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So, we did the research and compiled a list of the 10 best women's tote bags. Our favorite bag is Longchamp's Le Pliage Large Shoulder Bag. It is versatile, easy to carry, and foldable. Keep reading for our other picks and check out our buying guide reviewed by a popular style blogger for tips on how to find the best tote bag for you.
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
Table of Contents
With the help of style-expert Ana, we've put together some points to consider as you're choosing a tote bag. Paying attention to style, material, and other details will help you find the tote bag that suits your life best. Keep reading to learn more.
You'll want to consider what you need to carry on a daily basis, how durable your bag needs to be, and what appearance will be best for the settings you're most often in. If you're looking for a tote bag for general or daily use, you will want to look for something versatile and strong enough to handle being thrown in the car, or that can deal with bad weather.
If you have a specific function in mind like work, gym, or travel, you'll want to consider what qualities will best suit those situations. For the gym, you will need a tote bag that is spacious enough to hold clothing and equipment and maybe has features like mesh pockets for sweaty towels. Materials with some sort of waterproofing would also be appreciated!
Similarly, if you are looking for a school or work bag, you might prioritize professional style and a laptop sleeve. A secure zip closure might be best for this type of use since it's all too easy for precious electronics to fall out easily.
[For work], I think a solid color is a good place to start. You want to have something that's comfortable to carry on your shoulder, so I wouldn't worry too much about the structure; I would worry more about color and texture. If you get a nice leather, it will last you a really long time. And it becomes part of your signature look.
Think about when you plan to use the tote and what you'll need to carry. For example, if you're traveling with it, it should be big enough to fit your toiletries, clothes, and maybe even an extra pair of shoes. If you just need it for quick outings, a smaller size might be better, just big enough for your daily necessities.
A school or work tote requires room for any necessary school or office supplies, your laptop, and, as Ana pointed out, some energy bars and a treat or two. It's never a bad idea to have extra room. Another useful function of a tote bag is to be used as a gym bag. In this case, you'll need something spacious for extra clothes, your phone, headphones, and a water bottle.
Anything that can fit a 13-inch laptop is probably the largest you should go with. If it’s big enough to fit a 15- or 17-inch, you’ve gone too big. In that case, you should carry a backpack.
After you determine what size will best fit your needs, consider what material you want your tote bag to be made of. This will largely depend on the style you're looking for, as well as the durability you need.
Leather totes, with their sleek silhouette and toned-down colors, offer a more neutral appearance and can be appropriate whether you're at a business lunch meeting or on a weekend trip with friends. You can dress up any outfit with a sleek, structured black tote, or wear it with a more casual outfit. Leather also ages gracefully. In Ana’s words, “The more you use [leather bags], the shinier and richer they get.”
It should also be noted that leather tends to be a heavier material. However, it won't accumulate as much dust or dirt, and can usually be cleaned by a quick wipe-down with a cloth. It does require a little extra care by occasionally using products like leather moisturizer, which come in the form of wipes or cream.
When there’s precipitation and I’m going out, I make sure I have some protector on my shoes and bags as a general rule. It’s really inexpensive - I just buy a $7 product from my local shoe store that I spray on and then wipe down. I do it once a month at the most, and it’s never been a problem for me.
If you’re looking for a bag that can be used daily, a synthetic tote is a great option. Synthetics are very durable and will hold up against regular use. As for their look, they vary in pattern and color, so you can easily find one that matches your personal style. Synthetic fabrics also don't wrinkle easily, keeping its look fresh.
While synthetic bags can be more difficult to wash, many are light in weight. For example, acrylic and polyester are both lightweight synthetic fabrics. This makes synthetic tote bags easier to carry around on a daily basis.
Synthetic bags can vary in use. They can be used as grocery bags, outdoor bags, and if you choose one with a bit more structure and detailing, you could just as easily carry it to the office.
I’ve seen a lot of women carrying black or brown or grey Longchamp nylon bags to work. They’re sturdy, lightweight, and water-resistant, so they’re a good alternative to leather bags on a rainy day. Because of the color, the leather additions, and the zipper, they look elegant.
Fabric totes are lightweight, casual, and easy to care for. Natural fabrics fit a soft and breezy aesthetic that is ideal in the summertime. These bags can also work well as a weekend bag or for shopping trips. While these aren't the best bags for professional spaces, they are perfect if you're looking for something simple.
