How to Choose a Tote Bag You’ll Actually Use (and Love)

October 7, 2025

Short version: pick sturdy canvas, comfy handles, the right size for your day, and a design that makes you smile in the cereal aisle.

1) Fabric & feel (no flimsy totes)

Look for organic cotton canvas or another sturdy weave that holds its shape but still folds flat. If the fabric feels papery or see-through, it’ll sag with a laptop or a bottle of oat milk. Heavier canvas = fewer “why is my tote drooping?” moments.

2) Size that matches your routine

Regular: perfect for a laptop, notebook, water bottle, and “one more thing.”

Large: market runs, gym stuff, or the spontaneous “I’ll just grab a bouquet and, uh, three candles.”

If you often carry a jacket or hoodie, go Large. If you’re a Tetris wizard, Regular is bliss.

3) Handles that don’t dig in

Wide straps spread the weight; longer straps slip over coats without a wrestling match. If a tote’s handles feel like seatbelts on your shoulder, pass.

4) Print, color, personality

Black reads minimal and modern. Natural canvas feels artsy and casual. Bold typography turns your errands into a statement; illustration brings color and conversation. Bonus points for designs that reveal a little joke or hidden message on a second look.

5) Eco creds (the quick decoder)

Badges to look for: GOTS/OCS (organic standards), OEKO-TEX Standard 100 (tested for harmful substances), and PETA-Approved Vegan (no animal products). You don’t need all of them, but any combo is a good sign.

6) What actually fits

Work mode: 13″ laptop, charger, notebook, pen case, snack.

Errands: fruit & veg, oat milk, bread, flowers.

Weekend: paperback, camera, scarf, emergency chocolate.

7) Care so it lasts

Shake out crumbs. Spot-clean first. If you wash, use cold and gentle; air-dry. Avoid ironing directly on prints—use a cloth barrier.

Editor’s quick picks

If you want zero overthinking, start here:

“Emotional Baggage” — colorful, cheeky, and painfully relatable.

“Just Don’t” — clean type for minimalists with attitude.

“I Surfed the Internet Before It Was Cool” — retro wink for early-web souls.

Ready to upgrade your carry? Check the full collection here.