We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. The 15 Best Tote Bags From the Office to the Beach, Per Editors and Experts Here’s what we’re carrying to the office, the gym, and the beach. By Leah Muncy Leah Muncy Based in New York, Leah Muncy is a journalist, covering shopping and culture. She is a contributing writer for InStyle.com. InStyle's editorial guidelines and Bianca Kratky Bianca Kratky Bianca Kratky is a fashion & beauty writer at InStyle. InStyle's editorial guidelines Updated on March 30, 2026 @ 11:25AM In This Article View All In This Article Top Picks Reviews What to Keep In Mind The Right Tote Makes Everything Easier Your Questions, Answered Why Shop With Us Credit: InStyle No bag is more universal—nor more practical—than the humble tote bag. While a shoulder bag is ideal for running errands and a weekender bag for short trips, a tote bag is functional across various scenarios. Though not too different from its sister product, a laptop bag, the tote bag gives the user more flexibility in carrying whatever the heart desires, beyond work items. Made from cotton, leather, canvas, or even nylon, its many forms offer a foolproof option for those with lots to carry. Celebrity stylist Katie Bofshever agrees, saying that she loves “a good tote bag, it's just the perfect carryall for moms, for work, for the beach (I could go on)—it's just a super practical bag to have in your wardrobe.” To inform our list of the best tote bags, we asked our team to share the bags they have been using nonstop. Some have even been loyal to their bags for half a decade, carrying them to the office, flights, and brunches. Top Picks Best Overall: Baggu Nylon Ripstop Tote at Amazon $40 Jump to Review Best Splurge: Freja NY Lafayette Tote at Frejanyc.com Jump to Review Best Designer: Mansur Gavriel Large Leather Tote at Nordstrom $645 Jump to Review Best Canvas: L.L. Bean Boat & Tote - Extra Large at L.L.Bean $40 Jump to Review Best Straw: Sezane Basket Bag at Sezane.com Jump to Review Best Everyday: Cuyana System Tote at Cuyana.com Jump to Review Best Lightweight: Longchamp Le Pliage Original M Tote Bag at Nordstrom $165 Jump to Review Best Structured: Telfar Medium Jacquard Shopper at Telfar.net Jump to Review Best Vegan Leather: Freja Tall Tote Taupe at Frejanyc.com Jump to Review Best for Work: Monos Metro Tote at Monos.com Jump to Review Best Overall Baggu Nylon Ripstop Tote Credit: Baggu $40 at Amazon View on Baggu.com $14 $10 at Urban Outfitters Why We Love It: Baggu’s reusable bags are lightweight and virtually indestructible.Worth Noting: The straps slide down your shoulder. Perhaps the most ubiquitous tote on this list, Baggu’s under-$20 nylon bags are ideal for carrying items you wouldn’t necessarily want in your purse, like fresh produce, sandy beach gear, or dirty running shoes. They’re machine washable and lightweight—and even fold up into an accompanying carrying pouch—making them exceptionally easy to throw into your car or suitcase. And unlike most totes on this list, the in-stock prints and color options are vast: Baggu releases new patterns every season, like a trippy checkerboard, nautical stripes, and bright florals, plus extra-large and mini sizes. It’s worth noting that the bag was modeled after a standard take-out bag, which, while charming, is also the Baggu’s greatest downfall. The short, thick straps and lack of structure will have it sliding down your arm, especially when wearing a thick winter coat. If you’re going to be carrying your items long distances, you’re better off with a traditional tote bag. Material: Ripstop nylon | Straps and Handles: Top handles | Closure: Open Best Splurge Freja NY Lafayette Tote Credit: Freja NY View on Frejanyc.com Why We Love It: The vegan leather looks and feels real, and it’s generously sized. Worth Noting: Given the size, it could use an interior divider to keep contents more organized. If you’re looking for something more polished than a canvas shopper, genuine and vegan leather totes are a great alternative. The only problem with leather bags, however, is that they can often feel heavy—something you don’t have to worry about with Freja’s generously sized NY Lafayette tote, as it’s made of vegan materials. It’s made from lightweight vegan leather—the best looking (and feeling) faux leather we’ve ever seen that never feels far too heavy when full. It holds everything needed for work, including a 16-inch laptop, various chargers, and a water bottle, and even has a double magnetic snap closure that stays put while on the move. When you consider the four interior pockets and detachable key leash (and the three luxe color options), we think it’s a worthy