ShoreBags

  • All Products
  • Sports & Fitness
  • Weddings & Events
  • New at the Shore
  • Corporate Gifts

canvas tote yacht

SPRING CATALOG

Our new styles and colors for Spring

canvas tote yacht

ShoreBags Classic Tote Large

ShoreBags Classic Tote Large - is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.

These ShoreBags large classic totes hold just about anything! Made from sustainable raw materials, our durable natural canvas makes them sturdy and strong enough for the heaviest loads.  Fully lined with pockets to organize your things, you'll find endless ways to use these. Choose from 15 bright trim colors to suit your style. NOTE: Purple is preorder only: shipping July 10.

  • Heavyweight cotton canvas
  • Double reinforced straps and bottom 
  • A colored zippered top keeps items secure
  • 360-degree interior pockets to keep smaller items organized
  • Outside slip pocket for easy access to your keys or phone

Closeout "Final Few" items are nonreturnable, final sale. 

Customer Reviews

I love these tote bags. Great quality. I have bought 7 and give them as gifts.

Quality product and a great price! Well made durable construction. Very qick turnaround also. Received my order the same week that I placed it. Highly recommend!

Love it! It’s a great size, love that it zips and that it has pockets inside and out. Very sturdy.

Top quality. Comfortable straps and sturdy

This tote is exceptional quality. The color is bright and it is everything we were looking for. Definitely checked all the boxes for size, functionality, attractiveness, and value. Customer service is great too!

  • Share on Facebook
  • Twitter Share on Twitter
  • Pinterest Pin it

Shipping is on us

Enter the code FREESHIP for free shipping on retail orders of $75 or more

Discover More

  • Private Label & Custom Design
  • Sustainability
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions

canvas tote yacht

A maximum of 8 logos have been uploaded. Please remove a logo from My Logos to continue

canvas tote yacht

  • Product Specsheet
  • Decoration Spec Sheet

Email this page

  • Select color
  • BurntOrange
  • ClassicNavy
  • OrangeSherbet
  • PaleLavender
  • WarmDarkGray
  • Type your text into the field
  • Select a font from the dropdown list
  • Choose a font size - 60 or larger usually looks better
  • Choose a color for the text from the Fill dropdown
  • If you want a stroked outline around the text choose an outline color from the dropdown
  • Select the Bold or Italic buttons if you want your text styled this way
  • Arc Options:
  • Choose Semi circle to have the text laid out in a half circle, the scale of the font will be changed so that the text begins and ends at the horizontal line (from 9 o'clock to 3 o'clock)
  • Choose Full Circle and the text will start at the 9 o'clock position and will scale to wrap a full circle
  • Note that if an arc option is selected, the text size will default to 20. The size can be manually adjusted when the logo is displayed on the image.

Upload your own Logo

Select Transparency Threshold

The size of the logo file must be less than 2 megabytes (2097152 bytes) Logo files larger than 2 megabytes will not be uploaded.

  • Click the Choose File button to open the dialog box.
  • Choose the image file you want to upload and click the Open button. (These image formats are acceptable: jpeg, gif, png.)
  • MAKE SURE THERE ARE NO NON-ALPHANUMERIC CHARACTERS IN THE FILE NAME
  • Enter desired transparency threshold value. (See note on Transparency Threshold below for more information.)
  • Click the Upload button.
  • You can adjust the logo size, placement and rotation once the upload is complete by clicking on the logo within the main image.
  • Ideally uploaded logos must have a transparent background. If your logo does not have this property you can optionally have its background be made transparent provided it is white (or 'near' white) by entering a transparency threshold value. A threshold value of 0 will make transparent all pixels with RGB values where the R, G, and B components are all exactly 255, i.e., only white pixels will be transparent. On the other hand, a non-zero value, say N, will make transparent all pixels with RGB values where the R, G, and B components have values from (255-N) to 255, i.e., white as well as 'near' white pixels will be transparent.

Clip Art Images

Please Note: The clip art library items listed below are shown as examples only and the exact artwork is not available for ordering on products. Use of this artwork in submitted orders will result in an inquiry of what actual artwork may be available for product decoration.

You can click on a clip art image to preview in a new tab, or click the 'Select' button to select it as one of your logos.

You can maintain up to 8 alternate logos to choose from to decorate product images. If 8 logos have been created, you must delete a logo from this page before uploading any further logos.

To delete a logo, click on the remove icon at the top right of the logo thumbnail.

To add a logo to the product, click on the thumbnail image. Please note that only one logo can be displayed on a product at any one time.

Brand Logo

Product Description

Perfect for the beach, shopping and events, these durable totes have open tops, contrast handles and contrast bottoms for classic good looks.

  • 15.5-ounce, 100% cotton canvas body; 11-ounce, 100% cotton canvas handle trim and bottom
  • Sturdy, reinforced webbing handles
  • Exterior front pocket for easy decoration access
  • Interior hanging pocket with hook and loop closure to secure valuables
  • Dimensions: 13.25"h x 12"w x 6.25"d; Approx. 994 cubic inches

Note: Bags not intended for use by children 12 and under. SanMar bags manufactured prior to August 31, 2018 include a Social Responsibility and Prop 65  hangtag .  SanMar bags manufactured after August 31, 2018 will not include a hangtag.

Product Companions

BG413

Browser incompatibility

Sorry, this web browser is not compatible with the logoizer, please try another web browser

Required Fields

Up to five email addresses allowed, separated by a comma. Port Authority respects your privacy, and these addresses will not be shared.

