The Best Farmers Market Bags Blend Utility and Fashion

I’m lucky enough to live within walking distance of an excellent farmers market, and there are few things I relish more than strolling over there on a Saturday and picking up whatever fresh ingredients I desire. I’ve been going to one particular market for most of my life, so I have my routine down: I know which vendor to go to for gorgeous organic veggies, which carries my favorite meat or dairy products, and which has the juiciest strawberries during peak season.

I also know that the mile walk back to my apartment can turn downright miserable if I haven’t brought along the right bag for the job. A great farmers market bag should be roomy enough to fit plenty of produce, with a strap that’s comfortable on the shoulder even when it’s weighed down. But I’m convinced that opting for a practical bag doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style—which is why I’ve rounded up highly functional totes that are also fit-check-worthy.

Big Night x Parker Thatch The Everywhere Tote

Big Night x Parker Thatch

The Everywhere Tote

Big Night

After getting this tote last month, I have, indeed, been wearing it everywhere. I love a mesh bag because I can easily see its contents without rummaging through the whole thing, and this one is especially handy because of how roomy it is. There’s plenty of space for market goodies, but I’ve also been using it as a work bag because it fits my laptop, gym shoes, and everything else I need for the day with no issue. The small interior side pocket is perfect for stashing your keys and wallet while you shop.

Sézane Maia Basket

Sézane

Maia Basket

Sezane

I’ve received so many compliments on this bag from cool-girl French brand Sézane since I got it this spring. It’s nice and deep, which means I can stick a bunch of celery, a bouquet, or a fresh baguette in it without fear of anything toppling out. It’s roomy enough for a solid grocery haul, and the elegant, thin straps are long enough to fit over my shoulder and actually stay put.

Baggu

Baggu

Standard

Amazon (Set of 3)

Baggu

Big Baggu

Baggu

Urban Outfitters

Baggu’s signature bags are lightweight, machine washable, and affordable—plus they fold into a compact little square when not in use for easy stashing in your purse. Bonus: they come in a rotating lineup of fun prints so cute you'll want to collect them all.

Quince Waxed Canvas Utility Tote

Quince

Waxed Canvas Utility Tote

Quince

This tote is made from durable, water-resistant waxed cotton canvas that’s made to look better over time, so there’s no need to be precious with it when you’re lugging your haul back home. It’s got four exterior and two interior pockets (one of which has a zipper), so you can keep any loose items organized while shopping.

L.L. Bean Boat and Tote

L.L.Bean

Boat and Tote, Open-Top

L.L. Bean

L.L. Bean’s canvas tote is a classic, and the durable material makes it a great choice for groceries. I own an arsenal of these in various colors and sizes, some with a top zipper and some without, but I tend to reach for the large with long handles and no zipper when I’m using it for the market. It fits easily over my shoulder even if I’m wearing a jacket, and the thick straps stay comfy even when the bag is filled to the brim.

Longchamp Le Pliage Filet Mesh Bag

Longchamp

Le Pliage Filet Mesh bag

Longchamp

This elevated take on a classic French net market bag from Longchamp has become a staple in my collection over the past year. The leather snap closure makes it secure and chic, which means it can easily double as an everyday tote. I just make sure to store any loose items (like my keys, wallet, and lip balm) in their own pouch to keep them from slipping through.

Alex Mill Perfect Weekday Tote

Alex Mill

The Perfect Weekday Tote

Alex Mill

For a more fashion-forward take on the canvas tote, opt for this one from Alex Mill. Available in 12 colors and garment washed for a relaxed, lived-in look, the Perfect Weekday Tote has it all: an interior compartment, a zippered pocket, a snap closure, and two handle lengths so you can hold it or wear it over your shoulder. If your farmers market hauls run large, you might want to size up to the Weekend version. And if personalization’s your thing, the brand also offers hand-painted monograms.

Yeti Daytrip Insulated Cooler Bag

Yeti

Daytrip 20L Insulated Tote Bag

Yeti

I can tell you from experience that carrying a couple of whole fish and some dairy products home from the market on a peak summer day is best done using an insulated bag. Yeti’s Daytrip bag is shaped like a tote but acts like a cooler, with long straps that are easy to slip over the shoulder, a magnetic closure for easy access, and external pockets to store your valuables in.

Williams Sonoma Market Tote

Williams Sonoma

Market Tote

Williams Sonoma

This canvas bag was purpose-made for market runs. It has plenty of compartments for keeping bottles and containers from crushing delicate produce, and even an external strap to hold a bouquet. Plus, the flat bottom means it can stand upright while you’re picking out tomatoes or if you put it in your car.

Stanley All Day Julienne Soft Cooler Bag

Stanley

The All Day Julienne Midi Cooler (20L)

Stanley

REI

Amazon

The Stanley All Day Julienne Soft Cooler is the rare bag that pulls double duty without sacrificing style. Contributor Emily Farris started using hers on a grocery run and ended up wearing it as her main handbag all weekend, tucking her wallet into the front zipper pouch and her phone and sunglasses into the stretchy side pockets, with a packable tote stashed in the main compartment for good measure. She loves it for warm-weather days spent shuttling kids around, since it keeps snacks, lipstick, and sunscreen from melting the way they might in a regular leather purse.

Out of the Woods Iconic Shopper

Out of the Woods

Iconic Shopper

Out of the Woods

This bag is made of washable paper, which means it’s extremely lightweight and, yes, machine-washable. It’s nice and deep, water-resistant, and has a coveted inner pocket for your phone and keys.

Kassatex Farmer’s Market Tote

Kassatex

Farmer's Market Tote

Kassatex

These cute crocheted bags are hand-woven in Colombia using fique, a sustainable natural fiber. The “mini” size is actually quite large and could easily double as a beach bag when it’s not being used to tote produce.

Bellroy Market Tote

Bellroy

Market Tote

Bellroy

If storage space is a concern, this foldable bag from Bellroy is a great choice. It’s water-resistant, stands upright, and has interior slip pockets that can fit water or wine bottles.

Hulken Bag

Hulken

Hulken Signature Rolling Tote

Amazon

Hulken

If you’d describe your farmers market hauls as “XL,” the Hulken is the bag for you. Equal parts shopping trolley and tote bag, it’s designed for schlepping around loads that are too heavy to carry on your shoulder. And despite its size, it folds flat for easy storage when not in use.