I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again — I’m forever an L.L.Bean Boat and Tote girl. The iconic canvas design, the beautiful color choices, the variety of sizes, and the endless personalization possibilities… what’s not to love?! You’ll find me carrying one of these classic staples more days than not.
So today, I’m breaking down all things personalized tote bags — including the best sizes for different uses, whether to choose a zip-top or open-top style, and of course, a list of personalization ideas to help you find the perfect word or phrase to complete your bag.
The History of L.L.Bean’s Personalized Tote Bags
One of the things I absolutely love about these bags is their rich history. Originally introduced in 1944 as the L.L.Bean Ice Carrier, they were designed as a practical solution for transporting blocks of ice home in post-war America. Made from ultra-durable canvas with reinforced handles and a double-layered base, the bag was built to withstand serious weight and wear (which it still does today!).
After disappearing from the catalog for a time, it reemerged in 1965 as the L.L.Bean Boat and Tote — this time styled in classic nautical colors. It quickly became a symbol of New England seaside life, accompanying families on everything from boating excursions to beach trips. In the 1970s, L.L.Bean began offering monograms, and since then, these totes have grown into one of the brand’s most beloved and customizable staples.
L.L.Bean Boat and Tote Styles
Over the years, L.L.Bean has introduced more and more Boat and Tote styles, and nowadays there truly is something for everyone. Let’s break down some of my current favorite picks when it comes to these personalized tote bags.
Open-Top Boat and Tote
I own both open-top and zip-top totes, and I truly love each for different reasons. The classic open-top style is incredibly easy to toss things into and head out the door. Plus, if you’re stuffing it full (as we moms often do), you don’t have to worry about wrestling a zipper closed.
Zip-Top Boat and Tote
On the other hand, the timeless Boat and Tote with a zip-top style definitely has its advantages. For starters, you can easily toss it into the trunk or onto the backseat floor of your car without worrying about items spilling out and rolling around. I also tend to prefer the zip-top version when traveling, since it keeps everything secure and in place.
Mini Boat and Tote
How adorable is this mini Boat and Tote? I love that this smaller size is having such a moment right now. It’s the perfect little bag to carry along for a shopping day or lunch with friends.
Crossbody Boat and Tote
Prefer a crossbody style? They now offer personalized tote bags with this option as well. I know many women find this to be one of the most comfortable styles to carry, and it’s especially practical since it keeps your hands free.
Tall and Small Boat and Tote
Lastly, L.L.Bean now offers a Tall and Small version of the Boat and Tote. This size is great for someone who wants to carry their essentials along with a water bottle or two. It’s not so large that your items get lost at the bottom, but the added height makes it easy to bring drinks along — truly a win-win!
Which Size is Best For You?
Once you’ve selected a tote bag style, the next step is choosing a size, since most varieties are available in multiple options. Personally, I own several different sizes and have found that each works best for different purposes. Here are my thoughts on which size is ideal for various uses.
Medium vs. Large Personalized Tote Bags
If you’re looking for an everyday tote, I’d recommend the medium size with regular-length straps. I own both zip-top and open styles in this size, and they’re equally great for daily use.
While the medium works beautifully for everyday errands, my most-used style is actually the large. I prefer long handles in this size because they make it much easier to carry on my shoulder. You can fit so much into this bag, which makes it perfect for everything from weekend trips to soccer games.
Other Size Options
Most of my personalized tote bags fall into those two categories. However, L.L.Bean’s classic styles are also available in mini, small, and extra-large options. I think each of these serves a purpose — whether it’s a mini tote for carrying just the essentials to lunch or an extra-large size for a long road trip.
Personalized Tote Bags: The Ultimate Mom Accessory
Out of all the bags I own, the large Boat and Tote is truly my ultimate mom bag. I like to joke that it’s my Mary Poppins bag because you never know what I’ll pull out — it holds so much, which is essential during long soccer weekends and busy travel days.
I also love that the more worn-in these classic bags become, the better they look. It just adds personality! I’ve gifted personalized tote bags to many other moms over the years, and they’re always such a hit — which is why they often make an appearance in my gift guides, too.
What’s Inside My Bag
When I’m carrying one of my large tote bags, I like to organize everything with smaller pouches inside. It makes such a difference when it comes to keeping things tidy and easy to find. I shared a more detailed breakdown in my sports mom blog post, so if you’re prepping for a game day or practice, be sure to check that out as well.
On any given day, there are a handful of items you’ll always find in my tote, no matter the plans. Here are my must-have essentials:
Medications
Bandages
Beauty basics (hair ties, a small hairbrush, sunscreen, lip balm, deodorant, hand cream)
Portable phone charger and cord
Small notepad and pen
Snacks (protein bars, electrolyte powders, gum, cashews)
Tote Bag Personalization Ideas
While monogrammed tote bags have always been popular, in recent years it’s become even more fun (and trendy!) to fully personalize them. I’ve had so much fun playing around with customization ideas for myself and my friends. If you’re trying to decide what to put on your tote bag, here are some of my favorite phrases that I have on different bags:
Momager: My sister had a bag with this phrase made for me, and I think it’s so funny!
Team Mom: I made this for my girlfriend after we kept going back and forth about who was the “team mom” (neither of us wanted to be, lol).
Lost and Found: I received this one as a gift, and it’s perfect because the medium size often becomes my family’s catch-all bag.
Delulu: We all need a little delusion every now and then!
Soccer Mom: This is by far my most-used bag.
Go Sports: A fun phrase for the mom cheering on a variety of sports.
And here’s a list of fun personalized tote bag phrases recommended by my followers:
Full of It
LinkInBio
Busy / Very Busy
As If
Ciao Bella
Golf Mom
Beach Babe
Schlepping
No Thank U
My Monkeys
Personalized Tote Bags: A Classic Staple
In my opinion, personalized tote bags are a timeless wardrobe staple — just as functional as they are stylish. They make the perfect grab-and-go bag for everything from everyday errands to travel weekends, and they’re always a thoughtful gift. If you’ve been debating which size to choose or how to personalize your tote, I hope these tips and ideas have been helpful!
For additional practical and classic fashion favorites, be sure to check out these posts:
