

How to Style Tote Bags:

Get creative! You can style totes with shorts, jeans, pants, t-shirts, dress shirts, and even different blazer styles. It's all about what type of bag you have, the color, and pairing it with different outfits in your closet.

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