What should you pack in a work bag?

When packing your bag for work, it's best not to overcomplicate things. The worst work bag is the one that's overly full or causing you pain or discomfort to carry because it's so heavy. Focus first on the essentials: laptop, water bottle, gym clothes, snacks, and other items you'll surely need. Then, add in some extras from there based on how much room you have left. "Besides obvious personal items when packing your bag for work, I also recommend a journal for any downtime you might have during your day or if you need five minutes to de-stress," Mosee suggests.

What is vegan leather?

Vegan leather is popular for a lot of reasons. By definition, it's not animal-based, which many people find compelling based on their values. It's also durable, water-resistant, and generally scratch-proof. What is it made from? Usually, it's composed of plastic compounds, such as PVC (polyvinyl chloride or vinyl) or PU (polyurethane). With high-quality vegan leather you won't be able to tell the difference between real leather and the faux version.

How do you clean a work bag?

Cleaning a bag depends largely on material. So, if it's nylon, try gently washing with mild soap and water and pressing dry with a towel. If it's leather, use a solution of warm water mixed with dish soap, gently wiping the surface and patting dry.

The 28 Best Work Bags for Women of 2023

Sometimes, the little things make looking forward to another work day more enjoyable. Maybe it's the promise of a latte from the local coffee shop, catching up with your office bestie, or grabbing your favorite bag on your way out the door. The best work bag has that hard-to-find combination of comfort, style, flawless organization, and storage space and can help you look and feel confident from your commute to your desk.

Byrdie Researched & Approved

We picked Cuyana as our top brand for buying a work bag because it offers timeless pieces from high-quality materials, with the finest craftsmanship. Design-wise, the label prioritizes sleekness and functionality—features that can be seen best in the System Tote, the only style with snap-in, add-on accessories. If you prefer suede over leather, you can get a similar look and construction from Brandon Blackwood's Mandeville Tote.

When it comes to the perfect work bag, fashion and function should be in perfect harmony. It should be a bag that you don't feel embarrassed to be carrying and one that holds everything from a laptop to a giant water bottle to fun extras like gym clothes, a lunchbox, and more. Because there is such a demand for excellent work bags, there is also a lot of variety on the market. From backpacks to messenger bags to vegan leather options, there are work bags of every shape, size, and color. We tapped handbag designer Sherrill Mosee to help make the decision process run a bit smoother.

Read on for Byrdie's edit of the best work bags to buy online, along with some tips for what to look for when shopping.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Cuyana System Tote at Cuyana.com

Jump to Review

Best Large:

Kate Spade Essential Large Work Tote at Amazon

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Best Value:

BÉIS The Work Tote at Beistravel.com

Jump to Review

Best Designer:

Bottega Veneta Tote Bag at Bloomingdales

Jump to Review

Best for Laptops:

Calpak Kaya Laptop Backpack at Calpaktravel.com

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

A New Day Reversible Tote Handbag at Target

Jump to Review

Best Structured:

Cuyana Leather Triple Zipper Overnight at Cuyana.com

Jump to Review

Best Messenger Bag:

Cuyana Messenger Bag at Cuyana.com

Jump to Review

Most Durable:

Lo & Sons Seville Aire Tote at Loandsons.com

Jump to Review

Best on Amazon:

Nubily Laptop Bag at Amazon

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
What To Look For
FAQs
Why Trust Byrdie

Cuyana

View On Cuyana.com

Who else recommends it? Elle also picked the Cuyana System Tote.

You can't have a conversation about work bags without talking about Cuyana. Their offerings are so sleek, functional, and, therefore, easy to justify. This style is made out of luxurious Italian pebbled leather but still offers design-forward structure, as it is, in fact, an organizational dream. Plus, with 13- and 16-inch size options, it can hold all your stuff, no matter how big your laptop is. For more personalization, there's an option to monogram it.

Material: Leather | Colors: Black, Caramel, Cappuccino, Dark Olive, Light Stone | Dimensions: 10 x 17.25 x 5 inches (13-inch); 11 x 19 x 5.5 inches (16-inch)

Price at time of publish: $278

Kate Spade

View On Amazon View On Katespade.com

The Kate Spade Essential Large Work Tote is another classic bag with a lot of room. It boasts six interior slip pockets, an interior zippered sleeve, and more. According to the brand's website, it fits a large wallet, an iPad, an A4 binder, and a 15-inch laptop, among other things.

