You are looking for a practical, yet stylish handbag to carry everything you need. Then you think, ‘Should I prefer a Tote bag or a Shopping bag?’. Maybe it is a little confusing, as many think that both handbags mean the same thing! Let’s take a look at the difference between a Tote and a Shopping bag.
Tote bags
A Tote bag is a large open bag with two parallel handles, with open top, made of strong and durable fabric. The verb “tote” means “to carry by hand”. They are usually unfastened at the top, and bigger than the most handbags. Tote bags can be made of a range of different fabrics, and come in multiple colors and patterns. They are often made from lightweight fabrics, such as canvas and woven cotton, but there are no limitations to what a tote bag is made of.
Uses of Tote bags
A Tote bag combines practicality with style, easily! It is a versatile product which can be used for a number of purposes. Commonly they are used for carrying shopping, but since many years may be used as simple fashion accessories which can be worn casually, or to make statement on more formal occasions. You can use it for work, school, the gym, dance class, as a travel bag, or even as a beach bag. The bigger size make them ideal for transporting everyday essentials, and it is a reusable, eco-friendly alternative to plastic bags. Most of them are washable, in lukewarm water.
History of Tote bags
The origin narratives for the tote bag are many, including one which takes place in Paris in the 1860s. The luggage industry soared with the growth of travel. It was primarily designed in leather as a strong medium to store and transport valuables or journey beddings for individuals travelling for work.
Tote bags did not get their name until the 20th century, and are believed to have been around since the 17th century. The word “tote” has been used since the 17th century and was originally used as a verb to mean “carrying or transporting items in a bag”. Over time, the word “tote” became used as a noun, and the “tote bag” that we know today came about in the 1940s in the United States. In 1944, the tote bag has been introduced as the classic L.L. Bean’s Boat Bag. Given the carrying convenience, spacious storage, and minimal maintenance, people soon started favoring totes over heavier suitcases. Tote bags made their way into mainstream culture in the 1950s, predominantly used as everyday handbags mostly by the female population.
Initially, outdoor brands created the “ice bag” in 1944 which was a boxy box made from heavy canvas, and used to transport ice from the car to the freezer. It grew in popularity as people realized its usefulness, versatility and durability. It wasn’t until the 1960s that tote bags became a fashion statement, with new looks and colors being introduced throughout the decade. Since then, the tote bag has been a staple in the fashion world, printed with different patterns or designs, and made with different materials to provide a functional style for everyone.
L.L. Bean’s creation of the ice bag was what placed the tote obsession in the modern spotlight. A well-known Maine-based outdoor store, L.L. Bean’s sturdy canvas ice carrier allowed people to transport ice from vehicles to their homes (for replacing ice blocks in the refrigerators).
L.L. Bean brought back the canvas ice bag in the 1960s, but with an upgraded version called the boat and tote. The older plain designs were livened with colorful trims, which is still a feature in today’s designs. The tote bag began to truly gain popularity during this period and was no longer just a practical bag. The 1960s, one could say, was when tote bags began evolving from a daily bag to a vibrant, fashionable statement.
In the following decades after the 60s, tote bags started gravitating toward performing as business advertising mediums. The bag grew in popularity during the 1980s, as did its applications. Businesses began using tote bags as promotional merchandise (they were cheap and easy to manufacture). They printed company logos on tote bags and sold them as marketable goods.
IKEA’s iconic Frakta (for a dollar) took over the 90s streets. A popular blue and yellow bag with the capacity to carry up to 14 kgs. It was a game-changer for reusable shopping bags. Eventually, other stores started springing up their own designs of reusable plastic bag alternatives.
This was the era of tote bags taking center stage all over America and the world. Becoming a form of fashion and self-expression more than ever. The New Yorker also began handing out free tote bags to its subscribers in 2014.
The tote is the most adaptable of all bag styles. The original features have stayed constant, but now we have endless styles and designs that complement daily office work to classy evening dinners. Tote bags, in the present day and time, are still dynamic and practical. Used by people from all walks of life across the planet.
Shopping / Shopper bags
Shopping bag are medium-sized bags, typically 10-20 litres in volume, which are used by shoppers to carry home their purchases. Shopping / shopper bags are a type of tote bag. They often have pockets, zippers, and multiple compartments which help people to get through the day. Whether you need to make a shoe change, have easy access to your keys, touch up your makeup, carry your laptop, the shopper bag is a great solution which combine style and functionality.
Differences between them
The Straps
The straps of a tote bag are non-adjustable, while mostly on a shopper bag can be adjustable to fit your appropriate length. Tote bags are designed to be worn on the shoulder mainly, but with adjustable straps you can wear it on the shoulder, in the crook of your arm, or in hand.
The Interior
The tote bags are mostly a single-open carry-all space, with a large, and roomy interior. The shoppers bag almost always include inside pockets, dividers, and zipper or button closing.
Both tote and shopping bags are stylish and practical, which will be used a lot, so they need to be made of a material which will last. They have many benefits, including the following:
They make a great addition to your handbag collection, and look fantastic with just about any outfit! Choose a bag that suits your personal style, and that you will enjoy carrying!
Bibliography:
www.hozencollection.com
www.buffalojackson.com
www.zatchels.com
www.koltovhandbags.com
www.gallantintl.com