There are few summer essentials as hard-working as the beach bag. But, what makes one stand out?

The best beach bags are ones that are deceptively large, allowing us to pack everything and anything we might need — think SPF, towels, sunglasses, an extra set of swim and more, plus that look chic while doing it.

With the weather officially heating up, it's about time we start the inevitable search for this season's most stylish and versatile beach bags, that we'll no doubt be carrying all summer long.

From wet bags that are designed specifically to withstand the surf and sand to large canvas and straw pieces, here are our picks for beach bags to shop now.

SUNNYLiFE Light Cooler Bag

If there's one thing we want to do come summer, it's keep things cool — in more ways than one. SUNNYLiFE's Light Cooler Bag delivers on two fronts, offering up a classic essential that keeps all your necessities cold, while the rainbow colourway is a fun, fresh take on beachside style.

SUNNYLiFE

Light Cooler Bag

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Rusty Checkmate Straw Beach Bag

Chic, practical, and with a checkerboard print to finish it off, you can't go past Rusty's Checkmate Straw bag for all your summer styling. Pack in all your beach-ready staples to head to the sand, or carry it along for beachside drinks as a stylish finishing touch.

Rusty

Checkmate Straw Beach Bag

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Bambury Leto Tote Bag

Whether it's the beach, pool, or shops you're headed to, you don't want to be without Bambury's stylish Leto Tote. Hand-woven together in a stunning decorative diamond pattern and in a bright blue colourway, the staple is also water-resistant and easy to wipe down, so it's perfect for all those summer activities.

Bambury 

Leto Tote Bag

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Sandqvist All Purpose Bag

Made with 100% organic cotton and so much space, Sandqvist's All Purpose tote is a staple that'll work overtime come summer. With two slip pockets and a durable, thick finish, it's a bag you'll have on heavy rotation (and not just when the weather's warm).

Sandqvist

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Anine Bing Large Rio Tote

A beach-day essential made from woven seagrass material, Anine Bing's classic Rio Tote is as chic as they come. The seasonal style is unline and finished off with the classic ANINE BING monogram, so you can dress it up or dress it down.

Anine Bing

Large Rio Tote

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Tribe Tropical 'Tropicaluxe' Waterproof Carryall Tote

Featuring a completely waterproof and sand-proof exterior, Tribe Tropical's Carryall Tote is a beach staple that can withstand it all. With an interior boasting four seperate pockets for easy convenience and a custom-designed print that screams summer, it's the perfect accompaniement for life by the beach (or pool).

Tribe Tropical

'Tropicaluxe' Waterproof Carryall Tote

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