Market Tote...Does Anyone Use A Base Shaper?

[BaguetteBlonde]

I finally purchased the Coach Market Tote (black pebble with red leather interior) after months of indecision and I'm glad I did! Because I am so anal about my bags, I am now concerned the bag will bottom-out when I fill it.
Does anyone use a base shaper? I've heard some who have the LV totes recommend a base shaper.
Thank you.

 

[glittermaven]

I have several market totes and do not use anything inside them BUT my bags are 80% empty for the most part. I just like having the extra room in case I need to throw a sweater in there or an iPad for my kids or something. If you plan on really filling it, a bag shaper would probably help a lot. I have noticed a couple of them have gotten “floppier” with use.

That being said, they are my favorite bags

 

[BaguetteBlonde]

I have several market totes and do not use anything inside them BUT my bags are 80% empty for the most part. I just like having the extra room in case I need to throw a sweater in there or an iPad for my kids or something. If you plan on really filling it, a bag shaper would probably help a lot. I have noticed a couple of them have gotten “floppier” with use.

That being said, they are my favorite bags

Thank you glittermaven
My bags are 80% empty too. I am concerned about a situation arising when I will need to carry an iPad because I think it might distort the bottom of the bag.

 

[Teagaggle]

I only have one tote, but do share your same concern regarding sagging. I like a structured bag, even if I'm not going to load it up. Here is a crazy but cheap solution that I found... I bought a pack of the thin cutting liners at my local Home Goods. They came in a variety of colors, as I think I had to buy a 4-pack. They were originally about 11 x 14 in size. They are sturdy enough to keep the bottom of the bag structured, but thin enough that I could cut them into it exactly the shape I needed for my tote. It's enough for me & cheap!

 

[CoachMaven]

I have the rebel charm Market Tote in the grass green color, and I've never been concerned about the bottom sagging, but now I may be. I will try it out with my laptop for work tomorrow to see how it goes.

 

[BaguetteBlonde]

I only have one tote, but do share your same concern regarding sagging. I like a structured bag, even if I'm not going to load it up. Here is a crazy but cheap solution that I found... I bought a pack of the thin cutting liners at my local Home Goods. They came in a variety of colors, as I think I had to buy a 4-pack. They were originally about 11 x 14 in size. They are sturdy enough to keep the bottom of the bag structured, but thin enough that I could cut them into it exactly the shape I needed for my tote. It's enough for me & cheap!

Do you mean these liners? (pic Seville Classics Flexible Cutting Mats as posted on Amazon)..This is a great idea! Does the cut edge injure or scratch the bag's internal wall at all?

 

[BaguetteBlonde]

I have the rebel charm Market Tote in the grass green color, and I've never been concerned about the bottom sagging, but now I may be. I will try it out with my laptop for work tomorrow to see how it goes.

Thank you! Please let me know.

 

[Teagaggle]

Do you mean these liners? (pic Seville Classics Flexible Cutting Mats as posted on Amazon)..This is a great idea! Does the cut edge injure or scratch the bag's internal wall at all? View attachment 4071323

Yes, probably. I got a set of 4 for $10 I think. If you are considering going this route, I'd suggest buying in person so you can feel the thickness of the sheets as that is key. I was careful to cut it just shy of what I needed & round out all the edges.
I'm sure between Ebay, etsy & Amazon you could probably find a true base shaper but I just went this route because I didn't feel the need to do anything more.

 

[BaguetteBlonde]

Yes, probably. I got a set of 4 for $10 I think. If you are considering going this route, I'd suggest buying in person so you can feel the thickness of the sheets as that is key. I was careful to cut it just shy of what I needed & round out all the edges.
I'm sure between Ebay, etsy & Amazon you could probably find a true base shaper but I just went this route because I didn't feel the need to do anything more.

I actually have something like this. I've used only one of the sheets, the rest are unused. It is worth a try.
Thank you Teagaggle

 

[liljasp]

I had the same concerns as you! I bought a tote, and I was so afraid of it losing its shape or getting warped from the things I'd put in it (binders, water bottle, etc)

I bought sheets of polypropylene (can buy at craft stores for a few bucks a piece) and cut them to the size of my tote. I put fabric over it and sewed it all together, and viola! My bag hasn't lost its shape, and it's protected from anything I put in it

 

[CoachMaven]

Thank you! Please let me know.

Alright, after putting in my normal items and my laptop, I would recommend a base shaper if you plan to do it every day. My laptop is pretty heavy, though not a huge one, and when I would initially lift it up, I could see the bottom sag slightly and then correct itself. If I were to use it all the time, it would start to sag I am certain.

 

[BaguetteBlonde]

I had the same concerns as you! I bought a tote, and I was so afraid of it losing its shape or getting warped from the things I'd put in it (binders, water bottle, etc)

I bought sheets of polypropylene (can buy at craft stores for a few bucks a piece) and cut them to the size of my tote. I put fabric over it and sewed it all together, and viola! My bag hasn't lost its shape, and it's protected from anything I put in it
View attachment 4071781 View attachment 4071782 View attachment 4071783

That is perfect! Your base is great and I love that it is covered.