Name one piece in your wardrobe that outworks your work tote—we'll wait. From gym gear to laptops and the occasional leaky water bottle, your commuting companion has to juggle it all. So naturally, it needs to tick all the boxes: functionality, comfort, and, of course, aesthetics—because you're carrying this thing nearly every day.
That's where our quest for the perfect work bag begins. Whether you're after something large or small, made from buttery-soft leather or lightweight (and spill-proof) nylon, we've combed the web for the best totes, shoulder bags, and hobos built for the job. Go forth and schlep in style.
Urban List’s Top Picks
- Best Organisation, Cuyana System Tote
- Best Lightweight, Longchamp Large Le Pliage Tote
- Best Hobo, Vestirsi Scarlett Black Leather Hobo
- Best Bucket, J.Crew Berkeley Bucket Bag
- Best Small, Toteme T-Lock Bag
- Best Large, A-Esque Grocer Tote Deluxe Dark Brown
- Best Luxury, Longchamp Daylong Bag
- Best Convertible, Bellroy Lite Totepack
- Best Packable, Baggu Standard Bag
- Best Woven, St. Agni Wide Bagu Woven Tote
- Best Canvas, L.L. Bean Boat And Tote
Best Organisation Cuyana System Tote
Designed to work hard, this fully-customisable tote bag will carry you to the office and beyond. Made from luxe double-faced pebbled leather and available in two perfect sizes, it's the ultimate blend of style and functionality.
Thanks to its genius snap system, you can personalise it with all the add-ons you need: think adjustable straps, chic leather pouches for all your essentials, and sleek laptop sleeves that you can carry solo or snap into the tote for extra protection.
Best Lightweight Longchamp Large Le Pliage Tote
A tried and true favourite, no list of the best work bags would be complete without the Longchamp Le Pliage tote. One glance during your daily commute, and you'll spot this iconic bag everywhere—and for good reason. Lightweight and easy to carry, this versatile (and almost cavernous) tote holds everything, including the kitchen sink.
Despite its feather-light design, it’s surprisingly durable, standing up to years of wear and tear, plus the nylon material is a major bonus. Foldable for easy packing, wipeable, and waterproof, it effortlessly doubles as the perfect weekender, shopping tote, or beach bag depending on your needs.
Best Hobo Vestirsi Scarlett Black Leather Hobo
Slouchy and effortlessly cool, a hobo-style bag is perfect for adding a touch of undone edge to your workwear wardrobe. Our top pick? The Scarlett Leather Hobo Bag by Vestirsi.
Handcrafted from luxe pebbled leather, its relaxed shape looks just as chic whether it’s empty or packed to the brim. With a spacious interior, a removable leather pouch, and a magnetic stud closure, this soft yet sturdy Italian leather bag will carry you through the work week with ease.
Best Bucket J.Crew Berkeley Bucket Bag
Classic and timeless, there’s a reason a bucket bag is one of our top choices for the perfect work bag. Roomy enough to fit your laptop without serving briefcase vibes, its soft and slouchy structure effortlessly carries all your essentials while keeping style front and centre.
Plus, we adore the addition of a tie closure for that extra touch of security for your belongings.
Best Small Toteme T-Lock
It’s a tale as old as time: it’s Friday night, and you’re heading straight from the office to the bar without a chance for a bag swap. The solution? The Toteme T-Lock Bag. While it’s on the smaller side for a work bag, it’s perfect for those who don’t regularly carry a laptop or prefer a “second bag” system.
Roomy enough to fit all your daily essentials, this chic workhorse is an all-rounder thanks to its convertible and removable strap. Wear it over the shoulder, across the body, or carry it by hand—whatever suits your needs.
Best Large A-Esque Grocer Tote Deluxe Dark Brown
Ludicrously capacious? This tote is for you. Seriously spacious and oversized while staying super-chic, the Grocer Tote Deluxe by A-Esque is the ultimate fit-everything work bag.
Whether you’re packing an extra pair of shoes or stopping by the supermarket on your way home, this bag can handle it all (and more). The shoulder strap offers the perfect drop for comfortable wear, and the beautiful soft leather provides that perfect lived-in, effortless look.
Best Luxury Longchamp Daylong Bag
Longchamp's new Daylong silouhette is a perfect addition to your lineup for something a little luxe. Inspired by the bowling shape, it's a little sportier than the classic work tote, giving you a powerful edge and elevating any work 'fit.
Best Convertible Bellroy Lite Totepack
Like the Swiss Army knife of bags, this convertible option from Bellroy is a no-brainer for anyone who values functionality above all. Designed to be worn as both a tote and a backpack (thanks to its hideaway straps), you’ll never have to choose between comfort and style.
Made from durable ripstop fabric, the bag is also incredibly lightweight and can be easily folded and packed for travel. Plus, the internal layout will keep you organised with quick-access pockets, a built-in key clip, full zip closure, and a water bottle pocket.
Best Packable Baggu Standard Bag
You might think of this as just an upgraded version of your classic shopping tote, but this bestselling bag is a must-have for any commute. Made from recycled ripstop nylon it's way stronger than you’d expect, capable of carrying the equivalent of three plastic grocery bags.
Designed to be worn over the shoulder or carried by hand, it folds into its own flat and lightweight pouch, making it the perfect stowable “second bag.” Stash it in a smaller handbag and expand it as needed to carry larger items like your laptop, groceries, or gym gear with ease.
Best Woven St. Agni Wide Bagu Woven Tote
Perfectly blending functionality with style, this woven tote from St. Agni checks all the boxes for a stellar work bag.
Featuring comfortable rounded straps and an unlined leather interior, it offers lightweight practicality for daily wear, whether you’re commuting or heading out for the weekend. Plus, the durable hand-woven leather design ensures it will remain a staple in your work wardrobe for years to come.
Best Canvas L.L. Bean Boat And Tote
The L.L. Bean Boat And Tote is the perfect upgrade from your basic canvas tote and truly an "IYKYK" bag. Essentially the equivalent of a Country Road duffle for the Cape Cod set, this tote, first released in 1944, has recently surged in popularity—and for good reason.
Incredibly practical and reasonably priced, its heavy-weight canvas and reinforced handles make it near indestructible, plus it's available in a variety of sizes, colourways, and closure options so you’ll be able to pick the right option to suit your specific schlepping needs. Additionally, you can opt for custom monogramming for an extra-personal (or ironic) touch.
Image credit: Cuyana | Instagram
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