The Humble Canvas Bag Is Summer's Biggest Accessory Craze

— @veronicabeard

At this point in the game, you’ve likely already started swapping out your fuzzy outerwear and thick velvet and knit separates for lighter weight essentials like linen pants and breathable cotton t-shirts. While you’re at it, don’t forgot to give the same treatment to your handbag collection. Yes, classic suede and buttery leather accessories work nicely year-round, but seasonal-adjacent essentials are ripe for the picking now. Especially the humble canvas bag, which is experiencing a renaissance of sorts thanks to a variety of design houses and fashion labels.

Yes, the sturdy woven material — typically a cotton, linen, or hemp base — has been a star in a number of recent handbag collections of late, including those of big names like Bottega Veneta, The Row, Khaite, Métier, and Veronica Beard. In fact, the latter even made its canvas-based Goody Bag the standout star of its foray into the bag category earlier this year.

“Canvas bags are effortlessly chic and durable, a must-have for summer travels,” says Veronica Beard co-founder Veronica Miele Beard to TZR. Her sister-in-law and fellow co-founder Veronica Swanson Beard seconds this notion, explaining that the brand’s new style was actually inspired by “the OG of all canvas bags”, the boat tote. “Canvas bags are synonymous with summer and the Goody Bag reimagines the basic classic into a luxury handbag.”

— @metier.london

And they’re not alone in this said reimagining. Khaite went the sculptural route and set the fabric in its open-top, geometric Sara style, lining it with sleek black leather. Loewe made a canvas-infused version of its bestselling Paseo bag, which features elegant pleats. The stiff cotton material is dyed a rich burgundy for a moodier take on the typical white or ivory canvas look.

That’s just the start of the canvas craze hitting the handbag world for summer. Truly, there’s a little something for every aesthetic and every occasion, whether you’re looking for a more elevated tote for your beach outings or for a seasonal bag for balmy summer evenings out. Ahead, check out our top picks of canvas bags that’ll have you warm-weather ready in an instant.

Calella Canvas & Leather Bag

Hereu

The unique, geometric shape makes this affordable and fashionable tote a no-brainer for summer.

Small Paseo Bag

Loewe

The rich red colorway of this sweet little handle bag gives the accessory a moodier feel.

Gaby Canvas Shoulder Bag

Sant Laurent

While less practical than the classic boat bag, you can’t deny this tiny shoulder bag is ultra fashion-forward.

Small Andiamo

Bottega Veneta

Although the Andiamo bag originally debuted in summer 2023, Bottega introduced a canvas version of the top handle style — in small and large sizes — for the upcoming summer season.

Goody Bag

Veronica Beard

As the name implies, the Goody Bag features a spacious bucket shape designed to hold all your goodies. It’s also super versatile for everyday as it comes with a removable leather strap, so it can be worn as a crossbody, top handle, or shoulder bag.

The Sara Tote

Khaite

Khaite’s cool geometric Sara tote is summer ready with this sleek canvas finish and leather piping.

Boyy Devon 23 Buckle Detailed Tote Bag

Cettire

The striped accent buckle on this sweet little canvas tote lends a whimsical touch.

Incognito Crossbody Cabas

Métier

This classic crossbody is an all-day essential as it can carry everything from your cell phone and laptop to your makeup bag and wallet.

Wellington Tote

State Bags

This noir canvas tote makes for a great weekender bag.

George Top-Handle Bag in Canvas and Leather

The Row

Ideal as a summer work bag, this top-handle canvas bag strikes the perfect balance of practical and elevated — not to mention office-friendly.

Canvas Crossbody Bag

Zara

Yes, even Zara has jumped on the canvas train, creating a chic convertible crossbody that can worn multiple ways.

Boat and Tote Open-Top Bag

L.L. Bean

The OG of traditional boat bags, this tote is timeless for a reason. Its heavyweight canvas material and reinforced handles make for long-lasting wear, no matter where you take it.