Tote Bags Made in the USA

Tote bags are one of those everyday products that seem simple, but where they’re made actually matters a lot. From grocery runs and beach days to work commutes and travel, tote bags get heavy use, which makes quality, durability, and ethical production especially important. Unfortunately, the vast majority of tote bags sold in the U.S. today are cheaply made overseas, often with imported materials and little transparency into labor or sourcing practices. The good news is that this is one category where American manufacturing is still very much alive. There are dozens of U.S.-based companies cutting, sewing, and finishing tote bags right here at home, using domestic labor and, in many cases, American made fabrics. Let’s go through every single American made tote bag we could find.

Complete List of Tote Bags Made in the USA

NutSac


Headquarters: Corvallis, OR

States manufacturing in: ILOR



NutSac is an American maker of rugged, everyday carry bags and totes built for a lifetime of use. Based in Corvallis, Oregon, with manufacturing in Illinois and Oregon, the brand became known for crafting durable waxed-canvas and full-grain leather bags that stand up to daily wear and tear. NutSac’s tote-style bags and shoulder bags combine classic materials with thoughtful design, and every bag is sewn in the USA with American labor at the core of its production philosophy. While some small components like hardware may still be sourced globally, NutSac proudly maintains “Sewn in the USA” as part of its identity, and many of its canvas and leather totes come with a lifetime guarantee that reflects that commitment.

North St. Bags


Headquarters: Portland, OR

States manufacturing in: OR



North St. Bags is a small Portland, Oregon, company focused on high-quality, eco-friendly bags made entirely in-house. Though perhaps best known for backpacks and bike panniers, the brand’s water-resistant totes and carry bags are built with the same care and sustainability ethos. North St. Bags uses durable recycled materials, much of its trim and hardware from U.S. suppliers, and a manufacturing process that emphasizes craftsmanship, sustainability, and local production. Its products appeal to people who want both functional everyday totes and the satisfaction of supporting a truly local maker.

Billykirk


Headquarters: Jersey City, NJ

States manufacturing in: NJ



Billykirk brings fine American leatherwork to the world of tote bags with a heritage rooted in artisanal craftsmanship. Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Jersey City, New Jersey, the brand handcrafts every piece in the USA from exclusively American leather and materials. Billykirk’s leather totes blend timeless style with durable construction, making them versatile for daily use from work to weekend errands. The brand’s deep commitment to U.S. sourcing and handwork places its totes in a premium niche of American-made leather goods.

Duluth Pack


Headquarters: Duluth, MN

States manufacturing in: MN



Duluth Pack is one of the oldest bag makers in America, handcrafting heavy-duty canvas and leather bags in Duluth, Minnesota, since 1882. While famed for its classic packs, the company also produces rugged canvas tote bags that reflect its outdoor legacy. These totes are built with the same heirloom quality as Duluth Pack’s traditional products, using thick canvas and premium American leather that only gets better with age. Every bag is sewn in the USA, backed by a lifetime guarantee, and rooted in more than a century of American manufacturing.

Mission Workshop


Headquarters: San Francisco, CA

States manufacturing in: CA



Mission Workshop is a San Francisco-based brand known for technical, adventure-ready bags made in the USA. The company produces a selection of tote bags and carry options built with industrial-grade materials and waterproof textiles, designed for cyclists, commuters, and travelers who demand durability and performance. These totes, like other Mission Workshop gear, are assembled domestically to ensure quality control and long-lasting functionality, blending modern design with rugged construction.

DSPTCH


Headquarters: San Francisco, CA

States manufacturing in: CA



DSPTCH (pronounced “dispatch”) is a functional bag and gear brand headquartered in San Francisco that focuses on durable, utility-driven designs. While the brand’s core offerings span backpacks, slings, and camera cases, it also includes tote-style and everyday carry bags that reflect its commitment to thoughtful, functional design. Many DSPTCH products are made in the USA and use high-quality materials, though a few collaboration items may include imported components. Its totes appeal to urban commuters and modern travelers looking for American-made versatility.

