In recent times, tote bags have become widely familiar, and it’s for a reason. First off, they are practical for work, out-of-town adventures, or running daily errands.
As their name implies, the primary purpose of creating them is to have something you can use to ‘tote’ your stuff, whether your water bottle, your thermal mug, your books, or even your tennis training kit.
They were first ushered into the mainstream culture, thanks to the busy caregivers who wanted to have easy-to-use bags when they bought their supplies. Then, they were introduced to bookshops who advocate for a more eco-friendly, minimalist approach to life.
The main reason why I prefer these totes is that they are reusable, suitable for carrying almost anything, and they come in a variety of sizes and materials.
Imagine having a bag that’s reusable in a world that depends mostly on plastic bags. What a gift! To double their charm, imagine having one of these reusable bags made of a vegan material. I’m pretty sure the animals out there will cherish your green existence!
As I mentioned, tote bags come in different models from different manufacturers, but we compiled you a list of our best vegan tote bags to choose from. Read on before you make your purchase.
At a Glance
- Dreubea Women’s Soft Faux Leather Tote Bag – Best Overall
- EcoRight Canvas Tote Bag – Best Gender-Neutral
- Overbrooke Large Vegan Leather Tote – Best for Traveling
- Scarleton Stylish Reversible Tote Handbag for Women – Best Reversible
- Dasein Vegan Leather Tote Bag for Women – Best for Fashionistas
- BROMEN Women Handbag – Most Versatile
The 6 Best Vegan Tote Bags in 2022
1. Dreubea Women’s Soft Faux Leather Tote Shoulder Bag – Best Overall
Topping our list is this cutie yet roomy tote bag from Dreubea. It is convenient to get you through college or workdays, thanks to its large capacity, fashionable style, and various colors.
It is made from faux leather, which boasts all the features of genuine leather, minus the non-vegan part. It is easy to clean and suits both casual and formal outings.
One feature that I’m genuinely thankful for is the inside pocket! It feels good to have a pocket where you can put your small odds and ends: your phone, keys, makeup items, or nearly anything you want to keep safe.
Speaking of its design, it simply never fails you. It has a simple shape with a dangling tassel for decoration and a magnet closure. Another pleasant surprise is that it comes with a decorative scarf that you can attach to the arms, a cherry on top!
While this tote from Dreubea is thin, it is indeed sturdy, which prevents any strap from popping or any inside object from puncturing.
It comes in a variety of colors, and I was mesmerized by the pastel colors, like pink, sea green, and aquamarine. You guessed it right, I’m a sea lover, and yes, I do take it to the beach.
All in all, if you need a roomy bag that is practical, stylish, and easy to clean, this tote bag from Dreubea should be your next purchase.
2. EcoRight Canvas Tote Bag – Best Gender-Neutral
Because veganism is for all, and the gender rules related to clothing items are a myth, I do value this tote bag from EcoRight. Let’s have a look at the other merits it bears.
The first distinct feature of this bag is that it has a variety of designs, like whale doodles, happy penguins, different mood phrases, or even plain totes that you can have a customized print on! It doesn’t matter how old you are or which gender you identify as since you’re destined to find just the right design for you.
Secondly, I’m not exaggerating, but everything about this tote is eco-friendly, starting with its 100% cotton material all the way to being made at facilities powered with solar energy. It’s biodegradable and eco-friendly.
Thirdly, if you think this is a tote that you can take to the grocery store, well, you’re absolutely right! It can hold up to 10kg, meaning you can use it for grocery shopping.
If you’re a bookworm like myself, you can pose as Meg Ryan from You’ve Got Mail with one of those cute totes, for they can certainly take all your books and your favorite peanut butter sandwich as you head to your favorite spot to read.
Additionally, this bag is foldable and super easy to clean. It is machine-washable, and luckily, it doesn’t shrink. You can also keep it in your pocket and unfold it when needed.
Briefly, thanks to its style and ease of use, this EcoRight tote bag has easily made it to our list of top six totes for both genders and all ages.
3. Overbrooke Large Vegan Leather Tote – Best for Traveling
If you’re looking for a functional tote for everyday use, a travel bag, or a little bit of both, this tote from Overbrooke is what you should opt for. It is spacious, stiff, and lightweight.
Firstly, it is made of eco-friendly leather and comes in three colors: black, deep red, and tan. The exterior incorporates vegan leather while the interior and the inside pocket are made with cotton canvas.
Additionally, it’s an absolute favorite as a carryall tote! Owing to its spacious interior, it can take up all your large items, whether a book, an iPod, a needling kit, your baby’s toys, you name it!
The handles fit perfectly over your shoulders, making it wearable for long hours. Whether you travel a lot or your daily work commute takes long, your shoulder won’t suffer having this tote weighing over it.
It also has ample open space, a feature that some find convenient because you can quickly get what you need from the bag, while others find it impractical since you might accidentally drop any items.
If you prefer to take all the stuff you need to work or on weekend trips, this vegan leather tote from Overbrooke is what you should invest your money in.
4. Scarleton Stylish Reversible Tote Handbag for Women – Best Reversible
If you want to invest your money in an affordable vegan tote that can be flipped into two colors, this reversible tote from Scarleton is what you should go for.