Send me a copy

Email this Page Successful

Confirmation message

  • Where to Buy
  • Other Brands
  • Terms of Use
  • Product Safety
  • Supply Chain Disclosure
  • 1-603-647-7171

cart

Shop by Size

  • Extra Large
  • SHOP ALL PRODUCTS

Shop By Use

  • Promotional & Giveaways
  • Grocery & Market
  • Retail & Shopping
  • Wine , Beer & Distilleries
  • Schools & Universities
  • Corporate & Event Gift Bags
  • Premium & High-End Styling

Shop by Style

  • Traditional Tote Bags
  • Bottle Totes
  • Boat Bags & Two Tone Totes
  • Zipper Pouches
  • Plain - Ready to Ship
  • Preprinted - Ready to Ship
  • Our Materials
  • Get a Quote
  • How to Order
  • Tote Gallery

Enviro-Tote manufactures heavy duty, American-made canvas boat bags in multiple sizes and styles. All boat totes can be custom-printed with your logo or design to showcase your brand or event. Each boat tote bag is made to your specifications with any of our materials from natural, organic, or recycled cotton to recycled bottles (PET) originating from the polyester industry. We can also produce custom sizes, with pockets or zippers, too! Get pricing by clicking on any style below or call us for assistance.

mini-two-tone-tote-black-handles-base

Mini Two-Tone Tote

10″ wide x 7″ high x 3″ gussed with 13” Spun Poly handles

canvas tote yacht

Small Two-Tone Tote

15″ wide x 12″ high x 4″ gusset with 25″ Spun Poly handles

canvas tote yacht

Medium Two-Tone Tote

18″ wide x 14″ high x 4″ gusset with 25” Spun Poly handles

canvas tote yacht

Large Two-Tone Tote

20″ wide x 16″ high x 4″ gusset with 25″ Spun Poly handles

Three-Panel-Bag-Small-Natural-Navy-Sides-and-Handles-Large-Traditional-Heat-Transfer-Full-Bleed

Small Three-Panel Tote

11”w x 13”h x 4”g with 25” Spun Poly handles

Three-Panel-Bag-Large-Natural-Navy-Handles-Sides-White-Print-on-Side.

Large Three-Panel Tote

14″ wide x 15″ high x 6.5″ gusset with 25″ Spun Poly handles

canvas tote yacht

Mini Boat Bag

10″ wide x 7″ high x 3″ gusset with 13″ hand-sewn handles

canvas tote yacht

Small Boat Bag

15″ wide x 12″ high x 4″ gusset with 25″ hand-sewn handles

canvas tote yacht

Medium Boat Bag

18″ wide x 14″ high x 4″ gusset with 25″ hand-sewn handles

canvas tote yacht

Large Boat Bag

20″ wide x 16″ high x 4″ gusset with 25″ hand-sewn handles

canvas tote yacht

Extra Large Boat Bag

23″wide x 16″ high x 7″ gusset with 25″ hand-sewn handles

Custom branded tote bags can be printed with your logo or design in a variety of ways to best suit your artwork, and we also provide design assistance. See our Art Specs page for more information.

  • Screen printing
  • Heat transfer
  • Direct-to-garment (DTG)
  • Dye sublimation

Made in your choice of high-quality, durable materials in dozens of colors:

  •   Natural, organic, or recycled cotton – lightweight or heavy-duty canvas
  •   Recycled bottles (PET) originating from the plastics industry

Find your product then get a price with Build Your Bags or contact us for a custom quote . Bulk discounts may be available for large quantity orders.

  • Be a Consultant
  • Host a Party
  • Find a Consultant
  • Stay Connected

United States

Canvas Boat Tote - Hibiscus Pink Colorblock

Canvas Boat Tote - Hibiscus Pink Colorblock $95.00

Canvas Carryall Tote - Hibiscus Pink Colorblock

Canvas Carryall Tote - Hibiscus Pink Colorblock $69.00

New Horizons Tote - Marine Blue Stripe

New Horizons Tote - Marine Blue Stripe $65.00

Canvas Zipper Pouch - Hibiscus Pink Colorblock

Canvas Zipper Pouch - Hibiscus Pink Colorblock $19.00

Canvas Carryall Tote - Caribbean Blue Colorblock

Canvas Carryall Tote - Caribbean Blue Colorblock $69.00

New Horizons Tote - Sedona Stripe

New Horizons Tote - Sedona Stripe $65.00

Canvas Carryall Tote - Navy Colorblock

Canvas Carryall Tote - Navy Colorblock $69.00

Canvas Boat Tote - Navy Colorblock

Canvas Boat Tote - Navy Colorblock $95.00

Canvas Boat Tote - Black Colorblock

Canvas Boat Tote - Black Colorblock $95.00

Canvas Boat Tote - Caribbean Blue Colorblock

Canvas Boat Tote - Caribbean Blue Colorblock $95.00

Canvas Carryall Tote - Black Colorblock

Canvas Carryall Tote - Black Colorblock $69.00

Canvas Zipper Pouch - Black Colorblock

Canvas Zipper Pouch - Black Colorblock $19.00

Canvas Zipper Pouch - Navy Colorblock

Canvas Zipper Pouch - Navy Colorblock $19.00

Canvas Boat Tote - Whisper Grey Colorblock

Canvas Boat Tote - Whisper Grey Colorblock $95.00

Canvas Boat Tote - Warm Sand Colorblock

Canvas Boat Tote - Warm Sand Colorblock $95.00

Canvas Boat Tote - Neon Pink Colorblock

Canvas Boat Tote - Neon Pink Colorblock $95.00

Canvas Carryall Tote - Whisper Grey Colorblock

Canvas Carryall Tote - Whisper Grey Colorblock $69.00

Canvas Zipper Pouch - Coastal Red Colorblock

Canvas Zipper Pouch - Coastal Red Colorblock $19.00 $12.99

New Horizons Tote - Warm Sand Stripe

New Horizons Tote - Warm Sand Stripe $65.00

Canvas Boat Tote - Coastal Red Colorblock

Canvas Boat Tote - Coastal Red Colorblock $95.00

Canvas Carryall Tote - Coastal Red Colorblock

Canvas Carryall Tote - Coastal Red Colorblock $69.00 $39.99

Canvas Zipper Pouch - Whisper Grey Colorblock

Canvas Zipper Pouch - Whisper Grey Colorblock $19.00

Sign up for email to stay connected!

