Tory Burch Ella Hand-Crocheted Tote Review 2026

The Tory Burch Ella Crochet Tote is pure vacation energy in bag form. Priced in the $300–$500 range, this hand-crocheted, white cotton-blend tote is built for one thing: making you look effortlessly stylish from poolside to boardwalk. It is seasonal, it is impractical for rain, and it does not care. That is the entire point.

Material Hand-crocheted cotton/polyester blend (White)

Lining Unlined (open weave)

Hardware Raised double-T logo

Dimensions 17" L x 6" W x 13" H

Weight 12 oz

Strap Drop 10" handle drop

Our Verdict

The Tory Burch Ella Crochet Tote is pure vacation energy in bag form. The hand-crocheted construction makes each bag slightly unique, and the white color radiates summer elegance. It's not an everyday bag — it's a destination bag. Pair it with a sundress and oversized sunglasses and you're resort-ready.

Best for: Best summer and vacation tote

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Who Is the Tory Burch Ella Crochet For?

The Tory Burch Ella Crochet Tote is for the woman who already owns sensible work bags and wants a designer vacation bag that matches the energy of summer. This is not a bag you buy for practicality — it is a bag you buy for the feeling it creates. The white crochet, the artisan weave, the raised double-T logo — everything about it says resort, rooftop bar, and Saturday farmers market.

The target buyer shops at the intersection of accessible luxury and artisan craft. She appreciates that each bag is hand-crocheted (not machine-stamped), giving it slight variations that make it feel personal. She is not trying to impress with a four-figure price tag — she is expressing a specific aesthetic: breezy, confident, and effortlessly polished without trying too hard.

In the $300–$500 range, the Ella Crochet sits at the sweet spot of the luxury tote market — significantly more affordable than Prada ($1,000–$1,500) or FENDI ($2,500+), but with enough designer credibility and construction quality to distinguish it from fast-fashion crochet bags that fall apart after one season. Tory Burch has carved a space between aspirational and accessible, and this bag embodies that positioning perfectly.

Key Features and Construction

Hand-Crocheted Construction

The entire body of the Ella Crochet is created by hand using a cotton/polyester blend yarn. The polyester content adds durability and shape retention that pure cotton lacks — the bag holds its form better after being loaded and does not stretch as dramatically as pure cotton crochet. The weave pattern is consistent but not machine-perfect: you can see the subtle irregularities that confirm human hands made this bag.

Artisan Detail

Run your hand along the interior of an authentic Tory Burch Ella Crochet. You should feel the crochet knots and loops — they are slightly raised and textured, consistent with hand-crocheted construction. Machine-crocheted imitations have a flat, uniform interior. This tactile difference is one of the easiest ways to distinguish authentic hand-crocheted bags from mass-produced imitations.

Raised Double-T Logo

The Tory Burch double-T logo is crocheted directly into the bag's front face in a raised (relief) technique. This is not an applied patch, embroidery, or metal hardware — it is part of the bag's structure. The tonal white-on-white execution keeps the branding subtle. You notice it up close, but from a distance it reads as an elegant texture variation rather than a logo billboard.

Generous Dimensions

At 17 inches wide, 6 inches deep, and 13 inches tall, the Ella Crochet is one of the largest totes in our roundup. It comfortably holds beach essentials (towel, sunscreen, water bottle, book, sunglasses case), shopping hauls, or a weekend's worth of casual clothing. The 10-inch handle drop fits comfortably on the shoulder for extended carry — tall enough to clear a light jacket or cardigan underneath.

Open-Top Design (No Closure)

There is no zipper, magnetic snap, or any closure mechanism. The bag is completely open at the top. This makes access instant and casual — reach in and grab what you need without fiddling with clasps. The trade-off is obvious: there is no security for valuables. A wallet, phone, or passport sitting on top is visible and accessible to anyone. For urban environments or crowded markets, pair this with a zip pouch for valuables.

Security Tip

For travel with the Ella Crochet, use a small crossbody or belt bag underneath for your phone, cards, and cash. The crochet tote handles the bulky items (towel, water, book) while the crossbody handles the valuables. This two-bag system gives you the best of both worlds: effortless resort style plus genuine security.

Pros and Cons

Pros

✓ Hand-crocheted construction gives each bag artisan uniqueness
✓ Raised double-T logo is subtle yet instantly recognizable
✓ Lightweight open-weave design is perfect for warm weather
✓ Generous sizing for beach essentials, books, and sunscreen
✓ Under $500 price is accessible for a designer artisan bag

Cons

✗ Open crochet weave means small items can slip through
✗ White color stains easily — requires careful handling
✗ Not weather-resistant — avoid rain at all costs
✗ Limited to spring/summer seasonal use

Real-World Performance

Beach and Resort Test

This is where the Ella Crochet shines. At the beach, the open-weave construction allows sand to fall through rather than accumulating at the bottom — a genuine practical advantage over enclosed leather or nylon totes. The lightweight 12-ounce construction means the bag adds virtually nothing to your carry. A full beach load (towel, sunscreen, water bottle, book, sunglasses, phone) fit comfortably with room to spare. The white color reads as fresh and stylish against sand and poolside settings.

