Tote bags and backpacks have been at odds for a long time. While backpacks distribute weight evenly across both shoulders, the best tote bags for college students are comfortable and adaptable.
Tote bags are frequently sleek and lightweight due to their simple shape and construction. By wearing one of the stylish tote bags for college on one shoulder, you avoid the awkward step of removing your backpack fully to obtain something. Simply reach in and take what you require.
So, if your old school bag has seen better days (or is only one new textbook away from falling off the handles totally), it’s time to make room for something new. Find the best tote bags for college students this year below. Read on!
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Why Are Stylish Tote Bags For College Better Than Backpacks?
A backpack is not the only type of bag that can take all of your school supplies. Tote bags are a fashionable and attractive alternative to the traditional backpack. So, here are a few reasons why you should ditch your backpack in favor of a tote bag!
There are many styles
While backpacks come in a variety of colors, the design possibilities for tote bags are limitless. You may find any bag to meet your style, from the standard canvas tote bag to patchwork corduroy totes. You may even create your tote bag as unique as you like! Tote bags are the most aesthetically acceptable option for school bags.
Your look will never be damaged
Do you ever design a great outfit for the day just to have your backpack ruin it? With stylish tote bags for college, you don’t have to worry about that! Backpacks cover the entire back half of a person’s outfit, whereas totes allow everyone to see the entire 360.
Tote bags, because they are worn on the shoulder, do not cover any portion of your dress. Not to add that tote bags can be used as an accessory to complement your outfit
No more sweating in the back
Walking up those hills to class is not an easy task, and carrying a backpack doesn’t make it any better. Backpacks can appear to be an additional layer of clothing, especially while you’re out in the heat.
Tote bags, on the other hand, do not have this issue. While your shoulder may become weary, the weight is not directly imposed on any portion of your body. This will make your walk to school feel less like a hike and more like a stroll.
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Items are more easily accessible
One of the best things about tote bags is that you don’t have to halt in your tracks to get something out.
For instance, if you need a water bottle or your wallet, all you have to do is reach down to your side. With backpacks, you don’t have this luxury because everything is on the opposite side of your body. Tote bags are therefore ideal for the ordinary on-the-go student.
You will not resemble the average student
Tote bags are ideal for students, but they also help you stand out from the crowd. Depending on which tote you choose, it’s doubtful that someone else will have the same as you. Furthermore, because tote bags resemble handbags, your student style will always be pushed to the next level.
What Can You Put In A Tote Bag?
Have you ever wondered what people put in their tote bags? A canvas tote bag is an excellent way to transport many goods. Because of its durability, canvas may also endure hauling larger weighted things. What people put in their totes is ultimately determined by the size of the bag and where it is used.
Some of the key items you might carry in a tote bag, depending on its size, are a cell phone, wallet, keys, laptop, notebook, pen, water bottle, snacks, headphones, sunglasses, lotion, tissues, medication, hand sanitizer, and other items.
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How To Buy The Best Tote Bags For College Students?
Check the material
Tote bags are made from a variety of materials, and certain materials will be a better fit for your budget and intended purpose.
In addition to your preference for materials, you will need to consider how much weight the tote bag will have to hold. Almost all bags can hold up to 10 pounds; however, a cotton canvas bag can hold more than a 70-gram Non-Woven polypropylene material.
Size and shape
Tote bags come in a variety of sizes. The easiest method to determine the proper size is to consider how the bag will be used. Consider the weight of the tote bag, the number of objects it will store, how the user will handle the bag, and how long you want the bag to be used.
The handles
The size of the handle will be determined by how the bag will be carried. Longer handles, often more than 26 inches, allow you to carry the bag by your side as well as over your shoulder. This gives the user the most flexibility.
The outer pocket
You may want an outside pocket on the bag for quick access to business cards or sell sheets. A small outer pocket for a water bottle or cell phone is also recommended.
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The Closure
There is a large range of the best tote bags for college students that is close to the top. You can also use a zipped, snap, or Velcro closure. If the user can secure the contents inside the bag, this may be important or useful.
The Imprint Area
As with any promotional product, the imprint area should be as large as possible. The imprint space expands with the size of the tote bag. Some outside pockets or design components, however, may reduce the size of the imprint area.
There is no hard and fast rule here, but you must evaluate the advantages of a nice-looking bag with a smaller printing space versus a plain bag with a larger imprint area.
15 Best Tote Bags For College Students in 2024
Here are the 15 best tote bags for college students to try out this year:
#1. CafePress Cloth Shopping Bag With a Beautiful Sketch
This tote bag is a classic that would appeal to any bookish student. The standard model is modest (15″ x 15″), but if you’re tall or need more space, you may upgrade to a medium (15″ x 18″).
The bag is strong and has reinforced handles, so it will last for many years. It’s machine washable, so you can take it with you to college, the grocery store, or the beach without fear.