*I acknowledge that I am entering my own email address.

Icon of a delivery truck

It's time to upgrade your browser

Your current browser is no longer supported on llbean.com. Please upgrade to one of the following for a smoother, safer shopping experience with us:

Chrome's Logo

MICROSOFT EDGE

Boat and Tote®, Open-Top

Boat and Tote®, Open-Top 4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 6567 Reviews | Write a Review

main, view 1 of 12

Save 15%: Purchase price is $29.71 upon approval of the L.L.Bean Mastercard. Learn More

 Color Option: Antique Olive, $34.95.

Extra-Large

Free shipping with $75 purchase..

Product thumbnail

Product Details

There's only one Boat and Tote - ours. From the heavyweight canvas to the reinforced handles to the double-stitched seams, nothing compares to our Boat and Tote. Still crafted in Maine, one tote at a time.

  • Capacity: Approx. 504 cu. in., 8 L.
  • Dimensions: 10½"H x 9½"W x 5"D.
  • Handles: Regular: 5". Long: 14".
  • Capacity: Approx. 1,008 cu. in., 17 L.
  • Dimensions: 12"H x 13"W x 6"D.
  • Handles: Regular 6", Long 14".
  • Capacity: Approx. 2,124 cu. in., 35 L.
  • Dimensions: 15"H x 17"W x 7½"D.
  • Handles: Regular 8", Long 14".
  • Capacity: Approx. 3,400 cu. in., 56 L.
  • Dimensions: 17"H x 19"W x 10"D.
  • Handles: Regular 10", Long 14".

Introduced as Bean's Ice Carrier way back in 1944, the Boat and Tote was billed as a bag made of builders' canvas for hauling ice "from car to ice chest." Today you can spot our iconic tote doing heavy lifting everywhere - from the grocery store to the beach, to the library and commuter train. Tested to hold up to 500 pounds, it'll carry more than you can carry. We promise.

  • Spot clean.
  • Heavy-duty 24 oz. cotton canvas.
  • Double-layer base.
  • Handles tested to hold up to 500 pounds.
  • Reinforced flat canvas bottom.
  • Overlapped seams are double-stitched with nylon so they won't rot or break.
  • Handcrafted in Maine since 1944, one tote at a time.
  • Natural color, with contrast-tone handles in your choice of lengths.
  • Add a monogram for a personal touch (or the perfect gift).
  • Made in Maine.

WARNING Cancer and Reproductive Harm. www.P65Warnings.ca.gov

canvas tote yacht

Logo Embroidery & Volume Discounts

Personalize this product with your company or group logo. Makes the perfect gift for employee recognition. Plus, SAVE UP TO 20% with volume discounts.

L.L.BEAN FOR BUSINESS

boat and tote images, stitched on machine, vintage photo of woman stitching, original boat and tote catalog presentation, 80th anniversary Boat and tote

Happy 80th to Our Iconic Tote!

Introduced in 1944 as Bean’s Ice Carrier for hauling ice “from car to ice chest,” our legendary tote has been loved ever since. There’s still nothing that compares to the original—from the heavyweight canvas to the double-stitched seams. Still made in Maine, one tote at a time.

SEE THE COLLECTION

boat and tote images, stitched on machine, vintage photo of woman stitching, original boat and tote catalog presentation, 80th anniversary Boat and tote

Customer Reviews

Workaday LL Bean Boat and Tote becomes trendy bag of the moment

by DAVID SHARP Associated Press

Gracie Wiener poses with some of her tote bags in Washington Square Park in New York, Wednesday, July 17, 2024, (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)

FREEPORT, Maine (AP) — L.L. Bean created it 80 years ago to haul heavy blocks of ice. Now it's a must-have summer fashion accessory.

The simple, sturdy canvas bag called the Boat and Tote is having an extended moment 80 years after its introduction, thanks to a social media trend in which they're monogrammed with ironic or flashy phrases.

New Yorker Gracie Wiener helped get it started by ordering her humble bags from L.L. Bean monogrammed with "Psycho" and then "Prada," the pricey Italian luxury brand, instead of just her name or initials, and posting about them on Instagram. Then others began showcasing their own unique bags on TikTok.

Soon, it wasn't enough to have a bag monogrammed with "Schlepper," "HOT MESS," "slayyyy" or "cool mom." Customers began testing the limits of the human censors in L.L. Bean's monogram department, which bans profanity "or other objectionable words or phrases," with more provocative wording like "Bite me," "Dum Blonde" and "Ambitchous."

Social media fueled the surge, just as it did for Stanley's tumblers and Trader Joe's $2.99 canvas bags, which were once selling on eBay for $200, said Beth Goldstein, an analyst at Circana, which tracks consumer spending and trends.

The tote's revival came at a time when price-conscious consumers were forgoing expensive handbags, sales of which have weakened, and L.L. Bean's bag fit the bill as a functional item that's trendy precisely because it's not trendy, she said. L.L. Bean's regular bags top out at about $55, though some fancier versions cost upward of $100.

"There's a trend toward the utilitarian, the simple things and more accessible price points," she said, and the customization added to the appeal: "Status items don't have to be designer price points."

L.L. Bean's tote was first advertised in a catalog as Bean's Ice Carrier in 1944 during World War II, when ice chests were common. Then they disappeared before being reintroduced in 1965 as the Boat and Tote.