Shopping and Errands

For weekend shopping and farmers market runs, the Ella Crochet is excellent. The 17-inch width accommodates produce bags, market finds, and impulse purchases without the bag feeling overstuffed. The open top makes it easy to toss items in and out quickly. One note: the crochet weave does not support extreme weight well. Heavy items (wine bottles, books, canned goods) cause the crochet to stretch and the handles to pull. Keep the total load under 10-12 pounds for the bag to maintain its shape.

Stain and Maintenance Reality

White crochet is beautiful and unforgiving. During testing, we observed that denim transfer (the blue tint that rubs off new jeans onto adjacent fabrics) left a faint mark on the lower portion of the bag after one afternoon of wear with dark jeans. Sunscreen residue from hands also left a yellowish tint on the handles. Both stains responded to gentle hand-washing with Woolite, but the bag required drying time before it could be used again. This is the reality of white crochet: it demands awareness.

Seasonal Limitations

The Ella Crochet is a May-through-September bag in most climates. It has zero weather protection — rain soaks through the open weave instantly. Cold weather makes the white crochet feel visually out of place. If you live in a warm climate year-round (Miami, Los Angeles, coastal Mediterranean), the seasonal window extends significantly. For four-season climates, expect to use this bag approximately 4-5 months per year.

Value Analysis: Is the $300–$500 Price Fair?

In the $300–$500 range, the Tory Burch Ella Crochet sits at the accessible end of our luxury tote spectrum. Only the Frye Melissa Shopper (under $300) is more affordable. For context: comparable hand-crocheted bags from independent artisan brands run in a similar price range. From a designer brand with Tory Burch's retail infrastructure, the price is competitive.

Worth It If...

You want a designer summer bag that looks and feels distinctly artisan and handmade
You live in a warm climate or take multiple beach/resort vacations per year — maximizing the seasonal usage window
You appreciate that each bag is unique due to the hand-crocheted construction
You want designer credibility in the $300–$500 range — the Tory Burch name carries recognition without the four-figure price tag
You already own a practical everyday tote and are adding a mood-specific piece to your rotation

Skip It If...

You need a year-round daily bag — the seasonal limitations are real and unavoidable
You prioritize durability and low maintenance — the white color and open weave require careful handling. The Prada Tessuto Nylon Tote is indestructible by comparison.
You need security for valuables — the open top and open weave offer zero theft protection
You would rather invest in a leather bag that works year-round — the Frye Melissa Shopper at under $300 gives you Italian leather for less

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tory Burch Ella Crochet Tote hand-made?

Yes. The Ella Crochet is described as "hand-crocheted," meaning the crochet work is done by artisans rather than machines. This gives each bag subtle variations in the weave pattern — no two bags are exactly identical. The raised double-T logo on the front is also crocheted into the body of the bag, not applied as a separate patch or embroidery.

Can small items fall through the crochet weave?

Yes, this is a real concern. The open crochet weave has gaps approximately the size of a pencil eraser. Coins, earbuds, lip balm caps, and small keys can slip through. We strongly recommend using a fabric pouch or bag insert for small items. Many Ella Crochet owners pair it with a Tory Burch nylon zip pouch that sits inside the tote.

Can you use the Ella Crochet Tote year-round?

Technically yes, but practically it is a seasonal bag. The white crochet and open-weave construction read unmistakably as spring/summer. Carrying it in November or January will feel visually out of season. The lack of weather resistance also makes fall and winter use impractical. Think of it as you would white linen pants — perfectly appropriate from May through September, less so during the colder months.

How do you clean a crochet tote bag?

Hand wash only. Fill a basin with cool water and a small amount of gentle detergent (Woolite or similar). Submerge the bag, gently agitate, and let it soak for 10-15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with cool water. Do not wring — press water out gently by rolling the bag in a clean towel. Reshape and lay flat to dry away from direct sunlight. Never machine wash, bleach, or tumble dry — the crochet will lose its shape permanently.

Is the Tory Burch Ella Crochet worth the $300–$500 price?

In the $300–$500 range, it is one of the most affordable designer totes in our roundup and significantly less than any Prada or FENDI option. The hand-crocheted construction provides genuine artisan value — comparable hand-crocheted bags from niche artisans run in a similar range. Adding Tory Burch brand quality, the double-T logo, and the designer retail experience, the price is fair. Just understand you are buying a seasonal statement piece, not a year-round daily bag.

Final Verdict

4.4/5 ★★★★☆

The Tory Burch Ella Crochet Tote is not trying to be everything to everyone, and that is its strength. It is a hand-crocheted summer statement piece that makes you look effortlessly put-together at the beach, the farmers market, and the rooftop restaurant. The artisan construction is genuine, the price is accessible for a designer bag, and the white crochet radiates the kind of relaxed luxury that cannot be replicated by leather or nylon. Accept it for what it is — a seasonal, mood-specific, vacation-ready tote — and you will love it. Try to force it into year-round daily use, and you will be disappointed.

Best summer and vacation tote