Chotika Tall Box Straw Zip Tote Bag

The Chotika Tall Box Straw Zip Tote Bag is a structured, minimal design that adds clean elegance to everyday carry. Handwoven from water hyacinth in Thailand, it features a tall, tapered box silhouette with reinforced corners and two curved straw handles. A sturdy zip closure keeps your belongings secure, making this an ideal choice for work, errands, or travel. Its natural straw tone and balanced structure create a quiet but polished visual impression.

Why It’s Your Go-To Minimalist Tote

• Tall, box-style silhouette with clean edges
• Handwoven from natural Thai straw
• Secure top zip closure keeps contents safe
• Dual rounded handles for hand or elbow carry
• Lightweight, structured, and easy to pack

This tote balances form and function with expert simplicity. Its shape fits folders, books, or small daily items without slouching. Whether you’re navigating daily tasks or heading out for a weekend escape, the Chotika Tall Box Straw Zip Tote Bag offers a lightweight, durable, and neutral piece that works with almost everything. It’s understated and reliable, exactly how a staple tote should be.

£39.99

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Structured Simplicity With a Clean Box Shape

The Chotika Tall Box Straw Zip Tote Bag brings calm structure to your daily carry. Its tall, angular silhouette and tightly woven straw give it a polished feel without unnecessary details. Artisans in Thailand create each bag by hand, using traditional methods that ensure both form and strength. Whether you’re heading into town or packing for the weekend, this tote offers shape, function, and subtle confidence.

What “Chotika” Means in Thai Language

“Chotika” is a Thai name meaning clarity or intelligence. It reflects the clean design and practical mindset behind this piece. There are no embellishments—only strong lines, honest materials, and a secure zip. The Chotika Tote Bag was named to match its balanced and efficient personality.

Handwoven Craft With Lasting Strength

Thai artisans use sun-dried water hyacinth to weave the tote’s vertical body. The flat braid technique creates a firm wall and a solid base. This tight weave prevents slouching and keeps contents upright. The Chotika Straw Tote holds its shape even when empty, making it dependable for everyday use.

Tall, Boxy Proportions With Upright Design

This bag uses height instead of width to create space. Its tall body fits more than you expect, while still appearing slim. This design makes it especially useful for carrying books, notebooks, or folded clothing. As a result, the Chotika Tall Straw Tote is ideal for work and travel.

Zipped Top for a Secure Everyday Tote

A full-length zip closure keeps your contents protected. Unlike open-top styles, this one is ready for commutes, transport, and busy days. The zip fits snugly into the straw edge, blending into the bag’s structure. If you need security without sacrificing style, the Chotika Zip Tote Bag offers the best of both.

Soft Straw Handles Made for Comfort

Curved straw handles sit high on the rim for an easy grip. Woven with the same hyacinth material, they stay light and never dig into your hand. The drop is perfect for handheld or elbow carry. These details make the Chotika Straw Zip Tote practical for long hours on the go.

Minimal Look With Maximum Use

While the tote looks simple, it serves multiple purposes. From light grocery runs to work meetings, it adapts to your routine. Many customers use it as a daily bag, while others keep it for travel or relaxed weekends. The Chotika Zip Tote balances elegance and practicality with ease.

A Member of Our Designer Straw Bag Range

This structured tote sits within our Straw Fashion Designer Bags series. The focus here is on timeless shape, clean lines, and neutral tones. The Chotika Bag shares the same DNA—crafted for simplicity, styled with intent.

Neutral Colour for Seasonal Versatility

Its warm natural straw tone pairs well with soft whites, denim, or dark tones. This makes it wearable all year round. It doesn’t compete with prints or bold accessories, but instead adds quiet texture. That’s why the Chotika Tall Tote stays in rotation across seasons.

A Trusted Gift for Practical Elegance

Many customers gift this tote to friends who value subtle style. Its strength, storage, and simplicity make it an easy favourite. Whether for a birthday or a practical thank-you, the Chotika Straw Bag brings a thoughtful, lasting impression.

Designed for Structure That Holds Up

Unlike soft totes, this design doesn’t collapse. The tall walls and firm base maintain form throughout use. Even after months of daily wear, the bag stands upright. That’s one reason why the Chotika Zip Tote Bag earns praise from repeat customers.

