The search is on. We don’t mean for a perfect-fit bikini or one-piece swimsuit (although they’re on the list, too). We mean for the best beach bags. Because the fact is, no summer holiday look – or any outfit at home, for that matter – is complete without a beach tote, straw bag or basket bag. You know, the type of style you’ll wear on heavy rotation all season, and that’ll also see you through many years of holidays to come. Accessories maketh an outfit, after all.
If your trusty beach bag is sitting at the bottom of your wardrobe misshapen, filled with sand from your last trip, you’re not alone. But instead of dusting it off on your dash to the airport, we want to tempt you into investing in another one of the best beach bags that could give your much-loved style a well-deserved break. Because, heck, we all need one of those – right?
Designer brands have made beach bags a summer staple for years now, with the Loewe basket bag and the Prada raffia tote bag taking over our social media feeds, proving that they work just as well in the city as they do poolside. And with the SS25 runways proving this is still the bag of the season, there’s no better time to get the style du jour. Aussie label, Zimmermann, put extra large beach bags on the runway – and can we take a moment to appreciate the fringed detail? A key mini trend to take note of as part of the boho look we’re seeing a lot of right now.
Not the only designer to pay homage to the humble beach bag, Nanushka also backed fringing (in skirt form) and completed the vibe with woven supersize tote bags. Proof that 2025 is the year beach bags have their time to shine, raffia, jute and canvas styles will remain big news. Loewe’s basket bags are still going strong, and the latest collaboration with Paula’s Ibiza sees the house’s iconic It-bags, such as the Puzzle and the Puzzle Fold, receive the raffia treatment.
Saint Laurent’s Rive Gauche tote is what Rosie Huntington-Whiteley takes with her to the Amalfi Coast, and has enough space for valuables like your book, sandals, sun cream/sunscreen/SPF, a spare T-shirt and possibly even your kitchen sink. And there’s a new designer straw beach bag to look out for – enter: Chloé’s raffia tote in pastel shades of mint, pink and natural beige.
So whether you’re making a beeline for the airport or heading off on a British weekend break, your spring/summer looks won’t be complete without a summer bag in tow. Luckily, there are plenty of stylish designs doing the rounds right now that’ll take you from the check-in gate, to the beach, to bar and back again.
There are some equally-chic beach bags over on the high street, too, which look endlessly more expensive than their accessible price tags would suggest. Need proof? Marks & Spencer’s Straw Tote Bag that’s under-£50 has us dreaming of a vacation to the Amalfi coast, while Zara’s Braided Top Maxi Shopper hat could look like a designer find will always be coming to the office with us.
Want to prepare for summer even more? See the best crinkle swimsuits from the hottest swimwear brands, plus all the best summer dresses to wear atop.
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