buuk.top / Brian Kopinski
The humble work bag has undergone quite the rebranding process from the styles of yore. Designs now excel at styling your outfit with gorgeous finishes, interesting silhouettes, and plenty of eye-catching accessories that will spark office chatter. And while the outside certainly matters, it’s what’s on the inside that counts since these bags need to be functional enough to carry a day’s (or weekend’s) worth of everyday items from tech accessories to makeup essentials.
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Before you start your search, you need to quiz yourself on your priorities. Are you commuting a long distance that requires a bigger or more durable bag? Do you need something oversized that can store gym essentials for an after-work sweat session? How likely are you to punch up your outfit with a bright colorway?
To answer your questions, we conducted hours of research on the best work bags, evaluating them on the quality of design, while taking into account comfort, aesthetics, and durability. After consulting with a handbag designer, too, we landed on these top-rated picks.
Cuyana System Tote at Cuyana.com
Kate Spade Laptop Bag at Katespade.com
Nubily Laptop Bag at Amazon
Silver & Riley Convertible Executive Bag at Nordstrom
Longchamp Large Tote at Amazon
Béis The Work Tote at Nordstrom
Cuyana Messenger Bag at Cuyana.com
Lo & Sons Seville Aire Tote at Loandsons.com
Dagne Dover Dakota Backpack at Nordstrom
Dagne Dover Vida Cotton Tote Bag at Nordstrom
In This Article
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Best Overall
Cuyana System Tote
Cuyana
You cant have a conversation about work bags without talking about Cuyana. Their offerings are so sleek, functional, and, therefore, easy to justify. This style is made out of luxurious Italian pebbled leather but still offers a design-forward structure, as it is, in fact, an organizational dream. Plus, with 13- and 16-inch size options, it can hold all your stuff, no matter how big your laptop is. For more personalization, theres an option to monogram it.
Material: Leather | Colors: Black, Caramel, Cappuccino, Dark Olive +more |Dimensions:
10 x 17.25 x 5 inches (13-inch); 11 x 19 x 5.5 inches (16-inch)
Best Large
Kate Spade Knott Commuter Laptop Bag
Kate Spade
Consider this bag the equivalent of the most organized person you know: Reliable, efficient, and prepared for anything. Peeking inside the tote’s large interior you’ll find it lined with the brand’s signature spade print, two slip compartments, and enough room to stow away tech such as your laptop and all its accessories. And two exterior pockets give you easy access to smaller items like your phone and lip gloss.
Despite having more pockets than a pair of cargo pants, the bag still manages to look super sleek with its compact design—it zips up neatly and features top handles so you can wear it on your arm, or sit it comfortably on your shoulder with the thick long strap. Don’t be shy about carting it with you on long commutes since its constructed with durable pebble leather that withstands scuffs and scrapes better than other materials.
Material: Pebbled leather | Colors: Black, Watercolor Blue | Dimensions:
11 x 15.75 x 5 inches
Best Budget
Nubily Laptop Bag
Amazon
This waterproof bag is the solution for the indecisive and accident-prone among us. Its available in over a dozen colors from a peppy pink and an eye-catching lavender to more muted neutrals like Khaki and Dark Green. But where’s the fun in choosing just one? The lower price point also makes this pick hard to resist or keeps us from adding a couple of color shades to our carts. And rest assured that a bevy of internal pockets will keep all of your valuables from rolling around the bottom.
Material: Polyurethane | Colors: Black, Beige, Blue, Brown, Pink, Purple +more| Dimensions:
16.7 x 5.7 x 12.6 inches
Best Structured
Silver & Riley Convertible Executive Bag
Nordstrom
View On Silverandriley.com
For a bag that truly accomplishes it all, look no further than the Silver & Riley Convertible Executive Bag. Its charming design looks similar to a mini duffle bag, but the quality leather and gorgeous straight stitching set it leaps and bounds above anything you carted to summer camp. What really piqued our interest is how you can wear it three different ways: Carried by the top handles, across your body, and as a backpack utilizing the two back straps.
Don’t let the compact size fool you—you’ll be amazed how much you can store inside thanks to thoughtful organizational features like pen slots and a laptop pocket that keeps tech secure with a snap closure. What’s more, it will hold everything without feeling too heavy since the structured design and flat bottom evenly distribute the weight of your items.
Material: Leather | Colors: Olive Green |Dimensions:
15.5 x 10 x 5.5 inches
Best Packable
Longchamp Large Le Pliage Tote
Nordstrom
View On Nordstrom
View On Saks Fifth Avenue
Looking for a bag you can stuff into another bag until you need it? This ones for you. The Le Pliage Tote folds into the size of a paperback book, then unfolds into a full-sized carrier big enough to fit a laptop and letter-sized folders.