These days, they're still made in Maine and are still capable of hauling 500 pounds of ice, but they are far more likely to carry laptops, headphones, groceries, books, beach gear, travel essentials and other common items.

Those snarky, pop-oriented phrases transformed them into a sassy essential and helped them spread beyond Maine, Massachusetts' Cape Cod and other New England enclaves to places like Los Angeles and New York City, where fashionistas like Gwyneth Paltrow, Reese Witherspoon and Sarah Jessica Parker are toting them — but not necessarily brandished with ironic phrases.

"It's just one of those things that makes people smile and makes people laugh, and it's unexpected," said Wiener, who got it all started with her @ironicboatandtote Instagram page, which she started as a fun side hustle from her job as social media manager for Air Mail, a digital publication launched by former Vanity Fair Editor-in-Chief Graydon Carter.

The folks at L.L. Bean were both stunned and pleased by the continuing growth. For the past two years, the Boat and Tote has been L.L. Bean's No. 1 contributor to luring in new customers, and sales grew 64% from fiscal years 2021 to 2023, spokesperson Amanda Hannah said.

The surge in popularity is reminiscent of L.L. Bean's traditional hunting shoe, the iconic staple for trudging through rain and muck, which enjoyed its own moment a few years back, driven by college students.

canvas tote yacht

canvas tote yacht

Historic utility AND high fashion. 80-year-old LL Bean staple finds a new audience as a trendy bag

F REEPORT, Maine (AP) — L.L. Bean created it 80 years ago to haul heavy blocks of ice. Now it's a must-have summer fashion accessory.

The simple, sturdy canvas bag called the Boat and Tote is having an extended moment 80 years after its introduction, thanks to a social media trend in which they're monogrammed with ironic or flashy phrases.

New Yorker Gracie Wiener helped get it started by ordering her humble bags from L.L. Bean monogrammed with “Psycho” and then “Prada,” the pricey Italian luxury brand, instead of just her name or initials, and posting about them on Instagram. Then others began showcasing their own unique bags on TikTok.

Soon, it wasn’t enough to have a bag monogrammed with “Schlepper,” “HOT MESS,” “slayyyy” or “cool mom.” Customers began testing the limits of the human censors in L.L. Bean’s monogram department, which bans profanity “or other objectionable words or phrases,” with more provocative wording like “Bite me,” “Dum Blonde” and “Ambitchous.”

Social media fueled the surge, just as it did for Stanley’s tumblers and Trader Joe’s $2.99 canvas bags, which were once selling on eBay for $200, said Beth Goldstein, an analyst at Circana, which tracks consumer spending and trends.

The tote’s revival came at a time when price-conscious consumers were forgoing expensive handbags, sales of which have weakened, and L.L. Bean’s bag fit the bill as a functional item that’s trendy precisely because it’s not trendy, she said. L.L. Bean's regular bags top out at about $55, though some fancier versions cost upward of $100.

“There’s a trend toward the utilitarian, the simple things and more accessible price points,” she said, and the customization added to the appeal: “Status items don’t have to be designer price points.”

L.L. Bean’s tote was first advertised in a catalog as Bean’s Ice Carrier in 1944 during World War II, when ice chests were common. Then they disappeared before being reintroduced in 1965 as the Boat and Tote.

These days, they’re still made in Maine and are still capable of hauling 500 pounds of ice, but they are far more likely to carry laptops, headphones, groceries, books, beach gear, travel essentials and other common items.

Those snarky, pop-oriented phrases transformed them into a sassy essential and helped them spread beyond Maine, Massachusetts’ Cape Cod and other New England enclaves to places like Los Angeles and New York City, where fashionistas like Gwyneth Paltrow, Reese Witherspoon and Sarah Jessica Parker are toting them — but not necessarily brandished with ironic phrases.

“It’s just one of those things that makes people smile and makes people laugh, and it’s unexpected,” said Wiener, who got it all started with her @ironicboatandtote Instagram page, which she started as a fun side hustle from her job as social media manager for Air Mail, a digital publication launched by former Vanity Fair Editor-in-Chief Graydon Carter.

The folks at L.L. Bean were both stunned and pleased by the continuing growth. For the past two years, the Boat and Tote has been L.L. Bean’s No. 1 contributor to luring in new customers, and sales grew 64% from fiscal years 2021 to 2023, spokesperson Amanda Hannah said.

The surge in popularity is reminiscent of L.L. Bean’s traditional hunting shoe, the iconic staple for trudging through rain and muck, which enjoyed its own moment a few years back, driven by college students.

Canvas Tote LL Bean Fashion

How an 80-year-old tote bag became the latest fashion accessory

Gracie Wiener poses with some of her tote bags in Washington Square Park in New York, on July 17, 2024.

L.L. Bean created it 80 years ago to haul heavy blocks of ice. Now it’s a must-have summer fashion accessory.

The simple, sturdy canvas bag called the Boat and Tote is having an extended moment 80 years after its introduction, thanks to a social media trend in which they’re monogrammed with ironic or flashy phrases.

New Yorker Gracie Wiener helped get it started by ordering her humble bags from L.L. Bean monogrammed with “Psycho” and then “Prada,” the pricey Italian luxury brand, instead of just her name or initials, and posting about them on Instagram . Then others began showcasing their own unique bags on TikTok.

Soon, it wasn’t enough to have a bag monogrammed with “Schlepper,” “HOT MESS,” “slayyyy” or “cool mom.” Customers began testing the limits of the human censors in L.L. Bean’s monogram department, which bans profanity “or other objectionable words or phrases,” with more provocative wording like “Bite me,” “Dum Blonde” and “Ambitchous.”