Sea Bags


Headquarters: Portland, ME

States manufacturing in: ME



Sea Bags is a Maine-based bag maker that turns recycled sails into stylish, durable totes and carry bags. Every Sea Bags tote is crafted by hand in Portland, Maine, using locally sourced sails from working sailboats, giving each bag unique character and strong performance. These American-made totes offer a sustainable choice for shoppers seeking a blend of eco-conscious manufacturing and classic nautical style, all produced with skilled labor right here in the United States.

Cinda b


Headquarters: Fort Wayne, IN

States manufacturing in: IN



Cinda b is a long-standing American brand from Fort Wayne, Indiana that makes all of its luggage, handbags, and tote bags entirely in the USA. Known for lightweight yet durable poly and nylon totes, Cinda b’s products combine functional design with bold colors and patterns that suit everyday life, travel, and errands. Every bag is water-resistant and sewn domestically, reflecting the brand’s growth while maintaining solid support for American workers and manufacturing.

Tough Traveler


Headquarters: Schenectady, NY

States manufacturing in: NY



Tough Traveler is a longtime American bag maker based in Schenectady, New York, with roots going back to the 1970s. All of its bags, including its lineup of heavy-duty canvas and nylon tote bags, are cut and sewn in the USA at the company’s own factory. Tough Traveler totes are known for their no-nonsense construction, reinforced stitching, and practical designs that hold up to daily use, travel, and outdoor activities. While the materials themselves may include imported fabrics or hardware, the manufacturing process remains firmly domestic, making Tough Traveler a reliable option for shoppers prioritizing American labor.

Flowfold


Headquarters: Gorham, ME

States manufacturing in: ME



Flowfold is a Maine-based brand that produces lightweight, durable tote bags using technical fabrics originally developed for sailing and outdoor use. All Flowfold totes are cut and sewn in the USA, primarily in Maine, with a focus on minimalist design and functionality. Many of the materials used, including recycled sailcloth and performance fabrics, are sourced responsibly, though not all materials are domestic. Flowfold tote bags are especially popular for everyday carry, beach use, and travel due to their lightweight design, water resistance, and simple construction, all backed by American manufacturing.

Alchemy Goods


Headquarters: Seattle, WA

States manufacturing in: WA



Alchemy Goods is a company that turns reclaimed industrial materials, such as bicycle inner tubes, banners, and textiles, into durable tote bags and accessories. Each tote is handcrafted in the USA, giving the brand a strong sustainability angle alongside its commitment to domestic production. Alchemy Goods tote bags are rugged, water-resistant, and built for urban commuting and everyday hauling. Because the brand relies heavily on reclaimed materials, no two totes are exactly alike, adding a unique character to each American-made product.

Frost River


Headquarters: Duluth, MN

States manufacturing in: MN



Frost River is a Minnesota company specializing in heritage-style canvas and leather bags, all handcrafted in Duluth, Minnesota. Its tote bags are made from heavyweight waxed canvas and premium leather, designed to last decades with proper care. Frost River emphasizes traditional craftsmanship and American labor, sewing every bag in the USA. While some materials may be sourced globally, the company prioritizes domestic suppliers whenever possible, making its tote bags a popular choice for buyers seeking classic American aesthetics paired with durability.

Stephanie Dawn


Headquarters: Van Wert, OH

States manufacturing in: OH



Stephanie Dawn is an American brand that designs and manufactures all of its bags domestically, with production centered in Ohio. Known for colorful patterns and practical everyday designs, the brand offers a variety of quilted and fabric tote bags intended for daily errands, work, and casual travel. Stephanie Dawn totes are lightweight, easy to clean, and sewn domestically, though the fabrics themselves may be imported. The company stands out for offering fashionable, functional totes while maintaining U.S. manufacturing.