Sustainably Crafted With Thai Traditions

Each tote is woven in small batches by women in rural Thailand. The straw comes from water hyacinth, a fast-growing plant that supports the ecosystem when harvested. No plastic, glue, or synthetic lining is used. This makes the Chotika Tote both eco-conscious and artisan-made.

Effortless to Travel With and Easy to Store

Because of its structured shape and light weight, this bag works well for travel. It’s compact enough to slide under a seat or sit upright in a trunk. When not in use, store it upright in a cool, dry space. The Chotika Tall Zip Tote is always ready to go.

Simple Upkeep That Keeps It Fresh

Maintain the bag by wiping it with a soft dry cloth and storing it away from moisture. The zipper can be gently cleaned with a brush if needed. Since the weave is tight, dirt doesn’t easily cling. That means the Chotika Straw Zip Tote stays clean with minimal care.

Timeless Design That Leaves Room to Style

The true strength of this tote lies in its simplicity. It doesn’t rely on trends or patterns—it relies on form. This allows you to style it freely, add scarves, or keep it plain. No matter how you wear it, the Chotika Tall Box Straw Zip Tote Bag looks considered and composed.

SIZE & FIT

SHIPPING & RETURNS

Worldwide Delivery with EMS Thailand

All Chotika Tall Box Straw Zip Tote Bags are shipped using EMS Thailand World Airfreight. This international courier offers reliable, trackable delivery to a wide range of safe countries. Once your order has been posted, you’ll receive a tracking number to monitor its journey until it arrives at your door. Our pricing structure keeps things transparent. We don’t hide shipping charges inside the product price. You only pay the actual EMS rate. Because EMS charges a flat fee up to one kilogram, many customers choose to order multiple bags at once to take advantage of the combined shipping weight.

Made Across Thailand, Dispatched from Nakhon Sawan

Each Chotika tote is handcrafted in one of our artisan weaving villages, which are spread throughout Thailand, including regions like Phayao, Chiang Mai, Phatthalung, and Nakhon Si Thammarat. Once a bag is finished, it is posted to our central shipping hub in Nakhon Sawan. From there, we inspect, package, and dispatch all international orders. This structure keeps our process organised and efficient, helping us maintain quality control and reliable shipping standards across all regions where we operate.

Thorough Quality Inspection and Protective Packaging

Before leaving our hub, each Chotika Tall Box Straw Zip Tote Bag is fully inspected by our experienced artisan team. We carefully examine every detail, from the straw structure to the zipper, handles, and finishing touches. Once approved, we take clear photos and video documentation of the bag’s perfect condition. Each bag is then placed inside a soft white cotton dust bag for extra protection during transport. Our eco-conscious packaging ensures your item arrives in excellent condition, ready to use or gift straight away.

EMS Delivery Timelines by Region

Delivery times below reflect the expected physical shipping duration and do not include production time for custom or personalised orders:

Thailand: 1 to 3 business days
Asia-Pacific: 3 to 5 business days
Europe & UK: 4 to 9 business days
North America: 5 to 7 business days
Oceania: 4 to 6 business days
South America: 9 to 11 business days

Customs inspections, local public holidays, or postal service delays may occasionally impact these times.

Custom Orders and Production Timelines

If your Chotika tote is part of a bespoke order, includes customisation, or requires embroidery, please allow 14 to 21 business days for production. This time allows our team to complete the work to our high standard. Once ready, we will transfer the bag to our hub for final checks and then post it using EMS. The shipping time listed above will apply only after the bag has left our hub. This two-stage process ensures you receive a product that meets both your design request and our quality promise.

Tracking and Shipping Support

Once your Chotika tote is dispatched, you will receive a tracking number by email. This allows you to follow the parcel’s route until it arrives. If you haven’t received your tracking number within 24 hours of dispatch, check your spam or junk folder. You can also contact us directly via Live Chat or the Contact Us form on our website. Our team will happily assist with tracking updates, shipping concerns, or any other support needed throughout the delivery process.

