The Evolution of the Tote Bag.
The spacious tote bag has a history dating back to 1944 when the company L.L. Bean introduced a sturdy canvas bag designed to carry ice from the car to the freezer.
Over the following decades, the tote's practicality made it a popular choice for grocery shopping and daily errands. By the 1960s, designers had reinvented the canvas bag in premium materials such as leather, helping it transition into the world of fashion. In the 1980s, tote bags became a popular promotional item, with brands, bookstores, and institutions printing their logos on canvas totes to increase visibility and build community.
Today, the tote bag reflects all stages of its evolution. As consumers seek reusable alternatives to single-use plastic bags, the tote remains a sustainable and practical choice. At the same time, it has become a staple for work, school, the gym, commuting, and travel, as it is valued for its versatility, spaciousness, and timeless designs.
Explore: How to organize a tote bag.
What Are Tote Bags Used For?
The beauty of a tote bag lies in its adaptability. Because of its wide-open, accessible architecture, it transitions between different environments faster than almost any other type of bag.
The Daily Commute.
Modern totes are perfect for the daily commute as they frequently feature dedicated laptop sleeves and tech pockets, making them a sleek and sophisticated alternative to a duffel bag or backpack for work.
The Ultimate Personal Item.
A durable, structured tote is the top accessory toy our luggage. It slides seamlessly under the seat in front of you, keeping your passport, headphones, and travel documents organized and easily accessible mid-flight.
Gym Gear.
Need to head straight from the gym to a lunch meeting? A high-volume tote holds your sneakers and a change of clothes without breaking a sweat.
Spontaneous Errands and Creative Pursuits.
Whether you're dropping by the local market on your way home or tossing in a camera insert for a quick urban shoot, the tote is the definitive go-to solution for life on the move.
What Are the Tote Bag Sizes?
Choosing the right tote bag comes down to how you plan to use it. Whether you're commuting through a busy city, heading to the office, or packing for a weekend getaway, your ideal size will depend on how much you need to carry.
What Is a Good Size for a Tote Bag?
Tote bags have a wide span in size, but they generally fall into some distinct volume categories designed for different types of journeys: 16L, 20L, 22L, 32L and 40L.
Here is what that means in reality:
- The compact commuter: The 16L tote bag offers a streamlined, minimalist size. It’s perfect for carrying a 14-inch laptop, a notebook, a water bottle, and your daily essentials without added bulk.
- The everyday sweet spot: The 20L is a step up in capacity, and it easily accommodates up to a 16-inch laptop, a dedicated tech pouch, a light sweater or rain jacket, and your lunch. It offers plenty of room while maintaining a sleek silhouette.
- The transition: Just slightly larger than the 20L, a 22L and 32L tote gives you that crucial extra bit of room. It’s ideal if you regularly transition from the office to the gym, as it can hold your work setup plus a change of clothes and sneakers.
- The traveler: This is an oversized tote built for both gear and travel. A 40L tote can fit enough clothes for a long weekend trip, serve as a heavy-duty beach bag, or for photographers and creatives on location when combined with camera inserts.
Explore More.
Your Questions Answered.
What is a women's tote bag?
A women’s tote bag is generally a bag that opens from the top, with two parallel shoulder straps and a spacious main compartment. Generally there is no specific difference between a men's tote and a women's tote bag, but some prefer to choose a smaller size to fit over their shoulders.
Explore our Freya Backpack, engineered specifically for women.
What size is a medium tote bag?
A medium-sized tote bag is typically around 15-20 liters. A medium tote bag can hold essentials like a laptop, a water bottle, a makeup bag, one book, and some daily accessories without feeling bulky. It is the perfect bag for commuting or everyday errands.
What size is a tote bag?
The size of a standard tote bag varies, but for the vast majority of people, the 20L to 22L range is the absolute golden standard for an everyday tote. It should be large enough to effortlessly fit your laptop and daily essentials, but compact enough that it doesn't drag near the ground when carried by your side or feel heavy when slung over your shoulder.
