When you hear the word tote, the only thing that comes to mind is a big women’s bag. However, unisex totes for carrying luggage are becoming more and more common. The word tote simply means a large bag that can carry a lot of items. There are many different types of totes available in the market these days, and you can choose the type according to your personal needs. Most women prefer tote bags for everyday use due to their ability to carry all of the things they need on a regular basis. Other tote bags are designed for carrying luggage and can be used by either gender. We have prepared this guide to help you understand the different types, features, and how to choose the best totes in 2021.
What Are The Different Types Of Totes?
There are a few different types of totes each with different features and uses. You can choose the one that suits your needs best.
Canvas Tote
Canvas totes are one of the most practical bags because of their material. It is durable and does not wear out easily. They are not very stylish so people do not prefer to carry them when they are travelling. They are more commonly used as grocery bags because they are more eco friendly than plastic bags.
Luxury Tote
Luxury totes are more commonly used for travelling because they are stylish and have a large capacity. There are a lot of variations in this type as well. Some totes come with wheels which makes them easier to carry. Others are designed to carry laptops and have enough space for carrying luggage needed for an overnight stay. The luxury totes are preferred by people travelling through planes.
Sports Tote
These totes are used by athletes for carrying essentials like clothes, shoes, and towels. They are more sturdy and durable than other totes so they can withstand regular wear and tear. Some are even water resistant, designed especially for swimmers.
Beach Tote
These are used by those who love to go to the beach often. They are spacious enough to fit all the necessities like snacks, towels, and sunblock. Beach totes are made from water resistant materials so they do not wear out easily and they are durable enough to withstand heat from the Sun.
What Are Some Things To Consider Before Buying A Tote?
A tote is something that you will probably use everyday. Before you purchase it, you should do your research and keep these things in mind.
Durability
Tote will be made of different material depending on what use they have. Whatever the material, you need to make sure that your tote is durable and will not wear out after a few uses. It depends on the kind of items you will be carrying in your bag. Some totes are only designed for lightweight and putting in too much weight will cause it to wear out quickly.
Design
You need a tote that looks good, no matter what you plan to use it for. There are so many different designs available in the market, and you can choose the one that you like best. Even sports and canvas totes come in different designs.
Price
The price of totes will depend on the type you want to buy. Those designed for storing groceries and using at beaches are usually at the cheaper side because they are made from cheap materials. Others like luxury bags will be expensive because they are made from high end materials. These bags usually last a longer time than the cheap ones.
Size
Totes come in a lot of different sizes depending on their type. Those designed for travelling usually have a large capacity and can fit all your luggage easily. Everyday women’s totes have enough space to fit all their essentials. Before buying a tote, you need to know what you need it for.
How To Pick A Quality Tote?
Once you know the different types of totes and the uses of each, you can easily make your decision. You need to do your research and look at different brands providing totes. A good way to judge a product is by looking at the customer reviews. They are honest because they come from people who have actually used the product. When looking at different brands, take a look at their customer support. You should be able to contact them easily in case you have any queries and see if they will exchange the product in case of any issues. Also keep a lookout on the prices of different brands. Expensive does not always mean good quality and you want to get value for the product you buy. Comparing the price and features of different brands will give you a better idea and you can make an informed decision.
How To Maintain A Tote?
Different totes are made of different materials and will usually have instructions on how to wash them. However, there are a few general tips you can follow to increase the life of your bag. The first step is to empty the tote completely because you do not want to damage your possessions. Canvas bags can be washed in the machine without getting damaged. Other totes may not be suitable for a machine wash. If your tote has a stain on the outside, you can treat it with a spot remover. For luxury totes used for travelling, you may not need to wash it from the inside unless it is very dirty. For the outside, wiping with a wet cloth may be enough. It is important to dry your totes completely before using them again. You do not want unnecessary and unpleasant odors in your bag. It is also not recommended to wash your totes very often. Depending on your use, twice a week or once a month should be enough.
FAQs
Are canvas totes eco friendly?
Yes, canvas totes are eco friendly because they can be reused unlike plastic bags. They are a good alternative to plastic bags and many people have switched to canvas totes. They are also biodegradable and made from recycled materials.
Are zipper tops better than open tops for totes?
This will depend on what you plan to use the tote for. Canvas totes usually have an open top because it can be a hassle to frequently zip and unzip. Luxury totes used for travelling usually come with zippers so that items do not fall from the bag when it is carried around.
How long does a tote last?
The life of a bag depends on the type and the material of the tote. Canvas totes will not last a long time and you will probably need to replace them quickly. Others like luxury and sports totes are made from durable materials and will last a long time. This is why they are more expensive than canvas totes.