splurge. Material: PU leather | Straps and Handles: Top handles | Closure: Magnetic Best Designer Mansur Gavriel Large Leather Tote Credit: Shopbop $645 at Nordstrom $645 at Shopbop.com $645 at Revolve Why We Love It: The peekaboo vibrant color in the interior sets this bag apart. Worth Noting: There is no closure at the top. Curious what Editor-in-Chief of InStyle, Sally Holmes, carries to work every day? It’s this large designer tote from Mansur Gavriel. “I love this tote because it’s super sleek and elevated, but fits everything I need to lug from work to dinner or an after-work event,” she says. “I also love that the bag comes in a number of gorgeous colorways, so you can have a more practical outer hue in black or tan with a fun peekaboo interior like bright yellow or cobalt blue,” she continues. Certainly, this touch of color takes this tote from average to extraordinary. Big enough to fit a 16-inch laptop, the 100 percent leather bag will accompany you through many commutes, trips, and adventures for years to come. Material: Leather | Straps and Handles: Shoulder straps | Closure: None Best Canvas L.L. Bean Boat & Tote - Extra Large Credit: L.L. Bean $40 at L.L.Bean Why We Love It: It holds up to 500 pounds and can last decades. Plus, you can add a monogram to it.Worth Noting: When full, the 24-ounce cotton canvas gets heavy. At the peak of prep, L.L.Bean’s virtually indestructible Boat & Totes were carried by just about every coastal New Englander. “My parents have been using L.L.Bean totes since before I was born,” says Gracie Wiener, who runs @ironicboatandtote, an Instagram dedicated to ironically monogrammed totes. “They are the most durable bags in the world; they’ll outlive all of us.” Wiener owns several, including the extra-large size, which, she recently found out on a post office run, can hold 10 medium-sized packages. All sizes come in two handle lengths, but if you have some serious stuff to schlep, the extra-large—which measures 17 inches high, 19 inches wide, and 10 inches deep—can fit just about any cumbersome item. Material: Cotton canvas | Straps and Handles: Top handles or shoulder straps, depending on the length | Closure: Open or Zip Best Straw Sezane Basket Bag Credit: Sezane View on Sezane.com Why We Love It: The straw is tightly woven, making it sturdy and really high quality.Worth Noting: Although the leather details look black in the image, they’re actually very dark navy. Straw bags are a great option beyond just the beach, especially when you have something as fine-tuned and sturdy as this piece from Sézane. After former InStyle writer Bianca Kratky received one from the brand, she immediately began fantasizing about taking it to a picnic, the farmer’s market, or simply strolling through town. The straw is tightly woven and feels substantial, holding its shape perfectly while sitting upright. There’s a little pouch in the interior that’s stitched into the bottom of the bag (in other words, it can’t be taken out) and has a drawstring closure. This ensures that, should you place the bag on some sand, nothing touches the valuables in the interior. There is a top handle and a shoulder strap, both of which are the perfect lengths for easy hand-holding and shoulder-schlepping. It should be noted, though, that deep natural raffia color is actually a very dark navy, and not a black, as you might think from the picture. Material: Raffia, cotton, leather | Straps and Handles: Top handles, shoulder straps | Closure: Drawstring Best Everyday Cuyana System Tote Credit: Cuyana View on Cuyana.com $358 at Bloomingdales Why We Love It: The wide shoulder straps never dig into the skin, no matter how heavy the bag gets. Worth Noting: The extra add-ons get quite pricey. The Cuyana tote bag perfected the trifecta of price, quality, and functionality. After wearing this bag for several weeks, Kratky was delighted by its sleek, serious look. The wider straps feel extremely comfortable on the shoulder and fit like a puzzle under the arm—no matter how much she stuffs in it, the shoulder never feels pressed down. The pebbled leather also camouflages any potential scratches (although so far, none can be found). The system tote allows you to purchase add-ons, like dividers and extra pouches that can be clipped in. Ergonomically, it’s a smart idea, but economically, it can get pricey really fast. Material: Leather | Straps and Handles: Shoulder straps | Closure: Clip Best Lightweight Longchamp Le Pliage Original M Tote Bag Credit: Longchamp $165 at Nordstrom $35 at Longchamp.com View on Bloomingdales Why We Love It: It can be folded into itself to become a tiny compact bag.Worth Noting: Many people own this