The Best Tote Bags for Work, Travel, and Everyday Use

Three tote bags shown side by side: a cream canvas tote with dark trim indoors, a person carrying a large black tote with brown leather straps over a white polka-dot dress, and a white woven tote held outdoors near the water.

Updated 2025-08-19T19:27:59.863Z

The best tote bags do more than carry your essentials — they make everyday routines easier, whether you're commuting to work, running errands, or traveling. The right tote should be roomy, comfortable to carry, and versatile enough to work with your lifestyle, whether you prefer structured leather, durable canvas, or lightweight nylon.

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 Classic Easy Tote

$238.40 $298 Save 20%

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.

View at Cuyana

Rothy's The Lightweight Tote

$139 $149 Save 7%

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.

View at Rothy's

Quince Adeline Shopper Tote

$150

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

View at Quince

Best overall: Cuyana Easy Tote

woman carrying beige tote bag next to interior shot of the tote bag

$238.40 from Cuyana

Originally $298.00Save 20%

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 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

$150.00 from 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.

$139.00 from Rothy's

Originally $149.00Save 7%

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 canvas: L.L.Bean Boat and Tote

Side-by-side photos of a cream canvas tote with black handles and trim; the second image shows the open bag holding a water bottle, pouch, keys, snack, and other daily essentials.

$34.95 from 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.

See our article on the best canvas totes for more picks (and to see why the Boat and Tote got our best overall award).

Best timeless classic: Longchamp Le Pliage

Woman in a white dress with black polka dots carries a large black Longchamp tote bag with brown leather straps over her shoulder in a bright, cozy living room.

$155.00 from Longchamp

You know it and you've seen it everywhere. Longchamps' seminal Le Pliage 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 by 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 safe, even when I would occasionally leave it outside.

What makes this bag so durable is its simplicity. 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 for work: Dagne Dover Allyn Leather Tote

$280.00 from Dagne Dover

Originally $340.00Save 18%

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 for summer: Clare V. Sandy

Clare V. Sandy

$165

View at Clare V. View at Shopbop

The Sandy from Clare V. is a favorite of both me and my fellow style editor, Gabrielle Chase. Both of us are huge fans of the stretchy rope material, the summery look, and the versatility of this knit tote. Here's what I said about it in my Clare V. review:

"This is a beach bag you'll want to keep using even after you've left the beach. It's made of cotton rope that stretches to fit a towel, lunch, and whatever else you need to bring to the shore, but its woven design is versatile enough for summer outings in the city, too. In person, it reads as more luxe macramé than farmer 's-market mesh. Plus, the leather handles elevate the bag and add a polished touch.

However, I wouldn't leave the house with this bag without a pouch for small essentials like keys. When the bag stretches, the holes expand as well. It would be incredibly easy for something like a lip balm to slip through, so you have to plan for that when packing."

Best organization: Cuyana System Tote

Side by side of Cuyana System tote in caramel and inside of bag.

$262.00 from Cuyana

Originally $328.00Save 20%

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.

$186.00 from Dagne Dover

Originally $255.00Save 27%

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 with lunch pouch: Modern Picnic The Tote

Left: A beige faux-crocodile leather tote bag is held up by the handles on a porch. It features a sleek, structured shape with a stitched exterior pocket and a zip closure.
Right: A top-down view of the tote bag reveals the organized interior, which contains a laptop sleeve, a zippered center pouch, a reusable water bottle, and a packed lunch container. A hand holds the pouch open to show the storage space inside.

What initially drew me to this bag was the chic croc texture, which gives the vegan leather outer a decidedly elevated look. But Modern Picnic’s The Tote is so much more than just a pretty accessory — it’s functional, too. What makes this an excellent bag for the office is the roomy, removable insulated pouch, which can fit my whole lunch, plus a drink and snack for when that afternoon slump hits. I was pretty impressed that it kept my food cool for hours. By the way — the pouch can also be used to store a change of shoes or any other smaller belongings you want to keep separate. As a general rule, I prefer totes that feature a full zip closure on top to keep my belongings secure — which this one thankfully has. It’s also a great option for traveling, and could easily fit a laptop, snacks, books, and anything else I might need.

