The L.L.Bean Boat and Tote was introduced in 1944 as the Bean Ice Carrier, a simple bag designed to help people transport ice blocks to their home freezers. It was a workhorse, made from strong and durable canvas with no distinct design features aside from two handles and a flat bottom. Humble beginnings for an accessory that would, years later, be spotted under the arms of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy and Chloë Sevigny — but, alas, even the world’s most fashionable women appreciate functionality.
The Bean Ice Carrier was reintroduced with colorful handles and renamed the Boat and Tote in 1965. It’s never really gone out of style since, thanks to the same craftsmanship that gave it legs 80 years ago. The monogrammed version of the bag is a beach-day staple that’s been part of the East Coast prep aesthetic for decades. Recently, a social-media trend introduced it to a younger, cooler demographic.
TikTok user (and the woman behind the Instagram account @ironicboatandtote) Gracie Wiener started posting her collection of Boat and Totes, personalized not with her monogrammed initials but with ironic words and phrases like Psycho, Not not designer, and Prada instead. The cheeky trend caught on. Soon, in-the-know fashion people like stylist Dara Allen, Washington Post writer Rachel Tashjian, and Marie Claire editor-in-chief Nikki Ogunnaike were toting the canvas bag more than Waspy moms vacationing on Nantucket. Who would’ve thought! Even Jenna Lyons was spotted carrying one embossed with the phrase Old Celine.
And the latest iteration of the Boat and Tote is an absolute treat for its newly stylish fan base. L.L.Bean teamed up with New York–based label Tibi to create a reimagined version of the iconic bag, available now on tibi.com for $475. This collaboration does what so many others only try to: It combines the best elements of both brands.
The defining feature is the Tibi Classic Men’s Leather Belt woven through loops on each handle (and, yes, it’s detachable, so you can wear it as a stand-alone accessory!). It’s utilitarian and unfussy, much like the original Boat and Tote. But it also stays true to the Tibi brand of contemporary, minimalist, creative, clean, and practical fashion A perfect marriage, perhaps? I tested it for about a month before the launch date to find out. Read on for my in-depth review of the new Tibi x L.L.Bean Re-Imagined Boat and Tote.
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How does it fit?
Nicely under the arm. Tibi’s version of the Boat and Tote has extra-long straps, so it’s not one of those bags that will slide off your shoulder if you’re wearing a thick coat or slippery puffer jacket. It is roomy and holds my laptop, notebooks, chargers, and a change of shoes without feeling (or looking) too bulky.
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How does it feel?
Even though the bag is crafted from 100 percent cotton, it feels just as thick and stiff as the original canvas Boat and Tote. It holds its shape, which I appreciate. Also, the reinforced straps are strong and durable but don’t feel like they’re cutting into my shoulder or giving me permanent back damage. Always a win in the tote-bag category!
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How does it hold up?
This bag is tough. No matter how much heavy stuff I put in it, it never feels like it will break. The light color is a risk, though, especially in a place as filthy as New York City. I wasn’t comfortable carrying it on the subway during rush hour since every little scuff is visible. It’s already pretty dirty (because I’m me), but the fabric composition means it’ll be safe in the washing machine on a gentle hand-wash setting.
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How many times did I use it this month ?
Five. I love the look of the bag, and the neutral tones make it so easy to style, but I didn’t reach for it as much as I thought I would because it doesn’t have interior or exterior pockets. I have way too much stuff — and I’m too unorganized — to carry a pocketless tote as my everyday work bag. I was looking forward to getting a ton of wear out of the detachable belt, but unfortunately, it was too big for me. In theory, though, the Re-Imagined Boat and Tote doubles as a bag and a belt.
It features a bottom handle so you can carry it as a clutch, which is how it was styled on the runway. I remember thinking it was chic and unexpected at the time, plus I loved how the models slid their arms under the belt to really show it off. But after testing this styling trick for myself, I have to report that it really only works in photos. It’s not realistic or comfortable, so I won’t be wearing it as a clutch anytime soon (well, maybe on Instagram, but not in real life).
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Will I use it a year from now?
Yes. If conscious consumption is at the top of your mind (as it should be), the Re-Imagined Boat and Tote is something you can feel good about buying. Sure, the launch is buzzy and the bag is certainly going to be considered trendy heading into 2025. But just remember that the original version has been around since 1944; it has staying power that can defy the cutthroat nature of the trend cycle. Even if it does feel outdated a year from now, I’ll just remove the belt and replace it with colorful scarves or bag charms. A basic cotton tote is always useful and will never go out of style.
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Would I buy it?
Yes! I think $475 is reasonable, considering this is a collaboration between two iconic brands in their prime, and the belt alone retails for $245. My only major gripe is the lack of pockets, which I can deal with on days I’m not commuting to the office. And again, I’ll use it for … ever, probably. I adore Tibi — always have, always will — and the long history of the Boat and Tote speaks for itself.