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Commuting to the office may not always be the most exciting activity, but having a tote bag that can carry all your daily essentials while looking stylish can certainly make it better. The challenge lies in finding the perfect tote bag, as it needs to be versatile enough to hold everything and feature comfortable shoulder straps, compartments, and pockets for various items. Additionally, the best work tote should be aesthetically pleasing for you to want to carry it around.
“The right bag is a personal choice, but it should have enough room for all the things you carry around,” says personal wardrobe stylist Katie Quinn of Q the Stylist. With Quinn’s expertise in mind, we have curated a list of the top essential tote bags that make great workplace companions. Keep reading for our selection of the nine best tote bags designed for the 9-5 workday.
Best tote bags for work, at a glance:
- Best sustainable tote: Everlane The Recycled Nylon Tote, $85
- Best slouchy: Hammitt Oliver Zip Tote, $475
- Best casual: Herschel Joana Tote, $110
- Best crossbody: Madewell The Zip-Top Medium Transport Tote, $188
- Best with compartments: Cuyana System Tote, $328
- Best structured: Béis The Work Tote, $128
- Best leather: Coach North Tote Bag 32, $295
- Best packable: Longchamp Large Le Pliage Tote, $155
Shop 9 of the best tote bags for work:
Best sustainable tote: Everlane The Recycled Nylon Tote — $85.00
Dimensions: Not listed, but holds 14L and a 13” laptop
This medium-sized tote bag from Everlane features both shoulder straps and handles, allowing you to choose how you carry it. It has a main zippered compartment with extra pockets and can accommodate a 13-inch laptop. The external fabric is made from recycled nylon, while the lining is made from recycled polyester, making it an environmentally conscious choice for your daily commute.
Colors: 3
- Comes in multiple neutral colors
- Comfortable webbed nylon shoulder straps
- Holds a 13″ laptop
- Made from durable recycled nylon
Best slouchy: Hammitt Oliver Zip Tote — $475.00
Dimensions: 14.5″L x 4.25″W x 12″H
The Hammitt Oliver Zip Tote is a stylish bag crafted from buttery soft pebbled leather with a slouchy silhouette and edgy rivet details. It features comfortable shoulder straps, a top-zip closure, a back slip pocket, an internal key ring, and an internal ID slot. While it’s a luxurious option, it may not suit those looking for a more structured bag.
Colors: 3
- Crafted in luxurious, genuine leather
- Unique features like a key ring and ID pocket
- Edgy rivet details
- May not work for people who want a more structured silhouette
- Pricey
Best casual: Herschel Joana Tote — $110.00
Dimensions: 20.5”L x 11”W x 15”H
The Herschel Joana Tote is a versatile option that features an external zippered trolley sleeve at the back for attaching to luggage handles. It is crafted from recycled twill made from post-consumer water bottles, with trims in reclaimed leather. It includes a padded laptop sleeve, detachable pouch, internal organizer pockets, and comfortable webbed straps. Perfect for travel and everyday use.
Colors: 1
- Trolley sleeve attaches to a suitcase for easy travel
- Crafted from recycled materials
- Features multiple pockets, pouches, and compartments
Best crossbody: Madewell The Zip-Top Medium Transport Tote — $188.00
Dimensions: Not listed, but has an 8 ¼” handle drop, and a 14”-19” shoulder drop
The Madewell Zip-Top Medium Transport Tote is designed for easy transport of your workday essentials. It features a zippered top, double shoulder straps, an adjustable crossbody strap, and both internal and external pockets. Crafted from semi-vegetable tanned leather, it is certified by the Leather Working Group and develops a unique patina over time. Practical and stylish for daily use.
Colors: 2
- Multiple compartments
- Has both shoulder and crossbody straps
- Leather is sourced from a responsible tannery and deepens to an original patina over time
Best with compartments: Cuyana System Tote — $328.00
Dimensions: 13.25”W x 5”L x 10”H
The Cuyana System Tote in luxe Italian leather stands out for its interior snaps that allow you to add or remove organizational accessories. This customizable tote comes in two sizes to accommodate larger laptops, with the 13-inch version shown here. You can easily snap on additional straps, laptop sleeves, and pouches to suit your needs. Crafted with professional elegance, it’s a versatile option for modern professionals.
Colors: 6
- So many ways to customize it
- Crafted in luxurious Italian leather
- Snaps closed
- Professional, structured silhouette
Best structured: Béis The Work Tote — $128.00
Dimensions: 14.25”W x 6”L x 11”H
The Béis Work Tote features multiple compartments, including a zippered pouch for over-the-ear headphones, an attached key ring, and a snap-top laptop compartment. It offers long shoulder straps, a padded crossbody strap, and a top-zip closure for easy access. Available in a variety of colors and sizes, this tote is a great choice for those seeking versatility and organization in a stylish bag.
Colors: 6
- Comes in a wide array of colors, textures, and sizes
- So many internal compartments and pockets, including a laptop compartment
- Has both shoulder and crossbody straps
- Back trolley sleeve easily fits over luggage handles
Best leather: Coach North Tote Bag 32 — $295.00
Dimensions: 12.5”W x 6”L x 11.25”H
The Coach North Tote Bag 32 is crafted in luxurious genuine leather and features a top-snap closure, an internal zip pocket, and ample room for a 13” laptop and other essentials. With a minimal and classic design, this tote is a timeless piece that will endure daily use and changing trends.
Colors: 1
- Crafted in luxurious genuine leather
- Top-snap closure
- Holds a 13” laptop
- Only one color option
- Only one interior pocket
Best packable: Longchamp Large Le Pliage Tote — $155.00
Dimensions: 12”W x 7”L x 12”H
The Longchamp Large Le Pliage Tote is a durable option crafted from sleek, weather-resistant nylon. It easily snaps and packs up into a convenient square for portability during travel. Unsnapped, the tote features a top-zip closure with a logo-embossed snap tab, shoulder straps, and an interior phone pocket. A popular choice among fashion editors and a timeless addition to any collection.
Colors: 6
- Nylon is weather-resistant
- Snaps up into a convenient packable size
- Comes in multiple fun colors
