A tote bag that stands up on its own
Not all tote bags are equal, and the difference comes down to one construction detail: the gusseted base and sides.
A basic tote bag is made of two panels sewn together: it stays flat, slumps as soon as you put it down and its contents sink to the bottom. A tote bag built with a gusseted base and sides has real three-dimensional volume: it stands up, keeps its shape and can be filled without losing its form.
The second point is handle length. Long handles let you carry the bag on your shoulder, even over a coat. Short handles mean carrying it by hand, which quickly becomes uncomfortable once the bag is full.
Organic cotton or canvas
Organic cotton is grown without pesticides or synthetic fertilisers, using less water than conventional cotton. It feels softer and more supple.
Canvas has a tighter, more hard-wearing weave, suited to intensive use: heavy shopping, daily commuting, bulky contents.
In both cases, the advantage over a leather bag is care: fabric can be washed. Find out more about our commitments to materials and production.
Care
Wash at 30 degrees maximum, inside out, on a delicate cycle. Two precautions are worth knowing: if the tote bag has a print or a raised design, avoid the tumble dryer, whose heat can crack the print, and never iron directly over the design. Dry in the open air and flat, so as not to distort the construction.
Treat a small stain before a full wash: dab it with a little mild soap and cold water, without rubbing the weave.
An easy gift to get right
A tote bag needs no shoe size or clothing size, costs less than a leather bag and can be used straight away. It is an easy gift to give, on its own or alongside another piece. See our gift ideas selection and our accessories.
Frequently asked questions
Can a tote bag hold a laptop?
The size generally allows it, but a fabric tote bag doesn't protect against knocks. If you regularly carry a laptop, add a padded sleeve or opt for a leather handbag with a reinforced base.
Organic cotton or canvas tote bag: which should I choose?
Organic cotton for a softer feel and a crop grown without pesticides or synthetic fertilisers. Canvas for a tighter, more hard-wearing weave, suited to intensive use and heavy loads.
How do I wash a tote bag?
At 30 degrees maximum, inside out, on a delicate cycle. Avoid the tumble dryer if it has a print, as the heat can crack the design, and dry it flat to preserve its construction.
