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The 17 best tote bags for stylish schlepping, since big bags are in again

Written by Samantha Crozier edited by Sally Kaplan
triple side by side image of three different tote bags
The Everlane New Market tote (left) is the minimalist tote of your dreams, while the Cuyana Easy Tote (middle) is the perfect workplace and travel companion. Samantha Crozier/Business Insider, Sally Kaplan/Business Insider
Updated

Finding the right tote bag is like finding the perfect pair of jeans. It seems simple, but when it comes to bags, simplicity can be deceiving. The tote could be just too small to fit your laptop, have straps that aren't long enough, or slump over when you want structure. The best tote bag is the one that fits everything you need and that you can carry for hours, whatever you might be doing. 

These are the best tote bags for exactly what you need them for — whether you're traversing Europe, taking a weekend trip, or commuting to your office. Our style team has tested nearly every bag on this list, and after hours of additional research, we're confident you'll find exactly the bag you need. 

If you're interested in more professional totes with extra bells and whistles, see our guide to the best work bags for women.

A quick look at 3 of our favorite tote bags

Cuyana
Cuyana Classic Easy Tote

Made from premium Italian leather, the Cuyana Easy Tote is high quality, easy to style, and convenient to carry. You can also snap in organizational extras like a zippered pouch or laptop compartment.

Check price at Cuyana
The Lightweight Tote
Rothy's The Lightweight Tote

Constructed from Rothy's signature durable and flexible material, this tote is the ultimate hauler. Its structured bottom makes it easy to pile groceries high without squishing anything. But it's chic enough that you can use it for way more than a shopping bag.

Check price at Rothy's
italian leather tote
Quince Italian Leather Triple Compartment Tote

Real Italian leather and great construction make this tote feel like it costs way more than the sticker price of $150.

Check price at Quince

Best overall: Cuyana Easy Tote

woman carrying beige tote bag next to interior shot of the tote bag
Sally Kaplan/Business Insider
Check price at Cuyana

Cuyana's Classic Easy Tote is our top pick for the best tote bag because it's chic, durable, flexible but not floppy, and can fit a huge amount of stuff. And though it looks like a basic tote at first glance, there are actually a ton of thoughtful details that have gone into the design of the bag. Two sets of straps mean you can carry the tote like a handbag, or you can use the longer set of straps to throw it over your shoulder. Internally, there is a small pocket for things you need to grab frequently, and there's a tie you can use to close the bag up a little more if you want.

Cuyana also makes several accessories, like the Classic Tote Insert, for organizing the interior of your bag. These are great if you like a bit more structure or interior protection since the soft Italian leather is unlined inside. I've had my bag for about 4 years now and I've taken it on every vacation, flight, weekend trip, and long car ride in that time. It fits an unbelievable amount of stuff, but it also doesn't look floppy or silly if I just put a few things in it.

On a usual vacation, this bag will hold two pairs of shoes, my giant Dyson blow dryer, a hair brush, my toiletry and makeup bags, a scarf or sweater, and a couple snacks. I use the interior tie to keep it closed when I have to shove it under my seat on a plane, but they also make a zippered version of the Easy Tote if you prefer the added security. Just note that you may not be able to shove quite as much stuff in it if you wanted to zip it closed. —Sally Kaplan, executive editor, Insider Reviews. 

Best budget: Dreubea Faux Leather Tote

Dreubea Faux Leather Tote in ruddy pink.
Amazon
Check price at Amazon

With over 60,000 reviews on Amazon and four stars, this tote is a steal at only $9.99. From the outside, it looks a lot like some of the bags on this list that are many times the price, but the inside is no-frills. You won't get fancy water bottle compartments or sublime construction with this tote, but you will get the opportunity to choose from dozens and dozens of colors. And if you want to add a bit of elegance, you can tie a stylish silk scarf around the handle.

