25 Best Tote Bags for Work, Travel, Beach Days & Beyond

Clean, minimal, and extremely versatile, Cuyana’s modern essentials never fail to deliver, this tall leather tote included. The top zipper keeps everything secure while the long handles go over the shoulders for comfortable carrying. Plus, it’s accented with snaps and D-rings that are compatible with additional straps and organizational small leather goods from the brand. The tote comes in lots of colors and sizes, as well as non-zippered versions (the Cuyana System Tote) if you’re an instant-access type. “I’m the queen of schlepping—beauty products, snacks, allergy medicine, gum, COVID tests—you name it, and it’s jostling around somewhere at the bottom of this Italian leather Cuyana bag,” says Ariana Yaptangco, senior beauty editor. “It’s so spacious and big, almost to a fault—I’ll throw something into my bag and joke that it gets lost in the abyss. But it’s functional, chic, and goes with everything in my closet.”

• Pros: Tall silhouette; top-zip closure; long top handles that go over the shoulder; wide, roomy interior with a large hanging wall pocket with built-in snaps compatible with the brand’s System Flap Bag; side D-rings compatible with the brand’s Adjustable Strap or Adjustable Wide Strap
• Cons: Flexible shape is less structured, extra organization and carrying straps are sold separately, no protective metal feet
• Material: Leather
• Type of strap or handle: Top handles
• Colors: 8 colors
• What the bag is good for: Work, school, travel

A school tote bag ought to be durable and well-structured to adequately support your laptop and books, plus organizational capacity for various studying essentials. You don’t want something so big it’ll weigh you down when crossing campus or dashing between office hours and study groups, making this medium-size tote the ultimate option. It offers all the pockets, carrying options, and space you need. Bonus: It’s crafted from an innovative leather alternative derived from cactus plants—so eco-chic! One reviewer says, “The bag is very cute and chic. It is not flimsy at all and is a great material!”

• Pros: Eco-friendly cactus leather, organizational pockets, multiple carrying options
• Cons: Medium size may be too small for some, may show more wear and tear, open top without closure 
• Material: Faux leather made from organic cactus plants
• Type of strap or handle: Top handle and detachable shoulder strap
• Colors: Black
• What the bag is good for: School, work, everyday

A structured top-handle tote is peak sophistication in a work setting—a signature of Kate Spade’s, to be sure. The silhouette is timeless, featuring a dedicated laptop sleeve in the main compartment and a zip closure to secure notebooks and professional documents. Plus, it comes with a crossbody strap for versatility, which shoppers love.

• Pros: Secure zip closure, organizational pockets, laptop compartment, multiple carrying options
• Cons: Short top handles don’t go over the shoulder, bag is on smaller size
• Material: Pebbled leather; faille and jacquard linings
• Type of strap or handle: Top handles and shoulder strap
• Colors: Tan and black
• What the bag is good for: Work, carrying a laptop

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A bestseller for a reason, Mansur Gavriel’s large tote bag works for almost everyone. It’s roomy but structured, so it won’t tip over to reveal the contents of your day-to-day. The genius is in the simplicity—it’s perfectly polished for work, makes a good impression at a job interview, yet feels casual enough to pair with jeans or a cute workout set on the weekends. The leather is durable and smooth, the straps fit comfortably over the shoulder yet feel just as solid in the hand, and it comes with a removable zippered pouch—a detail that always gets us.

• Pros: Roomy, structured, long straps, easy to style
• Cons: Expensive, open top is less secure, no organizational pockets, no protective feet
• Material: Leather
• Type of strap or handle: Top handles
• Colors: Beige, tan, black
• What the bag is good for: Everyday, work, an interview

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Basic canvas tote, who?! Take your grocery shopping to the next level with a lightweight and reusable tote from Baggu. Besides the eco-friendly fact that they’re made with recycled ripstop polyester and are basically indestructible, they come in tons of fun colors and prints that are sold as trios on Amazon. “Baggu’s reusable totes are the perfect size for a grocery run; they can handle daily use—and fold up into a tiny square when you don’t need them. Best of all, these things come in any color or print imaginable, whether it’s a grass print or a cute gingham. Mine instantly makes me the coolest person at Whole Foods—a luxury worth much more than $14,” says commerce writer Jake Smith.

