My L.L.Bean Boat & Tote Collection

If you're anything like me, you know a good tote bag somehow becomes part of your everyday routine. School drop-offs, errands, the beach, the pool, HomeGoods runs!

When I ordered my L.L.Bean Boat & Tote bags, I wanted each one to have its own purpose (and personality). I also spent way too much time deciding on fonts, embroidery colors, and handle lengths, so I figured I'd share exactly what I ordered in case you're trying to customize your own.

1. "ask ur dad"

Boat and Tote®, Open-Top

• Size: Large

• Handles: Short

• Bag Color: Natural

• Embroidery: Taupe

• Font: Butler Times Bold

• Monogram: ask ur dad (all lowercase)

This one is probably my favorite because it always makes me laugh. I wanted something playful that felt unexpected, and "ask ur dad" was perfect. I chose the large size because it's the ultimate throw-everything-in bag. It's perfect for beach days, pool days, weekend trips, or when I inevitably end up carrying everyone else's things. I kept the embroidery taupe because it's subtle, timeless, and feels elevated against the natural canvas. The Butler Times Bold font gives it a classic look while still letting the phrase be the star. The short handles are my personal preference on larger totes. They feel structured, are easy to grab, and I usually carry a bag this size by hand or in the crook of my arm.

2. "the edit."

Boat and Tote®, Open-Top

• Size: Medium

• Handles: Short

• Bag Color: Natural

• Embroidery: Taupe

• Font: Thin Script

• Monogram: the edit. (including the period, all lowercase)

This is my everyday work bag with only my personal items - laptop, laptop charger, lipgloss, content creator tools, its basically my “office”. I chose the zip-top version because I love being able to completely close it. Whether it's tossed in the car, traveling with me, or sitting in the passenger seat, everything stays secure, which gives me a little extra peace of mind. I wanted something that felt a little more polished and fashion-forward, so I went with "the edit." The period makes it feel intentional, and the thin script embroidery softens the look. Again, I chose taupe embroidery because I love a monochromatic, understated look that works year-round. The medium size is perfect for everyday essentials, wallet, sunglasses, a notebook and all the little things that somehow end up in my bag.

3. "the chaos."

Boat and Tote®, Open-Top

• Size: Medium

• Handles: Short

• Bag Color: Antique Olive

• Embroidery: Cypress

• Font: Butler Times Bold

• Monogram: the chaos. (including the period, all lowercase)

This one pretty much sums up life with kids. I loved the richness of the Antique Olive canvas and wanted the embroidery to blend in rather than stand out, so I paired it with Cypress thread. The tonal combination gives it a subtle, elevated look. I went back to the Butler Times Bold font because I liked the contrast of a classic serif with a cheeky phrase. This is the bag I'll grab for playground trips, sports, car rides, and all the random kid essentials that seem to multiply throughout the day.

A Few Things I Learned While Designing Mine

• I personally love all lowercase monograms—they feel modern, relaxed, and a little less traditional.

• Taupe embroidery on the natural canvas is incredibly versatile and gives the bags a timeless feel.

• The short handles keep the totes feeling structured and classic.

• If you're torn between sizes, I'd recommend:

  • Large for beach, pool, travel, or hauling everything.

  • Medium for everyday errands and daily use.

• Don't be afraid to have fun with your monogram. A personalized phrase makes the bag feel uniquely yours and is often what sparks the most conversations.

These bags are classics for a reason, and I love that each one serves a different purpose while still feeling cohesive together!! Shop my selects here!