Social media fueled the surge, just as it did for Stanley’s tumblers and Trader Joe’s $2.99 canvas bags, which were once selling on eBay for $200, said Beth Goldstein, an analyst at Circana, which tracks consumer spending and trends.

The tote’s revival came at a time when price-conscious consumers were forgoing expensive handbags, sales of which have weakened, and L.L. Bean’s bag fit the bill as a functional item that’s trendy precisely because it’s not trendy, she said. L.L. Bean’s regular bags top out at about $55, though some fancier versions cost upward of $100.

“There’s a trend toward the utilitarian, the simple things and more accessible price points,” she said, and the customization added to the appeal: “Status items don’t have to be designer price points.”

L.L. Bean’s tote was first advertised in a catalog as Bean’s Ice Carrier in 1944 during World War II, when ice chests were common. Then they disappeared before being reintroduced in 1965 as the Boat and Tote.

These days, they’re still made in Maine and are still capable of hauling 500 pounds of ice, but they are far more likely to carry laptops, headphones, groceries, books, beach gear, travel essentials and other common items.

Those snarky, pop-oriented phrases transformed them into a sassy essential and helped them spread beyond Maine, Massachusetts’ Cape Cod and other New England enclaves to places like Los Angeles and New York City, where fashionistas like Gwyneth Paltrow, Reese Witherspoon and Sarah Jessica Parker are toting them — but not necessarily brandished with ironic phrases.

“It’s just one of those things that makes people smile and makes people laugh, and it’s unexpected,” said Wiener, who got it all started with her @ironicboatandtote Instagram page, which she started as a fun side hustle from her job as social media manager for Air Mail, a digital publication launched by former Vanity Fair Editor-in-Chief Graydon Carter.

The folks at L.L. Bean were both stunned and pleased by the continuing growth. For the past two years, the Boat and Tote has been L.L. Bean’s No. 1 contributor to luring in new customers, and sales grew 64% from fiscal years 2021 to 2023, spokesperson Amanda Hannah said.

The surge in popularity is reminiscent of L.L. Bean’s traditional hunting shoe, the iconic staple for trudging through rain and muck, which enjoyed its own moment a few years back, driven by college students.

Latest in Retail

Customers walk by the membership counter at Costco.

Costco’s $80 ‘apocalypse bucket’ is packed with food that can last for 25 years

David Neeleman speaks with his hands in front of him while sitting in front of a colorful backdrop.

Pilots are ditching top captain jobs in favor of $200,000 second-in-command gigs with better work-life balance, JetBlue founder says

Gracie Wiener poses with some of her tote bags in Washington Square Park in New York, on July 17, 2024.

Pasta, steaks, and now chicka-chicka-boom-boom enchiladas. Olive Garden parent adds Tex-Mex to the menu

J.D. Vance signs a copy of his book Hillbilly Elegy for a woman during his campaign for Senate.

J.D. Vance’s memoir is back on the bestseller list—and getting review-bombed—after Trump tapped him for VP

A group of fans in blue and white shirts cheer with their arms in the air.

Britain’s young football fans are ditching their sloppy drunk reputation—and are leading the charge for alcohol-free beer

Most popular.

canvas tote yacht

Anti-tourist backlash in Europe causes cruise ships to change course

canvas tote yacht

Southwest Airlines is floundering because passengers will pay to not ‘fight for a seat,’ JetBlue founder says

canvas tote yacht

Chinese magnate with a red Lamborghini and superyacht convicted for bilking $1 billion from investors

canvas tote yacht

Jamie Dimon says whoever is elected president can’t sit in denial and must realize ’we have a problem’ with national debt

canvas tote yacht

Chase’s plan to charge for checking accounts—and how consumers might respond

canvas tote yacht

Former American Express CEO says business leaders are too scared to tell Trump what they really think of him: ‘They greatly fear there will be retribution’

canvas tote yacht

Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel

Account Subscription: ACTIVE

Questions about your account? Our customer service team can be reached at [email protected] during business hours at (207) 791-6000 .

  • Nation & World

Historic utility, high fashion: 80-year-old L.L. Bean staple finds new audience

The tote’s revival came at a time when price-conscious consumers were forgoing expensive handbags.

Resize Font

You are able to gift 5 more articles this month.

Anyone can access the link you share with no account required. Learn more .

With a Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel subscription, you can gift 5 articles each month.

It looks like you do not have any active subscriptions. To get one, go to the subscriptions page .

Loading....

Canvas Tote LL Bean Fashion

Gracie Wiener holding some of her tote bags Wednesday in Washington Square Park in New York. Pamela Smith/Associated Press

FREEPORT — L.L. Bean created it 80 years ago to haul heavy blocks of ice. Now it’s a must-have summer fashion accessory.

The simple, sturdy canvas bag called the Boat and Tote is having an extended moment 80 years after its introduction, thanks to a social media trend in which they’re monogrammed with ironic or flashy phrases.

New Yorker Gracie Wiener helped get it started by ordering her humble bags from L.L. Bean monogrammed with “Psycho” and then “Prada,” the pricey Italian luxury brand, instead of just her name or initials, and posting about them on Instagram. Then others began showcasing their own unique bags on TikTok.

Soon, it wasn’t enough to have a bag monogrammed with “Schlepper,” “HOT MESS,” “slayyyy” or “cool mom.” Customers began testing the limits of the human censors in L.L. Bean’s monogram department, which bans profanity “or other objectionable words or phrases,” with more provocative wording like “Bite me,” “Dum Blonde” and “Ambitchous.”

Social media fueled the surge, just as it did for Stanley’s tumblers and Trader Joe’s $2.99 canvas bags, which were once selling on eBay for $200, said Beth Goldstein, an analyst at Circana, which tracks consumer spending and trends.