Material: Polyamide canvas | Colors: Black, Red, Turquoise +more | Dimensions:12.2 x 11.8 x 7.5 inches
Best Value
Béis The Work Tote
Revolve
View On Beistravel.com
View On Revolve
This bag was designed for all the true boss ladies out there, or the aspiring boss ladies, according to Shay Mitchells brand BÉIS. It offers room for a 13-inch laptop, keys, a water bottle, and much more. Other features include a removable zippered pouch and a suitcase sleeve for easy traveling.
Material: Vegan leather and polyester | Colors: Black, Beige, Plaid +more | Dimensions:
14.25 x 11 x 6 inches
Best Messenger
Cuyana 13-Inch Messenger Bag
Cuyana
Available in both 13- and 16-inch versions, this messenger bag gives you options based on the laptop you have or how much storage you need. Along with a built-in laptop sleeve, it also has a thick, adjustable shoulder strap for maximum comfort while carrying. Though, its best feature is perhaps that it looks nothing like a work bag.
Material: Leather | Colors:Black, Cappuccino, Soft Rose +more |Dimensions:
9.8 x 13.8 x 3.9 inches (13-inch); 10.4 x 15 x 3.9 inches (16-inch)
Most Durable
Lo & Sons Seville Aire Tote
Lo & Sons
The nylon body of this tote is built for durability. It also has a huge selection of inner pockets (including a laptop sleeve) to help you stay as organized as possible. To suit as many shoppers as possible, it comes in both 13- and 15-inch versions. The zipper top also means everything stays organized, secure, and tucked away from the elements.
Material: Nylon, polyester jacquard, and leather |Colors: Black, Deep Navy | Dimensions:
18.5 x 5 x 12.5 inches (13-inch), 20 x 5 x 13 inches (15-inch)
Best Sustainable
Dagne Dover Dakota Backpack
Saks Fifth Avenue
View On Dagnedover.com
View On Shopbop.com
With thousands of positive reviews across several e-retailers, this neoprene backpack is a customer favorite, to say the least. It includes a padded laptop compartment to keep your electronics safe, while its eco-friendly neoprene material made from plastic bottles is lightweight and comfortable to carry throughout the day.
Material: Neoprene and recycled lining | Colors: Dark Moss, Heather Gray Storm +more |Dimensions:
11.5 x 5 x 17 inches
Best Canvas
Dagne Dover Vida Cotton Tote Bag
Dagne Dover
View On Dagnedover.com
View On Saks Fifth Avenue
Sometimes, its the simple things that surprise you. In this case, its this 100% organic cotton tote that seems rudimentary but is oh, so practical. With multiple inner and outer pockets (including one made for laptops up to 16 inches), it holds a ton of stuff. So, if your job is on the more casual side, this would be a great option.
Materials: Organic cotton canvas |Colors: Onyx, Natural + more | Dimensions:
18.5 x 6.25 x 14 inches
Best Vegan
Senreve Maestra Bag
Neiman Marcus
Though this work bag is a bit of an investment, its worth it if youre looking for a stylish and high-quality vegan leather work bag. The crossbody style also converts to a tote or backpack bag, giving you added value in the form of versatility.
Materials: Vegan leather | Colors: Storm, Latte, Onyx +more |Dimensions:
16 x 10.25 x 6.75 inches
Best Classic
Tory Burch Robinson Tote
Amazon
View On Nordstrom
View On Bloomingdales
With two exterior slip pockets, six interior slip pockets (including a 13-inch laptop sleeve), and an interior zip pocket, this tote gives you no reason to be disorganized. The classic silhouette, which comes from a collection named for the designers parents, Budy and Reva Robinson, combines quality, convenience, and style.
Materials: Leather | Colors: Black, Bistro Brown, New Cream | Dimensions:
11.6 x 14.3 x 6 inches
Best Modern
Everlane The Italian Leather Studio Bag
Everlane
If youre looking for a work bag that holds all the essentials but strays away from the traditional work bag silhouette, this Everlane option would be a great pick for you. The elongated silhouette is large enough to hold an 18-inch laptop, and it also boasts multiple pockets and a comfortable, adjustable strap. Minimalists will appreciate its simple elegance for transit from the office to, well, just about anywhere.
Materials: Leather | Colors: Black, Light Taupe, Cognac |Dimensions:
13 x 6.25 x 9.75 inches
Best Convertible
Pond Los Angeles Transform Tote
Pond Los Angeles
Whether you want to wear it as a tote, crossbody, or backpack, this bag has enough storage for all your work needs. Its features include a laptop sleeve that fits a 15-inch laptop, side pockets for items as big as drink bottles, and a waterproof and scratch-proof exterior, making for a versatile bag thats built to last.