R. Riveter


Headquarters: Southern Pines, NC

States manufacturing in: NC



R. Riveter is a veteran- and military spouse-founded brand that produces all of its bags in the U.S. using a distributed manufacturing model. Its tote bags are handcrafted by military spouses across the country, with final assembly completed domestically. R. Riveter totes often combine canvas, leather, and durable textiles, offering both everyday utility and a strong mission-driven story. While some materials may be imported, the labor and construction remain American, making these totes a meaningful choice for shoppers who want to support U.S. workers and military families.

Red Oxx


Headquarters: Billings, MT

States manufacturing in: MT



Red Oxx is a Montana-based bag maker known for its extremely rugged travel and carry gear. All Red Oxx bags, including its heavy-duty tote and carryall styles, are manufactured in Billings, Montana. Built from rugged Cordura nylon and reinforced with industrial stitching, Red Oxx tote bags are designed for hard use, travel, and hauling heavy loads. The company emphasizes American labor and backs its products with a strong warranty, even though some raw materials and components are imported.

Lifetime Leather Co.


Headquarters: San Tan Valley, AZ

States manufacturing in: AZ



Lifetime Leather is a small American leather goods brand that handcrafts its products right here at home. Its leather tote bags are made from thick, full-grain leather and feature traditional construction techniques that improve with age. Lifetime Leather focuses on durability and simplicity, producing timeless tote designs meant for everyday use and long-term ownership. While leather sourcing may vary, the brand’s commitment to domestic craftsmanship and small-batch production makes its totes a solid American-made option.

Artifact


Headquarters: Omaha, NE

States manufacturing in: NE



Artifact is a small, detail-driven bag maker based in Omaha, Nebraska, where all of its bags are cut and sewn in-house. The company produces a range of rugged canvas and leather tote bags designed for everyday carry, work, and travel. Artifact emphasizes durability and repairability, using heavy fabrics, reinforced stitching, and simple, functional designs. While some materials and hardware may be sourced internationally, every tote is constructed in the USA, making Artifact a solid choice for buyers who want understated, American-made utility.

Lotuff Leather


Headquarters: Providence, RI

States manufacturing in: RI



Lotuff Leather is a premium American leather goods brand based in Providence, Rhode Island, with manufacturing in the USA. The company is known for producing high-end leather tote bags using thick, vegetable-tanned leather sourced from respected American tanneries. Lotuff totes are built with longevity in mind, featuring clean designs, strong stitching, and minimal branding. Everything is handcrafted domestically, placing Lotuff firmly in the luxury tier of Made in the USA tote bags.

Range Leather Co.


Headquarters: Laramie, WY

States manufacturing in: WY



Range Leather Co. is a small family-run leather shop based in Laramie, Wyoming, where all of its products are handmade. Its leather tote bags are crafted from full-grain American leather and designed to age naturally over time. Range Leather focuses on simple, timeless designs rather than trends, making its totes well-suited for daily use, work, and long-term ownership. The company’s commitment to American labor and domestic leather sourcing makes it a strong option for buyers seeking authenticity and craftsmanship.

Waltzing Matilda USA


Headquarters: Brewer, ME

States manufacturing in: ME



Waltzing Matilda USA is a brand that handcrafts leather bags and accessories in the United States. Its tote bags are made from premium leathers and are known for their refined, classic styling and durable construction. While the brand has evolved over time, it continues to emphasize American craftsmanship and small-batch production. Waltzing Matilda totes appeal to shoppers looking for a balance between polished aesthetics and American-made quality.

K. Slade


Headquarters: Evansville, IN

States manufacturing in: IN



K. Slade is a luxury leather brand with domestic manufacturing roots. The company produces high-end leather tote bags using domestic leathers (and some Italian leathers, unfortunately), with a focus on sophisticated design and quality construction. While some materials are imported, the cutting, sewing, and finishing are done by skilled American artisans. K. Slade totes are positioned for buyers who want a fashion-forward tote that still supports domestic manufacturing.

olpr.