Again, the bag is reasonable, so it will not break a student’s budget. In other words, it provides excellent value for money while also accommodating books, devices, and other stuff.
#2. Heavy Duty Canvas Cotton Tote Bag With A Sloth
This bag is ideal for a student who enjoys a good laugh. It’s one of the best tote bags for college students who want to appear cool while being a book nerd.
It will help to balance out your social image and make you appear livelier. It’s a little small (15.3″ x 13″), but it’ll hold all of your college-related belongings.
What’s more, this type of product is available in a variety of designs. If you don’t like sloths, you can order a model with a cat (for cat lovers), a dog (for dog lovers), or a bald eagle (for you patriots among us).
The variety of styles, combined with the low price, make it a fantastic choice for anyone looking to stand out on campus.
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#3. Library Card Tote Bag
This library card bag is ideal for a student who spends much time buried in books. It will allow you to show off your scholarly personality like a boss.
With a size of 15″ by 14″, it has ample room to fit even the heaviest textbooks. To give you an idea, it can fit up to 12 books of standard size and weight.
Some people tested its durability and discovered that it can support up to 18 lbs. That should be more than enough.
#4. Large black nylon tote for women
This is a purse for a sophisticated young lady who values both usefulness and style. Yes, it’s pricier, but you wouldn’t mind lugging it to your next summer internship interview as one of your stylish tote bags for college.
As one of the best tote bags for college students, this amazing tote bag comes in three distinct designs. There are two colors to pick from black and navy blue.
It also has several unique characteristics that you won’t find in a standard tote. It includes a metal zipper to keep things secure, and it’s composed of excellent nylon fabric to keep your employees dry when it’s raining. It’s ideal if you intend to transport a laptop or other valuable equipment.
#5. Out of Print Literary and Book-Themed Canvas Tote
This is yet another one of the best tote bags for college students with a literary theme. It’s notable for its depth (14″ by 18″), which allows you to stack books while also storing a bottle of wine and a picnic kit.
The bag is large, so it will be ideal for a taller person or someone who needs to carry a lot of goods daily. You may also use it as your “number two” bag, which is ideal for a day at the beach or a weekly trip to the grocery shop.
It’s created in the United States, is 100% cotton, and has an interior pocket for tiny items like keys or earbuds. The best part is that if you purchase this literary bag, the creators will donate one book to a community in need. If you don’t like the standard design, you can choose from more than 20 additional models in “Out of Print.”
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#6. CafePress “I Love Biology” Tote Bag
We have one of the stylish tote bags for college here, ideal for our young biology, nursing, or medical students. People who will soon enjoy cutting into patients may like this bag, which features a creative sketch of a human heart that appears to have come from Leonardo da Vinci’s notebooks.
There are two sizes to pick from. The tiny one measures 15″ x 15″ and the medium one measures 15″ x 18″. The handles are strong because they are strengthened with additional fabric.
This tote, like the majority of the goods on this list, is machine washable, allowing you to clean it of any bodily fluids. And if you prefer chemistry, the company that offers these bags has you covered as well.
#7. Educational Astrophysics Math Tote Bag
The majority of the bags mentioned in this article are for ladies (guys prefer backpacks after all). This one, however, is unique in that it is also ideal for the bright male math fans among us.
If you enjoy engineering, programming, architecture, physics, or math, this bag is for you. It has a lot of space and can easily fit a 15-inch laptop.
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#8. Heavy Duty Strong Natural Tote Bag
Okay, so you dislike totes with complex designs and are searching for something basic. If this is the case, this is the bag for you.
It’s a minimalist bag with no doodles or slogans, and it’s a fantastic antidote to a brand-obsessed world. Yes, the flashing pictures and advertisements on your mobile phone will continue to entice your senses.
But, at least with your tote, you’re completely neutral, which can be a breath of fresh air.
The bag has extra-long handles and measures 15″ deep by 14″ broad. This should provide you with adequate room to bundle your college needs.
You can add this strong natural tote bag to your list of the best tote bags for college students in 2024.
#9. Fjallraven Kanken Totepack Mini Backpack
This “totepack” is weather-resistant and functional, with a nylon shell that can withstand endless knocks.
It also has backpack straps in case you need to transport more than you paid for.
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#10. Kule The Take Out Tote
When you talk about the best tote bags for college students don’t leave the Kule’s tote bag out. This is another purchase that can carry lots of items.
Do you need it to double as a gym backpack and transport your sports equipment? Or do you want to bring it with you on your next flight? Then try this amazing tote bag today!
#11. Fan Grrrl Stranger Things Tote Bag
The amazing “Fan Grrrl stranger things tote bag” can’t be left out on our list of the best tote bags for college students.
