The Fashion Journal team’s favourite beach bags from local labels
IMAGE VIA @PAN_AFTER/INSTAGRAM
WORDS BY LUCY ANDREWS
For all your warm-weather essentials.
Good beach bags are famously hard to come by. Many seem like a good idea until it’s the end of the day and you’re walking back tired and burnt, with your thongs in one hand and water bottle in the other, flimsy tote straps falling off your shoulder. It can be a lot.
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Staying cool in summer is hard at the best of times, but with things heating up (thanks, global warming) beach days have become essential. Luckily, the Fashion Journal team have come prepared. We’ve put together a list of our favourite beach bags designed for comfort, practicality and fun – scroll to find our top picks.
Izzy Wight, Fashion Journal‘s Assistant Editor
The Bugskin Locust Bag
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It may seem like an odd choice considering the heavy-duty materials, but the Locust Bag by Melbourne-based label Bugskin is a beach day hero. Made from repurposed discarded billboard vinyl, these totes are made for everyday thrashing. Spills, scratches, sand – the Locust is equipped for almost anything, and is big enough to fit drink bottles, snacks, towels, extra togs… the list goes on. Each design is unique, so you can choose the vinyl combo that suits you best. This is my current favourite.
Get it here.
Lucy Andrews, Fashion Journal intern
Kip&Co x Ernabella Arts Ngayuku Ngura Terry Beach Bag
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Kip&Co have teamed up with Ernabella Arts, Australia’s oldest Indigenous creative centre, to develop three beautiful totes specifically designed for the beach. One thing about me – I love a bag with a short, thick strap. When you’re logging precious cargo (speaker, sunscreen, tarot cards and a book) you need to feel secure that what you’re using can take the weight.
Not only can this bag take the pressure, but it’s also got so much room for more extras with the front patch made from 100 per cent organic cotton. It’s a strong, sturdy gem, and one of my current favourites.
Get it here.
Pelli Beachy Keen Waxed Canvas Beach Bag
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Pelli’s Waxed Canvas Beach Bag is another spacious star to add to your collection. The 16oz waxed cotton coating provides much-needed protection against all the elements the beach has to offer – plus, you can store smaller essentials in the secret pockets tucked away inside. Once again, the thick, shorter straps make it a comfortable carry for long beach days.
Get it here.
Ella Taverner, Fashion Journal‘s Partnerships and Campaign Manager
Verner Slack Bag
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I’m the kind of beachgoer who needs at least three beverages, a snack, some books and a speaker in tow at all times, so selecting the perfect beach bag is no easy feat. In my humble opinion, there’s nothing Melbourne label Verner can’t do. From unique textile design to elevated housewear, the Sack Bag is no exception. Made from Lyrca, the bag features a very nostalgic ’90s rainbow print with a double stripe trim and zip closure, making for the perfect slouchy beach companion.
Get it here.
Affaires 001 Bag
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I’m quite partial to a crossbody ‘carry all’ bag. Not only are they ergonomically practical for my weak and feeble shoulders, but they also elevate almost any outfit – and this is something Sydney-based bag label Affaires has down pat. Crafted in Sydney, each piece is designed from natural fibres to form the brand’s signature relaxed-yet-semi-structured silhouettes. The 001 Bag (in the aptly named Holiday Check colourway) morphs comfort with versatility, featuring three large internal pockets for all your seashell-storing needs.
Get it here.
Georgi Woolcock, Fashion Journal‘s Partnerships and Campaign Executive
Pan After Shoulder-to-Shoulder bag
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Any time there’s an FJ team roundup – whether it’s gift guides or recent purchases, favourite workbags or accessories – it’s almost a guarantee there will be mention of the Collingwood store Pan After’s bag collection. Versatile, affordable and stocked in a large range of bright colours, the bags are handwoven in India from recycled nylon, are incredibly durable and feature a zip closure on the top (in my experience, something regularly overlooked with beach bags). While they stock sizes specifically curated for the beach, my favourite is the Shoulder-To-Shoulder – it features a long strap for comfortable carrying and is large enough to use for a day at work or a beach getaway.
Get it here.
Yasmin Gower, Fashion Journal intern
P.A.M. Engulfed Tote
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While other beach bags might feature a simple and clean design, the Engulfed Tote from P.A.M. embraces Formula One-inspired fashion. The vibrant artwork is bound to catch some eyes while you’re lazing in the sun, which you’ll be able to do all day thanks to the durable, 100 per cent cotton material. It’s the perfect size – big enough to cram in all your beach essentials without being too bulky.
Get it here.
Fine Day Smile Tote
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If you’re someone who overpacks for the beach, Fine Day’s Large Smile Tote Bag is the one for you. A massive 65 centimetres long, basically anything you’d ever want will fit in this bag. With a range of colours to choose from and an affordable price point, this is the perfect bag to take with you on a beach day.
For more tips on what to bring to your next beach visit, head here.
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