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Whether you're looking for a tote for work or play, here are some important things to consider.
The material a tote bag is made of will affect its overall look as well as its durability and comfort. Because your tote bag will be doing a lot of work, choosing practical and high-quality materials is key.
Leather tote bags look luxurious and polished, making them a great option for work. They're durable and sturdy, and when cared for properly, can last a long time. However, their weight and poor resistance to water are definite disadvantages. Therefore, when shopping for leather, make sure the benefits outweigh the costs.
Nylon tote bags are not only durable, but can match a variety of looks ranging from sporty to work-appropriate. Flimsier nylon bags look more casual, while sturdy, high-quality nylon bags can look great with a suit and dress shoes. To take a nylon bag up a notch, look for one with leather details.
Canvas tote bags have a relaxed, casual look that's great for everyday use and weekend getaways. They can range from simple, foldable totes to sturdier versions with reinforced bottoms and removable straps. Canvas can be prone to wear and tear, but many companies make waxed canvas totes that are water-resistant and more durable.
Sometimes you need a bag that can protect your belongings from the elements. For extra protection, look for a nylon or canvas tote that has been treated to be water-repellant and resistant to stains. This way, the interior of the bag (and your things) will stay clean and dry.
Choosing a tote bag that matches your wardrobe will ensure that you can pair it with a variety of outfits and get the most use out of it. For the most versatility, choose a neutral color - black, brown, or gray - and a simple design.
If you're more daring with your fashion choices, a tote bag with unique design features or in a bright color can add some flair to your outfit.
A business tote bag needs to hold your laptop, work-related accessories, and paperwork. A casual tote may need to hold anything from groceries to an extra pair of shoes. Think about what you'll be carrying and choose storage accordingly.
It’s great being able to shove a bunch of things into your tote bag. But the more you stack, the more cluttered the bag becomes – and now you can’t find your keys. That’s why it’s important to consider the interior storage features. Selecting a fashionable tote bag without a sufficient number of pockets may lead to buyer’s remorse.
Some tote bags have pockets for specific items, like your passport, phone, and keys. Make a list of the items you normally carry to help you decide what kind of storage best suits your needs.
If you're using your tote for work, you may need to carry around a laptop or tablet. Without sufficient padding, your device could get scratched or damaged. To prevent this, look for a tote bag with a padded sleeve or pocket specifically designed for laptops. And make sure it's large enough to fit your device!
One final piece of advice is to make sure the tote bag can stand up and stay closed. You never know when you'll need to place your bag on the floor, and the last thing you want is for your nice bag to fall over, get dirty, and spill your things out. Look for a bag with a reinforced bottom or prongs underneath to keep it from tipping over.
Tote bags have a large opening up top, so to keep documents and personal belongings secure, make sure the bag can close. Totes that close with a snap can provide some protection while still remaining accessible. Totes with zippers are the most secure.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Coach Gotham Tall Tote 34 | $495.00 High Mid | A Classy Tote for Work or Play | ||
2 | Adidas Utility Caryall 2 Tote Bag | $65.00 Low Mid | Fashion and Function For the Athleisure Lover | ||
3 | Brooks Brothers Canvas Tote | $134.00 Mid | Keep it Casual in Canvas | ||
4 | Shinola Brief Tote | $795.00 High Mid | A Commuter-Friendly Leather Tote | ||
5 | YETI Camino Carryall 35 | $149.98 Mid | For the Outdoor Enthusiast | ||
6 | Fjallraven Totepack No. 1 | $84.00 Low Mid | A Rugged Daypack You Can Carry Three Ways | ||
7 | Narwey Foldable Travel Tote | $13.99 Low | The Perfect Travel Companion | ||
8 | Filson Large Tin Cloth Grab 'n' Go Tote Bag | $150.00 Mid | A Sturdy Tote That Holds it All | ||
9 | Frye Murray Leather Tote Bag | $498.00 High Mid | A Leather Work Bag With Plenty of Pockets | ||
10 | Gucci GG Black Tote | $1,290.00 High | A High-End Work Tote |
This sporty utility tote from Adidas can do it all. It's large enough to fit your work things and your gym clothes, or hold everything you need for a weekend getaway. It includes an interior padded pocket for your tablet or laptop as well as an optional shoulder strap for heavy loads.
