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Work totes are among the most practical bags you can possess. The finest work totes typically alleviate stress on your back and shoulders, as their handles simplify carrying. They also enable rapid access to the items you use most frequently. For instance, many bags come with smaller pockets so you can conveniently store and retrieve your phone or wallet quickly.
However, not all work totes are made alike. Trust me, I’m nearly convinced that several months of utilizing the incorrect work tote have led to hip discomfort on my left side. The handles of the bag weren’t sufficient to hang from my shoulder, so I consistently carried it in my hand or tucked in the elbow—definitely not ideal.
To assist you in dodging the same error, I consulted with the Women’s Health fashion team regarding their tips on what to seek when purchasing a work tote.
Factors to Consider
Materials
The fabric of your bag often hinges on personal style, yet certain materials are more functionally advantageous than others. Executive fashion director Kristen Saladino favors canvas bags because “they are resilient, lightweight, and perfect for daily use.” That being said, they require a bit more diligence to clean when soiled, as canvas does not dry rapidly. Allow it some time to air out after spot cleaning.
Another alternative is leather totes—these are stylish and long-lasting, according to Saladino. Just remember that “they tend to be on the pricier side,” she mentions. “However, they are worth the cost since they are robust and improve with age.” They also serve as excellent day-to-evening bags, as they don’t overtly signify ‘work bag,’ Saladino notes. (In other words, you won’t appear out of place bringing this as your companion to happy hour.) Vegan leather is also a commendable choice as it is a more economical and cruelty-free option, and some look quite realistic. “There are some fabulous selections that replicate the genuine article,” Saladino states. Just keep in mind that since vegan leather can derive from a combination of materials ranging from cork to fruit to plastic, the quality can vary. For instance, some veganleathers composed of inferior plastic tend to flake off. Ultimately, nylon or polyester bags are ideal for a more laid-back, athletic style. They are simple to maintain and can endure considerable wear from everyday usage.
Sections and Capacity
Seek out a bag that features both larger and smaller sections, as this will simplify the organization and safeguarding of your valuable belongings, advises assistant fashion editor Rose Lauture. For instance, the laptop section in Quince’s Italian leather tote is padded with suede to prevent scratches. Simultaneously, smaller pockets will stop you from having to rummage through all the miscellaneous items that pile up in a work tote to locate your phone, pen, or lip balm.
As for how much capacity your tote should possess, it relies on your day-to-day requirements, Saladino states. “For instance, on workdays, I might need additional space for an extra pair of shoes, since I like walking from the train station to the office,” she clarifies. “On a day when I’m merely running errands, I choose a smaller option to carry just the essentials and any small items I gather along the way.”
Fastening
The fastening of the bag will be dictated by your preferences. Totes with a zipper or snap closure are excellent for securing your belongings and safeguarding them from theft, Lauture notes. However, if you prioritize ease of access over security, open totes might be a more practical choice, she points out.
Our Selection Methodology
I possess over 12 years of experience utilizing work totes—first in college to transport my textbooks, and currently during my daily travels to the office. For this article, I reflected on the older totes in my wardrobe and acquired new ones. I dedicated more than a month testing the new selections, using them during commutes to the office and on weekend outings. I also consulted the Women’s Health fashion team about their insights on what to consider when choosing a tote bag. Their feedback assisted me in assessing over 10 work totes based on attributes like design, material, compartments, comfort, and additional criteria, culminating in this compilation of the six top work totes.
If you’re prepared to enhance your handbag, explore the six top work totes listed below.
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Best Overall
Apryl Laptop Tote Bag
Now 17% Off
Advantages
- Two exterior compartments augment storage capacity for this bag
- Crafted with pockets for a water bottle and a laptop
- Flattens when set on a surface
Cons
- No metal feet at the base of the bag
Having evaluated more than 10 work totes across numerous train journeys, a great deal of walking, and a few weekend excursions, I have determined that the Apryl Laptop Tote Bag stands out as the superior work tote due to its intelligent compartment arrangement, resilience, and comfortable straps. To top it off: at $50, it’s economical, too. Initially, I didn’t have high hopes for this bag when I placed my order. In fact, I was convinced I would have to return it, believing that at such a low price, I would find something not to my liking. However, that was not the case.
First and foremost, I adore how comfortable and easy to carry this bag is. Crafted from faux leather, it features structured yet pliable straps that don’t dig into my shoulders or hands regardless of how long I carry it. I also appreciate the thoughtful design regarding the arrangement of compartments within the bag. Inside, there’s a padded laptop pocket that secures with velcro, ensuring your device stays in place. Additionally, there are six smaller pockets (all lined with cotton), including a water bottle holder that is also padded.
Something I especially like about this bag is its two external compartments, one on each side, which close with magnetic buttons. I find these handy for storing keys and other items that I don’t necessarily need during the day, such as an emergency pain reliever.
I appreciate that when I place the bag down, it lies flat, making it easy to reach inside and locate specific items. However, the bag lacks metal studs at the bottom, so it directly touches whatever surface it is placed on. I believe that adding some metal feet would provide additional protection against dirty floors or rough surfaces, thus simplifying the process of keeping the bag clean. While the red hue does a decent job of camouflaging stains or dirt, alternative color choices like beige might not offer the same benefit.
Read more: Best Travel Backpacks
| Material | PU leather |
|---|---|
| Compartments | 2 outer compartments, 5 inner pockets, laptop pocket, water bottle pocket |
| Closure | Zipper |
Best Budget
Lubardy Laptop Bag
Pros
- Padded section for your laptop
- Bag might look smaller when not filled
- Appears much more luxurious than its price suggests
Drawbacks
- Gold accents might lose their sheen over time
Amazon features a myriad of bags that seem pricier than their actual cost, and, at $35, this work tote falls into that category. It showcases a crocodile design that adds a chic element and upscale vibe, which initially attracted me to it, but it’s also one of the highest-rated totes available on the website. Like our top-rated bag, it includes a padded laptop compartment secured with a small velcro strap, plus a central zipper compartment spacious enough for a laptop.
Within the bag, there are two small mesh pockets on the shorter sides, ideal for holding small valuables, pens, or travel-sized cosmetics. On days when I wore a watch to the workplace, I would remove it and place it in one of those pockets until departure time (I struggle to type while wearing a link-chain watch due to the friction on my hand against the desk). I also utilized those pockets for cough drops, lip balm, and various knickknacks I wished to keep from getting lost in my work tote’s depths.
There is a smaller zipped compartment inside the purse that I find useful for safeguarding items such as cash, as well as two additional smaller slots for a phone, wallet, or other medium-sized goods. Just for reference, you could easily fit a perfume bottle in each of them.
I also value the versatility of this bag. Its accordion-like design allows it to expand when filled, while it looks slimmer when it’s not burdened with heavy items. Additionally, the purse includes an extra strap, allowing you to detach the tote’s handles and convert it into a crossbody bag, should you prefer that style.
My sole concern regarding this bag is the potential fading of the gold accents on the straps, which might render the bag less appealing. Nevertheless, I’ve been using it for over a month, including on rainy days, and I haven’t experienced any problems thus far.
| Material | Polyester |
|---|---|
| Compartments | Padded laptop sleeve, two small mesh pockets, small zipped pocket, four large sections, two smaller areas |
| Closure | Zipper |
Ideal For Laptop
Quince Italian Leather Triple Compartment Shopper Tote
Advantages
- Suede lining in laptop pocket
- Feels like having two bags in one
- Premium feel from Italian leather
Disadvantages
- Straps may feel inadequate for some users
Although many items on this list feature a laptop pocket, this work tote boasts the finest. The compartment for laptops is lined with plush suede, providing protection against scratches. I also often place my sunglasses there since I tend to forget their case, but I’m always concerned that my keys might scratch them. What I adore about this zippered compartment, located in the center of the bag, is that it functions as a divider, effectively splitting the bag into two distinct sections. It’s almost like carrying two bags simultaneously.
I prefer using one section to organize my work necessities such as my planner or other crucial documents, while reserving the other for personal items like makeup, hand lotion, and occasionally, even a pair of shoes. Each section is furnished with additional smaller pockets to enhance organizational possibilities: one side boasts two smaller pockets, the other has just one. Although I wish at least one of them had a zipper for added security during busy travels, I simply place my wallet in the same pocket as my laptop, which suffices for my needs.
I appreciate the structured and somewhat rigid design of this bag as it gives it a freshly acquired appearance and provides me with a more polished aesthetic. However, I do find the straps to be slightly too narrow, which raises concerns for me as a habitual overpacker about the actual weight it can bear. I’ve had past incidents where I hung bags with narrow straps on hooks (like those found in restroom stalls) only for a strap to come loose, which was far from ideal. Thus, even though I sometimes utilize certain work totes for brief weekend excursions, this one is likely to stay behind.
Nonetheless, it’s an ideal choice for professional environments or running errands on weekends. Furthermore, its price of $150 is quite reasonable for a genuine leather item. Other alternatives, such as the Cuyana bag mentioned here, are significantly pricier.
| Fabric | Italian leather |
|---|---|
| Sections | Suede-lined laptop pocket, two large interior sections, three smaller pockets |
| Fastening | Open |
Top Leather
Cuyana System Tote
Advantages
- Leather provides the bag with a lasting and luxurious touch
- Allows for flexible compartment configuration
- Material allows for more flexibility compared to other bags
Disadvantages
- You must spend extra for organizational accessories
There really is an essence to authentic leather that exudes luxury. This is one of the factors making this Cuyana leather tote a worthwhile investment. The fabric is soft and has proven its durability, regardless of how much I’ve packed this tote or carelessly dropped it after a hectic day.
While I appreciated using this bag, it consists of a single large compartment, which might be a downside for some people. (There’s a smaller pocket within—about the size of an iPhone plus—but nothing in addition to that.) If you desire a bit more structure, you can purchase accessories that attach to the bag’s interior with button clasps. These include zippered compartments of varying sizes and a laptop sleeve. Although I’m not particularly fond of needing to pay more for these items, I do appreciate how they allow for a completely customizable design.