Headquarters: Mooresville, NC

States manufacturing in: NC



OLPR is a leather goods brand that handcrafts all of its products locally. Its leather tote bags are made from full-grain leather and designed for everyday use, work, and travel. OLPR emphasizes classic silhouettes, clean construction, and durable materials that improve with age. While leather sourcing may include imported hides, the brand maintains American manufacturing throughout its tote bag lineup.

Blair Ritchey


Headquarters: Cleveland, OH

States manufacturing in: OH



Blair Ritchey is a small American maker of handcrafted leather goods. The brand’s leather tote bags focus on minimal design, natural materials, and traditional craftsmanship. Each tote is made in small batches, emphasizing quality over volume. Blair Ritchey appeals to shoppers looking for understated, artisan-made leather totes produced by American hands rather than mass-manufactured overseas.

Gokey


Headquarters: Tipton, MO

States manufacturing in: MO



Gokey is a heritage American leather goods company with roots going back to the 19th century. Based in Missouri, Gokey produces classic canvas and leather bags, including durable tote styles, that reflect its outdoor and sporting heritage. Gokey totes are made in the USA using traditional construction methods and premium materials, designed to last for decades. While some materials may be sourced globally, the brand remains committed to domestic craftsmanship and timeless design.

Holtz Leather


Headquarters: Huntsville, AL

States manufacturing in: AL



Holtz Leather is an American brand that handcrafts amazing leather goods, with production based in Ohio. Its leather tote bags are made from thick, full-grain leather and feature simple, functional designs meant for everyday use. Holtz Leather emphasizes transparency, durability, and American labor, making its totes a solid option for buyers who want straightforward, domestically made leather carryalls.

Halia Hawaii


Headquarters: Mililani, HI

States manufacturing in: HI



Halia Hawaii is a Honolulu-based brand that designs and manufactures all of its bags in the United States, with production rooted in Hawaii. The company is best known for lightweight, functional tote bags designed for travel, daily errands, and island life. Halia totes are typically made from durable nylon and performance fabrics that are easy to clean and practical for everyday use. While most materials are imported, every bag is cut and sewn domestically, supporting U.S. manufacturing in a region where local production is increasingly rare.

Beargrass Leather


Headquarters: Lakeside, MT

States manufacturing in: MT



Beargrass Leather is a small American leather shop based in Montana that handcrafts its products in the USA. Its leather tote bags are made from thick, full-grain leather and built for durability and long-term use. Designs are simple and functional, allowing the leather to take center stage and age naturally over time. Beargrass Leather emphasizes small-batch production and American labor, making its totes appealing to buyers looking for rugged, handcrafted leather goods.

Parrott Canvas


Headquarters: Greenville, NC

States manufacturing in: NC



Parrott Canvas is a heritage canvas bag manufacturer based in North Carolina, producing bags in the USA since the 1960s. The company offers a range of heavy-duty canvas tote bags built for work, outdoor use, and everyday hauling. Parrott Canvas totes are known for their thick fabrics, reinforced stitching, and utilitarian designs. While some materials may be imported, all cutting and sewing is done domestically, preserving traditional American textile manufacturing.

Urban Southern


Headquarters: Narvon, PA

States manufacturing in: PA



Urban Southern is a cool leather brand that handcrafts all of its bags in the USA. Its leather tote bags feature clean lines, modern styling, and durable construction intended for daily use. Urban Southern uses high-quality leathers and focuses on small-batch production, blending Southern craftsmanship with contemporary design. Although some materials are imported, all labor and assembly remain domestic.

Sailbags Maui


Headquarters: Maui, HI

States manufacturing in: HI



Sailbags Maui produces tote bags and accessories made from recycled sails, all handcrafted in Maui, Hawaii. Each tote is unique due to the reclaimed sail material, offering strong durability and a nautical aesthetic. The brand emphasizes sustainability alongside American manufacturing, with every bag sewn locally by skilled workers. Sailbags Maui totes are especially popular for the beach, travel, and everyday casual carry.