Made from nylon and polyester, it's lightweight, strong, and easy to clean. The top closes securely with a zipper and drawcord closure. A zippered pocket on the exterior allows for easy access to small items.
This tote bag from Brooks Brothers is made from canvas constructed in a classic shape, for a casual but polished look. It features tote handles as well as an adjustable shoulder strap. The bottom is reinforced for increased structure and durability.
On the interior, there's a large zip pocket and two wall pockets for your phone, keys, and wallet. Two exterior pockets with snap closures allow for extra storage and the bag closes with a two-way zipper on top.
The Brief Tote from Shinola combines the best features of a briefcase and a tote to create a versatile bag that's ideal for work and travel. It's made from leather that's infused with oils during the tanning process for a rich texture that's easy to care for. The gunmetal hardware is also durable and handsome.
On the inside, there are compartments for your laptop, keys, and other accessories, as well as a detachable key fob. A hidden zip compartment on the outside allows this tote to slide easily over your luggage handle for travel and an adjustable, removable shoulder strap helps you stay comfortable when carrying heavy loads.
The Camino Carryall 35 is tough and durable, great for all outdoor activities. Made from thickened nylon, the exterior is waterproof, puncture-resistant, and easy to clean. A molded EVA bottom adds structure and creates a sealed and protected base. The hitchpoint grid allows you to attach additional accessories.
Some reviewers didn't like that this bag has no closure at the top and is just an open tote. However, the majority of reviewers praised its sturdiness and durability. They said it was large enough to carry everything they needed, whether they were running to the grocery store or going to the beach.
Fjallraven's Totepack No. 1 has tote handles as well as shoulder straps that can convert into backpack straps, so you can carry this bag any way you want. The polyester-blend fabric is lightweight, durable, and water-resistant, with a double layer at the bottom for extra strength
On the interior, there's a security pocket for your small valuables and a zippered closure keeps things from falling out. Some reviewers complained that this bag was a lint magnet. Others said the backpack straps were too short (they're not adjustable).
On the other hand, many reviewers said this bag was cute and convenient. They liked its rugged vibe and versatile handles. Some were surprised at how much it was able to hold for its small size. And they praised its sturdy, high-quality construction.
This foldable tote bag from Narwey is made for travelling. It's small enough to be carried on as your personal item on most airlines and can fit underneath the seat in front of you. When not in use, it folds down into a carrying case. It's made from nylon, so it won't add extra weight to your luggage.
The bag features an exterior pocket and a zipper closure. The two carrying straps are made to fit over a suitcase handle. And a removable shoulder strap can help with heavy loads.
Some reviewers complained that the bag was made from a cheap material that ripped. However, most reviewers said this bag was great for flying. They said it was the perfect size to carry on as their personal item and was roomier than expected.
This durable tote bag from Filson is made from their Tin Cloth, a waxed canvas material that resists tears, punctures, and water. It's sturdy enough to stand upright and has reinforced nylon straps with folded grips. A nylon lining provides water-resistant protection on the inside.
There's a zip closure on top to keep everything secure and side pockets on the exterior to keep small items organized. Reviewers said this tote bag was practical and handsome. They said it had plenty of storage, while still maintaining a clean and simple look. And they found it to be very durable.
The Frye Murray Tote is full of thoughtful details to make your work life easier. Made from soft burnished leather, it looks polished and professional. It features adjustable flat top handles as well as an adjustable shoulder strap that can be removed when not needed.
On the interior, there's a built-in 13-inch laptop sleeve, one zippered pocket, and two slip pockets to keep your items organized. And on the outside, there are two pockets that close with magnetic snaps for anything you need to keep close at hand.
The inside is lined with a cotton-linen fabric and features interior zip pockets to hold your small items. A magnetic snap closure at the top keeps your belongings safe and secure.
Whatever you need to carry, there's a bag out there for it. Check out more of our favorites, including business briefcases, laptop backpacks, and travel messenger bags.
No. 1: Coach|Gotham Tall Tote 34
No. 2: Adidas|Utility Caryall 2 Tote Bag
No. 3: Brooks Brothers|Canvas Tote
No. 4: Shinola|Brief Tote
No. 5: YETI|Camino Carryall 35
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
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Health
Food and drinks
Kitchen
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Sports and fitness
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Automotive
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Mobile devices