A frantic search for a work badge or loose office keys can feel like rummaging into the abyss, leaving a scratch-ridden laptop as a casualty. Instead, a solid work bag can leave that chaotic energy at the door and put forth a more polished and professional feeling before setting off on your morning commute.
A stylish tote bag for work can inconspicuously fit everything from your flat shoes for the subway or your lunch pail, all while complementing your outfit. Laptop bags feature ingenious organization that keeps your tech secure. Or, go easy on yourself with a laptop backpack that shoulders your computer, books and other miscellaneous items.
1
Best Overall Work Bag
Lux and Nyx Origami Bag
Pros
- Great organization
- Discreet zippered pocket for keys or work badges
Cons
- Short strap handles
Sleek and well-organized, the Lux and Nyx work bag lends a polished look and a spacious design for professionals. We adore its chic origami-shaped silhouette, echoed by a GH editor who enjoyed its “absolutely stunning design and structure.” It features numerous roomy pockets — including a laptop compartment — to store everything from essentials to loose items. Best of all, its discreet zipper pocket in one of the outer compartments makes it easy to stash and retrieve work badges or keys. However, it’s worth noting that the straps are on the shorter side, which can occasionally cause discomfort.
Material: Neoprene | Dimensions: 16” L x 6.5” W x 12.5” H | Laptop size: 15″ | Colors: Black, with gold or silver hardware
2
Best Value Work Bag
EaseGave Laptop Bag
Pros
- Affordable
- Adjustable straps
Cons
- May feel heavy
At long last, an affordable and fashionable laptop bag has arrived — a sentiment shared by more than 5,000 satisfied Amazon reviewers. GH fashion experts admire the stylish stitching and buckle accents. A noteworthy tidbit: Senior Analyst Emma Seymour relied on this laptop bag throughout college, appreciating its structured and professional appearance, which makes it ideal for interviews. It conveniently accommodates laptops up to 15.6 inches in its padded sleeve. However, it’s worth keeping in mind that weighing in at 2.56 lbs, this option may feel heavy to some.
Material: Faux leather | Dimensions: 16.53″ L x 5.1″ W x 12.5″ H | Laptop size: 15″ (larger option is available for 17″ laptops) | Colors: 6, including black and red
3
Best Work Tote Bag
Madewell The Transport Tote
Pros
- Roomy yet structured
- Comes in a variety of sizes and styles
Cons
- Only one small zippered pocket inside
Madewell’s Transport Totes tout a beloved reputation for good reason. The supple leather exterior and roomy interior make them perfect for everyday wear. Executive Director of the GH Institute’s Textiles Lab Lexie Sachs enjoys the tote’s spaciousness and structure, noting its versatility for work and events. “I have other leather totes that are more saggy and flexible, but I like how this one kept its shape,” she says. Available in different sizes and materials, these totes have garnered praise from other GH staffers for retaining their shape even after years of use.
Material: Leather | Dimensions: 14″ L x 6.25″ W x 13.75″ H | Laptop size: 13″ | Colors: Brown, black and black with brown handle
4
Best Large Tote Work Bag
Dagne Dover Daily Tote
Pros
- Thoughtful features like key holder and padded laptop sleeve
- Comes with both small and long handles
Cons
- Can be heavy, per online reviews
Transition seamlessly from work to a workout class with the spacious and well-organized Dagne Dover laptop bag. This massive tote solves the eternal challenge of fitting everything inside without bulk or clutter. It stood out among testers for its impressive number of pockets, plus thoughtful details like an interior water bottle sleeve, key strap, padded laptop sleeve and designated slots for a cell phone and cards. With both small top handles and a longer over-the-shoulder handle, it’s an ideal companion for beach vacations and road trips.
Material: Vegan leather | Dimensions: 15″ L x 5.5″ W x 12.25″ H | Maximum laptop size: 13″ or 16″ options | Colors: Black and tan
5
Most Fashionable Work Bag
Beis The Work Tote
Pros
- Protective metal feet
- Includes a trolley sleeve
Cons
- Slightly thin straps
Highly regarded for its smart design and trendy appeal, the Beis Work Tote repeatedly topped the list among GH staffers’ favorite bags. The structured croc-embossed faux leather gives it a luxurious touch that effortlessly transitions from the office to happy hours. With a boxy design and metal feet for protection, the bag maintains a structured shape that perfectly fits a 13-inch MacBook, while the bag features functional key hooks, pockets and a trolley sleeve. Even after a year, it still looks new, according to Emily Lew, commerce strategist at GH, though the straps are on the thinner side.
Material: Vegan leather | Dimensions: 14.25″ L x 6″ W x 11″ H | Laptop size: 13″ (larger option is available for 16″ laptops) | Colors: 5, including croc and plain styles
6
Best Designer Work Bag
Cuyana System Tote
Pros
- High-end leather
- Customizable options
Cons
- Heavier
- Add-ons cost extra
Cuyana, a trusted leather goods brand, is renowned for its quality sustainable bags our pros can’t get enough of. The System Tote caters to different laptop dimensions and earns nods from GH Textiles Product Analyst Grace Wu for its customizable options, including a tote organizational system, laptop sleeve and monogramming. Testers laud the work bag’s pebbled leather timelessness and functional design: “It always surprises me how protected my laptop feels once I place it in Cuyana’s laptop sleeve, which actually snaps into the bag for a secure fit.” Made from 100% supple Italian leather, the tote leans towards the heavier side.
Material: Italian leather | Dimensions: 13″ L x 13″ W x 10″ H | Laptop size: 13″ or 16″ options | Colors: 10, including dark green and grey
7
Best Work Backpack
CALPAK Kaya Faux Leather Laptop Backpack
Pros
- Very spacious interior
- Includes a trolley sleeve
Cons
- Backpack straps can get uncomfortable over extended time
When you don’t want to shoulder a tote, sling on a fashion-forward work backpack. As one of the brand’s most popular styles, this faux leather Calpak comes highly regarded by Seymour who complimented its attractive appearance and spacious interior, which can accommodate a significant amount without looking like a true travel backpack. The laptop sleeve is housed in a separate compartment to safeguard from scratches caused by loose keys and the like. A great travel companion, it has a trolley sleeve to boot, which allows you to slip it onto luggage handles for convenient travel. Note that the backpack straps are not the most comfortable for prolonged wear. Shop its dozens of colorways here. (We love the Calpak Haven tote, too.)
Material: Faux leather | Dimensions: 15.5″ L x 4.5″ W x 11.5″ H | Laptop size: 15″ | Colors: 21, including light pink to navy
8
Best Zippered Work Bag
Leatherology Soft Zippered Tote
Pros
- Forgiving shape
- Luxury material
Cons
- No built-in laptop compartment
For secure travel on flights or public transit, a zippered top closure is essential. Leatherology is a GH favorite known for high-quality pieces with customization options like hand painting. This non-structured bag comes in seven supple, full-grain leather shades (ranging from neutral to colorful) with a flexible shape that fits larger laptops thanks to its more than 20-inch length. Not to mention, internal compartments keep things organized. Though, you may want to get a separate laptop sleeve since there’s no built-in compartment.
Material: Full grain leather | Dimensions: 20″ L x 5.5″ W x 12.5″ H | Maximum laptop size: 16″ | Colors: 7, including black and lavender