Is it just us, or have you been singing Max’s favorite song since the debut of Stranger Things 4? “Running Up That Hill” by Kate Bush may have been stuck in our minds all summer, but the melancholic song is ideal for lengthy autumn walks to school.
#12. Boat and Tote Zip-Top With Pocket
When you dive headfirst into the coastal grandmother trend with this L.L. Bean bag, you’ll be joining the ranks of Diane Keaton, Ina Garten, and everyone else on TikTok. Have it monogrammed with your initials for extra points.
#13 Baggu Embroidered Giant Pocket Tote Bag
Baggu is a brand to become acquainted with when shopping for totes. The brand’s portable and packable nylon bags are surely familiar, but we prefer the canvas choices for their lovely patterns, like these retro daisies.
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#14 Urban Outfitters Poppy Embroidered Mini Tote Bag
Okay, we know this is far too little to be your sole back-to-school bag, but we couldn’t help ourselves. Our list of the best tote bags for college students would have been incomplete without this beautiful piece from Urban Outfitters.
The patchwork stitching is eye-catching, and there’s a snap-button closure to keep your accessories, little notepads, or lunch secure.
#15 Parks Project Power To The Parks Shrooms Park Tote
Did you spend as much time as you could outside this summer? With this mushroom-patterned tote, you can keep the outdoorsy feeling flowing.
The bags are constructed from leftover fabric from the construction of Parks Projects’ chairs, so you receive the same tough material to transport your books and binders.
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How To Keep The Best Tote Bags For College Students Clean?
Step 1: Pre-treat stains
To remove stains from a tote bag, combine one teaspoon of liquid dishwashing detergent with two cups of lukewarm water. If the stain is tenacious, combine a few tablespoons of vinegar and an equal amount of baking soda. Let the paste rest for 30 minutes before using a clean towel to blot.
Step 2: Carry out a colorfast test
Colorfast indicates that the colors in the fabric will not fade or wash out. Most fabric tote bags derive their colors from dye, therefore, they may not be colorfast.
Here’s how to determine whether your tote bags are colorfast:
- Choose a position on your bag that isn’t too visible.
- Laundry detergent should be applied to the affected region.
- Using an old white cloth, dab the affected area. This helps you see if there was any color transfer.
- If there is any color on the white material, it indicates that your tote is not colorfast. Instead, wash by hand.
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Step 3: Put the clothes in the washer
You can set the machine to cold water to avoid shrinkage. Don’t use fabric softener or bleach but you can use a light detergent. If the bag has a logo or a special design on its front, turn it inside out and begin a mild cycle.
Step 4: Hang your bags to dry
Do not put your totes in the dryer or leave them in the washing machine after the cycle is finished. To avoid wrinkles, hang them up by each strap to air dry.
Step 5: Make use of antibacterial wipes.
When the bag is completely dry, clean the interior with antibacterial wipes. It helps in removing any germs that may still be present in the tote bag.
Why Do Most Stylish Tote Bags For College Shrink?
When washed in cold water, tote bags will not shrink. Because of the heat, they will shrink in the dryer, therefore always air dry.
Remember that soaking your tote bags is not a good idea. Mold or germs may grow if they are left damp for an extended time. Always wash your bags in small loads and hang them up to dry right away.
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Conclusion
The semester is still new, and it’s not too late to switch to a tote bag as your preferred school bag. Your academic life can improve significantly when you switch from a backpack to a tote.
So, if you want to get a head start on the school year, investing in one of the best tote bags for college students can be a good idea!
Frequently Asked Questions On The Best Tote Bags For College
Tote bags are ideal for students, but they also help you stand out from the crowd.
The classic tote bag is composed of strong cloth, maybe with thick leather at the handles or bottom; leather versions frequently have a pebbled surface. Canvas, jute, nylon, and other easy-care synthetics have become popular; they may damage with prolonged exposure to sunshine.
Many tote bags are just a single open carry-all compartment. They are often larger and untied at the top than most other handbags.
Most tote bags shrink in the dryer because of the heat, therefore always air dry.
Most clothing can be unshrunk by soaking it in a solution of tepid water and a capful of baby shampoo. Gently massage the object with your hands to let the fibers relax. Gently pat or roll the garment dry, then use your hands to gently stretch it out to its original size.
Tote bags are widely used to transport groceries. The larger size of the tote bag makes it ideal for hauling essentials. It provides a comfortable and sustainable alternative to disposable shopping bags
Reference
- rafalreyzer.com – 8 Best Totes For College Students (Comfy & Inexpensive)
- dailycal.org – 5 Reasons Why Tote Bags Are Better Than Backpacks
- enviro-tote.com – What Do You Carry In A Tote Bag?
- 4allpromos.com – How To Buy A Tote Bag
- qualitylogoproducts.com – How to Wash Tote Bags: Tips for Spot Cleaning & Machine Washing
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