The Chicest Cotton Bags
There is an often overlooked and unsung hero in the world of luxury bags- the cotton carryall. Just because cotton bags are more casual and pared back than leather handbags doesn’t mean they are any less chic. In fact, we think cotton bags deserve a place of honour in any wardrobe. Cotton is a durable and versatile fabric that you can rely on, and a well-made cotton design will have longevity so that you can enjoy this fashion staple for many seasons to come. Plus, opting for either organic cotton or recycled cotton can be a really good choice if you’re looking for ways to protect and heal the planet. As part of our mission to give you options to become a Fashion Activist and make your shopping more eco-friendly, we’ve put together our list of the five chicest cotton bags to help you choose your bag and embrace the benefits of this magic material. Virgin cotton production causes a massive drain on natural resources, but when you buy your cotton bag sustainably on Vestiaire, you’re making a choice that has positive ripple effects on the environment.
Herschel cotton backpack
Based in Vancouver, Canada, the Herschel company’s retro influenced backpacks are a Vestiaire favourite and have been for some time now. Herschel has over forty backpack designs, but we like the simplicity of their cotton backpacks because they’re classic and more eco-friendly than nylon. Their cool, genderless design is lightweight yet durable, so it is appropriate for tough jobs like school, work or a weekend hike. The cotton daypack holds a full 24.5 litres, so you always have plenty of room for just about everything you could need to carry, and the wide top zipper allows for easy loading and unloading. The bag’s ultra-recognisable signature is the Herschel logo typed in a retro font— a nod to the tiny town of Herschel in Saskatchewan where founders Lyndon and Jamie Cormack grew up. Ever the personal touch.
Every time you go to purchase a bag, you have the chance to make a decision that either harms or heals the Earth. Opting for a pre-loved Herschel backpack is a great way to support a healthy planet. Herschel is totally unique in that the brand has created an everyday backpack that manages to be laid-back and sophisticated all at once. These bags look just as natural and nonchalant on a banker as they do on a university student. The iconic cotton backpack truly resonates with all ages, genders and lifestyles. And because it is made of durable cotton with leather trims, it holds up very well to time which is why it’s a great contender for buying pre-owned on the Vestiaire Collective app.
Marc by Marc Jacobs weekender
Going away for the weekend? Grab the Marc Jacobs weekender bag. Made of lightweight cotton canvas, it’s a roomy and soft carryall bag for weekends spent away on a city break or chilling out at the beach (…we can dream right?) The Marc Jacobs brand has bolstered their efforts in recent years to be more sustainable and bring more transparency to their supply chain, which we wholeheartedly support. The weekender bag is a roomy logo print tote that will stay stylish for many years to come. And as long as you have wanderlust, you’ll be reaching for it to take with you as an easy and lightweight carry-on bag.
At Vestiaire Collective, we know we have options to do better for the planet and make fashion decisions that are conscious and eco-friendly. That’s why we encourage our community to buy bags like the Marc Jacobs weekender pre-loved on our app. We are here to connect you with the exact bag you want, without the resource consumption and carbon footprint that’s tied to buying brand new. And until travel becomes a possibility again, you can take your pre-loved Marc Jacobs weekender on a picnic in the park or to the pool knowing that with your purchase, you have made a vote for sustainability.
Ralph Lauren Cotton Satchel
The Ralph Lauren cotton satchel is made of super soft canvas and is a laid-back and all time classic alternative even to the best bucket bags because it is roomy and easy to carry. This relaxed and refined tote bag is a casual, multifunctional go-to that pairs well with almost any look whether you carry it to work, to the gym or out on a stroll around the city with your friends. The Ralph Lauren brand has recently laid out clearly defined and ambitious environmental goals, including to ensure that 100% of their materials, like cotton, are sustainably sourced by 2025. We’re always happy to hear of major powerhouses in fashion taking strides to become more eco-friendly with policies that help protect and preserve the planet. But we know you probably can’t wait until 2025 to snatch your Ralph Lauren handbag. Lucky for you, our community of over 10 million users includes devoted Ralph Lauren re-sellers offering well cared for pre-loved bags from the American fashion giant. Find your Ralph Lauren cotton satchel pre-loved on the Vestiaire app and enjoy a bag that you can take with you on your daily adventures for seasons to come.
Burberry Cotton Tote
One of the most stylishly simple bags of all time is the Burberry cotton tote. With an instantly recognisable look in iconic plaid, this enduring classic is a bag that is known to hold its resale value. The open design and supple canvas construction makes the Burberry Cotton Tote an excellent companion for toting all your daily essentials and more. (Even better when paired with the traditional Burberry trench coat!) For the Fashion Activist who’s looking to add a little luxury to their daily errands, this bag can also be used as an eco-friendly alternative to the plastic shopping bags that mostly end up polluting the oceans. Burberry has announced its goal to be carbon neutral by 2022 — a huge step in the right direction for sustainable luxury. But for now, even cotton comes with a carbon footprint. That’s why we recommend purchasing pre-loved bags through our app. Our global community of green-minded fashion lovers are selling their pre-loved handbags every day on Vestiaire, so you can buy a great bag without hurting the environment. Buying classic styles like the Burberry Cotton Tote second-hand is one of the best ways there is to acquire new wardrobe gems and still minimise your impact on the planet.
Hermès Cotton bag
Hermès is known around the world for its pristine leather, but did you know the iconic fashion house also crafts a beautiful cotton bag? Hermès cotton bags have the same aura of luxury and high craftsmanship that you’ve come to expect from one the Parisian powerhouse of luxury. And since the bags are made of cotton, they might just be the entry level Hermès bags you’ve been looking for. The classic Hermès Grooming bag for men is a top-handle style with a strap that is totally timeless and is crafted to age with grace. This is a luxury bag that can accompany you to work or can be folded into your suitcase for a back-up travel bag on future trips to faraway destinations when you plan to do some extra shopping. In a sense, bags by Hermès are inherently sustainable because they are purely classic and are crafted in France with such care that they last for many, many years — even decades. Which is what makes them such great options for purchasing second-hand because you know you are buying a piece that is designed to uphold the years. And the best part of all? Hermès pieces retain a particularly high re-sale value on Vestiaire Collective if you ever decide to sell your beloved bag! If you’re eyeing a Hermès cotton tote, there’s really no reason to delay making it yours.
Spring is right around the corner and it’s the best season to refresh your wardrobe by reaching for something light and relaxed. But keep in mind that cotton bags aren’t only for spring and summer. No, they’re way more versatile than that. The high-quality construction of these beautiful cotton bags means you can depend on them to get you through every season of the year in style. And by choosing a bag that endures from season-to-season, you are making decisions like a true Fashion Activist. When you select a thoughtfully crafted and pre-loved cotton bag, you ensure that far fewer precious natural resources are used up by harmful manufacturing practices. Because the use of new resources is hard on the planet, buying second-hand is the best way to update your style and be green while you do it.
Being a Fashion Activist in the Vestiaire community is about buying less, but better. Choosing bags that are second-hand instead of new is a major way you can say ‘No’ to the fast fashion industry and ‘Yes’ to a more sustainable future for our planet. In 2021, carrying a cotton bag is considered an ethical fashion statement, and you can find each of these 5 and more on the Vestiaire app. As we’ve seen, the trusty cotton bag comes in many styles, for many budgets — from Herschel to Hermès. Find your favourite at Vestiaire Collective and make your next cotton carryall a statement for a greener fashion future. You’ll be happy you did, and the Earth will be just a little bit better off because of it.