KILLSPENCER


Headquarters: Los Angeles, CA

States manufacturing in: CA



Killspencer is a Los Angeles-based brand known for high-end bags. Its tote bags combine premium materials such as leather, canvas, and technical textiles with minimalist, modern design. Killspencer manufactures domestically to maintain strict quality control, although some fabrics and components are sourced internationally. These totes are positioned at the luxury end of the American-made market, appealing to buyers who value both design and domestic production.

Molly G


Headquarters: Los Angeles, CA

States manufacturing in: CA



Molly G is an American handbag brand that designs and manufactures its products in the USA. The company produces leather tote bags that balance fashion and function, using quality materials and classic silhouettes. While leather sourcing may include imported hides, all construction and finishing are done domestically. Molly G totes are designed for everyday use, work, and travel, with an emphasis on durability and American craftsmanship.

1733


Headquarters: Chicago, IL

States manufacturing in: IL



1733 is a Chicago-based bag maker that produces all of its bags in the USA. Known for thoughtful design and high-quality construction, the brand offers tote bags made from durable textiles and technical fabrics suited for daily carry and commuting. 1733 emphasizes domestic manufacturing and careful material selection, even when some components are imported. Its totes reflect a balance of function, design, and American labor.

American Bench Craft


Headquarters: Wilmington, MA

States manufacturing in: MA



American Bench Craft is a small U.S. leather goods company that handcrafts its products in the USA. Its leather tote bags are built from thick, full-grain leather and designed to last for decades. The brand focuses on traditional craftsmanship, minimal design, and transparency in production. American Bench Craft totes appeal to buyers looking for straightforward, durable leather bags made by American artisans.

MIS


Headquarters: Los Angeles, CA

States manufacturing in: CA



MIS, short for Made In the States, is a California-based manufacturer producing tactical and everyday bags in the USA. Its tote and carryall-style bags are made with durable nylon and military-inspired construction, emphasizing strength and functionality. While many materials are imported, all assembly and sewing are done domestically. MIS totes are exceptionally well-suited for heavy use, travel, and utility-focused buyers.

Inside Line Equipment


Headquarters: Berkeley, CA

States manufacturing in: CA



Inside Line Equipment is a custom bag manufacturer based in California that produces all of its bags in the USA. The company offers highly customizable tote bags made from durable, often recycled, technical materials. Known for its cycling roots and urban durability, Inside Line Equipment focuses on American labor, sustainability, and made-to-order production. Its totes are ideal for commuters and buyers who want a truly personalized American-made bag.

Bubba Goose Design


Headquarters: Seattle, WA

States manufacturing in: WA



Bubba Goose Design manufactures all of its bags in the USA. Its canvas tote bags are made with practicality in mind, often featuring sturdy construction and simple designs suited for daily use. While materials may be sourced globally, all cutting and sewing is done domestically. Bubba Goose Design stands out as a small American manufacturer offering functional, no-frills totes made by U.S. workers.


How to Find Tote Bags Made in the USA

Finding a truly American-made tote bag takes a little more effort than it should. The term “Made in the USA” is widely used, loosely regulated, and often buried under vague marketing language. Tote bags are especially tricky because many brands design products domestically but outsource sewing overseas, or assemble bags in the U.S. using mainly imported materials. Knowing what to look for can help you avoid misleading claims and support companies that are actually manufacturing here at home.

What Does “Made in the USA” Mean?

Under Federal Trade Commission guidelines, a product labeled “Made in the USA” is supposed to be “all or virtually all” made domestically. That means the final assembly must take place in the United States, and the significant parts, processing, and labor should also be of U.S. origin. In practice, enforcement is limited, and many companies rely on gray areas or alternative phrasing to appear more American-made than they really are.