Materials: Leather | Colors: Black, Morning Sky, Bungalow, Mineral Grey | Dimensions: 1.6 x 14.2 x 6 inches

Price at time of publish: $378

Revolve

View On Beistravel.com

This bag was designed for all the true boss ladies out there, or the aspiring boss ladies, according to Shay Mitchell's brand BÉIS. It offers room for a 13-inch laptop, keys, a water bottle, and much more. Other features include a removable zippered pouch and a suitcase sleeve for easy traveling.

Material: Vegan leather and polyester | Colors: Black Croc, Cognac Croc + more | Dimensions: 16.75 x 13.5 x 7 inches

Price at time of publish: $138

Bloomingdales

View On Bloomingdales

Looking for a designer bag that can withstand everyday use and commutes? This Bottega Veneta tote would be a great option. It offers all of the essentials, such as pockets for organization and a zippered top for security, and it's crafted from rubber instead of the label's signature leather, so you can count on durability.

Material: Rubber and cotton/polyester | Colors: Black | Dimensions: 16 x 6 x 16 inches

Price at time of publish: $1,600

Calpak

View On Calpaktravel.com

The Kaya Laptop Backpack is perfect for digital nomads who find themselves heading on a plane for work with their laptop and a few essentials. It's equipped with a 15-inch laptop compartment, as well as several other interior pockets. Beyond that, the luggage sleeve and adjustable straps make it incredibly comfortable to bring to work—no matter how long or short your commute may be.

Material: Faux leather and polyester | Colors: Caramel, Blush, Navy, Gunmetal Black, Black + more | Dimensions: 15.5 x 11.5 x 4.5 inches

Price at time of publish: $128

Target

View On Target

This tote is a great size for holding all of the day's necessities but also offers a bonus of being reversible. This means you essentially get two bags for the price of one—and that price is pretty reasonable to begin with.

Material: Polyurethane | Colors: Black/Brown, Olive Green/Gold, Brown/Gold | Dimensions: 14.5 x 14 x 7.75 inches

Price at time of publish: $40

Cuyana

View On Cuyana.com

This bag is for anyone who finds themselves going on frequent work trips—or really just needs a ton of extra room in their bag, for something like after-work gym attire or a stack of books for a graduate school class. The leather is top quality, something Cuyana is known for, and the multiple pockets and zipper compartments make it easy for you to stay organized (and look chic while doing it).

Material: Leather | Colors: Black, Stone | Dimensions: 12.5 x 15.5 x 5.75 inches

Price at time of publish: $498

Cuyana

View On Cuyana.com

Available in both 13- and 16-inch versions, this messenger bag gives you options based on the laptop you have or how much storage you need. Along with a built-in laptop sleeve, it also has a thick, adjustable shoulder strap for maximum comfort while carrying. Though, its best feature is perhaps that it looks nothing like a work bag.

Material: Leather | Colors: Black, Cappuccino, Light Stone, Soft Rose | Dimensions: 9.8 x 13.8 x 3.9 inches (13-inch); 10.4 x 15 x 3.9 inches (16-inch)

Price at time of publish: $378

Lo & Sons

View On Loandsons.com

The nylon body of this tote is built for durability. It also has a huge selection of inner pockets (including a laptop sleeve) to help you stay as organized as possible. To suit as many shoppers as possible, it comes in both 13- and 15-inch versions. The zipper top also means everything stays organized, secure, and tucked away from the elements.

Material: Nylon, polyester jacquard, and leather | Colors: Black, Navy | Dimensions: 18.5 x 5 x 12.5 inches (13-inch), 20 x 5 x 13 inches (15-inch)

Price at time of publish: $498

Amazon

View On Amazon

With thousands of positive reviews on Amazon, this bag is a solid contender for an affordable work bag. It offers a laptop compartment, a shoulder strap, a top zipper closure, and a water-resistant outer material to keep things in place on even the busiest of workdays. Plus, the style is available in a wide range of colors to cater to every taste.