Local Postal Handling and Final Delivery

EMS handles the international airfreight portion of the shipping. Once your parcel reaches your home country, it is passed on to your national postal carrier. This could be USPS, Royal Mail, Canada Post, or another official provider. The Straw Bag Company is not responsible for any delays, errors, or lost parcels once they are under local courier control. However, we will assist you in every way we can to resolve delivery issues by communicating with EMS and advising on local steps.

Minimal Customs Issues or Fees

Most of our customers receive their Chotika tote without any customs fees or unexpected charges. However, depending on your country, you may occasionally be required to pay VAT or import duties. These charges are outside of our control and are not included in the bag or shipping price. Fortunately, the majority of shipments arrive smoothly, and customs checks rarely cause problems. We do not declare inflated values and follow standard procedures to reduce the likelihood of additional costs.

Clean, Protective, Eco-Friendly Packaging

Each Chotika tote is carefully packed in a breathable white cotton dust bag, which protects the item both during transport and while being stored. We do not use unnecessary plastic, and our packaging is designed to be reused or recycled. This commitment to sustainability matches the handcrafted nature of our bags and reflects our respect for the environment. You’ll receive your item in packaging that looks good, performs well, and can be reused as a protective bag for travel or storage.

Delays and Global Disruptions

Delays are infrequent but sometimes unavoidable due to customs inspections, extreme weather, or seasonal shipping congestion. During these periods, we work closely with EMS and monitor the progress of all outgoing parcels. You can always contact us if you feel your delivery is delayed, and we’ll look into it right away. We’ll support you until your item is delivered safely, and we’ll always communicate any known issues along the route to keep you informed.

Be Sure to Enter a Complete Address

When placing your order, make sure your delivery address is complete and accurate. If your bag is returned due to a mistake in the shipping address or an unclaimed delivery, we can arrange to resend it. However, you’ll need to cover the reshipping cost, and the original shipping fee will not be refunded. Providing the correct delivery details the first time helps avoid delays and ensures a smooth, stress-free shipping experience for everyone.

Handling Returned Parcels

Should your bag be returned to our dispatch centre for any reason, we will contact you to offer reshipment or a refund. Please note that reshipping costs are the responsibility of the customer, and we cannot refund the original shipping amount unless the return is due to our error. Returned items must arrive in their original condition and packaging in order to be eligible for any refund. We aim to keep this process clear and fair at every step.

Transparent Pricing and Real Shipping Costs

We do not include shipping fees inside the Chotika Tall Box Straw Zip Tote Bag’s price. Unlike other companies that hide these fees by raising product prices, we keep our pricing structure honest. EMS rates are clearly shown at checkout and are based on the actual courier cost. If you order two or three items, your shipping price may remain nearly the same, thanks to the EMS flat rate system for parcels up to one kilogram. You save more when ordering multiple items.

Only Pay What We Pay

You only pay the same shipping fee we are charged. We don’t add admin costs, handling fees, or markups. This policy is part of our commitment to transparency and customer trust. Every fee you see at checkout is the actual cost required to ship the bag to you, with nothing added on. It’s one of the many ways we keep our business values aligned with honesty, sustainability, and customer satisfaction.

Returns and Quality Guarantee

All Chotika totes go through multiple inspections before leaving our hub, and we take video and photo evidence to document their condition. In the rare event that you receive a damaged item, contact us within 48 hours with photo or video evidence. You’ll be eligible for a full refund or replacement. We also accept change-of-mind returns within 14 days, provided the bag is unused and returned with tracking to our Thailand hub. Original shipping fees are not refunded unless the item was faulty.

ORDERING INFORMATION

OUR FOUNDATION

Every Chotika Bag Helps Artisan Families Thrive

The Chotika Tall Box Straw Zip Tote Bag is more than a stylish accessory. With every sale, 15% of the proceeds are reinvested directly into the lives of the women and families who handcraft these bags. This commitment helps provide for daily essentials like food, clothing, schooling, and health support. Our mission is rooted in fair exchange. We believe that traditional craft deserves meaningful reward. When you choose the Chotika tote, you’re not just buying a bag. You’re helping someone in a rural Thai village take care of their family with dignity and pride.

