The humble beach bag. Much more of a statement these days than the oversized shopper your mother packed crackers and fruit in for the beach days of our youth, the beach bag, especially in Australia, is the accessory of summer. We'll always have a soft spot for the carry-all basket, sturdy and enduring in style and in craftsmanship, but these days it's hard to find one that stands out from the crowd, so we've done the legwork for you from classic raffia to more colourful options. Then there is the sturdy tote, canvas and leather, precious enough to feel worth the investment, not precious enough to leave off the sand.

Throw it all in and you're set to go, the beach bag is as much about utility as it is style. Oversized by nature and suitable for all needs, we're looking for quality craftsmanship and ample room for snacks. These are our favourite beach bags of the moment for any occasion to get you prepared for the summer months. Don't forget the sunscreen and the beach read.

Jacquemus Le Panier Soleil

 

Jil Sander Flat Shopper Tote Bag

 

JW Anderson Knitted Shopper

 

Dragon Diffusion Nantucket Large Woven Leather Tote

Among Equals Sepik Bilum

Casa Catinella Black Basket Bag

 

Prada Nylon Printed Mesh Bag

Balenciaga Bistro Basket

 

Erl Padded Quilted Cotton Down Tote

 

Prada Raffia Tote Bag

Pan After Shoulder to Shoulder Bag 005

Marni Logo Embroidered Strapped Tote Bag

Khaite Osa leather-trimmed raffia tote

Museum of Peace and Quiet Green 'Peace & Quiet' Tote

If you're in the mood for some smaller bag iterations, you can peruse our guide to the best basket bags for any occasion, or if summer night accessories are more up your alley, you can browse our edit of the best evening bags to carry you through the festive season here. Otherwise, see our wider edit of tote bags here, or on the other end of the scale, designer mini bags for the minimal traveller's, here.