Modern Picnic The Tote

$250

View at Nordstrom View at Modern Picnic

What initially drew me to this bag was the chic croc texture, which gives the vegan leather outer a decidedly elevated look. But Modern Picnic's The Tote is so much more than just a pretty accessory — it's functional, too. What makes this an excellent bag for the office is the roomy, removable insulated pouch, which can fit my whole lunch, plus a drink and snack for when that afternoon slump hits. I was pretty impressed that it kept my food cool for hours. By the way — the pouch can also be used to store a change of shoes or any other smaller belongings you want to keep separate.

As a general rule, I prefer totes that feature a full zip closure on top to keep my belongings secure, which this one thankfully has. It's also a great option for traveling, and could easily fit a laptop, snacks, books, and anything else I might need.

Best convertible: Caara Studio Tote

Side by side of woman wearing a Caara Studio Tote in black and inside of bag.

$225.00 from 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. And check out our guide to the best convertible tote bags for more.

Best packable: Fammart Mesh Beach Bag

Left: A black mesh tote bag with reinforced straps is held up outdoors on a porch, with a grassy lawn and sidewalk in the background. The contents of the bag are partially visible through the mesh.
Right: A top-down view of the open tote bag showing a rolled red floral towel, a black handheld fan, and a hand revealing a side pocket containing a tube of sunscreen. The mesh construction and open interior make it ideal for beach or pool use.

Fammart Mesh Beach Bag

$9.99

View at Amazon

Headed to an oceanside resort? Be sure to pack this ultra-lightweight tote, which easily collapses and folds up into your luggage, taking up basically no space at all. I've been able to fit my towel, a cover-up, sunscreen, snacks, and other items in this bag with room to spare.

Because it's made of mesh, this bag provides excellent ventilation for moisture to escape, making it a great pick for the pool or the beach. The material is also durable and tear-resistant, and can withstand up to 160 pounds. And the splash-proof internal zipper pocket comes in handy for any items that can't get wet, like my phone or Kindle.

Best weekender: Away Large Featherlight Tote

Left: A person holds a large black nylon tote bag by its top handles. The bag has a sleek, minimalist design with a structured shape and a front slip pocket, shown indoors against a carpeted floor with a guitar and window in the background.
Right: A top-down view of the open tote bag, showing it packed with neatly arranged items including a water bottle, rolled clothing, a towel with a green turtle print, sandals, and what appears to be a yoga mat or foam roller.

Away Large Featherlight Tote

$118

View at Dick's Sporting Goods View at Away

If you're on the hunt for a bag that will fit the most, look no further. Away's Featherlight bags are flexible enough to accommodate all your essentials, but have just enough structure that they don't ever lose their shape. And this incredibly spacious tote doubles as a weekender — I was able to pack a change of clothes, shoes, toiletries, a towel, a water bottle, my laptop (in the designated interior pocket) and so much more with room to spare. I also appreciate the easy-care aspects of this bag: it's water-repellent and machine washable.

So, why is this bag so fitting for travel, aside from how massive it is? For one, it features a special pocket designed to fit a passport, a 16" laptop sleeve, and a hidden pocket for valuables you need to keep easily accessible. Not only that, but there's a trolley sleeve, so you can slip it right on top of a rolling suitcase.

See our full Away luggage review for our thoughts on the rest of the line. And check out our guide to the best travel totes for more options.

Best beach bag: Yeti Camino 35 Carryall Tote

Yeti Camino 35 Carryall Tote in Nordic Purple

$120.00 from Amazon

Originally $150.00Save 20%

$120.00 from REI

Originally $150.00Save 20%

$149.99 from Yeti

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 vegan leather: HOXIS Oversize Vegan Leather Tote

Left: A beige leather tote bag held by the handles on a porch, shown from the outside with a simple, minimal design and a gold snap closure.
Right: A view of the inside of the same tote bag, revealing a well-organized interior with a water bottle, two cream pouches, sunglasses, and a black laptop. A hand is holding the bag open to show its contents.

