DESIGN
Most Durable Bags for Summer Outings
The best way to enjoy all the warm weather festivities? With a reliable plus-one right by your side.
- Summer outings call for strong, durable bags that will hold up through the heat.
- From beach days to outdoor sporting events and beyond, here are a few bag styles you can rely on for all your warm weather festivities to come.
Summer is all about enjoying the beautiful weather in whatever way you can—whether that’s a quick weekend trip to the lake, sunny beach day or even a simple walk through the park. Regardless of how you prefer to spend your summer days, there’s one thing that’s certain: You need a durable, dependable handbag by your side.
From boat rides to music festivals, here are the most durable handbags that will hold up through high temperatures, frequent travel and even summer showers—all organized by common summer outings and activities.
For Beach Days
When expertly crafted, straw and woven leather bags are a breezy style choice that matches the carefree vibe of sunny beach days spent lounging by the ocean. Lightweight, durable and easy to shake sand off of, straw and woven leather bags are a practical choice for carrying beach day essentials like towels and sunscreen. Plus, their natural, woven design allows for enhanced airflow so your damp towel or bathing suit can dry off on the walk home.
Style Picks: Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 28, Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 34
Style Picks: Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 28, Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 34
For Outdoor Festivals, Concerts & Sporting Events
Before heading out the door for a long day of singing, dancing or cheering in style, make sure to check your upcoming festival or arena’s bag size policy. For the most part, mini bags or transparent bags are always a safe choice (and a durable one, too). Go for a mini bag in pebbled leather for a soft and easygoing style you won’t have to worry about. Or try a clear bag crafted of PVC for a waterproof pick.
Style Picks: Nolita 19, Stadium Swinger Bag
Style Picks: Nolita 19, Stadium Swinger Bag
For Picnics in the Park
Heading out for a picnic in the park? You’ll want a bag that can handle hot temperatures and potential rain showers. Bags crafted of leather and coated canvas are always a reliable pick, especially if you plan on putting your bag down on the ground at all.
Style Picks: Tabby Shoulder Bag 26, Teri Shoulder Bag, Plaza Bag
Style Picks: Tabby Shoulder Bag 26, Teri Shoulder Bag, Plaza Bag
For Weekend Trips
Summer is full of weekends spent away from the city and closer to a body of water—think beach, pool and lake trips. Large, expandable carryall bags crafted of high-quality leather will take on your weekend essentials (bathing suits, towels and sunglasses) with ease, all while maintaining a comfortable, wearable silhouette while traveling. Plus, bags crafted of Natural Grain Leather (like the Brooklyn) only get better with time, developing a lived-in, love-worn look or patina reflective of all your favorite summer memories.
Style Picks: Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 39, Soft Empire Carryall Bag 48
Style Picks: Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 39, Soft Empire Carryall Bag 48
For Boat Rides
There’s nothing that screams summer more than a sunny boat day. But in order to make the most out of your day on the water, you’ll need to be prepared with a bag that zips shut, keeping all your essentials secure and safe from potential splashing. That’s why a tote with a zipper is always a popular pick for summer boat days. Stash your phone, keys and wallet inside, zip it shut and kick your feet up and relax.
Style Picks: Cargo Tote Bag, Station Tote Bag
Style Picks: Cargo Tote Bag, Station Tote Bag
Discover even more styles you’ll love.
FAQs: You asked. We’ve answered.
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.
What’s the most durable bag material for the beach?
What’s the most durable bag material for the beach?
Keep all your belongings safe from the sand and water with an ultra-durable and high-quality bag made from one of the following materials.
- PVC: 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.
- Straw: For that carefree summer feeling anywhere, straw is an all-natural and delicate material that lends itself well to flowy sundresses and breathable linens.
- Coated Canvas: A compact bag crafted of coated canvas is the practical summer style pick you’ll wear time and time again. Both sturdy and simultaneously lightweight, coated canvas is the plus-one you’ll look forward to taking with you as the weather gets warmer.
What are the most versatile bags for festival season?
What are the most versatile bags for festival season?
The most versatile bags for festival season are convertible, meaning they can be worn or styled a number of ways.
- Shoulder Bag to Crossbody: One of the most common types of convertible bags, this style is ideal for everyday wear when you need a hands-free favorite. Wear it as a refined shoulder bag for photos before the festival—then convert to a crossbody when it’s time to dance the night away.
- Crossbody to Clutch: A crossbody bag that transitions into a clutch is ideal for making a statement—especially ones with chain-link straps. Carry it into the festival for easy access to essentials before hanging it across your body once the performances begin.
- Shoulder Bag to Wristlet: Straps that can be hooked from one side of your bag to the other for shoulder wear or looped around your wrist for hands-free style are ideal for festivals where you might want to wear your bag more ways than one.