Materials: Leather |Colors: Stone | Dimensions:
11.5 x 7 x 13.5 inches
Best Statement
Mifland Utility Tote
Mifland
When you’re carrying a Mifland tote on you’re arm, there’s a slim chance of showing up to work with the same bag as anyone else. A little like the couture of handbags, every bag is handpainted with impeccable detail and made of leather cut and assembled by hand, so each one varies in its final look and ensures that yours is truly unreplicable. Its careful construction, in which the brand employs a figure eight stitching method that uses a strong, waxed thread for a sturdy finish, also translates to a super durable design able to withstand years of wear and tear.
Material: Leather | Colors:Multi | Dimensions: 17 x 22 x 6 inches
Best for Moms
Monos Metro Duffel
Monos
What sets the Monos Metro Duffel apart from other bags is its modular system, which is interchangeable and easy to swap out based on what you need (or dont need) that day. The attribute makes it an ideal choice for moms who may be shuffling between multiple obligations and settings throughout the day.
Materials:Nylon | Colors: Carbon Black, Oxford Blue, Juniper Green, Dover Grey, Ivory +more | Dimensions:
16.3 × 11.2 × 7.2 inches
Best Rated
Madewell The Transport Tote
Madewell
View On Zappos
View On Bloomingdales
Functionality and style combine in Madewells Transport Tote which, as its name suggests, is roomy enough for travel or just the daily work commute. We love the interior pocket and that the leather is sourced from a tannery that achieved a Gold Rating from the Leather Working Group, which works to promote sustainable environmental practices in the leather industry.
Materials:Vegetable-tanned leather |Colors: English Saddle, True Black, True Black/Brown | Dimensions:
13.5 x 14 x 6.5 inches
Best Adjustable
Madewell The Zip-Top Medium Transport Tote
Amazon
View On Nordstrom
View On Madewell.com
A top handle, zip-top, and adjustable strap mean you can carry this bag cross-body or by holding it the classic way. It contains both an exterior and interior pocket and we also love the material—a semi-vegetable-tanned leather with a softly worn waxed finish that deepens into a distinctive patina over time.
Materials: Vegetable-tanned leather | Colors:English Saddle, True Black, True Black/Brown | Dimensions:
12 x 11 x 6 inches
Best Storage Options
Dagne Dover Signature Legend Tote
Dagne Dover
If youre looking for lots of places to store post-its, pencils, and various office gear, youll find them inside this tote, which is equipped with a padded compartment with a magnetic closure to keep a 13-inch laptop or tablet safe, as well as pockets that can hold a wallet, phone, credit or metro card, and lip balm or mints.
Materials:Vegan leather and recycled polyester |Colors: Onyx, Bleeker Blush, Graphite | Dimensions:
13.7 x 11 x 4.5 inches
Best Splurge
Freja New York Lafayette Tote Cappuccino
Verishop
View On Verishop.com
View On Modesens.com
With subtle panel accents and a double magnetic closure, this luxurious tote keeps all your items safe and secure. Whats more, it contains one main compartment and three slot pockets and offers enough interior space to fit an up-to a 16-inch laptop.
Materials: Vegan leather | Colors:Pecan, Taupe, Black, Oat, Cappuccino | Dimensions:
19 x 11 x 5.5 inches
Best Everyday Tote
Baggu Duck Bag
Baggu
View On Backcountry.com
This bag is fairly no frills on the inside, making it ideal for everything from a grocery run to your daily 9-to-5. The real fun comes via the interesting patterns and prints available on the exterior. We also love the addition of a long strap, which allows you to go hands-free as needed, and the single interior zipped pocket.
Materials: Canvas | Colors:Blue Pixel Gingham, Chartreuse Pixel Gingham, Pistachio, Black +more | Dimensions:
15.75 × 11 × 4.75 inches
Best Expandable
LeSportsac Everyday Zip Tote
Urban Outfitters
View On Lesportsac.com
View On Nordstromrack.com
We spotted the LeSportSac sling bag almost everywhere last spring and now we’re ready to upgrade to its even more functional cousin, whose trim, slim design will pair well with anything you own. The thick woven straps ensure it sits comfortably on your shoulders even as you navigate crowded sidewalks and terminals, and its recycled nylon fabric can handle a lot of abuse. It also has several internal and external pockets to keep all of your essentials organized, but the area in which it outshines its competition is the top zipper gusset. You can expand it to add over two inches of interior room, allowing you to easily convert this into an overnight bag if need be.
