Looking for the perfect partner for everyday looks? If you’re tired of hauling around a subpar shopper or find cross-body bags too small for your liking, switching to a tote makes complete sense. Generously proportioned and built to last, totes are the go-to choice if you’re looking for an accessory that will hold up well against any look. Below, we’ll take a look at why tote bags are trending this year, explore the origins of this essential accessory, and spotlight a few totes worth taking a second look at.
What Makes Tote Bags So Popular in 2025
Tote bags are one of the most functional accessories around. These staple bags score top marks for versatility, with spacious dimensions offering plenty of room for your daily essentials. What’s more, their pared-back aesthetics make them an effortless choice if you’re struggling to coordinate your accessories with everyday outfits.
If you’re eager to make your wardrobe more eco-friendly, totes deliver the goods once again. A premium alternative to canvas totes and reusable shoppers, these sturdy bags are built to last, with integrated handles adding to their durability. When you combine that versatile design with good looks and planet-friendly credentials, it’s not hard to see why totes are trending in 2025.
The Evolution of Tote Bags: From Utility to Fashion Statement
To unearth the first tote bag design, you need to track all the way back to 1994. Created by outdoor retail brand L.L. Bean, this inaugural tote was originally designed as an ice carrier. A roomy interior offered plenty of storage space, while twin grab handles delivered carrying convenience. Meanwhile, a hard-wearing canvas construction made it a surprisingly durable accessory. In the 1960s, the bag was rechristened as the Boat and Tote. To celebrate the rebranding, a range of exciting colorways was released.
During the 1980s, the tote enjoyed a new lease of life as a merchandising tool. Cheap canvas totes emblazoned with company logos proved effective at marketing, with New York-based bookstore The Strand thought to be the first business to roll out the tote for this purpose.
That same decade, the tote finally migrated from a budget-friendly basic to an elegant accessory with the release of the Hermès Birkin bag. Still considered something of a status symbol, it’s one of the most sought-after totes on the market, with many bags retailing for five-figure sums.
Today, just about every major label has at least one tote design in their collection. Gucci, Saint Laurent, and Dior all boast standout totes designed with the luxury market in mind. Meanwhile, you’ll find plenty of affordable alternatives from entry-level brands, making a stylish tote an incredibly accessible accessory.
Top 3 Tote Bag Styles That Everyone Is Loving
Ready to restock your accessories with a new tote? Below are three essential styles worth giving a try.
Minimalist Tote Bags: Clean Lines and Practicality
If you like to keep things understated, go with a simple tote with stripped-back details. With fewer adornments, that classic tote silhouette can shine through, while showcasing the fine finish of premium materials like leather.
Sustainable Tote Bags: Eco-Friendly and Stylish
If you’re seeking a green alternative to man-made materials and leather, there are plenty of eco-friendly tote alternatives on the market. Enjoy the classic finish of cowhide with a vegan leather tote, or stick to wholly natural materials like cotton when selecting yours.
Oversized Tote Bags: For Work and Weekend Getaways
Totes are already on the large side, but an oversized design can serve as the perfect substitute for bulky luggage if you’re heading away on a trip. Offering plenty of space for multiple garments and all your favorite accessories, they’re the perfect choice for a weekend escape.
The Best Materials for Tote Bags in 2025
As far as the tote market is concerned, there are plenty of premium materials trending in 2025. If you’re looking for a classic finish but still want to remain eco-friendly, there’s vegan leather. For something lightweight and hard-wearing, opt for recycled polyester. Then of course there are go-to favorites like rugged canvas, while organic cotton should appeal to the eco-conscious shopper.
Tote Bags for Different Occasions: Finding Your Perfect Match
One of the biggest draws of the tote bag is its versatility. Even with only a single tote in your collection, you’ll have a bag for any occasion. Heading into the office and facing a daunting commute? You’ll never have to travel without those everyday essentials with a handy tote at your side. Planning a shopping trip? Whether you’re hitting the sales racks or stocking up on groceries, the humble tote is your best friend. Trips to the beach, overnight stays, weekend escapes. Any adventure can be made easier with a tote in your inventory.
Tote Bag Colors and Patterns Dominating 2025
If you want to inject vibrancy into everyday looks, working a colorful tote into the mix is a great way to upgrade your look. Make a statement with vibrant red, energize an outfit with playful pink, or go for old-school sophistication with stylish silver. Prefer prints? Florals are back in fashion in 2025, while classic gridded patterns are also enjoying a resurgence in popularity.
Tote Bags vs. Backpacks in 2025: Which is Better for You?
Both totes and backpacks are practical choices if you’re looking for a new accessory. If you’re after maximum carrying convenience and portability, a backpack is a smart choice. However, if you’re searching for a stylish everyday companion to enhance your wardrobe, a tote is the obvious option. From heavy-duty utilitarian totes to more ornate designs, totes are a user-friendly and spacious choice for those looking for their next go-to bag.
How Tote Bags Are Supporting Sustainable Fashion
Tote bags are built to last, making them a great pick if you’re looking to embrace sustainability. Whether they’re made from hard-wearing canvas or premium leather, tote bags are designed to cope with heavy hauls and hold up well to regular wear and tear. Perfect if you’re searching for a bag that will serve you well through 2025 and beyond.
Choosing the Right Tote for Your Needs
In the market for a new tote? First, ask yourself how big you need your new accessory to be. Compact totes are perfect companions to eveningwear and everyday errands, while larger designs are a better fit for traveling and work. Next, you’ll want to think about materials. There’s genuine leather if you’re after something luxurious and long-lasting, but organic cotton and recycled fabrics are the better choices if you’re searching for something more environmentally friendly.
Quality craftsmanship is also important. You’ll get more use out of fully lined bags with reinforced seams, while integrated straps make totes a particularly durable option. Finally, consider color. Vibrant reds and intense blues are ideal if you’re out to make a statement, while timeless black means you’ve got a versatile staple that can be worn alongside any outfit.
Why Hulken Tote Bags Are a Must-Have in 2025
Decided to take the tote route with your next accessory? Why not welcome the Hulken to your collection? This rolling tote stands out from the competition with its generous carrying capacity and robust design, with reinforced base and industrial-grade materials making it particularly sturdy. Available in three classic sizes, there’s a Hulken for every occasion, while the open-plan interior means you have endless packing configurations with whichto play around.
Worried you’re going to struggle to get around with a large tote at your side? Don’t be. The Hulken comes with handy swivel wheels with a 360-degree rotation, meaning you can turn sharp corners or zip through busy streets with minimal fuss. Made from stainless steel, these wheels are designed to withstand all manner of surfaces, from grass to sidewalk.
Looking for a particular color? The Hulken comes in a dazzling array of color options. Go with classic Black if you want a tote that will work with any outfit. Add some sophistication to your workwear wardrobe with stylish Silver or Rose Gold. For a more playful color pop, the Hulken also comes available in Beautyblender Pink, Cosmic Red, and Midnight Blue.
Already picked out your favorite shade? Explore the entire range online at the official Hulken store. Alternatively, snap up yours at the Hulken Amazon storefront.
