Summer vibes to go: the 7 prettiest bags for the beach, pool and lake
14/7/2025
Translation: Jessica Johnson-Ferguson
For a chill day by the water, you need a towel, sunscreen, snacks and a bag that’ll hold everything. Here are seven that are handy and look great.
There are bags that scream «business» and those that whisper «me time» in a soft ASMR voice. In the sun, by the water, between sticky ice-cream sticks, freshly fried chips and generously applied sun cream.
I’ve picked out seven models that will put you in the mood for a swim and provide plenty of storage space for a towel, sunscreen, a book and everything else you need for a great day by the water.
1 Tie up the cord and off you go!
This straw bag from Selected gives off both urban and beach vibes and offers plenty of space for your pool essentials. The inner compartment has a drawstring that ensures your belongings are safely stowed away in a simple and stylish fashion.
2 Very cuddly
When I think of swimming pools and beaches, my mind conjures up images of colourful terry towels. So whenever I see a bag from Wouf, I want to go for a splash. The bag’s playful, fluffy and extremely spacious – your ideal companion for chilling out by the water.
Source: Wouf
3. Sunshine in a bag
The crocheted bag from Barts with «Le Soleil» embroidered on it has a charming DIY look. Despite its compact size, it offers enough space for a thin hammam towel and essentials such as sun cream and shades. Your essentials are also kept safe thanks to its inner lining and magnetic catch. It’s great if you’re not a fan of lugging around loads of stuff.
4. Buttery yellow is the new beige
Wicker bags pretty much stand for carefree hours under a blue summer’s sky. This is also the case with this handwoven model made from recycled plastic in a delicious buttery yellow. It offers plenty of storage space without being bulky and can easily be converted into a shopping bag after the summer.
Not a fan of pastels? Then take a look at the other available colours.
5. A lick of dolce vita
The gelaterias opening their doors in summer is one of the highlights of the season for me. Do you agree? Celebrate your love of ice creams with this pink striped jute bag from The Jacksons. The handmade bags are spacious and – although they look fragile – can carry up to 14 kilos, according to the manufacturer.
Source: The Jacksons
6. For essentials and much more
Are you the type who packs everything but the kitchen sink when you go to the lake for the day? Then this maxi model from Esprit is for you. The white leather-look appliqués give the classic straw bag an urban twist – and thanks to the zipper, everything stays in place when you’re on the go.
7. Extra large, extra cool
If you prefer to pack too much rather than too little, but don’t like straw bags, I have another XL suggestion for you: the Candy Mono bag from Hay in a pink and red colour combination. The bag’s made from 80 per cent recycled polyester and, with its generous dimensions of 70 × 64 × 28 centimetres, is ideal for transporting both essentials and non-essentials in style.
Header image: WOUF
Has endless love for shoulder pads, Stratocasters and sashimi, but a limited tolerance for bad impressions of her Eastern Swiss dialect.
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