It’s more than likely you’ve seen one of their items draped over someone’s shoulder and thought, “what a cute bag.” Despite your admiration, you may not have realized that each of these bags, created by Sea Bags, is very much a work of art. Made in Maine from recycled sails, each Sea Bag can’t help but come with its own seafaring history.
Given their durability, you could carry last season’s Sea Bag throughout this summer, but what fun would that be? I spoke with Tara Knupp, product line manager at Sea Bags, about some of the must-haves in their 2017 Spring/Summer collection. First and foremost, this line “pays homage to our maritime history with a host of nautical prints, shapes and styles,” says Knupp. The Mariner Stripe Collection is a “true sign of summer in a classic combination of red, white, and blue.” If you’re in the market for something a little less traditional, the line also features bags in this season’s “it” color of fuchsia as well as in the on-trend shade of ice blue.
Navy Mariner Stripe Tote. Image Courtesy of Sea Bags
In need of a gigantic bag to carry your beach gear? Your clothes? Heck, your toddler? (Just kidding). Sea Bags has you covered. What about a clutch or pouch for a night out? Also available (and in so many patterns to boot!).
Chebeaugue Island Duffel Bag. Image Courtesy of Sea Bags.
Father’s Day is coming up and the brand has several styles sure to make dad smile. “The All Purpose Tool Bucket Bag makes the perfect gift for the man in your life,” says Knupp, who explains it can be filled with everything from “grilling essentials to handyman or gardening tools.” The Chebeague Island Duffel is another popular option for men. This bag, which combines recycled sailcloth with canvas and leather, is “extra durable for the gym, boating, or travel” and sized to fit airline carry on requirements, explains Knupp. The company is also happy to work with customers on custom designs.
All Purpose Olive Tool Bucket Bag. Image Courtesy of Sea Bags.
Sea Bags carries home accessories, including pillows, seen here in the Navy Anchor and Red Lobster Claw styles, that are comfortable and water resistant.
Navy Anchor Pillow. Image Courtesy of Sea Bags.
Red Claw Pillow. Image Courtesy of Sea Bags.
No matter what they endure, all Sea Bags, even those with printed designs, can be machine washed and hung to dry. Products that feature leather, black, or navy handles should be spot cleaned to ensure their life span.
Sea Bags operates a Sail Trade Program, which offers customers a Sea Bags product in trade for every usable sale donated. They will even make your trade item from a sail you’ve donated. To date, Sea Bags has reclaimed more than 500 tons of sails and last year alone took in over 5,000 sails that would have otherwise ended up in landfills.
Image Courtesy of Sea Bags
Locally, Sea Bags has stores in Rockport and Newburyport, as well as in Portsmouth and Maine. You can also find them on Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard, among other locations.