HOXIS Oversize Vegan Leather Tote

$28.90

View at Amazon

Faux leather can be very hit or miss — but to be honest, I was shocked by how authentic this one feels. It also boasts a luxe, buttery soft suede-like interior. I love the sleek, minimalist design and the slightly longer strap drop, which makes it more comfortable to wear on my shoulder.

This tote is remarkably versatile — I've used it while running errands, bringing my laptop to the local library, and as my personal item while traveling on a plane. Considering how lightweight the bag feels, I'm blown away by how much weight it can handle, too. Plus, the magnetic snap closure gives me some extra peace of mind that my belongings won't fall out while also offering quick, easy access to all my essentials.

Best leather: M.Gemi Elena Grande Tote

M.Gemi Elena Grande Tote in Jewel Green.

$398.00 from 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 luxury: Mansur Gavriel Large Tote

Mansur Gavriel Large Tote in black/flamma.

$645.00 from 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.

FAQs

What should you look for in a tote bag?

A good tote bag should be roomy enough for your daily essentials, comfortable to carry for long stretches, and suited to how you actually use it. In this guide, the most important differentiators are size, strap length, structure, closure style, and interior organization — especially for shoppers who need a bag for commuting, work, or travel.

What is the best tote bag overall?

Our top pick is the Cuyana Easy Tote because it strikes the best balance of style and practicality. It's made from Italian leather, holds a surprisingly large amount, has two strap lengths for different carrying options, and can be paired with inserts if you want more organization.

What's the best tote bag for work?

For work, the Dagne Dover Allyn Leather Tote stands out because of its thoughtful organization. It has a laptop sleeve, a compartment for a water bottle, and multiple smaller pockets, but still looks sleek and polished on the outside.

Are leather tote bags better than canvas or nylon totes?

Not necessarily — it comes down to what you need. Leather totes like the Cuyana Easy Tote and the M.Gemi Elena Grande Tote feel elevated and polished, while options like the L.L.Bean Boat and Tote, Rothy's Lightweight Tote, and Away Large Featherlight Tote may be a better fit if you want something lighter, lower-maintenance, or more travel-friendly

What's the best tote bag if you want a lot of organization?

The most organization-focused picks in the guide are the Cuyana System Tote and the Dagne Dover Allyn Leather Tote. The Cuyana is highly customizable with add-on sleeves, pouches, and straps, while the Dagne Dover has built-in compartments for a laptop, water bottle, and smaller daily essentials.

Which tote bag is best for travel?

If travel is the priority, the Away Large Featherlight Tote is a strong choice because it features a passport pocket, a hidden valuables pocket, a trolley sleeve, and a 16-inch laptop sleeve. The Cuyana Easy Tote is also a great personal-item option thanks to its generous capacity, while the Fammart Mesh Beach Bag is useful for trips where you want something ultra-light and packable.

You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here.

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@jkmperu.com.

The best tote bags for work, travel, and everyday use

A quick look at 3 of our favorite tote bags

Best overall: Cuyana Easy Tote

Best budget leather: Quince Italian Leather Triple Compartment Tote

Best for grocery shopping: Rothy's Lightweight Tote

Best canvas: L.L.Bean Boat and Tote

Best timeless classic: Longchamp Le Pliage

Best for work: Dagne Dover Allyn Leather Tote

Best for summer: Clare V. Sandy

Best organization: Cuyana System Tote

Best structured: Dagne Dover Classic Tote

Best with lunch pouch: Modern Picnic The Tote

Best convertible: Caara Studio Tote

Best packable: Fammart Mesh Beach Bag

Best weekender: Away Large Featherlight Tote

Best beach bag: Yeti Camino 35 Carryall Tote

Best vegan leather: HOXIS Oversize Vegan Leather Tote

Best leather: M.Gemi Elena Grande Tote

Best luxury: Mansur Gavriel Large Tote

FAQs

What should you look for in a tote bag?

What is the best tote bag overall?

What's the best tote bag for work?

Are leather tote bags better than canvas or nylon totes?

What's the best tote bag if you want a lot of organization?

Which tote bag is best for travel?

Read next

Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know

Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know

Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know

Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know