Materials: Polyurethane and polyester | Colors: Black, Beige, Blue, Brown, Dark Green + more | Dimensions: 16.7 x 5.7 x 12.6 inches

Price at time of publish: $36

Dagne Dover

View On Nordstrom View On Dagnedover.com

With thousands of positive reviews across several e-retailers, this neoprene backpack is a customer favorite, to say the least. It includes a padded laptop compartment to keep your electronics safe, while its eco-friendly neoprene material is lightweight and comfortable to carry throughout the day.

Material: Neoprene and recycled lining made from plastic bottles | Colors: Onyx, Dark Moss, Storm, Dune, Heather Gray + more | Dimensions: 13.25 x 5.25 x 17.5 inches

Price at time of publish: $195

Brandon Blackwell

View On Brandonblackwood.com

If you prefer suede over any other material, the Large Mandeville Tote is for you. With its luxe brown hue and polished silver hardware, the bag is so simple but stylish and thus easy to wear with so many outfits. In terms of functionality, it features multiple interior compartments, plus a detachable pouch and name tag, to make it easy to stay organized.

Materials: Suede | Colors: Brown | Dimensions: 11 x 14.7 x 8.25

Price at time of publish: $250

Dagne Dover

View On Dagnedover.com

Sometimes, it's the simple things that surprise you. In this case, it's this 100 percent organic cotton tote that seems rudimentary but is oh, so practical. With multiple inner and outer pockets (including one made for laptops up to 16 inches), it holds a ton of stuff. So, if your job is on the more casual side, this would be a great option.

Materials: 100% organic cotton canvas | Colors: Onyx, Natural + more | Dimensions: 18.5 x 6.25 x 14 inches

Price at time of publish: $175

Neiman Marcus

View On Senreve.com

Though this work bag is a bit of an investment, it's worth it if you're looking for a stylish and high-quality vegan leather work bag. The crossbody style also converts to a tote or backpack bag, giving you added value in the form of versatility.

Materials: Vegan leather | Colors: Merlot, Taupe, Black, Forest + more | Dimensions: 12.25 x 10.25 x 6.75 inches

Price at time of publish: $995

Bloomingdale's

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Saks Fifth Avenue

With two exterior slip pockets, six interior slip pockets (including a 13-inch laptop sleeve), and an interior zip pocket, this tote gives you no reason to be disorganized. The classic silhouette, which comes from a collection named for the designer's parents, Budy and Reva Robinson, combines quality, convenience, and style.

Materials: Leather | Colors: Black, Bistro Brown | Dimensions: 11.6 x 14.3 x 6 inches

Price at time of publish: $398

Everlane

View On Everlane.com

If you're looking for a work bag that holds all the essentials but strays away from the traditional work bag silhouette, this Everlane option would be a great pick for you. The elongated silhouette is large enough to hold an 18-inch laptop, and it also boasts multiple pockets and a comfortable, adjustable strap. Minimalists will appreciate its simple elegance for transit from the office to, well, just about anywhere.

Materials: Leather | Colors: Black, Cognac, Moss | Dimensions: 13 x 6.25 x 9.75 inches

Price at time of publish: $225

Maverick & Co.

View On Maverickandco.co

Attention, commuters: Here's a style to fit your needs. This backpack-style work bag was designed with lightness in mind and is water- and scratch-resistant for durability. It's also spacious, and it offers several compartments, such as a 16-inch laptop compartment and multiple, easy-to-access outer compartments.

Materials: Nylon and vegan leather | Colors: Black, Navy | Dimensions: 15.9 x 11.4 x 5.3 inches

Price at time of publish: $179

Pond Los Angeles

View On Pondla.com

Whether you want to wear it as a tote, crossbody, or backpack, this bag has enough storage for all your work needs. Its features include a laptop sleeve that fits a 15-inch laptop, side pockets for items as big as drink bottles, and a waterproof and scratch-proof exterior, making for a versatile bag that's built to last.