• Pros: Lightweight and functional, multiuse, eco-friendly, affordable, machine washable
• Cons: Very casual, no base
• Material: Recycled ripstop polyester
• Type of strap or handle: Top handles
• Colors: 15 colors and prints
• What the bag is good for: Groceries, travel, casual outfits, everyday

For another eco-friendly shopper tote, turn your attention to Junes. The El Paso–founded company works with an all-female sewing co-op in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, to create its line of lightweight, colorful, and reusable totes. The Everyday Tote is an A+ pick for just about anything: It’s cute, lightweight, and packable (you can tuck it into your regular purse if you’re planning to grocery shop later!) with two interior pockets that can hold a water bottle or smaller essentials. A little more on the mesh-like material: It’s made with recycled plastic bottles and Ciclo technology, which treats synthetic fibers to encourage them to biodegrade once they reach landfills, soil, and water.

• Pros: Eco-friendly, lightweight, packable, and for each one sold, a donation is made to help end violence against women in Mexico
• Cons: Less secure design
• Material: 98% polyester, 2% CiCLO
• Type of strap or handle: Top handles
• Colors: 10
• What the bag is good for: Groceries and general schlepping

A woven rope tote is quintessentially summer. With a laissez-faire feel, it’s perfectly relaxed and easy to pair with summer outfits, especially weekend ’fits (hello, farmers market haul). It’s also a great beach option for smaller essentials like your SPF, snacks, and a relaxing read—the open weave means sand won’t get stuck (thank goodness). “While I’ve never summered on Nantucket or stepped foot on a yacht, J.Crew’s knotted tote lets me live out the coastal fantasy of belonging to a much higher tax bracket,” says Smith. "It’s especially well-suited for warm weather when layers go out the window, and I need every ounce of texture I can get. The heavy material feels and looks expensive, especially with an all-black outfit, and it’s held up well for a year now. Plus, I love the tiny exhibitionist thrill of giving the world a peek inside my (carefully curated) bag.”

• Pros: Spacious and lightweight
• Cons: Open weave is less secure
• Material: Cotton rope
• Type of strap or handle: Top handles
• Colors: 5 colors
• What the bag is good for: Beach, weekends, small grocery trips

A mesh tote, like this vibrant striped style from Tory Burch, is lightweight and oh-so-durable for summer. It has plenty of pockets to keep organized, longer straps that comfortably go over the shoulders, and a center zip compartment that fits a laptop. Because TB always thinks of the details, protective metal feet are considered finishing touches. “I love a bright summer color moment, and this striped mesh Tory Burch tote is as whimsical and fun as they come,” says senior West Coast editor Jessica Radloff. “I can take it to the beach or to the grocery, and it just makes me happy!”

• Pros: Lightweight, long shoulder straps, organizational pockets, fits a laptop, structured base with protective feet
• Cons: More casual, open-top sections are less secure
• Material: Polyethylene mesh; faux leather and leather trim
• Type of strap or handle: Top handles
• What the bag is good for: Summer, beach, travel, weekends

Sometimes quick access is what you need, in which case, this open-top tote from Coach is for you. In the label’s iconic fashion, rich leather takes things to an elevated level with a playfully retro touch (yet another brand signature). Whether you go for a neutral tone or the joyful yellow, it’s a versatile, easy-to-wear-anywhere bag that fits a laptop and more. Sturdy leather handles, an interior zip pocket, magnetic closure, and four protective feet at the base are details to seal the deal.

