Tropical bags: our totes with leaf and flower patterns
Monstera leaves, hibiscus, the traveller's tree, lush greenery: our tropical bags, as totes or shoppers, illustrated with the plants of Réunion Island.
By Tropical Factory4 min read
A tropical bag is a tote or shopper illustrated with leaves, flowers and island colours. At Tropical Factory, five designs carry that spirit in particular: Tropical, Pink Monstera, Zanzibar, Ravenala and Pitaya, all made from recycled plastic bottles and inspired by the plants of Réunion Island.
Here is how to tell them apart, and which one to choose.
Tote, shopper, cabas: what are we talking about?
These words describe roughly the same thing: a large, open bag with two handles that you carry by hand or on your shoulder. 'Shopper' is the English word for a shopping bag, 'tote bag' usually means a canvas carry-all, and 'cabas' is the French word. Our classic bags all belong to this family, from XL to S.
The five tropical bags in the range
Tropical, lush greenery
The Tropical design celebrates the biodiversity and green landscapes of Réunion Island, with lush patterns that capture the essence of the island. In this post’s photo you can see it in navy, with large leaves and colourful flowers. It comes as an XL classic (€29), L classic (€24), S classic (€20) and pouch (€14).
Pink Monstera, leaves in pink
Pink Monstera pays tribute to the island’s vegetation with monstera leaves in shades of pink that bring freshness and a modern touch. It is the softest tropical bag in the range. It comes as an XL classic (€29), XL insulated (€42), insulated lunch bag M (€27) and insulated bottle bag 1.5 L (€16).
Zanzibar, the hibiscus flower
Zanzibar puts the hibiscus flower, a symbol of exoticism and tropical beauty, centre stage in a vibrant design. A large pink, yellow and purple flower covers the whole bag. It comes as an XL classic (€29) and L classic (€24).
Ravenala, the traveller’s tree
Ravenala celebrates the traveller’s tree, a tropical icon of the island, with its fan of leaves. Its tones are lighter, greens and whites. It comes as an XL, L, S and pouch.
Pitaya, bright colours
Pitaya draws on the brightly coloured tropical fruit, with pink and purple flowers and bold patterns. It comes as an XL classic.
Sizes and prices are those on the product pages at the time of writing.
Which one to choose?
| You like... | Our suggestion |
|---|---|
| Deep tones, navy blue | Tropical |
| Pink, softness | Pink Monstera |
| Bright colours | Zanzibar or Pitaya |
| Light tones, green and white | Ravenala |
| A tropical insulated bag | Pink Monstera |
What is a tropical bag for?
- Shopping: an XL shopper replaces all the week’s throwaway bags. Our tips for choosing one are in the reusable shopping bag guide.
- The beach: a big tote in island colours is the ultimate summer bag. See our post on beach totes.
- Town: an S or L, worn with a simple outfit, adds a touch of colour.
- Travel: a soft tote in your suitcase, for shopping on the spot.
Our tips for styling a tropical bag
A bag with plant patterns is already a statement accessory. To make it stand out:
- go for plain outfits, in white, beige or one of the pattern’s colours;
- pair two sizes of the same design, such as an XL tote and a Tropical pouch;
- mix and match: a light Ravenala tote for the beach, a Pink Monstera insulated bag for the picnic;
- stick to one pattern per outing if you are already wearing a printed piece.
Why 'Tropical Factory'?
The brand’s name says it all: bags born in the tropics, inspired by the nature of Réunion Island and the Indian Ocean, and made from recycled plastic bottles. Leaves and flowers are at the heart of that identity, alongside the island’s fruit, birds, fish and heritage.
The whole range is in the shop.
FAQ
What is the difference between a shopper and a tote?
None, or almost: 'shopper' and 'tote' both describe a large, open bag with two handles, and 'cabas' is the French word for it.
Is there a tropical insulated bag?
Yes, Pink Monstera comes as an XL insulated bag, an insulated lunch bag M and an insulated bottle bag 1.5 L, according to the product page.
Are the tropical bags made from recycled material?
Yes, like every Tropical Factory bag, they are made from recycled plastic bottles.
