DESIGN
Top Bags for the Beach
Breezy styles for all your sandy days ahead.
- Before deciding on a beach bag, consider practical features like secure closures, comfortable straps and spacious interiors.
- Popular beach bag fabrics include straw, coated canvas and woven leather.
- Read on for how to choose your beach bag, our top recommendations and how to care for popular summer bag materials.
It’s finally that time of year when you get to take advantage of your well-earned PTO and pack up for a relaxing beach getaway. Whether you’re taking a week-long tropical vacation or simply hopping on the train to your nearest body of water for the day, you’ll want a beach bag that’s equal parts practical and fashionable.
Below are the key qualities to consider before choosing a style companion for all the sandy days ahead—plus a few of the best beach bags that check off all the boxes.
What features should I look for in a beach bag?
Zip or Snap Closure
If you plan on throwing your wallet, phone and keys inside your beach bag, you’ll want to consider a style with a snap or zip-top closure. Alternatively, you could make use of a bag pouch (a smaller bag—like a wristlet or mini bag—that keeps all your loose items secure within your larger tote).
Comfortable Straps & Handles
While generally relaxing, beach days are also exhausting, especially when it comes to lugging your belongings on and off the sand. The last thing you want weighing you down in the blazing heat is an uncomfortable bag. Whether you choose a shoulder or crossbody style (or convertible bag that does both), prioritize wide, comfortable straps that don’t slip off.
Spacious Interior with Pockets
Towels, hats, extra clothes—a beach bag should be able to handle it all (and then some). Before deciding on your beach bag, think about the items you always take with you and make sure your plus-one can handle the pressure. Bonus points for styles with internal zip pockets.
If you plan on throwing your wallet, phone and keys inside your beach bag, you’ll want to consider a style with a snap or zip-top closure. Alternatively, you could make use of a bag pouch (a smaller bag—like a wristlet or mini bag—that keeps all your loose items secure within your larger tote).
Comfortable Straps & Handles
While generally relaxing, beach days are also exhausting, especially when it comes to lugging your belongings on and off the sand. The last thing you want weighing you down in the blazing heat is an uncomfortable bag. Whether you choose a shoulder or crossbody style (or convertible bag that does both), prioritize wide, comfortable straps that don’t slip off.
Spacious Interior with Pockets
Towels, hats, extra clothes—a beach bag should be able to handle it all (and then some). Before deciding on your beach bag, think about the items you always take with you and make sure your plus-one can handle the pressure. Bonus points for styles with internal zip pockets.
What are the best bags for the beach?
Straw Shoulder Bags & Totes
For that carefree summer feeling anywhere, straw is an all-natural and delicate material that lends itself well to flowy sundresses and breathable linens. The airy, woven fabric makes shaking off excess sand a breeze, too.
Style Picks: Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 28, Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 34, City Tote Bag
How to Care for Straw: Clean Coach straw carefully with a damp or dry soft cloth to preserve its texture and durability.
Canvas Totes
A bag crafted of canvas is the practical summer style pick you’ll reach for time and time again. Both sturdy and simultaneously lightweight, you can place your canvas bag right in the sand without thinking twice about it.
Style Picks: Cargo Tote Bag, Utility Tote
How to Care for Canvas: Bags and accessories crafted in canvas or Signature Canvas can be cleaned with a damp or dry soft cloth.
Woven Leather Carryalls
Meticulously handwoven by our expert craftspeople, Coach woven leather is always a luxe, sophisticated choice, especially on beach days. The material features our iconic Coach logo, applied with precision using machine stitching for a refined finish and natural woven look that pairs well with lightweight summer fabrics.
Style Picks: Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 34
How to Care for Woven Leather: To help prevent any damage, keep your bag load light and handle with care. Store it in a dry place out of direct sunlight to enjoy it for seasons to come. If wet, air dry naturally away from direct heat.
PVC Bags
Lightweight, durable and versatile, PVC is the ultimate beach day bag material. It’s water-resistant, plus its durable finish will remain polished for an effortlessly put together look. Go with a smaller style for just the essentials—you can even throw it in your larger carryall for added organization.
Style Picks: Stadium Swinger Bag
How to Care for PVC: Ultra-dependable and water-resistant, you can easily clean PVC with a damp or dry soft cloth.
For that carefree summer feeling anywhere, straw is an all-natural and delicate material that lends itself well to flowy sundresses and breathable linens. The airy, woven fabric makes shaking off excess sand a breeze, too.
Style Picks: Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 28, Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 34, City Tote Bag
How to Care for Straw: Clean Coach straw carefully with a damp or dry soft cloth to preserve its texture and durability.
Canvas Totes
A bag crafted of canvas is the practical summer style pick you’ll reach for time and time again. Both sturdy and simultaneously lightweight, you can place your canvas bag right in the sand without thinking twice about it.
Style Picks: Cargo Tote Bag, Utility Tote
How to Care for Canvas: Bags and accessories crafted in canvas or Signature Canvas can be cleaned with a damp or dry soft cloth.
Woven Leather Carryalls
Meticulously handwoven by our expert craftspeople, Coach woven leather is always a luxe, sophisticated choice, especially on beach days. The material features our iconic Coach logo, applied with precision using machine stitching for a refined finish and natural woven look that pairs well with lightweight summer fabrics.
Style Picks: Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 34
How to Care for Woven Leather: To help prevent any damage, keep your bag load light and handle with care. Store it in a dry place out of direct sunlight to enjoy it for seasons to come. If wet, air dry naturally away from direct heat.
PVC Bags
Lightweight, durable and versatile, PVC is the ultimate beach day bag material. It’s water-resistant, plus its durable finish will remain polished for an effortlessly put together look. Go with a smaller style for just the essentials—you can even throw it in your larger carryall for added organization.
Style Picks: Stadium Swinger Bag
How to Care for PVC: Ultra-dependable and water-resistant, you can easily clean PVC with a damp or dry soft cloth.
Discover even more styles you’ll love.
FAQs: You asked. We’ve answered.
Are straw bags durable?
Are straw bags durable?
Coach bags are crafted to last, and our straw styles are no exception. Crafted of lightweight straw woven with a beautiful textural feel, our straw handbags are designed for living, even on sandy beach days and relaxing boat rides.
What’s the most convenient style for an everyday summer bag?
What’s the most convenient style for an everyday summer bag?
Versatile, convertible styles that transition from shoulder bag to crossbody or wristlet are a popular choice for everyday summer outings (including strolls through the park, bike rides along the boardwalk and outdoor dinners or rooftop happy hours). Style your adaptable bag one way on the way there, then switch it up on the walk home.
What bag colors go best with a summer wardrobe?
What bag colors go best with a summer wardrobe?
Neutrals don't always have to blend into the background. In fact, summer neutrals are typically crisp and bright. Shades of white, silver and blue gray can make any all-neutral summer look stand out. Go for a monochromatic look with a white linen sundress and an all-white mini bag for a style that's refreshing on even the hottest summer days.