We’re declaring it: beach bags are no longer an afterthought. In the same way that your bikini or one-piece swimsuit is a highly considered purchase at any time of the year, the act of selecting one of the best beach bags should also be given as much time and attention. Accessories maketh an outfit, after all.
The days when you’d retrieve a misshapen and sand-filled beach bag from the depths of your wardrobe, seconds before you leave for the airport, are long gone. Now, beach bags are your trusty sidekick and are as sought after (if not more) than leather tote bags.
Designer brands have made beach bags the new investment piece, with the Loewe basket bag and the Prada raffia tote bag all but taking over our social media feeds, proving that they work just as well in the city as they do pool-side.
So whether you’re making a beeline for the airport or heading off on a British weekend break, your spring/summer *lewks* won’t be complete without a summer bag in tow. Luckily, there are tonnes of stylish designs doing the rounds right now that’ll take you from pavement, to beach, to bar and back again in one fell swoop. Bigger than a cross-body bag or clutch bag, but much more casual than a work bag or laptop backpack, they’re a must-have versatile investment.
For 2023, raffia, bamboo and canvas remain big news. Loewe’s Shell shoulder bag is adorned with leather trims and has enough space for your book, sandals, sun cream/sunscreen, a spare T-shirt and possibly even your kitchen sink, while the viral Chloé Woody tote bag is a favourite among influencers. Worthy of the price tag? You bet.
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There are some equally chic beach bags over on the high street, too, which look endlessly more expensive than their accessible price tags would suggest. Need proof? Accessorize’s orange and lemon embroidered bag has us dreaming of a vacation to the Amalfi coast, while H&M’s jute-blend shopper looks ten times its price.
Want to prepare for summer even more? We’ve got tonnes of swimwear guides, including all the best crinkle swimsuits from the hottest swimwear brands. Plus, all the summer dresses, and beach essentials you’ll need for the warm weather ahead. For more from GLAMOUR UK’s Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd, follow her on Instagram @georgiatrodd.