Materials: Leather | Colors: Stone, Burgundy, Peony, Black | Dimensions: 11.5 x 7 x 13.5 inches

Price at time of publish: $279

Brandon Blackwood

View On Brandonblackwood.com

Brandon Blackwood's bags are as functional as they are fashionable, making them the perfect choice when you're looking for something more striking than the typical neutral tote bag for work (though he excels in that category as well). Aside from basic black, this vegan leather design comes in aqua blue, cream lizard embossed, and bright beige. Carry it from its top handles or make use of the adjustable shoulder strap.

Materials: Leather | Colors: Green | Dimensions: 11.8 x 7.8 x 5.1 inches

Price at time of publish: $385

4.8

Monos

View On Monos.com

What sets the Monos Metro Duffel apart from other bags is its modular system, which are interchangeable and easy to swap out based on what you need (or don't need) that day. The attribute makes it an ideal choice for moms who may be shuffling between multiple obligations and settings throughout the day.

Materials: Nylon | Colors: Carbon Black, Oxford Blue, Juniper Green, Dover Grey, Ivory, Saddle Tan, Mahogany | Dimensions: 17.5 × 10.6 × 9.6 inches

Price at time of publish: $210

MinkeeBlue

View On Minkeeblue.com

If you're looking for the functionality of a tote but prefer a backpack style, then you're in luck. This backpack has a designated place for all of the essentials and so much more. Commuters will love that it features multiple zippered pockets, including one that is designed to safely store a pair of extra shoes. It also has a suitcase sleeve to fit comfortably over the handle of a roller suitcase, as well as a lunch bag for snacks or a light lunch.

Materials: Vegan leather and twill | Colors: Steel Grey, Navy Blue, Black | Dimensions: 13 x 5.5 x 15

Price at time of publish: $169

Nordstrom

View On Bloomingdales View On Madewell.com View On Zappos

Functionality and style combine in Madewell's Transport Tote which, as its name suggests, is roomy enough for travel or just the daily work commute. We love the interior pocket and that the leather is sourced from a tannery that achieved a Gold Rating from the Leather Working Group, which works to promote sustainable environmental practices in the leather industry.

Materials: Vegetable-tanned leather | Colors: English Saddle, True Black Brown, True Black | Dimensions: 13.7 x 14 x 6.2 inches

Price at time of publish: $178

Dreubea Women's Soft Faux Leather Tote Shoulder Bag

Amazon

View On Amazon

If you're looking for a specific color of tote, chances are you'll find it with this option. It's also practical, containing one large pocket and a smaller pocket, for accessories like a cell phone. The price is great, but it also comes in more than 100 different colorways, from matcha green to peachy pink.

Materials: Vegan leather | Colors: More than 100 options, including Purple, Khaki, Matcha, and Pink | Dimensions: 15.7 x 11.4 x 4 inches

Price at time of publish: $12

Madewell

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Madewell.com

A top handle, zip-top, and an adjustable strap mean you can carry this bag cross-body or by holding it the classic way. It contains both an exterior and interior pocket and we also love the material—a semi vegetable-tanned leather with a softly worn waxed finish that deepens into a distinctive patina over time.

Materials: Vegetable-tanned leather | Colors: English Saddle, True Black Brown, True Black, Dark Cabernet | Dimensions: 12.2 x 11 x 5.5 inches

Price at time of publish: $188

Dagne Dover

View On Dagnedover.com

If you're looking for lots of places to store post-its, pencils, and various office gear, you'll find them inside this tote, which is equipped with a padded compartment with a magnetic closure to keep a 13” laptop or tablet safe, as well as pockets that can hold a wallet, phone, credit or metro card, and lip balm or mints.

Materials: Vegan leather and recycled polyester | Colors: Onyx, Bleeker Blush, Graphite | Dimensions: 13.7 x 11 x 4.5 inches

Price at time of publish: $255

Freja New York

View On Frejanyc.com View On Modesens.com View On Verishop.com

With subtle panel accents and a double magnetic closure, this luxurious tote keeps all your items safe and secure. What's more, it contains one main compartment and three slot pockets and offers enough interior space to fit an up-to 16" laptop.

Materials: Vegan leather | Colors: Pecan, Taupe, Black, Oat, Cappuccino | Dimensions: 19 x 11 x 5.5 inches

Price at time of publish: $378

Baggu

View On Amazon View On Baggu.com View On Urban Outfitters

This bag is fairly no frills on the inside, making it ideal for everything from a grocery run to your daily nine-to-five. The real fun comes via the interesting patterns and prints available on the exterior. We also love the addition of a long strap, which allows you to go hands-free as needed, and the single interior zipped pocket.