Linen, hemp, and cotton are popular natural tote bag fabrics. Linen and cotton are thinner and lighter and they fold readily, making good backup bags. Canvas is sturdy and possibly the best choice if you need to carry anything heavy, like groceries or textbooks.
Cotton is typically soft and refined in texture, but canvas can be rougher. On the other hand, canvas is more resilient and can be water-proofed. Cotton maintains the most softness when compared to linen, but linen is the stronger fabric.
I love carrying fabric bags in the summer. If I’m going to my parents’ house or the movies and I need to bring extra jackets, I use a fabric bag. I just find it so versatile. The other [fabric bag] that I have is my weekend travel bag. It’s canvas, and it’s got a really long handle. It’s so light that I can wear it cross-body and take it on the plane.
Another important factor that determines how easy a tote bag is to carry is the handle. Shorter handles are great for holding the bag with your hands, while longer handles allow you to carry it on your shoulder with ease. There are cross-body designs that are made for the purpose of distributing the weight of the bag across your body, making it comfortable to wear, and leaving your hands free.
Tote bag closures range from buttons to magnetic closures, to zippers, to no closures at all. The best closure for you depends on personal preference, how easily you want to be able to access your bag, and how secure you want your belongings.
Zippers, for example, are a more secure type of closure. These work well if you are traveling or moving a lot since they ensure nothing will fall out. However, magnetic closures or buttons take slightly less time to open and therefore make your bag's contents more accessible.
Other things to consider are pockets. Inside pockets can be great to keep smaller items secure in your bag, so you won't have to dig around for them. You can use these to place your phone or wallet for easy access.
Many tote bags use twill or cotton in their lining. Twill is durable and conceals stains well, while cotton is sturdy and can be machine-washed. A wireframe lining is great for maintaining the bag's shape.
Another detail to look for is adjustable handles. Some have a sliding buckle, while others will have two separate handles of different lengths that you can choose from. This feature can be especially convenient if you're carrying a bag for a long period of time and want to adjust how you're carrying it, for example over the shoulder or across your body.
On the exterior, it's nice if there's a pocket that you can slide a transit pass in for easy access. I also like bags that you can cinch on the sides so you can make them smaller or larger.
And then on the inside, I always appreciate a zipper pocket, especially because tote bags typically don’t have a zipper. But even if it’s open, if it has a nice large zipper pocket on the inside, you can keep your wallet safe when you’re walking around with it.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | |
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1 | Longchamp Le Pliage Large Shoulder Bag | $165.00 Mid | Best for Versatility | ||
2 | WP Standard Vintage Tote Bag | $205.00 Mid | Best for Long-Term Use | ||
3 | L.L.Bean Women’s Oxford Tote | $39.95 Low Mid | Best Practical, Customizable Bag | ||
4 | Saint Laurent Shopping Bag in Supple Leather | $1,250.00 High Mid | Best Tote That Includes a Charm and Pouch | ||
5 | Mulberry Bayswater Tote | $900.00 High Mid | Best Tote With a Durable Structure | ||
6 | WantGor Neverfull MM | $15.98 Low Mid | Best Casual Tote | ||
7 | Nubily Classic Structured Leather Tote | $35.99 Low Mid | Best for Laptops | ||
8 | Celine Micro Luggage Handbag | $3,150.00 High | Best for Special Occasions | ||
9 | Morhua Mica Tote Bag | $19.99 Low Mid | Best for Outdoor Events | ||
10 | Bagail Natural Cotton Canvas Tote Bag | $12.99 Low Mid | Best for Concerts, Festivals and Sports |
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The bag's moderate size and neutral color allow it to be appropriate for any occasion. Its leather detailing makes it appealing to the eye, while the nylon construction makes it durable. The zipper closure ensures that your belongings will be safe. This bag also folds for traveling purposes, making it as practical as it is aesthetically pleasing.
Some reviewers complained that there was only one small pocket on the inside of this bag and wished there were more interior dividers. However, most reviewers loved this multipurpose bag, saying it was great for work, travel, and everyday use. They said it was classy, stylish, and practical.
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The Whipping Post Tote was one of the first bags Ana had when she first started working, and she has a lovely review on her channel. This bag is made from timeless leather that thickens at the base of the bag so it can stand upright easily. The long, thick straps will stay firmly put on your shoulder.