bag, so you won’t have any exclusivity. The Longchamp Le Pliage tote is iconic for a reason. Former writer Madison Barber has been loyal to her tote thanks to its extremely lightweight yet long-lasting nature. “This is my holy grail for travel,” she marvels. “It’s the perfect size for a personal item for the plane, and the nylon construction feels sturdier than my other bags (not to mention easy to clean).” The fact that it can be folded into itself to become a tiny compact bag that barely takes up any luggage space is just the icing on the cake. Barber doesn’t foresee it ever deteriorating and says she will never stop using it. And while most designer brands come with a hefty price, this bag is very reasonable considering how long you will be keeping it. Material: Nylon, leather | Straps and Handles: Shoulder straps | Closure: Zipper Best Structured Telfar Medium Jacquard Shopper Credit: Telfar View on Telfar.net Why We Love It: The crossbody strap is adjustable in length. Worth Noting: Telfar bags are final sale, and you cannot return them. You just want a bag that can stand on its own like the independent bag it should be. Well, in that case, you can’t go wrong with the Telfar shopper. We adore this jacquard option as it’s a step away from the single-hued option so many people carry around. Writer Kaelin Dodge uses this bag for both travel and work, complementing its ability to carry her laptop, book, and toiletry bag without weighing her down. “By having two crossbody straps I feel like the weight is distributed a little more evenly,” she says. “I also think it simply looks great! When I carry it, I get nonstop compliments,” she gushes. Material: Polyester | Straps and Handles: Top handles, crossbody straps | Closure: Zipper Best Vegan Leather Freja Tall Tote Taupe Credit: Freja View on Frejanyc.com Why We Love It: The faux leather feels extremely real and sturdy. Worth Noting: On the taupe color, the interior is purple, which is a hate-it or love-it detail. Another beloved option from the vegan brand is the tall tote. Just by design, it’s hard not to love the sleek, minimalist appearance of the New York-based brand. But Kratky can attest to the actual quality of the bag as well, since receiving one from the brand. At first glance, it’s almost impossible to tell vegan leather from real leather. It fits all her essentials—laptop, notebooks, toiletry pouch, glasses, and more. The shape is heavily inspired by the Celine Seau Sangle bag, so if you missed the opportunity to get your hands on the designer bag, this is a fantastic alternative. Material: Vegan ultra-fiber leather | Straps and Handles: Shoulder strap | Closure: Magnetic clasp Best for Work Monos Metro Tote Credit: Monos View on Monos.com Why We Love It: There are plenty of compartments, including a water bottle strap.Worth Noting: The straps are not adjustable. For Associate Editor Irene Richardson, this is the bag she reaches for when she’s planning on leaving the house in the morning and not returning until late at night. From the office to the gym to evening drinks, this bag can hold everything she needs for a successful day, including a change of clothes, a water bottle, and a notebook. Laptops and chargers can of course also fit. But the thing she loves the most is that even with the bag stuffed to its brim, it retains its structure and doesn’t become bulky and ugly. There are just the right amount of compartments, including slits and bottle holders, without becoming overwhelming. It always makes Richardson feel organized and professional when looking down at her neatly packed tote. Material: Vegan leather | Straps and Handles: Shoulder straps | Closure: Zip Best Luxury Bottega Veneta Large Arco Tote Bag Credit: Bottega Veneta View on Bottegaveneta.com Why We Love It: The lambskin leather feels luxuriously soft. Worth Noting: It doesn’t come with any shoulder straps. If you’re going to splurge on a luxury bag (which, by the way, might be the smartest item to splurge on considering the cost-per-wear), we have to recommend this gorgeous, sleek, and versatile Bottega Veneta Arco bag. Kratky owns the smaller version, and it’s a true magnet for compliments. Oozing quiet luxury, it’s the kind of bag that will never go out of style, look good with every outfit, and always feel elegant. Kratky has also noticed that the lambskin leather used by Bottega somehow exceeds other designer labels as well, feeling extra soft and smooth. With a height of 14 inches and a width of 18 inches, it’s big enough to even fit a 16-inch laptop. Material: Lambskin | Straps and Handles: Top handles | Closure: None Best Mini Everlane The Italian Leather Mini Studio Bag