Best beach bags 2023 - from totes to basket bags, it's time to get holiday ready

If you're jetting off somewhere in the coming months, the best beach bags are a style must-have. While they come in all different designs, they need to be roomy enough to carry all your sunshine essentials - that's non-negotiable - as well as add a chic touch to any look. 

One of the hardest working bags in your closet, the best beach bags often take on the form of the best totes, as this spacious bag design promises the almost never-full capacity that is needed for long sunny days. From chic raffia designs that are ideal when it comes to what to pack for a beach vacation, to printed styles and brightly colored iterations, there is something for everyone with 2023's best beach bags.

When selecting the best beach bag for your vacation, space is of utmost importance. From your beach towel to bottles of water, your best swimsuit and a good book, there's a lot to cram in. If you're looking for a beach bag to last for years to come, you'll want something a little more classic that can be worn season after season, rather than something to intertwined with the handbag trends 2023. Natural tones, raffia, and wicker designs are always in fashion, while bright and block color options offer a summer-ready refresh. 

Best beach bags 2023, chosen by our fashion team

A much more affordable alternative to the best designer tote bags with the same stylish finish, this vivid orange tote is the ultimate summer accessory. Bringing together the practical and the fashion-forward, this is big enough to fit everything you need for a sunny day out. With fringe detailing and textured accents, this brings much more than your typical plain tote. Style with your best white t-shirt and open-toed sandals for the ultimate summer ensemble.

Free People is the first place we look for boho-inspired accessories, and the brand's selection of beach bags this season doesn't disappoint. Available in green, lavender, and tan, this spacious number is definitely one of the best beach bags if you have a lot to cram in. The runways made it clear that oversized totes are all the rage, so this is a great fashion-forward investment that is also practical. Plus, with gorgeous woven fabric, it will be one of the most coveted beach bags this summer.

Spanish clothing brand Mango stocks some of the best plus size swimwear, so it stands to reason its beach bags will win in the style stakes too. This 100% cotton striped shopper is both timeless and seasonal, making for the perfect addition to any summer accessories rotation. The stripe print delivers those deckchair vibes that make us feel instantly beach-ready and with a handy inner zip pocket, you can keep valuables secure amongst the various towels and sunscreen bottles packed inside. 

When the sun comes out, our love for dopamine dressing begins. This Zara bag is the ideal statement piece that will bring even the most plain outfits to life. Whether you style it with monochromatic white or matching bright color clothing, you will reach for it day after day when heading to the beach. It is not as deep as some of the other best beach bags in this list, but if you like to travel lighter, it still boasts plenty of room for a book, water bottle, swimsuit and hat.

Straw bags are a summertime classic, and for very good reason. Extremely chic but with a playful boho feel, no vacation wardrobe is complete without one. Also a great choice for what to wear on a plane, this White Company bag will carry smaller essentials without sacrificing on style. Complete with leather handles, this makes for a high-quality beach bag that can double up for evenings when heading off for alfresco dinners.

Green is one of the biggest fashion color trends 2023 and summer is the time to inject this hue into your bag collection. With a seasonal tennis print and large size, this is a tote that is great for packing for vacation thanks to its easily foldable canvas material. When paired with your best sunglasses and some chunky sandals, this will be the cherry on top of a quietly cool summer outfit, when it comes to what to wear in the heat.

One of the best sustainable clothing brands, Everlane caught our eye for creating some of the best weekend bags. We can't get enough of this vivid blue color that evokes feelings of summer and days by the pool, making it the ideal accessory to have with you for those oceanside moment. Unlike many of the other best beach bags, this tote offers secure zip fastenings to keep everything safe when you're on the go.

If you're looking for the best beach bags that balance classic silhouettes with more playful prints, this is the one for you. A nice change from the best backpacks, this tote still boasts all the same storage capabilities with a more fashion-forward look - heart silhouettes were big news on the runway. The magnetic fastening and handy inner pocket add a dose of practicality whilst the heart print sets it apart from other straw beach bags.

British clothing brand Ted Baker offers a range of gorgeous accessories that will never go out of style, and this nylon tote is no exception. Reminiscent of an English country garden, the floral print makes for a beautiful piece to add to your spring capsule wardrobe. The sturdy zip closure also makes this an ideal overnight or travelling bag, so it will certainly get plenty of use this summer.

When shopping for the best beach bags, we tend to gravitate towards styles that balance trendiness with classic, universal appeal, which this Isabel Marant tote does perfectly. With plenty of room for bulky towels but a foldable material that will fit into the best suitcases for travel, this is a brilliant all-rounder option that will also come in handy for everyday wear at home. Style with your best white trainers before slipping into some sandals for the beach.

American clothing brand Marc Jacobs has maximized on its classic logo tote to create one of the best designer bags on the market. Available in numerous styles and sizes, this semi-transparent mesh with bold front-facing branding taps into this season's logo and monogramming trends. Complete with a zip fastening and secure internal pouch, trendiness and function go hand-in-hand with this carryall.

There's no time quite like summer to embrace a rainbow color palette. If the idea of wearing color is slightly overwhelming for you, pairing accessories like this with a more neutral outfit is a great place to start. This playful take on a bucket bag can brighten even the most overcast of summer days and is spacious enough to pack all the necessities. Decorated with the brand’s classic anchor charm that can also be used as a keyring, you can bring the ocean with you, wherever you go.

Always looking for new ways to play into the denim trends 2023? Don't overlook accessories. One of fashion's most popular fabrics, while your best jeans might be too heavy for the beach, you can inject this cotton fabric into your beach bag to evoke the latest '90s fashion trends. The See by Chloé range offers so many stunning bags with slightly more trend-led finishes, perfect for giving your beachside outfit a premium look. Roomy and featuring a smaller inner pocket, this luxe bag has all the space you need for vacationing. 

If you like to pack light, Baggu has the best beach bags for you. Easily foldable into tiny little pouches, the brand's classic shopper style can be shoved into your luggage to be used to carry anything you need for the beach. Affordable and with a range of unique prints and patterns, this is an extremely useful beach bag that will add a little something extra to your outfit.