What is a Tote Bag? Uses and styles featuring handmade italian designs

The tote bag officially arrived on the fashion scene in the 1940s. It was initially designed as a canvas ice bag; a bag strong enough to carry ice from the car to the freezer. Naturally, people quickly realized it could be so much more than that and in the 1950s it became a popular bag for homemakers. Interestingly, the name ‘tote’ was chosen because it’s a West African word meaning ‘to carry’.
By the 1960s the styling had been tweaked slightly, allowing it to become part of the fashion scene. Today, it is one of the most popular bag styles available. The best bags today stay true to the original concept but add a modern twist. Each Jennifer Tattanelli tote is handcrafted in Florence, Italy—an iconic city renowned for its centuries-old leatherworking tradition. For example, the Intrecciato Optical Tote bag in lime is a stylish large leather tote bag for women practical, yet stylish.

The difference between tote bags and regular bags

What is a tote bag? It’s an open-top bag with straps instead of handles and it’s large enough to carry a lot of stuff. The inside may have a few pockets to carry your purse or smartphone but it’s largely unstructured.
In contrast, a regular bag usually has a closure on the top, helping to keep the contents safe. Regular bags are generally smaller and contain multiple pockets for storing items, but limited other space.
Of course, modern tote bags, such as this stylish twist leather suede tote, are a little smaller than the original. However, it still retains all the key features regarding handles and size. A regular bag can’t compare.
At Jennifer Tattanelli you can ask to add a top closure to your tote bags, this will not change the style aesthetic and will let you feel safer especially walking in crowded spaces.

Uses for a tote bag

The original use for a tote bag was to carry ice and then shopping. Today, it’s a fashionable accessory with a wide variety of purposes:

• For work: the tote bag can take all your folders, laptop, and other essential work supplies, including a healthy lunch.

• Traveling: tote bags are generally the right size to qualify as cabin luggage, making them great traveling companions. However, it’s always worth checking the sizing first.

• Hitting the gym: the open-top nature of a tote bag makes it perfect for going to and leaving the gym. It takes all your gear, helps you look stylish on arrival, and allows you to leave with your dignity intact.

• Beach bag: the sheer size of the tote bag makes it perfect for a beach towel, sun cream, a good book, and the other essentials to make a perfect day at the beach.

• Baby bag: just become a mum and haven’t considered a baby bag? You don’t need to panic, the tote bag doubles perfectly as a stylish baby bag. You’ll look good at the same time, making parenting look easy.

• Pet carrier: it’s now common to carry your small furry friend with you, a tote bag makes this easy and comfortable.

That’s just a few of the many uses. However, we wouldn’t recommend using a tote bag as a purse. It’s a little too big to just be a purse.

How to choose a tote bag

Choose a high-quality tote bag and it will last you for years. The first step is to decide the type of tote you want:

Leather
Leather is the best choice if you want to look stylish, elegant, and use your bag at formal and casual occasions. The key when choosing a leather tote bag is quality. Full-grain leather, makes the bags soft, supple, very durable, and, with minimal care, it will keep looking good for years.
This is where Jennifer Tattanelli excels. Every tote bag is handcrafted by skilled leather artisans with the expertise to create a tote that truly lasts. The secret lies in the quality of the leather and our commitment to traditional, high-quality hand-stitching throughout the manufacturing process. The Italian styling we infuse is simply an added bonus! We guarantee unparalleled quality—you simply need to decide whether you prefer a classic black tote or something bolder.

Canvas
Tote bags are made of fabric mainly cotton. They are generally strong and light. This type of tote is great for shopping and the office but lacks the style of a leather tote bag. Even a Canvas bag can have some leather accents like the JT Bag!

Recycled tote bags are created from old materials. They are the environmentally friendly option and popular with eco-warriors. However, like the canvas tote, they tend to put function over style.

If you want to look good and enjoy the practicalities of a tote bag, you should choose a leather one. It’s also advisable to choose a manufacturer with a great reputation. That guarantees you quality and a stylish look.

Now take a look at the Jennifer Tattanelli range now, you’ll be spoilt for choice.