Credit: Everlane $198 $139 at Everlane.com Why We Love It: It’s small yet functional, and the crossbody strap is comfortable. Worth Noting: The suede lining is difficult to clean. Dubbed as a “mini”, this Everlane bag is still large enough for carrying your everyday essentials, like a water bottle or notebook. (A mini tote bag should still be functional.) When we tried it on at the store, we found the fabric shoulder strap to be a nice touch for crossbody wear, and the snap closure kept contents secure even while bending over. It does only have one front pocket, but it’s certainly roomy enough for larger items, like a phone or tablet. And unlike most leather bags, it felt relatively scuff-resistant and seemed as though it wouldn’t stain or discolor in a surprise thunderstorm. Our one complaint, however, would be the microsuede lining. It gives the bag an unfinished feel—as opposed to fabric—and can be difficult to clean. Material: Leather, polyester | Straps and Handles: Crossbody strap | Closure: Snap Best Leather Madewell Transport Tote Credit: Amazon $188 $113 at Amazon View on Madewell.com Why We Love It: The durable leather can last decades.Worth Noting: It can feel heavy when full. This Madewell bag has been in our editor’s possession for nearly a decade now, and while it does look worn in, it has held up impressively well through a substantial amount of abuse. It’s one of the brand’s longtime best sellers and has an interior and exterior pocket to keep essentials close at hand, and a zippered closure that makes it excellent for travel. It does tend to get heavy when overfilled, so we recommend using the crossbody strap for more comfortable carrying. Material: Leather | Straps and Handles: Shoulder straps, crossbody strap | Closure: Zipper Best for the Beach Weezie Beach Bag Credit: Weezie View on Weezietowels.com Why We Love It: The terrycloth material is a great option for the beach. Worth Noting: You can’t zip the bag closed. We've brought many tote bags to the beach so far, but none have been as perfectly designed for the ocean like this one from Weezie. Although the exact beach bag we owned from the brand is now discontinued, this is a fine alternative, especially when you consider you can get it customized. The exterior is made of terry fabric, not unlike your beach towel, which makes it more friendly against the sand. There is plenty of room in this tote for towels, water bottles, books, and more. Our biggest fear is losing our keys or phone at the beach, so thankfully, the zippered compartment allowed us to secure our valuables. The only con truly is that we couldn't zip the top closed, which could have added a layer of security. Material: Terrycloth | Straps and Handles: Shoulder straps | Closure: Open Best for Travel Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Tote Bag Credit: Patagonia View on Patagonia.com View on REI View on Mountainsportsflagstaff.com Why We Love It: There’s a compartment for just about everything.Worth Noting: The top zip doesn’t close all the way. Two things that are always lacking during travel: time and luggage space. Patagonia understood this obstacle and created the perfect bag designed to save you a little bit of both. It's compartment galore in this tote—there are pockets for your laptop, passport, water bottle, phone, and even a key-strap on the exterior zipped pocket. You won't be caught rummaging around to find your documents and papers as you're rushed through security—everything is exactly where you put it. On top of that, each compartment is padded, so valuables are protected from any kind of pushing and shoving as well. Add in the luggage sleeve, and it's destined to become your favorite travel companion. Material: Recycled polyester | Straps and Handles: Top handle, shoulder straps | Closure: Zipper What to Keep In Mind Material: While leather bags can provide more structure than relaxed nylon or cotton, they’re also much (much) heavier. If you’re commuting, traveling, or carrying your tote for long stretches, you may want something lighter, like canvas, cotton, or polyester. Leather or structured materials tend to work best for office settings or polished everyday wear, while softer fabrics are better suited for casual use, errands, or beach days. For Bofshever, a sturdy material is not negotiable and requires her bags to be quite utilitarian. Sustainability: Organic cotton, canvas, and recycled materials like polyester or nylon are generally more eco-friendly than conventional fabrics, which often use more water and energy to produce. Canvas is a popular pick for everyday and travel totes because it’s durable and reusable, though its impact depends on