Best for work: Dagne Dover Allyn Leather Tote

Dane Dover Allyn Tote Original Image
Samantha Crozier/Insider
Check price at Dagne Dover

This tote was our pick for the best work bag overall — a hard-won prize. What makes this bag rise above the rest is the internal organization.

It features a neoprene laptop sleeve, an interior water bottle compartment, and an array of little compartments for stashing cards, makeup, pens, and more. But the best part is that you would never know about all of its practical bells and whistles without peeking inside — on the outside, it's sleek and unfussy.

Check out our full Dagne Dover Allyn Tote review to find out more about why we love this bag so much. 

Best budget leather: Quince Italian Leather Triple Compartment Tote

side by side image of an original picture of a work bag for women next to an interior shot
Samantha Crozier, Quince
Check price at Quince

We love Quince. In fact, our Quince review is full of our favorite products, most of which seem like they would cost a lot more than they do. And the Italian Leather Triple Compartment Tote is another affordable standout that's made from great materials.

This tote is relatively minimalist. On the inside, you'll find a few slip compartments and a zippered middle section large enough to hold a 13-inch laptop. The bag is also unlined, which makes it a tad less luxurious, but this does allow you to wipe it clean.

I love features like the little metal feet and the fact that it comes with a dust bag. Plus, it's available in six relatively neutral colors. 

Best for grocery shopping: Rothy's Lightweight Tote

A pink tote bag on a coffee table. Right, a top view of an open pink tote bag.
Samantha Crozier/Insider
Check price at Rothy's

I absolutely love this tote because it's wonderfully light but also ultra-durable. Here's what I said about it in our Rothy's review:

"The Rothy's Lightweight Tote is made of a material that looks and feels very similar to the material they use on their famous flats. The stretchy recycled plastic is not only durable but also machine washable, which means you don't have to worry about placing it on subway floors and dirty grocery carts. And when you do place it on the floor, you won't have to worry about it slouching over.

"The structured floor of the tote was one of my favorite features. As someone who is used to grocery shopping with plain canvas bags, I was extremely impressed with how well this feature allows you to organize your tote. You can easily place a few rows of cans or other heavy items at the bottom and then neatly stack boxes of pasta, cartons of eggs, and bags of lettuce on top. Plus, there's also an attached string with a clip on the end, so you won't have to go digging through your whole haul for your keys." 

Best everyday: Bandolier Carryall Tote Bag

A side by side of the Bandolier Carryall Tote Bag shown from the front and the interior.
Samantha Crozier/Insider
Check price at Bandolier

Bandolier's Carryall Tote has straps that are reinforced on the place where they rest on your shoulder, so they won't dig in even if you tote it around all day. And inside, you'll find all the essentials for a great everyday tote — a laptop sleeve (which can also double as a divider to keep your belongings organized), a special pouch designed for your sunglasses, an interior key ring, and an array of zippered and non-zippered pockets. In addition, the pebeled leather is soft and ultra-luxirous to the touch. 

Best organization: Cuyana System Tote

Side by side of Cuyana System tote in caramel and inside of bag.
Insider
Check price at Cuyana

There might not be a tote bag for absolutely everything, but this one comes pretty close. Its silhouette is just a little bit different from your average tote bag, but that's what gives it a stylish flair. The best part of this tote bag is how immensely customizable it is. If you need it for work, you can add a laptop sleeve. If you want more compartments, you can insert pouches. And if you want to convert it to a crossbody, you can add a colorful or matching strap. 

The System Tote is well-made and designed to be whatever you need it to be, which is why it gets our pick for the best overall tote.

Best structured: Dagne Dover Classic Tote

Side by Side of Dagne Dover tote in onyx and inside of bag.
Insider
Check price at Dagne Dover

This tote is structured, professional, and built with Dagne Dover's signature focus on utility and clean style. Inside, there's a bottle holder, a phone compartment, and a padded laptop sleeve, with a zippered top to keep your items protected. 

"I want a product that fuses style with athlete-caliber function. The company's Classic Tote does — and then some" says the former Service Journalism Editor-in-Chief, Ellen Hoffman. This bag is guaranteed not to slouch and even features little metal feet at the bottom so that it can stand firm. 