Support Goes Directly to Artisan Communities

Our 15% give-back model is tightly focused. It doesn’t go to broad campaigns or national organisations. Instead, the money stays local—helping weavers, their children, and the people who support them day to day. This includes mothers, daughters, neighbours, and school-age children living in or around our artisan hubs. By keeping our foundation work specific, we avoid waste and delays. Each Chotika tote plays a part in a system that delivers support with accuracy, care, and a personal connection to those doing the real work behind the product.

Handcrafted in Five Regions of Thailand

The Chotika tote is the result of skill and effort from artisans across five provinces: Phayao, Nakhon Sawan, Phatthalung, Chiang Mai, and Nakhon Si Thammarat. Each location specialises in a part of the process—straw preparation, weaving, stitching, or zip finishing. When a Chotika bag sells, the 15% return is distributed fairly across these contributors. This ensures that every region benefits and that skilled work continues in homes and small workshops across rural Thailand. It’s a team effort, and the support structure respects each step.

Emergency Support When It’s Needed Most

Unplanned events can put serious stress on rural families. Illness, home repairs, or crop damage can stretch limited incomes beyond breaking point. The 15% returned from every Chotika bag provides a quick-response safety net. When an artisan faces a sudden challenge, our village contacts let us know. Funds are delivered fast, without the delay of large bureaucracies. This allows us to offer meaningful help—buying medicine, fixing a roof, or providing food—right when it’s most needed. The Chotika tote carries quiet power that supports lives behind the scenes.

Helping Artisan Children Stay in School

Education changes lives, but staying in school has its costs. Even if school fees are waived, uniforms, meals, and transport still add up. Our foundation uses part of the 15% return to support artisan families with these expenses. That might mean buying a schoolbag, paying for a term of lunches, or helping with exam costs. Every Chotika bag becomes a small part of a bigger solution—keeping children in school and giving families a break from daily financial pressure. When parents weave, their children grow with better opportunities.

Training New Artisans and Preserving Thai Craft

The Chotika Tall Box Straw Zip Tote Bag reflects generations of weaving tradition. To protect this knowledge, our foundation funds training for new artisans. This includes young women who’ve just left school, as well as community members looking to build income at home. Training includes material handling, design finishing, and structural weaving. Tools and materials are provided to help new weavers get started. Each Chotika purchase directly contributes to passing down essential skills and building a future where Thai weaving remains both respected and economically sustainable.

Recognising the Team Behind the Chotika Bag

It takes a team to complete each Chotika bag. While one woman may do the final weave, others prep the straw, sew the zip, or help deliver materials. Family members may provide childcare or meals to support the artisan’s time. Our 15% give-back includes everyone involved. It helps pay for shared tools, neighbour contributions, and community helpers often overlooked in traditional supply chains. This inclusive model builds stronger support networks and ensures that no helping hand is ignored. Each Chotika tote is a shared achievement.

Built-In Impact With No Extra Steps

Customers don’t need to do anything extra to support our foundation. There’s no donation button or charity request. The 15% contribution is already part of the bag’s price. When you order the Chotika tote, that support is automatically activated. It’s a clean, direct system that creates lasting benefit without making the buyer feel pressured. Customers receive a high-quality, handmade product. Artisan families receive fair, fast assistance. This simplicity keeps the impact strong, honest, and consistent with every single sale.

Immediate Help After Each Chotika Tote Sale

We believe in fast, responsive giving. That’s why our 15% support system begins as soon as a Chotika bag is sold. Our local team monitors needs within each artisan community and distributes funds quickly. Whether it’s a family needing groceries, a broken roof, or urgent school travel, help arrives on time. The process is based on trust, direct contact, and ongoing communication. This allows the Chotika tote to do more than decorate a wardrobe. It supports people, problems, and daily realities in real time.

Respecting Cultural and Religious Traditions in Giving

Weaving villages in Thailand are home to both Buddhist and Christian families. Our foundation respects and honours both equally. For Buddhist artisans, this support is seen as a form of merit-making through good work. For Christians, it’s a way to express kindness and shared care. We let each family decide how they interpret the help they receive. The Chotika tote isn’t just about fashion. It quietly respects belief, tradition, and the values that shape everyday life in artisan communities across Thailand.

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