• Pros: Sleek silhouette, sturdy leather handles, fits a laptop, protective feet
• Cons: Open top is less secure, smaller in size for a tote
• Material: Polished pebble leather, vegetable-tanned leather, and coated canvas
• Type of strap or handle: Top handles
• Colors: Dark gray, black, denim, yellow-gold
• What the bag is good for: Everyday, work, carrying a laptop

Open-weave designs are great on a beach day—no trapped sand, huzzah! But a waterproof fabric, like woven neoprene, is possibly more important to protect your phone, Kindle, and leather wallet. Beyond its great looks is the fact that this tote is incredibly spacious, durable, and easy to clean; just throw it in the wash when you need to. Plus, it comes with a matching zippered pouch to keep small items organized and readily accesible.

• Pros: Durable neoprene fabric, very spacious, structured base, comes with a zip pouch, machine-washable
• Cons: Handles are shorter, open top is less secure
• Material: Neoprene
• Type of strap or handle: Top handles
• Colors: Bright orange, soft yellow
• What the bag is good for: Beach, weekends, travel

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Real talk: Most diaper bags and diaper backpacks aren’t exactly what you’d consider peak fashion. However, this ultralight and convertible baby bag has a lot going for it—aesthetics included. Firstly, the cloudlike waterproof nylon is as cute and on-trend as it is functional in defense of spit-up, milk spills, and, well, I don’t need to explain what else. Pocket-wise, it’s a palooza both inside and out—the interior sections are mostly clear and wipeable, making it easy to see what’s going on at all times. One interior section is also removable, which is also great for reorganizing and cleaning. At first I didn’t use the extra strap and clips to transform it into a crossbody bag or clip it onto a stroller. However, after a few classic NYC episodes of needing to carry my little one up the subway steps in her stroller or meander the streets of Brooklyn a little more leisurely, hands-free manner, these versatile carrying options were clutch (and very needed, as I’m not much of a backpack person).

• Pros: Spacious, lots of pockets, soft and easy-to-clean fabric, multiple carrying options
• Cons: Top zipper is difficult to secure when stuffed (as mine always is), doesn’t come with a changing pad, no insulation section for bottles
• Material: Nylon
• Type of strap or handle: Top handles, detachable shoulder strap
• Colors: Clay, blush, black, olive, soft gray
• What the bag is good for: Baby bag

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If, like most, you’re obsessed with Paravel’s best-selling Cabana Tote, this roomy weekender is sure to appeal to you too. (It’s quite possibly the most chic and functional carryall we’ve seen, making it our top pick for travel.) And while it’s technically not a tote, it isn’t so humongous that you’d feel silly with it on your arm when you’re lugging the most. In fact, the eco-canvas gives it a light and airy feel, even when it’s filled to the brim. “The quality is amazing, and it is holding up well. I use it every day as more of a workbag; I love the color and leather. It is a little small for a weekender bag. I purchased a different strap to go with mine, and I am glad I did. Lots of room and has a deep pocket on the inside.”

• Pros: Great for weekend trips, holds up to two days’ worth of clothes plus toiletries and a laptop, double handles, luggage sleeve, organizational pockets, customizable, compatible with Paravel’s Cabana Strap
• Cons: Very large, not for everyday
• Material: Durable, spill-proof, and stain-repellent canvas made from 12 upcycled plastic bottles and recycled vegan leather details
• Type of strap or handle: Top handles
• Colors: Tan, black
• What the bag is good for: Mini getaways, work commuting

If a super-durable tote is what you seek, look no further than MZ Wallace. The brand is known for its lightweight, coated, abrasion- and water-resistant nylon fabric in many sizes to suit your tote needs. The medium is definitely the most beloved—Yaptangco uses hers all the time for work and staycations—with tons of space, organizational pockets, and travel-friendly features like a luggage sleeve, top-zip center compartment, and detachable pouch (which can fit shoes!). But the best part? There are so many color and print options.

