The tote bag, short for "toter" meaning "to carry," has been around for centuries in various forms. However, the modern tote bag as we know it was popularized in the 1940s. The iconic canvas tote bag was created by L.L. Bean in 1944, becoming known as the "Boat and Tote." It was initially designed for carrying ice blocks but gained widespread use as a versatile and durable bag for various purposes. Since then, the tote bag has evolved in terms of materials, designs, and purposes, becoming a ubiquitous and practical accessory in fashion and everyday life.