What Even Is a Boat and Tote Bag?
If you’ve seen a preppy-looking canvas bag with bold block letters that say something unhinged like “GASLIGHT” or “MOMMY?”, congrats—you’ve met the internet’s favorite identity crisis in tote form.
L.L.Bean
Boat and Tote®, Zip-Top
L.L.Bean
Boat and Tote®, Open-Top
Originally made by L.L.Bean as a rugged, monogrammed carry-all for boaters and basic dads alike, the Boat and Tote has officially been reclaimed by the chronically online and fashionably ironic. They’re sturdy. They’re customizable. They’re the emotional support accessory of the season.
Why Are These Blowing Up Right Now?
Blame TikTok. Gen Z has been slapping the most unserious phrases on these very serious-looking totes and turning them into portable inside jokes.
From:
- “FERAL”
- “MENTALLY I AM HERE”
- “CORPORATE BADDIE”
- “MILF IN TRAINING”
…to names like “JORDYN 👑” in Barbie pink, the tote’s giving personality with straps.
It’s not just the look—it’s the energy. It’s ironic. It’s nostalgic. It’s giving “I survived 3.5 mental breakdowns and still made it to brunch.”
Names You Should Definitely Get on Yours
If you’re stuck between something cute and something chaotic… here are our official Luee picks:
👜 CASH ONLY — for the girl who ghosted her accountant and her situationship
👜 I’M LITERALLY FINE — the louder it’s printed, the less fine you are
👜 BLOCKED & BLESSED — every ex-boyfriend’s least favorite font
👜 SORRY I GHOSTED YOU — use as apology or warning
👜 FUTURE MISSING PERSON — dramatic? Maybe. Incorrect? Never.
👜 SOBER CURIOUS, DELULU CONFIRMED — a lifestyle
👜 GASLIGHT. GATEKEEP. GIRLBOSS. — legacy energy
👜 A CRY FOR HELP — the tote is both literal and figurative
👜 MOM SAID NO — perfect for when you’re 21 but still lying to her
👜 HE DOESN’T EVEN GO HERE — for your next girl’s trip
👜 CEO OF BAD DECISIONS — LinkedIn could never
👜 ASK MY SUBSTACK — don’t text, read the essay
👜 JAIL TIME PENDING — for legal reasons, this is a joke
👜 LEFT ON READ — if you know, you know
👜 BURN BOOK 2.0 — Regina George would be proud
👜 CRYING BUT IN COUTURE — because we’re not ugly crying in sweatpants anymore
👜 LOVER, HATER, CONTENT CREATOR — put this in your media kit, babe
👜 THE TOXIC FRIEND — at least you’re honest
👜 I’M HER. STAY SAFE. — for the ones who really get it
Final Thoughts
If a tote bag can say “I’ve got my life together” and “I might spiral at any second” all at once—why wouldn’t you get one?
Whether you go full irony or full monogrammed glam, the Boat and Tote is your new summer sidekick. Pick your phrase. Match your vibe. And if all else fails, get one that just says “HELP.”
