We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
Grab One of the Best Beach Bags Loser, Because We're Going on Holiday
I'll take two shots of Pfizer and one huge cotton canvas tote, por favor señorita!
The beaches in Bournemouth are alright. The beaches in Europe? Superior in every which way. And as the government continues to flirt with the cessation of quarantine for all you doubly vaccinated do gooders, you can practically feel the Portinho da Arrabida sand between your toes. And in your swim shorts. And in your sandwiches. And everywhere really. That's where one of the best beach bags comes in useful.
For too long, regular bags have been subbed in for holidays too. Which is fine for a nice walk to a restaurant where a glass of wine is compulsory at 11am; less so on the beach. Because there are many hazards, friend. One: you're no doubt carrying some SPF, and that stuff is leakier than a Number 10 briefing meeting. That means regular bag is ruined. Two: they're not big enough for your beach towel and lukewarm beers with unpronounceable names. And three: even if they do survive such travails, backpacks don't tend to fare so well during the required 60 degree wash that comes after emptying your luggage all over the floor upon your sad return.
That means you get a tote bag. A big one. Cotton canvas is easy in the wash, and thus can take a beating. It'll store all your essentials. It could even have waterproof coating. It can even look good, too. Sand will still get in. But the entries in our edit of best beach bags below are capable of having it washed right out ready for for your next big jaunt in about a fortnight's time.
Sporty & Rich
Eat more veggies, and carry more oversized beach (sorry, volleyball) bags by Sporty & Rich. It's doing that whole "I've got a finance meeting at 2 and a CrossFit session at 4" very, very well.
£79; endclothing.com
Rains
See those monochromatic, waterproof rucksacks every cyclist below 35 has? Now you can get it in beach bag format. Rains has finished its signature tote in a durable finish that'll keep the bad stuff out (sand) and the good stuff dry (your informed, touching, heartfelt beach read).
£45; endclothing.com
Stüssy
A Stüssy canvas tote stamped with the 'City Seal' crest of all the places with crippling rentals – New York, LA, London, Paris and Tokyo. And, better yet, it also serves as the best beach bag for when you finally escape said hellholes.
£40; endclothing.com
Camper
Camper makes outdoor-friendly, sensible-but-still-fun footwear, and that thinking translates well to this tote bag. It's waterproof, for a start. And it's also big, roomy, outdoor-friendly, and sensible-but-still-fun.
£85; farfetch.com
Bellroy
Bellroy is an antipodean label that lets its functions do the flash work. It stands all on its own when open, has side pockets to keep bottles upright and is designed to be both lightweight and durable. There he is. The perfect beach bag.
£35; bellroy.com
Maison Kitsuné
Plain, but still stamped with the logo of one Paris's finer, younger brands, Maison Kitsuné's tote is the perfect beach bag for monochromatic dressers. Even the princes of darkness need a vacation, y'know.
£45; mrporter.com
Uniqlo
No brand does wallet friendly minimalism like Uniqlo. So when they make a big, simple beach bag in a neutral, wear-everywhere colour, you know you'll be hard pressed to find a more affordable alternative.
£24.90; uniqlo.com
Heron Preston for Calvin Klein
If Heron Preston can build an entire brand on satsuma orange – and convince Calvin Klein to get onboard – then you can absolutely take the ascendant American designer on your new big trip.
£180; farfetch.com
Supreme
Supreme brought streetwear to your front door. We think you should repay the favour and take Supreme – and with it, a crisp, white cotton tote bag – down to the beach.
£159; farfetch.com
APC
Denim? In Es Canar? You're insane. But a label as storied and as respected and as classic as APC is not, and with a tote that's easily washed and roomy inside, blue jean is just right for the beach.
£101; farfetch.com
As2ov
AS2OV (which is shorthand for 'A Shared Sense Of Value') is the sort of Japanese brand that gives credence to the whole "they really know what they're doing" rep. Because this tote bag, complete with multiple pockets and a Seventies take on utilitarianism, is the sort of functionality that helped put the country's menswear scene on the map.
£246; farfetch.com
Nike
Sportswear is beachwear, and Nike's essential tote takes its cue from workout gear. It's sturdy. It's effective. It's capable of handling a long cold shower.
£53; luisaviaroma.com
Watch Next
The Best Men's Swim Shorts Work on Dry Land Too
The 13 Best Hawaiian Shirts For Sharing the Aloha
A Linen Shirt Is Your Summer Secret Weapon
It’s About Time for the Best Men’s Summer Shoes
