DESIGN
Summer Reading: Best Bags for Book Club
Tell your own personal style story while carrying your next TBR.
- There’s something about the summer sun that makes you want to crack open a good book.
- Whether heading to book club or walking in the park, you’ll need a bag that can carry your latest read.
- Here are the best bags for carrying books in the summer.
Whether heading to the beach, lounging by the pool or meeting up with friends in the park, having a good book by your side when the summer sun is shining is basically a necessity—which means you’ll need a bag with the capacity to carry one (or two), plus all your other summer essentials.
The best bags for carrying books when the warm weather hits are spacious, easy to carry and embrace all the summer vibes. See our recommendations below, plus what else to consider before choosing your summer book club bag.
What are the best summer book club bags?
Expandable Carryall
As their name suggests, carryalls typically have plenty of room for your next read—plus a few extras if you’re planning on hitting the beach later. When crafted of straw, they’re lightweight, easy to carry and play well with other summer fabrics and materials you might be wearing like breathable linen pants, cotton tanks or silky summer dresses.
Style Pick: Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 28 in Straw, Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 34 in Straw
Roomy Shoulder Bag
You can’t go wrong with a roomy shoulder bag in a warm neutral shade, especially if you plan on carrying your latest book obsession with you from the beach to the boardwalk to the park and beyond. A spacious shoulder bag in caramel or clay will fit your read without sacrificing style—all while embracing the newfound warmth in the air.
Style Pick: Tabby 36 in Caramel, Chelsea Shoulder Bag 30 in Clay
Lightweight Crossbody
Carrying around one or two books all day—especially if they’re hardcover—might get tiring. A crossbody bag will distribute that weight more comfortably (and help you look good while doing it). Choose a style in a muted pastel like vanilla or a versatile summer neutral like denim. Larger picks will have plenty of room for your book, sunglasses and water bottle so you won’t have to stop back at the house midday.
Style Pick: Bleecker Bucket Bag 21 in Vanilla, Bleecker Bucket Bag in Light Denim
As their name suggests, carryalls typically have plenty of room for your next read—plus a few extras if you’re planning on hitting the beach later. When crafted of straw, they’re lightweight, easy to carry and play well with other summer fabrics and materials you might be wearing like breathable linen pants, cotton tanks or silky summer dresses.
Style Pick: Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 28 in Straw, Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 34 in Straw
Roomy Shoulder Bag
You can’t go wrong with a roomy shoulder bag in a warm neutral shade, especially if you plan on carrying your latest book obsession with you from the beach to the boardwalk to the park and beyond. A spacious shoulder bag in caramel or clay will fit your read without sacrificing style—all while embracing the newfound warmth in the air.
Style Pick: Tabby 36 in Caramel, Chelsea Shoulder Bag 30 in Clay
Lightweight Crossbody
Carrying around one or two books all day—especially if they’re hardcover—might get tiring. A crossbody bag will distribute that weight more comfortably (and help you look good while doing it). Choose a style in a muted pastel like vanilla or a versatile summer neutral like denim. Larger picks will have plenty of room for your book, sunglasses and water bottle so you won’t have to stop back at the house midday.
Style Pick: Bleecker Bucket Bag 21 in Vanilla, Bleecker Bucket Bag in Light Denim
What features should I consider before choosing a book bag for summer?
Capacity
Your book bag for summer should be able to carry more than just your book—think about all the other essentials you might need throughout the day (sunglasses, water bottle and maybe even a hat) to enjoy all the warm weather festivities.
Comfortability
Books add weight to your load, so you’ll want a bag that hangs comfortably over your shoulder or across your body—especially if you plan on walking along the beach to find a spot for your next reading session.
Summer Style
Once you find a bag that fits your book and feels comfortable to carry, make sure to choose a style in a summer shade (like vanilla or clay) or lightweight fabric (like denim or straw) to accompany you to all your favorite places to read for the season. Think the park, beach or even a breezy hammock.
Your book bag for summer should be able to carry more than just your book—think about all the other essentials you might need throughout the day (sunglasses, water bottle and maybe even a hat) to enjoy all the warm weather festivities.
Comfortability
Books add weight to your load, so you’ll want a bag that hangs comfortably over your shoulder or across your body—especially if you plan on walking along the beach to find a spot for your next reading session.
Summer Style
Once you find a bag that fits your book and feels comfortable to carry, make sure to choose a style in a summer shade (like vanilla or clay) or lightweight fabric (like denim or straw) to accompany you to all your favorite places to read for the season. Think the park, beach or even a breezy hammock.
How can I accessorize my summer book club bag?
Embrace your inner bookworm and celebrate the power of storytelling with bag charms that are mini replicas of the originals (and fully readable, too).
Discover even more styles you’ll love.
FAQs: You asked. We’ve answered.
What type of bag is best for carrying books?
What type of bag is best for carrying books?
Carryalls and tote bags are typically the best type of handbags to carry your books because they offer the most space and versatility. Roomy shoulder bags, large crossbodies, satchels and slouchy hobo bags are also optimal picks.
Can a shoulder bag fit a book?
Can a shoulder bag fit a book?
Yes, many shoulder bag styles can fit a book—especially those with a wider base and deeper interior. Medium to large shoulder bags will typically be able to carry a paperback book in addition to your daily essentials.
What should I look for in a handbag if I carry books often?
What should I look for in a handbag if I carry books often?
Look for a bag with enough interior space, a wide opening, and a shape that makes packing for the day effortless. A secure closure and some structure will also help protect your book while keeping the contents of your bag organized.