Some reviewers mentioned that the leather is more of a rugged look than classy or business-appropriate, but they agreed that it lasted them through years of heavy use. Many said it was their go-to bag. They found it to be sturdy and roomy, able to hold all of their daily necessities, plus extra.
Cons:
This bag from L.L.Bean is a classic that comes in an open style, but we chose the zippered version for a bit more security. You can pick your handle length based on whether you prefer an over-the-shoulder bag or one you carry. The bottom is reinforced, and the handles can support up to 500 pounds!
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Ana reviewed this bag on her channel and graciously mentioned it to us. The Saint Laurent Shopping Bag is minimalist and classy. With a slightly unstructured look, it features floppy sides and a firm base. A strap connects a small pouch to the rest of the bag, and the top closes with a single clasp.
Cons:
Ana praised Mulberry for their craftsmanship. In her words, “Their work is impeccable, and it never loses structure over time.” This leather tote is cut in a classic silhouette. Its professional appearance and durability make it a great daily work bag. With structured sides, it's spacious enough to fit everything necessary for a long work day.
The bag closes at the top with a single postman's lock and includes a flat, removable pocket on the inside, big enough for a wallet, phone, or keys. The pocket features a flap closure and is made from the same beautiful leather as the bag. Though there are no feet on this bag, the bottom is sturdy enough for it to stand alone.
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This tote bag is perfect if you're looking for a bag to carry daily. The large space, extra pockets for storage, and adjustable strap make it ideal. There is enough room to fit some books, your lunch, and a water bottle. The adjustable strap makes it easier to carry all day.
Although some reviewers found the material to be too thin, others loved how spacious it is. They say that the adjustable strap is helpful. Reviewers also found that the outside pockets are perfect for things like water bottles.
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If you like to bring your laptop with you most places you go, this is a practical bag for you. There is room for the laptop and dedicated pockets for items like pens; in fact, it has a lot of interior pockets! The synthetic leather is water-repellent.
Although some reviewers mentioned that the bag doesn't stand up on its own, they love how roomy it is. Reviewers say that the pockets are especially convenient for organizing their things. They say while it's not totally waterproof, it will keep your belongings dry during a quick dash through the rain.
Cons:
Ana has reviewed this tote on her channel. The design of the bag stands out to her; she calls it a “robot’s face.” The robot's mouth is a zipper, which fastens the small external pocket. It’s not quite big enough for a phone, but you can slip smaller items inside.
On the interior, there are two smaller open pockets in the front and a bigger zippered pocket in the back. The bag features short straps and a zippered top closure. This bag does need to be held by hand or over an arm, but it has protective studs on the base in case you need to set it down.
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This bag is great if you need a tote to come along with you for outdoor adventures. It's lightweight, so it won't slow you down. It's also waterproof, so you won't have to worry about rain damaging it. The many pockets make it possible to bring along everything you need.
While some reviewers mentioned that the zipper broke quickly, they agree that the bag's large capacity is convenient. They especially appreciate the side and interior pockets, saying they're able to carry all of their belongings with them.
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This tote bag is transparent and stadium-approved, making it ideal for going through security checkpoints easily. The double-way zipper makes your items easy to access, while the adjustable strap allows comfortable carrying. You can wear the bag over your shoulder or as a cross-body bag.
Although some reviewers found that the bag wasn't durable, others agreed that it's great for games, festivals, and concerts. They found the bag to be capable of holding a lot while not weighing them down. Reviewers especially enjoyed the adjustable strap.
From the beach to business, the right bag will keep you organized and make sure you have all the stuff you need. Check out these other useful and fashionable choices!
To find more great options for tote bags, check out Amazon's best selling women's tote bags.
No. 1: Longchamp|Le Pliage Large Shoulder Bag
No. 2: WP Standard|Vintage Tote Bag
No. 3: L.L.Bean|Women’s Oxford Tote
No. 4: Saint Laurent|Shopping Bag in Supple Leather
No. 5: Mulberry|Bayswater Tote
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
Home goods
Home electronics
PC
Camera
Beauty
Health
Food and drinks
Kitchen
Fashion
Shoes
Accessories
Kids and baby
Interior
Hobbies
Outdoor
Home, garden, and tools
Sports and fitness
Pets
Media
Games
Apps
Automotive
Gifts
Mobile devices