For tote bags, this usually comes down to where the bag is cut and sewn. A tote bag sewn in the United States using imported fabric may still be labeled “Made in the USA” if the domestic labor represents the majority of the product’s value. Other bags may more accurately be described as “Sewn in the USA,” “Made in the USA with Imported Materials,” or “Assembled in the USA.” Understanding these distinctions is key, and we break them down in detail in our guide to Made in USA labeling.

Materials

Materials play a huge role in tote bag sourcing, and they are often where brands cut corners or lose transparency.

Canvas

Canvas is one of the most common tote bag materials, traditionally made from cotton. While the U.S. still produces cotton, much of the canvas fabric used today is woven overseas, even for bags sewn domestically. Some American manufacturers still use U.S.-woven canvas, but it is increasingly rare and often costs more.

Leather

Leather tote bags add another layer of complexity. The United States has a strong leather tanning industry, and some premium brands use hides from American tanneries. However, many leather totes assembled in the USA still use imported hides, which are cut and sewn domestically. Leather quality can vary widely regardless of origin, so buyers should look for full-grain or top-grain leather and transparency about sourcing.

Synthetic Fabrics

Nylon and synthetic fabrics are common in lightweight, travel, and performance tote bags. These materials are almost always imported, even when the bags are sewn in the U.S. Recycled materials, such as sailcloth or industrial textiles, are a notable exception, since they are often sourced domestically from reclaimed materials.

Hardware

Hardware like zippers, snaps, and buckles is another area where imports dominate. Even brands committed to U.S. manufacturing often rely on foreign-made hardware due to limited domestic availability.

A tote bag can still meaningfully support American manufacturing even if some materials are imported; just make sure to check the product details to understand where those materials come from and whether that matters to you.

Labeling

Country-of-origin labeling laws in the U.S. are primarily governed by Title 19, Chapter 4, Section 1304 of federal law, along with FTC regulations on marketing claims. These rules require imported goods to disclose their country of origin, but they do not require detailed breakdowns of where each component comes from. This leaves plenty of room for vague or misleading language.

Common phrases like “Designed in the USA,” “Made in the USA with Global Materials,” or “Assembled in the USA” are not the same as “Made in the USA.” For tote bags, “Designed in the USA” often means the bag was entirely manufactured overseas. “Assembled in the USA” can mean minimal domestic labor. Even “Made in the USA” does not guarantee that the fabric or leather is domestic unless the brand explicitly states it.

The best way to verify claims is to look for clear statements about where the bags are sewn, whether the company owns or operates its own factory, and whether it is transparent about material sourcing. Brands that are genuinely committed to American manufacturing usually say so plainly and consistently.

Final Tips

When shopping for tote bags made in the USA, it helps to go beyond product listings and marketing headlines. Check the brand’s “About” page, look for factory photos or process descriptions, and don’t hesitate to contact the company directly if details are unclear. Smaller brands are often more transparent and more willing to answer sourcing questions.

It’s also worth prioritizing durability over price. A well-made American-made tote bag can last for years or decades, reducing the need for frequent replacements and supporting domestic jobs. By choosing brands that invest in U.S. labor and honest labeling, you’re not just buying a bag; you’re helping keep American manufacturing alive in a category where it still has a real foothold.


Tote Bags Not Made in the USA

Here are some popular tote bags we came across in our research that aren’t made in the USA.

  • Longchamp – Made in France
  • Kate Spade – Made in China and other overseas locations
  • Coach – Made in Vietnam, Cambodia, and the Philippines (among other countries)
  • Tory Burch – Made in China and other Asian countries
  • Madewell – Made in China
  • Baggu – Primarily made in China (some bags may be US-assembled, but the large majority are produced overseas)
  • Cuyana – Made in Turkey, Italy, and other countries
  • Mansur Gavriel – Made in Italy
  • Chloe – Made in Italy
  • Saint Laurent – Made in Italy and France primarily

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About The Author

Kristen

Kristen

Kristen does research on everything you need to turn your house into a home. All made in the USA, of course. She also writes on behalf of Hodor, one of our lead pet product researchers and Chief Barketing Officers.