Shop vintage L.L. Bean Boat and Tote bags made in Freeport, Maine from the 1970s through the 1990s. Our collection spans from early sawtooth-label classics to rare 1990s rugby stripe totes. Carefully curated and cleaned, these vintage tote bags are ready to carry for decades more — but when they sell, they are gone forever.
Shop Vintage L.L. Bean Totes by Era
Sawtooth label (1970s to early '80s) — The green script, zigzag-border edge tag collectors hunt, found on the oldest totes that still surface. Made with a heavy, stiff unbleached canvas that has aged to a deep cream over fifty years, featuring classic trim in navy, red, and hunter green.
Freeport block label (1980s and '90s) — Features the clean, capital-letter "L.L. Bean, Freeport, Maine" tag. This era saw a massive rollout of new handle and trim colors like bright yellow, pink, and deep teal while production remained fully USA-made. These bags offer the ideal balance for buyers: a beautifully softened, naturally weathered canvas that remains structurally sound for daily use.
Rugby stripe (1990s) — A scarce 1990s run of bold rugby-shirt banding in red, blue, pink, green, and yellow stripes. Clean examples of this peak-preppy tote rarely surface, making it one of the most sought-after vintage L.L. Bean totes on the market.
About Our Vintage L.L. Bean Boat and Totes
Originally introduced in 1944 as "Bean's Ice Carrier" for hauling heavy blocks of ice, the bag is built from extra-heavyweight 24 oz. cotton canvas. Every vintage boat and tote from Coral Strands is curated for condition, then carefully cleaned to preserve its patina — not erase it.
Vintage Boat and Tote FAQ
How do I know a vintage L.L. Bean tote is authentic?
Check the label. Sawtooth-edge labels — the zigzag-cut tag — mark 1970s and early 1980s bags; later totes carry the block-letter Freeport label, including the 1990s rugby stripe. Also check the base of the bag: genuine bags feature distinct V-point stitching where the handle straps anchor around the bottom gusset. We verify every bag before listing.
What is a sawtooth label?
A small white tag with "L.L. Bean, Freeport, Maine" in green script lettering. Its edge is cut in a distinctive zigzag, as if trimmed with pinking shears. You'll find it sewn inside the Boat and Totes from the 1970s and early 1980s — it's the label collectors look for first, and the fastest way to confirm an early bag.
When did L.L. Bean add the zip top to the Boat and Tote?
1983. Every zippered Boat and Tote is 1983 or newer — and since zippered bags are routinely listed as '90s, many are older than their sellers realize. The zipper alone proves nothing later than 1983.
What is the two-color "Made by" label?
A sawtooth-bordered white tag with "Made by" printed in blue and "L.L. Bean, Freeport, Maine — Boat and Tote" in forest green — a short-run 1980s tag. Paired with a zip top, it marks early zip-top production.
What are the most sought-after vintage L.L. Bean totes?
The 1990s rugby stripe, prized for its scarcity, followed by sawtooth-label bags from the '70s and early '80s.
Are vintage Boat and Totes still usable?
Yes — the 24 oz. canvas is the same heavyweight grade used in conveyor belts. L.L. Bean’s Boat and Tote features handles that are officially tested to hold up to 500 pounds. These bags were made to haul ice; a beach day won't scare them.
What condition are these vintage totes in?
Ready for daily use. Every bag is inspected, carefully cleaned, and measured, with any wear photographed and described in the listing. No surprises.
How do I clean a vintage L.L. Bean tote?
Spot-clean only: mild soap, cool water, soft brush, air dry. Never machine wash it — and definitely don't pressure wash it — that stiffness is what lets these bags stand on their own. Every tote we sell arrives already cleaned
