“It’s a man’s bag!”
In a season five episode of Friends called “The One With Joey’s Bag,” Rachel lends Joey a leather shoulder bag for an audition, but the rest of the gang can’t stop teasing him about his “purse.”
A man with a bag, har har!
That episode aired in—brace yourself—1999. Luckily for all of us, both humor and menswear have come a long way since then.
In the year of our lord 2025, a guy with a bag is as ubiquitous as a woman with a bag. It’s a non-point. As Joey would say, it’s moo.
It’s not about having a bag—it’s about which bag. Which is where SG comes in!
Yes, Backpacks are practical and deeply functional. And crossbody bags are having a moment, too. Messenger bags feel about as dated as a Friends reference and briefcases are just, well, stuffy!
For an all-around hero piece, reach for a classic canvas tote. Especially in summer!
The gold standard? L.L. Bean’s iconic Boat and Tote. Sturdy, stylish, customizable and eternally cool—this is our “desert island” bag for men and women alike (though, of course your brand options are as endless as your ironic monogram options).
The largest sizes work great as weekend bags. You can also pick up a smaller size perfect for lugging around farmer’s market finds, or your laptop and a book during a day on the go.
With different handle lengths, options for a zip or open top, extra straps and even camo versions for guys still on the “but is it a purse?!” fence—you’ve got plenty to pick from!
Ahead, we’ve rounded up some stylish inspiration for how to style a tote bag, plus our favorite picks, from L.L. Bean and beyond.
How to style a canvas tote bag
With denim on denim
Can you see me making the chef’s kiss gesture on the other side of the screen? This pairing of a well-worn chambray shirt and straight leg jeans plus the oversized tote with just a hint of olive green is the platonic ideal of elevated casual dressing.
With a camo jacket and canvas sneakers
For a day out that could include everything from a grocery run to a park hang, layer up a rugged camo jacket with your favorite tee and summer-y canvas sneakers.
With a baseball hat and clogs
Will all the Birkenstock Boston fans please stand up? (It’s me, I’m standing!)
A suede pair looks especially cool with a pair of oversized shorts and a pop-of-color hat.
With a Breton stripe tee and jeans
A foundation of classic pieces makes it easy to experiment—like with some personalized bag charms and a bucket hat.
With corduroy shorts and a chore coat
Butter yellow socks? Check. Madras plaid hat? Check. Bandana? You bet it’s a check.
Accessories are the special sauce in this look, and a rugged tote helps keep it all grounded.
With a bandana and camp shirt
When the name of the game is relaxed—your tote should be too. An easy-fitting camp shirt and loose chinos feel so right with a slouchy striped tote.
L.L. Bean
Boat and Tote, Open-Top – Medium
L.L. Bean
Boat and Tote, Open-Top – Medium
L.L. Bean
Boat and Tote, Zip-Top – Medium
L.L. Bean
Boat and Tote, Zip-Top – Large
L.L. Bean
Hunter’s Tote Bag, Open-Top
L.L. Bean
Nor’easter Tote Bag
L.L. Bean
Nor’easter Tote Bag, Open-Top
Other bags
lululemon
Multi-Pocket Canvas Tote Bag 20L
Carhartt WIP
Canby Tote Bag
FEED x Katie Kime
Hamptons Bag
Lands’ End