• Pros: Durable water-resistant fabric, reinforced and padded handles, removable and adjustable crossbody strap, top-zip center compartment, protective leather feet
• Cons: More casual, the soft shape is less structured
• Material: REC Oxford, leather trim
• Type of strap or handle: Top handles and removable, adjustable crossbody strap
• Colors: 23 colors
• What the bag is good for: Commuting, travel

Lest you assume all canvas totes are flimsy and boring, this super-spacious striped tote by Kule is anything but. It’s made of weighty canvas with a structured yet flexible feel and a sturdy base—i.e., it won’t flop over when set down. Whether you opt for one of its saturated stripes or neutral canvas with a fun design, this tote borders on ludicrously capacious in a good way, making it the ultimate beach tote for holding towels, a change of clothes, all the snacks, blockbuster books—maybe a BRAD?—sunscreen and more.

• Pros: Ultraspacious, durable canvas, structured bottom, fun design
• Cons: Perhaps too spacious for some, nonsecure open top, short top handles, no shoulder strap
• Material: Canvas
• Type of strap or handle: Top handle
• Colors: Royal and poppy, cream and peach
• What the bag is good for: The beach, travel, farmers market hauls, grocery shopping

With a relaxed yet polished summer feel, Dragon Diffusion’s signature woven leather totes are the ultimate luxury take on a basket bag. The top handles easily slip over your shoulders, whether you’re toting your weekend farmers market haul or a few books and waterside essentials for a relaxing pool day. “If summer were a bag, it’d be this one,” says senior commerce editor Talia Abbas. “The bag has a relaxed, unfussy vibe that’s met with a high-quality leather construction that ages beautifully. The only drawback I’ve experienced? The tan color transfers randomly onto some of jeans and white T-shirts, so I have to think twice about what I’m wearing it with.”

• Pros: Spacious, can carry over your shoulders, durable woven leather
• Cons: No interior pockets, color may transfer onto some clothing
• Material: Leather
• Type of strap or handle: Top handles
• Colors: Tan
• What the bag is good for: Summer outfits, farmers market hauls, pool or beach days

Raffia totes are known to be fairly light and casual. However, this elevated version from DeMellier takes things to the next level. From the structured trapeze shape to the leather top handles, detachable and adjustable shoulder strap, and shiny center buckle, it’s incredibly polished—so much so that it pairs as beautifully with work attire as it does with your breezy sundresses on the weekend. “I started collecting raffia bags a few years ago and allow myself one new addition each year,” says Abbas. “Right now I'm eyeing DeMellier’s signature New York style. It’s sophisticated but functional, with a structured design that should hold its shape no matter how much gets tossed in. It’s the perfect work-travel-summer-vacation hybrid.”

• Pros: Multiple carrying options, open top for quick access to essentials, modern structured shape
• Cons: Magnetic closure and center buckle strap don’t fully secure
• Material: Raffia and leather with cotton lining
• Type of strap or handle: Top handles and detachable and adjustable shoulder strap
• Colors: Natural raffia
• What the bag is good for: Summer outfits, work, pool or beach days

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Serious fashion girlies aren’t here for a basic tote bag. They want something that makes a statement, like this tri-tone leather bombshell by Staud. (Yes, we said bombshell. Yes, that makes complete sense to us.) The paneled neutral color-block design and top stitching are sophisticated and modern, with playful accents (hello, tassels) that vibe with everything from cargos and sharp shield sunnies to a floral-print puff-sleeve dress. The open top means you can easily access whatever you have organized within the interior patch pockets. Honestly, we almost can’t handle the chicness.

• Pros: Modern design, structured shape, thick handles, interior patch pockets
• Cons: Open top is less secure, smaller for a tote
• Material: Leather
• Type of strap or handle: Top handles
• Colors: Cream, tan, and black combo
• What the bag is good for: Everyday, work

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Multitaskers will appreciate this convertible bag that can go from tote to backpack with a quick strap adjustment. It has tons of pockets and side snaps to expand the shape for more space, can easily hold a laptop, and secures at the top with a zipper. “Typically, I gravitate toward using very free, very basic canvas tote bags when I need something roomy to hold my essentials, but lately—blame the stealth wealth fixation!—I’ve been itching for something a little more upscale and a little less promotional,” says digital director Perrie Samotin. “The leather totes from Kreya, a minimalist AAPI-owned handbag brand, are sleek and functional: in addition to being roomy enough for a laptop, they also convert into a backpack when my shoulder just can’t anymore.”

