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

As the resident overpacker of my friend group, I’m always lugging around the best tote bags—all oversized and packed to the gills with my city-slicker essentials. Sure, smaller styles like shoulder bags and crossbodies have their time and place, but the functionality and ease of wear of a roomy tote are irreplaceable.

In my opinion, the best tote bag is one that looks luxurious while offering plenty of space for a laptop, a spare pair of shoes, and even some groceries. Whether you resort to your trusty tote as a travel bag, a work bag, or just an everyday carryall, handy features like adjustable straps, laptop sleeves, and interior pockets make all the difference. For a long weekend, look for styles with trolley sleeves and key leashes; for commuting, try out convertible crossbody designs for a hands-free experience. (Now you can hold your coffee in one hand and the subway pole with the other.)

Carry-on bags for travel, work totes to ease your journey to and from the office, trendy leather totes—consider these editor-approved styles the best tote bags on the market.

The best tote bags, at a glance

The Commuter Tote

Tory Burch Romy Hobo Tote

Best leather tote bags

For a style that’s durable and sophisticated, look no further than a leather tote bag. The material is durable, and the soft patina that comes with time looks lived-in, not sloppy—so don’t be afraid to turn it into your handbag workhorse. Look for bags in classic black or brown for timeless styling that can transition from commuting to the office to packing for a weekend out of town. While leather can be a little more temperamental in the face of inclement weather, using a wax protector and leather moisturizer helps keep your bag in the best shape.

Kate Spade Do It All Large Tote

Mansur Gavriel Large Shoulder Bag

Tory Burch Romy Hobo Tote

Strathberry Barra Leather Tote

Kattee Genuine Leather Tote Bag

Dragon Diffusion NS Diagonal Triple Jump Tote

Best canvas tote bags

Don’t write off a canvas tote. Yes, you probably have a box full of free ones, but a heavy-duty style is something totally different. Canvas offers a more lightweight, casual alternative compared to suede and leather, making it ideal for running errands around town or stuffing for a day trip. Their durability—many styles are machine washable—makes canvas totes a staple of daily life. Depending on your style, canvas totes can be more minimalist or personal, with customization options like monogramming from L.L.Bean and Alex Mill to make it your own.

L.L.Bean Boat and Tote Zip-Top

Alex Mill Perfect Weekday Tote

Aesther Ekme Canvas Basket Shoulder Bag

We the Free Preston Canvas Bag

Best suede tote bags

Suede has been staging a massive comeback over the past year, making a suede bag both a trendy and timeless option for a go-to tote. Whether you prefer a shade of dusty beige or a deep mahogany hue, today’s suede totes have the same versatility as leather, but with a more relaxed feel. If you opt for a suede bag as your everyday carryall, take care to invest in high-quality cleaning products in order to keep it looking like new; pick up a suede cleaning brush and protectant spray to keep it looking good as new for as long as possible.

Coach Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 39

DeMellier Tokyo Leather-Trimmed Suede Tote

Flattered Lesley Tote Bag

Madewell Essential Bucket Tote

Best nylon tote bags

If you’re looking for a new travel tote, nylon is a favorite fabrication because it’s both super-lightweight and durable—ideal for short commutes and longer journeys alike. Many modern nylon totes are designed specifically for travelers and boast practical details like trolley sleeves, zippered pockets, and zip tops or magnetic closures for easy access to your valuables. Nylon also tends to be lighter and less bulky compared to canvas or leather, and styles like the Longchamp and Baggu designs below are also collapsible for ease of packing.

Longchamp Large Le Pliage Tote

Naghedi St. Barths Large Tote

MZ Wallace Large Astor Tote

Lululemon Triple-Compartment Tote Bag

Best designer tote bags

Today’s designer tote bags may sit at a relatively high price point, but the construction and fabrication make them worth the splurge, especially if you need a work bag that looks elevated but can still hold all the bulky necessities. (And yes, there’s no shame in wanting to show off a chic designer logo.) The bottom line: These bags offer practical solutions without compromising your personal style, which makes the cost-per-wear easy to justify.