See our full review of Dagne Dover's Classic Tote for our full thoughts. 

Best convertible: Caara Studio Tote

Side by side of woman wearing a Caara Studio Tote in black and inside of bag.
Insider
Check price at Caraa

"Convertible bags are lifesavers for anyone who commutes on a subway, and this tote from Caraa is the best we've tested," says Sally Kaplan, executive editor of Insider Reviews. 

At first glance, the Caraa Studio Tote looks like a normal (albeit chic) leather tote bag — but you can actually transform it into a backpack on a whim. This versatile style makes it perfect for a day at the office paired with your best business attire, but at the end of the day you can take a load off and sling it on your back when you're walking home or taking the subway. It's also a great travel bag!

See our full review of the Caara Studio tote to see how we styled it and why we loved it. 

Best vegan leather: Everlane New Day Market Tote

Side by side of Everlane New Day Market Tote in brandy.
Insider
Check price at Everlane

We loved the old version of Everlane's leather Day Market tote, but this iteration blends all the contemporary style of the original with a more sustainable, vegan material. The trademarked "bio-based leather" is meant to look and feel like traditional leather, but uses plant-based proteins. 

The finish isn't so far off from Saffiano leather, which means it's quite durable and hard to scratch up. And though this bag doesn't feel exactly like the real thing, it has the same sheen and look. The tote is available in black and brown, in addition to a gorgeous dark burgundy color

We also reviewed the older, leather version Everlane's Market Tote and loved it. 

Best for travel: Lo and Sons Seville Prima Tote

Lo and Sons Seville Prima Tote in Nappa & Saffiano Leather.
Lo and Sons
Check price at Lo and Sons

This tote is a bit of a splurge, but it's designed intentionally to last you many years and many layovers. It's made of high quality leather and comes in a 13-inch and 15-inch version to accommodate the size of your laptop. It also comes with a fabric shell that allows you to attach it to your suitcase, which takes a load off of your shoulder as you navigate through the airport. 

We tested nearly all of Lo & Sons' most popular offerings in our Lo & Sons review.

Best leather: M.Gemi Elena Grande Tote

M.Gemi Elena Grande Tote in Jewel Green.
M.Gemi
Check price at M.Gemi

There are a few good leather picks on this list, but this one exemplifies the simple silhouette of the perfect leather tote. Unlike lots of leather bags that are restricted to relatively neutral colors, this tote comes in bright, jewel-tone shades like an emerald green. Another great feature is its wide mouth, which means it can expand to hold even the bulkiest of items. 

Read our review of M. Gemi's Felize Loafers and their Palestra Due Sneakers.

Best canvas: L.L.Bean Boat and Tote

LL Bean Boat and Tote in red.
LL Bean
Check price at L.L. Bean

Like most of L.L.Bean's products, this tote is designed to last you years. From carrying towels to the beach to hauling cans on your next grocery trip, this bag can withstand almost anything you put it through. It comes in every size from mini to extra large — and  even includes a new option for longer handles so you can easily sling it over your shoulder. 

For those that love a good personalization detail, L.L.Bean also offers monogramming. And you don't just have to get initials — the bigger the bag, the more characters you can fit on it. This has spawned a hilarious trend of people getting funny phrases like "Can U Not" and "Unhinged" embroidered on their totes. 

Best luxury: Mansur Gavriel Large Tote

Mansur Gavriel Large Tote in black/flamma.
Mansur Gavriel
Check price at Mansur Gavriel

All of Masur Gavriel's bags are designed to evoke artistic simplicity — and their tote bag exemplifies this. The large tote is constructed from soft Italian leather, but its look is chic and Parisian. The black tote comes with a stunning, bright red interior that hints at luxury while still being understated. And if black and red isn't your thing, you can also find a black version with a black interior and a caramel-colored version with a lighter interior.