• Pros: Convertible design, side snaps to expand for more space, top zipper, organizational pockets
• Cons: Slimmer silhouette
• Material: Leather
• Type of strap or handle: Top handles that convert to backpack straps
• Colors: Black, brown
• What the bag is good for: Work, an interview, everyday

What’s summer without a roomy straw bag? One with multiple carrying options, like this Jacquemus stunner, is perfect for a beach outing or a scorcher in the city. The top handles and long shoulder strap allow you to switch things up depending on how heavy the bag is, while the minimal hardware adds an element of sophistication.“Jacquemus’s summer collections are my absolute favorite,” says commerce producer Leilani McQuay, who’s added this timeless tote to cart now that it’s on sale. “Though there are other leather trims out there, this one, in particular, is on my wish list because of the beautiful brown and beige contrast.”

• Pros: Spacious, multiple carrying options, elevated leather detailing
• Cons: Straps and handles are not adjustable, no organizational pockets
• Material: Palm leaf, leather
• Type of strap or handle: Top handles and shoulder strap
• Colors: Over 7 leather trims
• What the bag is good for: Beach, weekends, with summer outfits

If you’re looking to invest more deeply in a leather tote, turn to this quiet luxury carry-all from Savette. Pared-back is what the brand does best, and this soft leather top-handle tote is a prime example. The details are what really sing—subtly, of course. From the top stitching to the wink of hardware along the skinny center strap with a toggle closure, this bag is a worthy buy that will last forever in your wardrobe.

• Pros: Simple yet elegant design, center zippered section divides interior, protective feet
• Cons: Smaller for a tote, open top is less secure, pricey
• Material: Leather and cotton
• Type of strap or handle: Top handles
• Colors: Gray, black
• What the bag is good for: Work, an interview, errands

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Skip the flashy logos in favor of quiet luxury with your next designer tote. This slouchy style by Métier is radiating stealth wealth, from the clean lines and incredible construction to the deliciously nonchalant way it drapes across your shoulder. Yum. The soft silhouette feels graceful and refined, while the suede fabric offers durability in a luxe fashion. Choose it for days spent around the city, weekend jaunts, and of course, for travel. It even comes with a detachable pouch that you can use as a clutch.

• Pros: Sleek design, luxurious and durable suede, zip fastening along top, comes with a detachable inner pouch
• Cons: Expensive
• Material: Suede
• Type of strap or handle: Top handle
• Colors: Camel
• What the bag is good for: Everyday, travel

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Polène’s craftsmanship and directional designs are on par with the best designer bags out there, but for a fraction of the price. This sculptural tote, in particular, is the type of bag that marries taste with practicality, from the multiple straps to the shape-shifting silhouette. It’s available in leather or canvas.

• Pros: Unique and versatile shape, multiple carrying options, durable leather, comes with a removable zippered pocket, magnetic closure
• Cons: Several colors are sold out, a lot of open space at the top 
• Material: Leather
• Type of strap or handle: Two sets of top handle straps
• Colors: Taupe, camel, black, cognac, cognac canvas, black canvas, beige canvas
• What the bag is good for: Work, an interview, with elevated outfits

Sleek, sculptural, and seriously eye-catching, Little Liffner’s tulip totes up the ante of any outfit instantly. You’d never second-guess carrying a tote with this in your arsenal. In fact, you may just reach around your room to find more stuff to tow along because it’s that good. Instant aesthetic heart-fluttering aside, it’s genuinely functional. The structured shape features top handles, a detachable shoulder strap, press stud closure, zip and patch interior pockets, and beautiful top stitching—polished perfection.

• Pros: Modern design, structured shape, multiple carrying options, interior pockets
• Cons: Open silhouette is less secure, no protective feet
• Material: Leather
• Type of strap or handle: Top handles and a detachable shoulder strap
• Colors: Dark brown
• What the bag is good for: Work, an interview, every day