Ever wondered why a tote bag is called a tote? The word tote is a colloquial English term meaning to carry. The brand first recorded using it to describe a bag was the American LL Bean in the 1940s, when it created a sturdy canvas bag for carrying ice and wood. So nothing to do with totes as in ‘totes amazing’, even though they are!
The modern tote bag is a large, open bag with parallel handles. (Although you can find tote bags with zippers or press studs if you don’t like the open top.) Reusable, and designed to carry a lot of weight, totes are often used as shopping bags and have done their bit to transform the way we use plastics at the supermarket. Many of them are themselves made from recycled materials for a double dose of green kudos.
What’s the best material for a tote bag?
Tote bags can be made of pretty much any material. So the best choice really depends on what you want to use it for. Are you looking for a bright and breezy beach tote bag, or a more serious tote bag for work? While the classic tote is made of thick fabric such as canvas or jute, you might be happy with a flimsy and colourful cotton tote bag for carrying around your beach towel and sunnies. At the other end of the scale, a leather tote bag is the go-to if it’s your laptop and paperwork in need of transportation. Somewhere in between the two is a vast range of tote bags made from everything from hessian and corduroy to neoprene and fake fur.
What size tote should I choose?
Tote sizing is a personal thing. What size is right for you? That depends on how much you like to carry around! Large tote bags (upwards of 50cm wide) are for you if you want to go from work to the gym and call at the shops on the way home. A medium-sized tote bag — say around 40cm wide — is best if you need more space than the average handbag, but you can still pop it under the table without crushing someone’s feet when you go out for dinner. A small tote is great if you like the look of a tote, but just want to carry around the usual handbag basics such as wallet, phone, keys and lip balm.
How to carry a tote bag
While a shoulder bag has one strap, a tote bag has two, which means it can open wider and you can fit more stuff in it, more easily. Most totes will have straps long enough that you can wear the bag on your shoulder, or carry it in your hand. Some may even be fitted with an additional shoulder strap to give you options. If you want to carry a large tote bag on your shoulder, be sure to check out the length of the straps before you purchase. TIP! It's easier to keep one strap on your shoulder than two, so cross them over each other to keep them in place.
Is a tote bag a fashion statement?
Hell yeah. In fact, the most expensive bag in the world — the beautiful and much desired Hermes Birkin Bag is a tote, which sells for up to US$500,000. Yep, for a single bag. Named after actress and singer Jane Birkin, this iconic bag is handmade and so exclusive that getting on the waitlist is an achievement in itself. The minimal look of a tote, with its simple, clean lines, and classic design makes is a sophisticated basic for anyone with a sense of style. This summer’s catwalks have been dominated by big and bulky totes which is great news for those who like to carry their life in their handbags. A simple black tote bag — or another plain tote bag in a neutral shade — will suit any occasion and any outfit, from daytime casual to after-dark smart. If you want something the expresses your flamboyant side, there’s a huge range of fabulous prints and colours to choose from. And tote bags aren’t just for girls. Men’s tote bags are equally stylish, while at the same time simple and utilitarian. If you’re going to be using your tote bag every day, consider it an investment, and give it due consideration. A top-quality leather tote will keep its shape, look amazing, and make you smile every time you rummage through it.
Custom tote bags
Want to give your tote bag the personal touch? When you order at Hardtofind, many companies offer a personalisation service from your initials embossed on a classic leather tote, to a range of slogans, logos, names and artwork on a canvas or cotton tote bag. This also makes a great gift idea, as you can tailor the bag to its purpose for shopping, sport, holiday or dog walking.
So now you have an idea about what kind of tote bag you’re looking for! In these pages, you’ll find all the best men’s and women’s tote bags Australia-wide. At Hardtofind, we have an immense collection of tote bags for you to choose from. We also have a diverse catalogue of products that include overnight bags, kids jewellery, wall hangings, wall stickers, drop earrings, name necklaces, jewellery boxes and hundreds of gifts in our online gift shop.