Material: Recycled nylon |Colors: Black, Popsicle Red, Fuchsia Pink, Bold Plaid +more | Dimensions:
12.2 x x 4.33 inches
Best Leather
Leatherology Uptown Vertical Tote
Leatherology
View On Leatherology.com
If youre a fan of genuine leather, Leatherology is the way to go. This sizable satchel is buttery-soft yet durable and long-lasting, with plenty of room for all the essentials, plus three organizational pockets. Though it doesnt have a designated laptop compartment, its certainly big enough to fit one. And you can always buy a laptop sleeve separately.
Material: Leather | Colors: Black Onyx, Bordeaux, Navy Blue, Cognac |Dimensions: 15.5 x 14.75 x 3.5 inches
Best Faux Leather
Calpak Kaya Laptop Backpack
Calpak
This compact yet spacious, vegan-friendly backpack is the perfect balance of stylishness and sophistication. With a laptop compartment and multiple interior pockets, its super functional too. Heading on a business trip? You can slide it over your suitcase handle with the handy trolley sleeve on the back.
Material: Faux leather | Colors: Black, Gunmetal Black, Caramel, Navy +more | Dimensions:15.5 x 11.5 x 4.5 inches
Final Verdict
Durable, functional, and with an undeniably sleek design, you can’t beat the Cuyana System Tote. Between its organizational features, smooth pebble leather material, and an option to make the design wholly your own by monogramming it, we’re confident it’ll never let you down as a reliable work bag. At a more affordable price, the A New Day Midi Tote Handbag does an impressive job of offering you a roomy interior filled with several pockets, and it has a classic, versatile look.
Meet the Expert
Sherrill Mosee is the founder and designer behind bag brand MinkeeBlue. Mosee used her masters degree in engineering to solve a problem she calls "overload bag syndrome" and is an alum of Macys Philadelphia Fashion Incubator.
What to Look For in a Work Bag
Size
When choosing your perfect work bag, handbag designer Sherrill Mosee says to first consider what youll be keeping in the bag from day to day. Need to pack both your lunch and your gym shoes? Then youll probably want a bag that has separate compartments for both to keep things clean and sanitary.
Looking for one that you can take on flights easily? A bag with a trolley sleeve that slips onto the handle of a rolling suitcase would be the most convenient, such as the Calpak Kaya Laptop Backpack.
Functionality
Work bags should marry style with function. Think about what you need daily—note cards, a cell phone, business cards—and determine whether your tote of choice has the means to hold all of those things (and allow for easy access). The most functional totes are those with several interior pockets and compartments.
And keep in mind how heavy your tote will be once full and how youll carry it. In other words, if youll be hauling around a large laptop, you might want to ensure the tote offers a hands-free way to carry it. A strap thats long and strong enough to support the added weight is also important. Bonus points if it offers some padding or has a wider design to cushion the weight on your shoulder.
Material
"My bags from my own collection are all vegan leather because I find its the most durable," Mosee says. "The last thing you want is a bag to fall apart while in use; thats the exact opposite of a handy, helpful handbag."
If youre stuck on choosing a material, think of the most long-lasting, sturdy handbag you already own and try to find a work bag in the same material. Otherwise, make sure to check reviews from longtime customers or notes about general wear and tear.
For those who like genuine leather, Leatherologys Uptown Vertical Tote is a stellar choice. If youre partial to vegan leather, consider the Senreve Maestra Bag. And if you prefer canvas, Dagne Dovers Vida Cotton Tote might be your best bet.
When packing your bag for work, its best not to overcomplicate things. The worst work bag is the one thats overly full or causing you pain or discomfort to carry because its so heavy. Focus first on the essentials: laptop, water bottle, gym clothes, snacks, and other items youll surely need. Then, add in some extras from there based on how much room you have left.
"Besides obvious personal items when packing your bag for work, I also recommend a journal for any downtime you might have during your day or if you need five minutes to de-stress," Mosee suggests.
Vegan leather is popular for a lot of reasons. By definition, its not animal-based, which many people find compelling based on their values. Its also durable, water-resistant, and generally scratch-proof.
What is it made from? Usually, its composed of plastic compounds, such as PVC (polyvinyl chloride or vinyl) or PU (polyurethane). With high-quality vegan leather, you wont be able to tell the difference between real leather and the faux version.
Cleaning a bag depends largely on what its made from. So, if its nylon, try gently washing it with mild soap and water and pressing it dry with a towel. If its leather, use a solution of warm water mixed with dish soap, gently wiping the surface and patting dry.
Why Trust buuk.top
Olivia Muenter is a fashion commerce contributor for buuk.top, and she has been published in Refinery29, Bustle, Fashionista, Glamour, and Womans Day, among others. Her search for this piece covered handbag retailers of all types. For criteria, she evaluated customer reviews, storage, versatility, materials, and style.
According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough work bags for women from Black-owned and/or Black-founded businesses to meet this percentage. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@buuk.top.com, and we will evaluate the product ASAP.
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