Materials: Canvas | Colors: Various including Checker, Cow, and Khaki | Dimensions: 15.75 × 11 × 4.75 inches

Price at time of publish: $34

LeSportsac

View On Lesportsac.com View On Urban Outfitters

This recycled nylon tote is incredibly durable, which is high on our list of reasons for giving it a go. But it's also expandable, allowing you an extra two full inches of vertical space. There are also five pockets, including one that fits a phone as well as a full-length zip pocket on the back.

Materials: Recycled nylon | Colors: Black, White, Grape Wine | Dimensions: 12.2 x 4.3 x 1.5 inches

Price at time of publish: $100

Meet the Expert

Sherrill Mosee is the founder and designer behind bag brand MinkeeBlue. Mosee used her master's degree in engineering to solve a problem she calls "overload bag syndrome" and is an alum of Macy's Philadelphia Fashion Incubator.

What to Look for in a Work Bag

Size

When choosing your perfect work bag, Mosee says to first consider what you'll be keeping in the bag from day to day. Need to pack both your lunch and your gym shoes? Then you'll probably want a bag that has separate compartments for both to keep things clean and sanitary. Looking for one that you can take on flights easily? One that slips onto the handle of a rolling suitcase would be the most convenient.

Functionality

Work bags should marry style with function, because they're used to carry so much stuff. Think about what you need on a daily basis—note cards, a cell phone, business cards—and determine whether your tote of choice has the means to hold all of those things (and allow for easy access). The most functional totes are those with several interior pockets and compartments. And keep in mind how heavy your tote will be once full and how you'll carry it. In other words, if you'll be hauling around a large laptop, you might want to ensure the tote offers a hands-free way to carry it. A strap that's long and strong enough to support the added weight is also important. Bonus points if it offers some padding or has a wider design to cushion the weight on your shoulder.

Material

"My bags from my own collection are all vegan leather because I find it's the most durable," Mosee says. "The last thing you want is a bag to fall apart while in use; that's the exact opposite of a handy, helpful handbag."

If you're stuck on choosing a material, think of the most long-lasting, sturdy handbag you already own and try to find a work bag in the same material. Otherwise, make sure to check reviews from longtime customers or notes about general wear and tear.

FAQ

What should you pack in a work bag?

When packing your bag for work, it's best not to overcomplicate things. The worst work bag is the one that's overly full or causing you pain or discomfort to carry because it's so heavy. Focus first on the essentials: laptop, water bottle, gym clothes, snacks, and other items you'll surely need. Then, add in some extras from there based on how much room you have left.
"Besides obvious personal items when packing your bag for work, I also recommend a journal for any downtime you might have during your day or if you need five minutes to de-stress," Mosee suggests.
What is vegan leather?

Vegan leather is popular for a lot of reasons. By definition, it's not animal-based, which many people find compelling based on their values. It's also durable, water-resistant, and generally scratch-proof.
What is it made from? Usually, it's composed of plastic compounds, such as PVC (polyvinyl chloride or vinyl) or PU (polyurethane). With high-quality vegan leather you won't be able to tell the difference between real leather and the faux version.
How do you clean a work bag?

Cleaning a bag depends largely on material. So, if it's nylon, try gently washing with mild soap and water and pressing dry with a towel. If it's leather, use a solution of warm water mixed with dish soap, gently wiping the surface and patting dry.

Why Trust Byrdie

Olivia Muenter is a fashion commerce contributor for Byrdie, and she has been published in Refinery29, Bustle, Fashionista, Glamour, and Woman's Day, among others. Her search for this piece covered handbag retailers of all types. For criteria, she evaluated customer reviews, storage, versatility, materials, and style.

The 12 Best Everyday Bags Perfect for Constant Companionship

Article Sources

Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

22 Work Bags That Just Might Cure Your Sunday Scaries. Elle. https://www.elle.com/fashion/shopping/g39970546/best-work-bags-for-women/#product-1324128c-aff5-44ed-a95e-1db03d961d6c-anchor