The tote’s revival came at a time when price-conscious consumers were forgoing expensive handbags, sales of which have weakened, and L.L. Bean’s bag fits the bill as a functional item that’s trendy precisely because it’s not trendy, she said. L.L. Bean’s regular bags top out at about $55, though some fancier versions cost upward of $100. Advertisement

“There’s a trend toward the utilitarian, the simple things and more accessible price points,” she said, and the customization added to the appeal: “Status items don’t have to be designer price points.”

L.L. Bean’s tote was first advertised in a catalog as Bean’s Ice Carrier in 1944 during World War II when ice chests were common. Then they disappeared before being reintroduced in 1965 as the Boat and Tote.

These days, they’re still made in Maine and are still capable of hauling 500 pounds of ice, but they are far more likely to carry laptops, headphones, groceries, books, beach gear, travel essentials and other common items.

Those snarky, pop-oriented phrases transformed them into a sassy essential and helped them spread beyond Maine, Massachusetts’ Cape Cod and other New England enclaves to places like Los Angeles and New York City, where fashionistas like Gwyneth Paltrow, Reese Witherspoon and Sarah Jessica Parker are toting them – but not necessarily brandished with ironic phrases.

“It’s just one of those things that makes people smile and makes people laugh, and it’s unexpected,” said Wiener, who got it all started with her @ironicboatandtote Instagram page, which she started as a fun side hustle from her job as social media manager for Air Mail, a digital publication launched by former Vanity Fair Editor-in-Chief Graydon Carter.

The folks at L.L. Bean were both stunned and pleased by the continuing growth. For the past two years, the Boat and Tote has been L.L. Bean’s No. 1 contributor to luring in new customers, and sales grew 64% from fiscal years 2021 to 2023, spokesperson Amanda Hannah said.

The surge in popularity is reminiscent of L.L. Bean’s traditional hunting shoe, the iconic staple for trudging through rain and muck, which enjoyed its own moment a few years back, driven by college students.

Related Headlines

L.L.Bean tied up in lawsuit claiming it copied ‘graceful’ design of Skechers sneakers

Modify your screen name

Join the Conversation

Please sign into your CentralMaine.com account to participate in conversations below. If you do not have an account, you can register or subscribe . Questions? Please see our FAQs .

Your commenting screen name has been updated.

Send questions/comments to the editors.

Daily Headlines

  • Enter your email
  • Email This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Member Log In

Please enter your username and password below. Already a subscriber but don't have one? Click here .

Not a subscriber? Click here to see your options

Clouds

Bangor Daily News

Maine news, sports, politics, election results, and obituaries

80-year-old LL Bean staple finds a new audience as a trendy bag

Share this:.

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)

canvas tote yacht

L.L. Bean created it 80 years ago to haul heavy blocks of ice. Now it’s a must-have summer fashion accessory.

The simple, sturdy canvas bag called the Boat and Tote is having an extended moment 80 years after its introduction, thanks to a social media trend in which they’re monogrammed with ironic or flashy phrases.

New Yorker Gracie Wiener helped get it started by ordering her humble bags from L.L. Bean monogrammed with “Psycho” and then “Prada,” the pricey Italian luxury brand, instead of just her name or initials, and posting about them on Instagram. Then others began showcasing their own unique bags on TikTok.

Soon, it wasn’t enough to have a bag monogrammed with “Schlepper,” “HOT MESS,” “slayyyy” or “cool mom.” Customers began testing the limits of the human censors in L.L. Bean’s monogram department, which bans profanity “or other objectionable words or phrases,” with more provocative wording like “Bite me,” “Dum Blonde” and “Ambitchous.”

Social media fueled the surge, just as it did for Stanley’s tumblers and Trader Joe’s $2.99 canvas bags, which were once selling on eBay for $200, said Beth Goldstein, an analyst at Circana, which tracks consumer spending and trends.

The tote’s revival came at a time when price-conscious consumers were forgoing expensive handbags, sales of which have weakened, and L.L. Bean’s bag fit the bill as a functional item that’s trendy precisely because it’s not trendy, she said. L.L. Bean’s regular bags top out at about $55, though some fancier versions cost upward of $100.

“There’s a trend toward the utilitarian, the simple things and more accessible price points,” she said, and the customization added to the appeal: “Status items don’t have to be designer price points.”

L.L. Bean’s tote was first advertised in a catalog as Bean’s Ice Carrier in 1944 during World War II, when ice chests were common. Then they disappeared before being reintroduced in 1965 as the Boat and Tote.

These days, they’re still made in Maine and are still capable of hauling 500 pounds of ice, but they are far more likely to carry laptops, headphones, groceries, books, beach gear, travel essentials and other common items.

Those snarky, pop-oriented phrases transformed them into a sassy essential and helped them spread beyond Maine, Massachusetts’ Cape Cod and other New England enclaves to places like Los Angeles and New York City, where fashionistas like Gwyneth Paltrow, Reese Witherspoon and Sarah Jessica Parker are toting them — but not necessarily brandished with ironic phrases.

“It’s just one of those things that makes people smile and makes people laugh, and it’s unexpected,” said Wiener, who got it all started with her @ironicboatandtote Instagram page, which she started as a fun side hustle from her job as social media manager for Air Mail, a digital publication launched by former Vanity Fair Editor-in-Chief Graydon Carter.

The folks at L.L. Bean were both stunned and pleased by the continuing growth. For the past two years, the Boat and Tote has been L.L. Bean’s No. 1 contributor to luring in new customers, and sales grew 64 percent from fiscal years 2021 to 2023, spokesperson Amanda Hannah said.

The surge in popularity is reminiscent of L.L. Bean’s traditional hunting shoe, the iconic staple for trudging through rain and muck, which enjoyed its own moment a few years back, driven by college students.