The tote also comes in a mini version that you can use as a roomy, chic handbag. 

Best timeless classic: Longchamp Le Pilage

longchamp le pilage
Longchamp
Check price at Nordstrom
Check price at Bloomingdale's
Check price at Longchamp

You know it and you've seen it everywhere. Longchamps' seminal Le Pilage tote has been a classic for years and will be for years to come. Made of water-resistant nylon, this foldable tote is understated but wildly functional. 

Personally, I carried a burgundy version of the Le Pilage tote all throughout high school and into college. It's been completely soaked from rain, covered in mud, filled with gym clothes, taken on international trips, and even used as a backpack in a pinch on a hike. My tiny high school even had a no-locker policy, so we would ditch our bags in the grass. The Le Pilage kept my things dry even when I would occasionally forget it outside during rain or snow. 

What makes this bag so durable is how simple it is. There's only a single interior pocket big enough for a phone. Other than that, there isn't even a lining. But that's why you never have to worry about rips, spills, or anything else. 

Best beach bag: Yeti Camino 35 Carryall Tote

Yeti Camino 35 Carryall Tote in Nordic Purple
Yeti
Check price at Amazon
Check price at Yeti
Check price at Public Lands

The name of the game with Yeti is always durability  — and this beach bag is super durable and completely waterproof. The tote is just as suited to holding sandy towels and sunscreen as it is to hauling muddy camping essentials on a wet day. If you want a long-lasting beach bag that can double as a carry-all for all kinds of outdoor activities, look no further.

 

Best sustainable: Labante

A Labante Sophioe Vegan Leather Tote Bag on a snowy ground.
Labante
Check price at Labante

Labante is a brand that's committed to the highest level of sustainability and ethical work practices. All of their bags are made of vegan leather that's crafted from recycled materials. While the outside is made of vegetable by-products, the inside is made from recycled plastic water bottles. And what's more, it actually feels like real, soft  leather. The Sophie Tote can also fit a 14-inch laptop and comes with a large zippered pouch to keep your essentials secure. 

samantha crozier, author page
Samantha Crozier
Style Editor
Samantha Crozier is the women's style editor for Insider Reviews. She spends her days testing the newest it-bag, the workout set that's all over Instagram, or that viral dress that everyone is talking about on TikTok. Experience:Sam has spent a lifetime putting fashion trends to the test, and has been testing and writing about clothing for several years. In her current role, she is responsible for designing testing methodology for feminine clothing guides and working with writers to deliver the most trustworthy and best-tested shopping guides. Before joining the Reviews team, she was an editor on the Health Reference team where she focused on articles about sex and relationships, skincare, nutrition, and mental health.Why you can trust SamLike a great fashion friend, Sam always has the answer to questions about how to problem-solve when it comes to style. Need a great pair of heels for your wedding that you can wear for eight hours straight? Or perhaps you’re wondering what washable silk pajamas actually hold up after a dozen washes? She can help you find the perfect solution.One of her foremost areas of expertise is women’s shoes. In fact, she walked a mile in over 80 pairs of heels to narrow down the most comfortable heels on the internet. And her coverage on the best boots for women had her testing everything from low-cost Amazon picks to bespoke leather options to see what’s really worth it. All this to say that you’ll frequently see her walking her dog around Brooklyn in a pair of red slingbacks or knee-high suede boots.She is an expert on women’s workwear and work bags, having tested dozens of laptop bags, totes, blazers, and more.Sam is always on the hunt for a great bargain, whether it’s for big deal days like Prime Day or Black Friday, or just a regular Tuesday. Expertise
  • Women’s shoes, particularly heels and boots
  • Petite fashion
  • Workwear
  • Swimwear
  • Jewelry
Education:She graduated from Tufts University with degrees in English and Political Science before joining Insider in 2020. Although she now lives in Brooklyn, she still travels to her hometown of Honolulu, Hawaii. You can reach her at: scrozier@businessinsider.com.

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Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at reviews@businessinsider.com.

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