A Classic: The Canvas Tote

Posted on by OTC

I have a lifelong appreciation for designs that respect a product’s utilitarian roots.

Classic and traditional styles have always done that. In fact, the hallmark of the true preppy aesthetic is the re-purposing of utilitarian items for everyday life: foul weather gear becomes a fashion statement, prep school ties and jackets appear in the office, and the steamer trunk great uncle Dan used at Yale is now a snazzy coffee table at the beach house.

A great example of this approach to life – utilitarian yet stylish – is the canvas tote bag. The most famous version of this functional workhorse is made by L.L. Bean. In fact, L.L. Bean literally invented the canvas tote bag category. The bag was originally developed to carry blocks of ice (back in the day when block ice was used to keep foods fresh in the ice box).


A nicely aged tote

From these humble beginnings, the bag quickly became recognized for its simple yet elegant functionality. L.L. Bean started to offer the canvas tote in a smaller version and called it the “boat & tote.” It was perfect for lugging around sailing and boating items and the more abuse it suffered the better it looked. So began the WASPy affinity for this multipurpose wonder.

As the Official Preppy Handbook cheekily pointed out, every New England family has several of these lying around the house. In some ways, these canvas totes are a sort of status symbol. That you know what these bags represent – where to get them, the history, even the perceived lifestyle they imply – makes them recognized and desirable.

Heritage Research, a workwear inspired British brand, even convinced L.L. Bean to produce a limited run of the original 30oz cotton duck ice tote bag.


Courtesy of Selectism.com

The L.L. Bean canvas tote bag has been liberally copied by many competitors. The basic design has even been reinterpreted by suppliers to Wall Street brokerage houses and white shoe law firms. Their logoed bags, given as employee gifts or awards, have become New York chic collector items. Go figure.

It is not uncommon to see these bags on the subway commuting to work with their owners. They are neutrally appealing and bring a bit of the outdoors to the office without being at all kitschy. The midsized L.L. Bean version is perfectly proportioned to hold everyday stuff along with lunch or a morning bagel.

9 thoughts on “A Classic: The Canvas Tote”

  1. While I agree that something that is utilitarian may or may not be particularly stylish, I would like to point out that something utilitarian is for the most part already designed for general use and doesn't have to be repurposed for anything really, given the nature of utility and all.
    That being said, really a big fan of the bean tote and of course the preppy handbook is spot on as usual.

  5. OTC,
    Yet another great post. Please indulge me in regards to the nature of a question of rather small importance. An
    acquaintance claims that he would not be comfortable in carrying a Bean tote as it is too metrosexual or feminine! How do you feel that I should respond to this?

    Thanks again,
    Hilton

  6. I don't think I could function without my totes. I've been using mine for groceries *long* before it was um, fashionable. I throw them in the washer once a year or so, and they're good to go. I have two that are at least 15 years old.

    And then there are the joys of monograming. My two newest ones are monogramed "STUFF" and "NONSENSE." This makes me unexplainably happy.

  7. I'm a fan of both the open top (groceries, general sundries, easy access) and zip top (overnights, travel, to hide laptops/ipads) and for less than $45 for both it's the way to go.

  8. In some ways, these canvas totes are a sort of status symbol. That you know what these bags represent – where to get them, the history, even the perceived lifestyle they imply – makes them recognized and desirable.

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