Story by David Sharp.

More articles from the BDN

IMAGES

  1. Large Cotton Canvas Yacht Tote

    canvas tote yacht

  2. Large Cotton Canvas Yacht Tote

    canvas tote yacht

  3. Large Cotton Canvas Yacht Tote

    canvas tote yacht

  4. Classic Yacht Owners Regatta- Canvas Tote-Team One Newport

    canvas tote yacht

  5. Medium Cotton Canvas Yacht Tote Bag

    canvas tote yacht

  6. Medium Cotton Canvas Yacht Tote

    canvas tote yacht

COMMENTS

  1. Amazon.com: Canvas Boat Tote

    Zeghk Nautical Anchor Canvas Tote Bag, Nautical Gifts for Women, Boat Tote Bag, Anchor Gifts, Boating Gifts for Women, Cool Gifts for Boat Owners, Reusable Grocery Bags Shopping Bags $14.99 $ 14 . 99 FREE delivery Fri, Jun 14 on $35 of items shipped by Amazon

  2. Canvas Boat Totes

    Custom Medium Canvas Boat Tote Bag with Shadow Block Initial, Personalized Tote, Bachelorette Gift, Personalized Gift, Summer Tote. (16) $33.71. $67.44 (50% off)

  3. Canvas Boat Bags

    ShoreBags proudly has the largest collection of canvas boat bags, big canvas tote bags, medium-sized tote bags, monogrammed jute bags, and many more styles of bags. ... Perfect as a great beach bag or as a carry-on bag, these are one of the best canvas tote bags you'll find anywhere. Sort by Navy Black ...

  4. Canvas Boat Tote

    Personalized Boat Tote, Boat Tote, Monogram Canvas Tote Bag, Custom Tote Bag, Preppy Boat Tote Bag, Embossed, bride tote bag, bachelorette (340) Sale Price $32.00 $ 32.00

  5. Personalized Canvas Boat Tote Bag

    Custom Canvas Boat Tote Bag,Personalized Canvas Tote Bag,Preppy Embroidered Tote Bag,Monogram Canvas Tote Bag,School Bag,Gift for Her (212) $ 18.72. FREE shipping Add to Favorites Mini Crossbody Tote Bag Gift for Her Embroidered Personalized Small Boat Tote Ironic Totes Funny Bags (647) $ 42.50. FREE shipping ...

  6. Amazon.com: Canvas Boat Bags

    25" Extra Large Canvas Tote Bag Heavy Duty Roomy Zipper Grocery Shopping Carry Beach Boat Bag Handbag with Embroidered Anchor - Beige. 222. 50+ bought in past month. $2899. Save 5% with coupon. FREE delivery Mon, Jul 1 on $35 of items shipped by Amazon. Or fastest delivery Thu, Jun 27. +3.

  7. ShoreBags Classic Tote Large

    24 x 15 x 8.5. − +. Add to Cart. Pay in 4 interest-free installments of $18.75 with. Learn more. Learn more. Description. These ShoreBags large classic totes hold just about anything! Made from sustainable raw materials, our durable natural canvas makes them sturdy and strong enough for the heaviest loads.

  8. Port Authority Classic Large Cotton Canvas Boat Tote With Snap Closure

    Fits Laptop: No Laptop Pocket. Product Name: Port Authority Large Cotton Canvas Boat Tote - Natural/ Black. Care & Cleaning: Do Not Wash. Warranty: No Applicable Warranty. To obtain a copy of the manufacturer's or supplier's warranty for this item prior to purchasing the item, please call Target Guest Services at 1-800-591-3869. TCIN: 87332646.

  9. Amazon.com: Nautical Tote Bags

    Nautical Anchor Canvas Tote Bag for Women, Boat Bags and Totes for Women, Cruise Tote Bag, Beach Tote Bag, Lake Tote Bag, Nautical Gifts, Reusable Grocery Bags Shopping Bags. $14.99 $ 14. 99. FREE delivery Wed, Jul 10 on $35 of items shipped by Amazon +1. Verabradley Womens Straw Tote Bag.

  10. Port Authority ® Medium Cotton Canvas Boat Tote

    Perfect for the beach, shopping and events, these durable totes have open tops, contrast handles and contrast bottoms for classic good looks. 15.5-ounce, 100% cotton canvas body; 11-ounce, 100% cotton canvas handle trim and bottom. Sturdy, reinforced webbing handles. Exterior front pocket for easy decoration access.

  11. Boat Bags

    In addition to natural cotton (no dyes or bleaches), we offer organic cotton, colored cotton, and our recycled PET (polyester) Bottle Bag™ material. USA made — every tote is cut, printed, and stitched in New Hampshire. Member/licensee of the Fair Labor Association. Enviro-Tote produces American-made canvas boat bags in multiple sizes and ...

  12. Custom Canvas Tote Bags

    Classic Canvas Boat Totes. Custom boat totes are an ideal corporate gift to show appreciation for your employees and they have uses that stretch far beyond the dock. The Budget Boat Tote comes in a variety of trim colors to match your brand. It's similar in style to the Classic Boat Bag, which features an upscale, angled shape.

  13. Black Colorblock

    Black ColorblockCaribbean Blue ColorblockCoastal Red ColorblockHibiscus Pink ColorblockNavy ColorblockNeon Pink ColorblockWarm Sand ColorblockWhisper Grey Colorblock. Canvas Boat Tote - Black Colorblock. $95.00. | Item Code: B177. Canvas Boat Tote - Black Colorblock is rated 4.6 out of 5 by 29 . Quantity.

