Unlike work totes or gym carry-alls, you can tell if a style will be an incredible beach bag when you see it. They sit in that sweet spot between a Mary Poppins-esque weekender and your chicest summertime bag. The best beach bags are deceivingly large, allowing us to carry everything we might want for our oceanside swim sessions without overtaking our entire frame. And while they're a practical accessory, what separates a good style from a great style comes down to the design. (We don't want to feel like we've brought a green Waitrose bag to the seaside now, do we?)
I personally love a slouchy carryall as well as a structured tote bag and prefer not to pick favourites between coated canvas, raffia, and woven cotton. While larger bags certainly have to be more durable, we also love a mini basket bag for short beach trips that don't require quite as many provisions.
The bag selection below will take you from the water's edge to your summertime brunch. We've found structured wicker styles, slouchy woven bucket bags, and even totes that can take a beating. Shop the best beach bags just in time for summer below.
Shop the 16 Best Beach Bags of 2025
Loewe is leading the designer charge when it comes to chic raffia totes this summer. This is something that will only be compounded once Proenza Schouler founders and former creative directors, Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, will take over the brand, but in the meantime, we're lusting over this raffia version of one of Jonathan Anderson's greatest designs—the Puzzle bag. Be warned, this one is selling out fast.
H&M can always be counted on for expensive-looking, dependable and affordable accessories. This straw shoulder bag will complement a wide range of bikini styles thanks to the vibrant colour palette. It's big enough to fit a towel and a pair of sea shoes, but not so spacious that your belongings will drown in all the spare room.
Every season without fail, Mary-Kate and Ashley deliver a summer bag that becomes the collective object of our affection. This summer, it's the barn striped mesh tote bag. Kylie Jenner recently used this bag while on her Italian sojourn, taking it to the pools of her Tuscan villa to the art galleries of Venice with easy, proving that the best beach bags can suit an array of backdrops.
Saint Laurent is a designer brand that makes the sort of beach bags that suit the beaches of Marseille, the coastline of Côte d'Azur and the shores of Saint-Tropez. Putting a luxury spin on classic palm and straw fabrics, the brand is so covetable for the way it renders its signature silhouettes—like the Icare or Y tote—in sandier styles.
This rainbow style is handcrafted by a team of artisans and is robust enough to fit every beachy essential, including a tan raffia sun hat, sarong to tie around your waist (and keep your wet swimsuit in), and a change of clothes. Just add a white linen dress and you'll be ready to head right to the nearest taverna.
Dragon Diffusion bags are such a chic alternative to classic raffia styles. Not only does the woven leather bring an opulent touch to charming swimsuits, but it compliments city landscapes as well as it does coastal.
This versatile basket bag comes in a variety of different leather trim colours. It's the perfect style to take to the nearest farmer's market when holidaying in a far-off coastal village—because how else will you stock up on essentials and groceries when abroad?—before trotting down to cool off in the tranquil waves.
If there's one expensive-looking high street option that our editorial team here at Who What Wear UK can't stop raving about, it's Anthropologie's Nola woven leather bag. The trendless shape means you'll be coming back to it season after season. Simply add bag charms that you collect on your travels for a bag that serves as a tangible reminder of your summer memories.
Isabel Marant is the queen of French-inspired bohemian wares with a rock and roll edge. This bag reminds me of something Bianca Jagger would take on holidays in the '70s. Bring it out on your next beach day and, like a musician stepping into the spotlight, all eyes will always be on this beauty.
While straw bags are the most enduring beach bag, sometimes we crave a style that isn't so obvious. In those moments, reach for this checked style from the independent British fashion brand, Damson Madder. Ideal for carrying the frenetic energy of London with you while escaping the city.
For days when beach days turn into early supper sitings and nights on the dance floor, reach for this French style. Very Parisian with the red detailing.
If you're looking to invest in a beach bag you'll love year after year, why not consider the classic Celine tote?
This woven beach bag takes cues from The Row's now-iconic Dune flip-flops. (A style that's undoubtedly reached 'it' status.) The contrast between the rubbery lining and grosgrain strap is one we never expected to emerge in 2025, but given it has the Olsen Twin's tick of approval, has instantly become one to covet.
If you adore the Saint Laurent Y tote, this affordable mesh style will quench your appetite for that style.
Inspired by the driftwood and speckled pebbles found on sandy shores, this textured style can serve you for years to come.
If you're going to invest in a luxurious beach bag, it's best to ensure the style isn't overtly "summery". This gorgeous mesh iteration from Dear Frances is made from Italian fabric, so you'll know it's a beautiful quality, while also being timeless enough to suit the office, after work drinks and even chic runs to your nearest organic grocer.
What is the Best Type of Bag to Bring to the Beach?
Whether you're ducking to the British seaside or heading overseas, the best type of bag you can bring to the beach is one that is both large and foldable. Ideally, the bag will be, to quote Succession's Tom Wambsgans, ludicrously capacious enough to fit your towel, a meaty book and a change of clothes, but also made of fabric that you can easily compress down into your larger carry-on. Imagine having to pay an additional fee for taking an extra bag on your next budget airline flight!
Most importantly, the bag should be sand-proof or at least have some sort of ventilation element so you can shake out any debris that finds its way into the bottom. While it's always fun to pick up souvenirs, you don't want to take half of the Mediterranean home with you. Crucially, having some sort of zip to give you a bit of security when swimming can be essential, at least in providing peace of mind that your phone won't get nicked while in the waves.
How to Pack the Perfect Beach Bag?
As an Australian who grew up swimming at the beach nearly every day of her life, Who What Wear's SEO Writer Ava Gilchrist is well-versed in knowing what makes the perfect contents of a beach bag. "You'll only want to pack the essentials," she begins. "Your phone serves as both a watch and a wallet, so you'll want to skip on carrying any extra trivial accessories in favour for the bare necessities. Unless it's the case that the beach you're going to has a sweet café for you to stop into and buy a drink, you'll also want to leave cash at home."
As for specificities, Gilchrist tells me that the following are crucial. "Sunscreen, obviously, sunglasses, a wide-brim hat for sun protection, shoes that you can wear into the water if need be, cover-up and a plastic bag for putting your wet bikini into." The not so non-negotiables, but are nevertheless good to have? "Never go to the beach without some way of entertaining yourself. Leave the technology at home—because no one likes the person who blasts their music through a speaker—and opt for a magazine, deck of cards or new novel. Elena Ferrante's 'My Brilliant Friend' was just rated as the New York Times's number one book of the century, so I'd start there."
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear UK, fashion is our speciality. Our editors have years of industry experience, from reporting on seasonal fashion trends seen at international fashion weeks to working with some of the most recognisable names in fashion. Every item we recommend is carefully selected based on current trends, quality and real-world wearability.
We regularly try pieces ourselves, everything from bestselling jeans to designer shoes, speak to external experts and fashion insiders and stay closely connected to what our readers are searching for. Our advice is grounded in expertise and has to pass our exceptional taste levels—so you can feel confident in every recommendation.
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