That being said, since I haven’t added any inserts, I’ve utilized the bag without organizational sections, and I’m amazed by its capacity. I’ve easily fit a laptop, a pair of shoes, some extra clothing, and my toiletry bag all in one go. While I wouldn’t describe this bag as flexible, its material is less rigid, providing a bit more stretch than other bags within this category.
I especially like how these bag’s straps are integrated into the frame rather than stitched onto it. This gives me added confidence that this handbag won’t fall apart while I’m on-the-move. The straps are also quite broad and pliable, making them quite comfortable on my shoulders regardless of how heavy the tote might be. I did notice that it’s somewhat trickier to wear this tote on my shoulder when donning a chunky, puffy jacket. It requires a tad more effort to throw it on compared to some of the other bags featured here. Not a dealbreaker, just a point to consider!
| Material | Leather |
|---|---|
| Compartments | One medium compartment |
| Closure | Button fastenings, but if you attach accessories it remains open |
Most Chic
Mango Shopper Bag
Advantages
- Designed with a trendy bucket shape
- Extremely roomy interior
- Very simple to clean
Drawbacks
- Stitching along the bag is somewhat untidy
This work tote from Mango boasts the most fashionable design on this list. It showcases a bucket style featuring a stylish adjustable belt as a handle. Available in three shades—chocolate, black, and chestnut brown—all of which exude elegance. The bag’s interior comprises a single large compartment aside from a zippered pouch that hangs from the center. The easily reachable zippered pocket is perfect for holding essentials like your phone, keys, and wallet.
Due to its tall and spacious nature, this bag can easily accommodate most laptops along with ample additional items. I’ve used it to carry a coffee table book home and on an overnight trip when I packed a complete outfit, my makeup bag, a full bottle of contact solution, and an umbrella effortlessly. While it may not be the prime choice for organization, I value its capability to hold a substantial amount.
The sturdy structure has permitted me to toss in some documents without folders, and I haven’t experienced any issues with pages crumpling. Placing this tote on a desk or floor is hassle-free, allowing it to stand upright, unlike some bags that collapse when set down.
Constructed with a water-resistant polyester fabric, the tote withstands the elements. I tested it on a rainy day and found that raindrops beaded off of it. While most bags are relatively easy to clean outside, this one is additionally straightforward to maintain inside. The interior is lined with the same polyester as the exterior, allowing for simple wiping with a damp cloth without the need for prolonged drying time—it air dries instantly.
I did notice that the seams of the bag are not perfectly finished (I needed to snip a loose thread in one corner), but I haven’t encountered any structural or durability concerns, and the slightly messy stitching does not detract from its overall functionality.
“`away from how stylish the bag is—numerous WH writers have mentioned they would like to have one for themselves.
| Material | Polyester |
|---|---|
| Compartments | One zippered medium compartment |
| Closure | Zipper |
Best Canvas
Lululemon Daily Multi-Pocket Canvas Tote Bag
Pros
- Easily transitions from work to the gym
- Treated for water resistance
- Most spacious bag on this list
Cons
- More susceptible to dirt than other bags
Even though this bag doesn’t overwhelmingly convey ‘work tote,’ it’s a fantastic option for more laid-back office environments, and if you’re in search of ample space, it’s indeed the largest bag on this list. It can accompany you from work to the gym, and all points in between.
I appreciate utilizing this bag when I anticipate carrying a heavy load, whether it’s hauling items from the office home for testing for our other shopping content, or catching a train for a weekend getaway to Boston. However, I can envision myself using this to pack a change of gym clothes for an after-work workout session or essential beach items during the summer.
The fabric of the bag feels exceptionally robust, too. You can detect that it doesn’t tear easily, and that the strapsare so expertly stitched onto the tote that they won’t come off—regardless of how loaded the bag is. Although it may not appear that way, the tote is also resistant to water. I even splashed water onto it to observe the outcome, and the water beaded up and rolled off, which I found quite remarkable. However, when I deliberately rubbed water into it, the material remained damp until it naturally dried, indicating that cleaning it likely necessitates considering drying duration. Because the tote features a creamish-white material, it is more susceptible to revealing stains and grime as time passes, which is another aspect to keep in consideration.
Nonetheless, this canvas tote genuinely seems like an ‘all-purpose tote,’ making it a superb option for work.
| Material | Cotton |
|---|---|
| Compartments | Five outside pockets, one inside pocket |
| Closure | Snap closure |
Meet The Experts
- Kristen Saladino is the executive fashion director at Women’s Health.
- Rose Lauture is the assistant fashion editor at Women’s Health.
Jasmine Gomez is the lifestyle and commerce editor at Women’s Health, where she evaluates and writes about the top products in home, sleep, travel, and more. She possesses a Master’s degree in digital journalism and has contributed to other platforms including Seventeen, Teen Vogue, MamásLatinas, Bustle, and others. When not online shopping, she delights in cooking, dance cardio exercises, karaoke, and visiting locales with palm trees.
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This page was generated automatically. To view the article in its original form, you can follow the link below:
https://www.womenshealthmag.com/life/g63444147/best-work-tote/
and if you wish to remove this article from our website, please reach out to us