  14. Custom Boat Tote Bags

    Cutter RPET Canvas Boat Tote Bags. Cutter RPET Canvas Boat Tote Bags. As Low As $8.28 ea. Learn More or See it With Your Logo. Item Color: White. Handle Length: 24" Bag Material: Polymers & Fabric. Tote Size: 6.5" x 21.5" x 14" Get It By: 7/23/24. View this product. Q95264 Barcelona Canvas and Jute Totes.

  15. Canvas

    Canvas Boat Tote - Neon Pink Colorblock. $95.00. Canvas Carryall Tote - Whisper Grey Colorblock. $69.00. Canvas Zipper Pouch - Coastal Red Colorblock. $19.00$12.99. New Horizons Tote - Warm Sand Stripe. $65.00. Canvas Boat Tote - Coastal Red Colorblock.

  16. Boat and Tote®, Open-Top

    Introduced in 1944 as Bean's Ice Carrier for hauling ice "from car to ice chest," our legendary tote has been loved ever since. There's still nothing that compares to the original—from the heavyweight canvas to the double-stitched seams. Still made in Maine, one tote at a time. SEE THE COLLECTION. Find the best Boat and Tote®, Open ...

  17. Custom Canvas Tote Bags

    Small Cotton Canvas Yacht Tote Bags. Small Cotton Canvas Yacht Tote Bags. As Low As $8.24 ea. Learn More or See it With Your Logo. Item Color: Natural. Handle Length: 22" Tote Size: 4.75" x 15" x 12" Get It By: 7/22/24. Bag Material: Canvas. View this product. Q78773 Coronado Canvas and Willow Basket Tote Bags.

  18. Promotional Beach Bags

    Small Cotton Canvas Yacht Tote Bags. Small Cotton Canvas Yacht Tote Bags. As Low As $8.24 ea. Learn More or See it With Your Logo. Item Color: Natural. Handle Length: 22" Bag Material: Canvas. Tote Size: 4.75" x 15" x 12" Get It By: 7/18/24. View this product. Q51908 Medium Cotton Canvas Yacht Tote Bags.

  19. Workaday LL Bean Boat and Tote becomes trendy bag of the moment

    The simple, sturdy canvas bag called the Boat and Tote is having an extended moment 80 years after its introduction, thanks to a social media trend. The simple, sturdy canvas bag called the Boat ...

  20. Canvas Boat Tote Bag

    Personalized Canvas Tote, Ironic Boat Bag, Monogram Canvas Tote Bag, Custom Tote Bag, Preppy Embroidered Tote Bag, Funny 90s Style Tote Bag Lauren Macdonald. 5 out of 5 stars "I ordered this bag as a rink side tote for figure skating! The mini was the perfect size! The quality of the bag was beyond good, definitely exceeded expectations and it ...

  21. Historic utility AND high fashion. 80-year-old LL Bean staple ...

    FREEPORT, Maine (AP) — L.L. Bean created it 80 years ago to haul heavy blocks of ice. Now it's a must-have summer fashion accessory. The simple, sturdy canvas bag called the Boat and Tote is ...

  22. Custom Canvas Tote Bags

    Cotton Canvas Boat Tote Bags. Cotton Canvas Boat Tote Bags. As Low As $8.89 ea. Learn More or See it With Your Logo. Item Color: White/Black. Handle Length: 28" Tote Size: 7.13" x 20.5" x 13" Get It By: 7/18/24. Bag Material: Canvas. View this product. Q2864 Urban Passage Zippered Travel Business Tote Bags.

  23. Heavy Canvas Boat Tote

    Canvas Tote Bag With Boat Name - Anchor Design Tote - Custom Boat Bag - Fisherman Gift - Gift For Sailor - Nautical - Gift With Boat Name (4.2k) Sale Price $41.40 $ 41.40 $ 46.00 Original Price $46.00 (10% off) FREE shipping Add to Favorites ...

  24. How an 80-year-old tote bag became the latest fashion accessory

    Pamela Smith—AP L.L. Bean created it 80 years ago to haul heavy blocks of ice. Now it's a must-have summer fashion accessory. The simple, sturdy canvas bag called the Boat and Tote is having ...

  25. Oral-B, Biossance and J.Crew: Best online sales right now

    Lands' End Canvas Tote. This classic canvas tote is Lands' End's take on a boat tote. You'll have the option to choose between an open top or zipper for added protection and can even pick ...

  26. Historic utility, high fashion: 80-year-old L.L. Bean staple finds new

    The simple, sturdy canvas bag called the Boat and Tote is having an extended moment 80 years after its introduction, thanks to a social media trend in which they're monogrammed with ironic or ...

  27. Nautical Canvas Tote Bags

    Personalized Anchor Beach Bag, Custom Large Canvas Tote for Beach, Boat Accessories, Nautical Bridesmaid Gift, Canvas Boat Tote with Anchor (884) Sale Price $7.99 $ 7.99 $ 14.53 Original Price $14.53 (45% off) Add to Favorites Nautical Striped Canvas Seacoast Trading Carry All Beach Bag Tote ...

  28. 80-year-old LL Bean staple finds a new audience as a trendy bag

    L.L. Bean created it 80 years ago to haul heavy blocks of ice. Now it's a must-have summer fashion accessory. The simple, sturdy canvas bag called the Boat and Tote is having an extended moment ...

  29. Custom Boat Tote Bag Canvas Tote Bag

    Custom Canvas Boat Tote Bag,Personalized Canvas Tote Bag,Preppy Embroidered Tote Bag,Monogram Canvas Tote Bag,School Bag,Gift for Her (41) $ 12.40. Add to Favorites Custom Printed Personalised Canvas Tote Bag Shoulder Bag Shopping Bag - Photo, Logo, Text, Slogan, Business, Event, Bulk buy, Wholesale Bags ...