If you have spent any time online in the last year, you have probably seen it: a relaxed, unstructured canvas tote with contrast straps, a little gold turn-lock, and an unmistakably preppy, coastal attitude. It is called the Boatkin — a playful mashup of the words “boat” and “tote” — and it went from a niche, handmade curiosity to one of the most talked-about bags of the year.
At Planters Exchange, we started carrying Boatkin bags after one became our go-to summer handbag and we found ourselves fielding nonstop questions about it. Here are the seven things we think are most worth knowing about the trend — where it came from, how to wear it, and how to make one your own.
1. It started as an upcycling project — and the raw, unfussy finish is the whole point
The Boatkin traces back to Hathaway Hutton, the small design label that began reworking classic canvas boat-and-tote bags — the kind you would spot at a summer regatta — into a top-handle handbag silhouette finished with gold-tone hardware. Each original was cut apart and rebuilt by hand, roughly ten hours of work per bag, and the result carried a deliberately casual, handmade character: exposed raw seams, unlined canvas, and a silhouette that never tries too hard. The style captured national attention in the spring of 2025 and was featured in The New York Times that May, before being called a viral bag of the summer on national television. Hathaway Hutton has since moved on to other bespoke designs and no longer makes the Boatkin, but the look it introduced has taken on a life of its own.
That cheeky, doesn’t-take-itself-too-seriously spirit is exactly what drew us to the style. Our Boatkin bags keep the relaxed, hand-finished look on purpose — raw-edge seams, natural cotton canvas, and a shape that slouches when the bag is empty and fills out when it is packed. It is polished enough for anywhere and casual enough for everywhere, which is the whole appeal.
2. It is built soft, not stiff — and that is a feature
Unlike a rigid, boxy handbag, the Boatkin is an unstructured, soft-bodied tote, and the original was praised for exactly that flexibility. A soft build means the bag molds to whatever you are carrying, tucks easily under an arm or a seat, and stays comfortable against your side. It is forgiving day to day — toss in a water bottle, a laptop, or a change of clothes — and it settles into an easy, lived-in shape rather than holding a stiff form. Our canvas Boatkins are unstructured by design for the same reason: comfort and versatility over rigidity.
3. There are two ways to style it — flaps out or tucked in
The classic Boatkin silhouette has front straps that meet at a gold turn-lock. You can wear the flaps closed over the top for a more finished, buttoned-up look, or tuck the flaps inside for quick, open-top access. In practice, most people carry it day to day with the flaps tucked in and the top open, using it like a roomy everyday tote — then fold them out when they want the more polished version. There is no wrong answer; it is genuinely two looks in one bag.
4. It is meant to be personalized
Part of what makes the Boatkin feel like yours is how easily it takes personalization. Two of the most popular routes:
- Monogramming — a set of initials turns a canvas tote into something that feels custom and gift-worthy.
- Bag charms — a fast, low-commitment way to show off your interests. We see shoppers add charms tied to their hobbies all the time: mahjong tiles, pickleball and golf motifs, tennis, monogram letters, hearts, and more. You can browse charms right alongside the bags in our Boatkin Bags collection and mix a few to make the bag your own.
5. The styles have multiplied — including a new zip-top
Over the past year the Boatkin has grown from a single handmade original into a whole category, with solid-canvas versions, contrast-strap versions, and a range of sizes. The newest addition to our own lineup is a slightly larger zip-top style with longer handles, so you can wear it comfortably on your shoulder and zip the top closed to keep everything secure — ideal for travel and busy days. You can see it here: the Boatkin Canvas Tote with Zipper.
6. How to choose your color
Color is where the Boatkin gets personal, and we have noticed a few clear patterns in how people choose:
- Brides often gift the natural canvas version to their bridesmaids for a timeless, coordinated look.
- Corporate clients use them as event and welcome-bag gifts, choosing strap colors that match their brand palette.
- College students pick shades based on their university or sorority colors.
Choosing for yourself? Naturals with navy or green straps are the most classic, while the brighter shades are the ones that tend to get you stopped and asked about. You can compare every color in one place in our Boatkin Bags collection.
7. Caring for it is easy
Because the Boatkin is made of sturdy cotton canvas, upkeep is simple. For everyday marks, spot-clean with a little mild soap and cool water and let it air dry — canvas is forgiving and cleans up well. If you want to be extra careful, especially with lighter naturals, a fabric protector spray applied before first use adds a layer of stain and water resistance. Skip harsh bleach and the dryer, and your bag will keep its relaxed good looks for seasons.
About Planters Exchange: Planters Exchange is a boutique on St. Simons Island, Georgia, in business since 1990. We carry a full range of Boatkin canvas totes and bag charms, ship the same day from our shop, and are always happy to help you find your color. Explore the full Boatkin Bags collection.