This Scarleton tote bag keeps all your stuff at your fingertips, and it can accommodate almost all your items; a cell phone, a small laptop, books, or just anything!
Its measurements are 15.5 inches in length, 5.5 in width, and 13 in height. It can be challenging to reverse because of its size and sturdy stitching, but it’s nothing you can’t do.
The bag itself doesn’t have a zipper, but the coin bag has a zipper closure. Moreover, the shoulder strap has a drop length of 9.5 inches for a snug, well-adjusted fit on your shoulder.
To sum up, if you’re looking for a vegan, reversible tote that is roomy, top-quality, and convenient for trips, you know what to get.
5. Dasein Vegan Leather Tote Bag for Women – Best for Fashionistas
For the fashion divas out there, we found just what you’re looking for; a stylish model that doesn’t sacrifice the ease of use for decorative purposes. We hear you, and we recommend this tote from Dasein. We’ll tell you why.
First off, it is made of vegan pebble leather and has a cut-out, two-tone design. It also has a matching wristlet and a detachable shoulder strap for extra comfort. Thanks to its protective bottom feet, you can place it almost anywhere without worrying about its exterior bottom.
It has a zipped center pocket, an interior back-wall zipper pocket, and two other small, open-top pockets for your cell phone and keys. What else is there to ask for?
It’s also stable when you lay it on a flat surface and doesn’t fall over if you leave it for a while, an issue largely found in bags. If you’re taking it to your workplace, you can safely keep it on your desk, and it will stay intact.
Overall, if you need a neat vegan tote that is stylish and can keep your stuff well-organized inside it, this Dasein tote bag is what you should buy next.
6. BROMEN Women Handbag – Most Versatile
Last on our list is this super cool tote from BROMEN. Thanks to its sturdy shoulder strap, it can be carried over a single shoulder or cross-body. Unlike the previously mentioned totes, this one has a back pocket that comes in handy to keep the change, for instance.
To begin with, this bag is made of vegan leather and features silver hardware. No worries about the poor sea creatures when you buy this one! It also has a relatively long and convenient handle drop.
Additionally, it is roomy and has a main compartment for your wallet and tablet, making it perfect for your daily use, either you’re traveling, shopping, or going to work.
I appreciate its design, its functional internal structure with sizable pockets, and its woven strap that displays wonderful colors. Trust me; people buy bags for more trivial reasons, don’t judge!
Without further ado, if you’re looking for a sleek design that is also highly functional and versatile, this tote from BROMEN is your best bet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Vegan Tote Bags Made From?
Generally speaking, tote bags can be made out of different vegan materials, like organic cotton, faux leather, hemp, or linen. They share in common that they are cruelty-free, but some cause damage in different areas.
For example, while faux leather is cruelty-free, it is a bit harmful to the environment because of the chemicals used in its production. Similarly, some arguments are made about cotton production since the cotton harvest uses a lot of water, depleting our water resources.
However, these are ethical issues to consider if you’ve made that vegan transition, and you’re taking baby steps towards achieving your goal. While you make your choice, check your own moral compass and the texture that feels comfortable for you.
Are Tote Bags Easy to Clean?
While the cleaning instructions are typically found on the label of the bag, some precautions must be followed before cleaning or washing your canvas bag. For instance, the ones with embroidery, paint, or prints are usually not safe to wash.
However, these are some simple steps you should follow to wash/clean your canvas tote:
- Empty the bag prior to washing it.
- Turn the bag inside out.
- Follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer, if present.
- Drench the bag in water (manual washing) or put it into the washing machine.
- Make sure to remove any large stains with a strong detergent manually.
- Leave the bag to air dry.
Congratulations, your tote bag is almost brand-new!
Can I Use a Tote on Different Occasions?
The short answer is: definitely yes! They are versatile enough and can be used for a multitude of occasions.
For instance, you can use them for grocery shopping, especially cotton totes. They are less harmful compared to their plastic counterparts. They are also spacious and can hold up heavy items.
Also, tote bags can be your loyal companion on your way to work, either you’re a male or a female. They are convenient, comfortable, and some are very stylish. You can make sure you have all your stuff packed in one place.
Additionally, you can take them to school and the beach. I mentioned these together because I usually take one item to both places: a book or my Kindle! Who wouldn’t love to spend their commute or their time on the beach to read? Well, not me.
Can I Have a Customized Tote Bag?
The short answer: why not? Remember the EcoRight Canvas Tote bag reviewed earlier? One of its models has a plain design. It is made from cotton, which is penetrable by a needle. You can embroider on it yourself or get a more skillful person to do it for you. It takes zero effort and almost no time to get your idea on canvas!
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
Now that we have come to the end of our journey into the world of tote bags, our last advice is to get two of our nominees; one for grocery and day-to-day activities and another for work and travel. Personally, I’d recommend the EcoRight Canvas Tote Bag along with the Overbrooke Vegan Tote Bag.
With due care, totes can last for more than a year, and make sure to read our tips on how to clean a canvas tote to avoid ruining your purchase!