whether it’s made from conventional or organic cotton. Leather can last for years—making it a solid investment piece for work or daily use—but comes with a higher environmental footprint, while newly made (non-recycled) synthetics are typically derived from fossil fuels and can be harder to break down—so it’s worth looking for recycled options or brands that are upfront about how their bags are made. Function: Anyone looking to carry a lot of stuff—like a laptop, water bottle, and daily essentials—should consider an extra-large tote, especially for work or travel. For beach days, workouts, or outdoor use, look for something lightweight and breathable so sand, moisture, or sweat don’t get trapped inside. If you prefer everything in its place, opt for a tote with compartments or interior pockets, which are especially helpful for commuting, parenting, or staying organized on the go. Bofshever says that she needs a tote bag to be “large enough to carry a laptop, something fit for travel, or (compartmentalized enough to) put my kid’s toys in.” Straps: Because totes bags are designed to be worn over the shoulder, the straps are one of the most important features. Before purchasing a bag, examine the straps to ensure the stitching is high quality and secure—i.e., the straps won't break when you've loaded your tote to the brim. The wider the straps, the better they distribute weight, so look for totes with wide straps if you don't want them digging into your shoulders during long commutes or busy days out. For extra versatility, look for totes with adjustable straps and/or detachable ones to wear crossbody. Closure: Not all totes come with closures, so consider how and where you’ll be using yours. Open-top designs are great for easy access at the beach or running errands, but for commuting, travel, or crowded spaces, a zip or magnetic closure can help keep your belongings secure. This is especially useful if you’re carrying valuables like a laptop, wallet, or passport. The Right Tote Makes Everything Easier The totes in this list prove that one bag can truly do it all, as long as it fits your style and routine. The editors and experts we spoke to consistently favored styles that balance space, structure, and comfort, whether that shows up in a lightweight, packable option like Baggu or Longchamp for travel, a polished carryall from Mansur Gavriel or Cuyana for work and everyday use, or an ultra-durable classic like L.L.Bean for hauling heavier loads. Details like compartments, reinforced straps, and secure closures came up again and again as the features that make a tote not just functional, but easy to rely on. Ultimately, the best tote is the one that fits seamlessly into your day. As Bofshever noted, it should be large enough and practical enough to handle whatever you need to carry, whether that is a laptop, gym clothes, or your kid’s toys. From beach-ready picks like Weezie to elevated investment bags like Bottega Veneta, each option on this list earns its place by solving a specific need, making it easier to find the one you'll reach for every day. Your Questions, Answered What's the most durable material for a tote bag? The durability of your bag will depend on several factors, including frequency of wear, the material, and how the bag is stored when not in use. Generally, leather and canvas are the most durable and can withstand several years (if not decades) with proper care. Of the two, canvas totes are easier to repair should the bag become ripped, stained, or torn. How do you wash a tote bag? No matter the material, it’s best to first check the care tag on your tote before washing. Most leather bags will require professional cleaning and should not be wiped with or submerged in water. (If you’re just trying to buff out scuffs, however, you can try a leather conditioner.) Cotton and nylon totes are generally easy to care for, and can be hand-washed with a gentle detergent. Machine drying totes is not recommended, as this can weaken the fabric and cause shrinkage. What bags are celebrities carrying? Bofshever, who has styled celebrities like Brittany Snow, says that slouchy bags like this option from Toteme are popular right now. Why Shop With Us Bianca Kratky is a former writer who covered fashion and beauty. Leah Muncy is a contributing writer and an accomplished journalist covering shopping and culture with bylines in New York Magazine, Architectural Digest, and more. Together, they researched what to look for in a high-quality tote bag and interviewed a pair of experts: Gracie Wiener runs a tote bag embroidery business.Katie Bofshever is a Los Angeles-based celebrity stylist. Read more: Fashion Accessories