While plain canvas totes can carry your personal items in a pinch, they don’t have the allure or craftsmanship of designer tote bags. Though major investments, designer tote bags aren’t just carryalls. They can also transform any outfit — adding a touch of personality and elegance — and because they’re high-quality, they’ll become wardrobe staples that last for years.
The thing is, with so many designer tote bag options out there it can be difficult to figure out what’s worth your money, and what’s just worth the logo. That’s why we spoke to three New York City-based stylists for their recommendations. Along the way, we also considered practicality, durability, price, and of course, style, to bring you a curated list of the best designer tote bags that don’t compromise on function.
Cuyana
What We Love: High-quality leather at a great price.
What We Don’t Love: Internal organizers and accessories must be purchased separately.
Content creator and creative consultant Coco Bassey calls this leather option “the perfect tote, made for a New York City work commute.” This tote bag was made to fit a 16-inch laptop — a great accessory for all those who carry theirs on a commute or often to meetings. The 9-inch strap drop allows the wearer to carry comfortably on the arm or shoulder. The snap closure will keep everything secure inside, and there is also an interior pocket for the little extras you need to have readily on hand — like a wallet, cell phone, and keys. D rings are built-in, allowing you to purchase crossbody straps and other accessories to compliment the style.
“Cuyana bags are made from really high-quality leather that’s still soft to the touch, and the lack of a loud, logo print gives the tote bag a minimal touch that puts the focus on quality over brand name,” she tells InStyle.
Material: Leather | Size: 15 (W) x 10.5 (H) x 5 (D) inches | Closure: Snap | Colors: 3
Amazon
What We Love: The tubular straps are made from leather.
What We Don’t Love: Only one color way.
The softly curved silhouette of this tote gives it a different feel from the rest on our list. The almond-shaped handles made from ultra-soft leather won’t dig into the shoulder blades while carrying. Your belongings will be kept secure with a top-snap, magnetic closure and there is also one interior pocket that is easily accessible for grab-and-go items. This tote can be worn on a busy workday with your favorite suit and head straight to happy hour after, without looking frumpy or out of place in a casual setting. “This is a perfect size bag that is versatile from day to night,” says stylist Laynie Rouch.
Material: Leather | Size: 17 (W) x 14.25 (H) x 3.25 (D) inches | Closure: Magnetic | Colors: 1
Nordstrom
What We Love: The large, structured shape.
What We Don’t Love: There’s no truly secure top closure.
“Proenza Schouler is a go-to brand I recommend to clients for the relatively wider range in price point without sacrificing quality or original design,” personal shopper and stylist Camille Guidry says. “This tote is structured enough to stand by itself and has a lighter interior making locating the contents in the tote bag much easier.” Featuring an 11-inch strap drop, this tote will rest easy on your shoulder for a long day of errands, meetings, and more. The topstitched straps add a bit of designer flair, as does the small, detachable pouch that can be clipped on and off. Inside you will find an additional zippered pocket for small necessities. Guidry recommends this bag as an easy option for running errands or packing up for a quick weekend trip. Whether you choose beige or black, this one will go with everything in your closet.
Material: Leather | Size: 12 (W) x 12 (H) x 7.5 (D) inches | Closure: Bridge-clip | Colors: 2
Shopbop
What We Love: The unique, tie-dye fabrication.
What We Don’t Love: There isn’t a top closure.
Whether you’re a denim aficionado or not, there is something special about this tote from Acne Studios, a brand renowned for its jeans. “You can never go wrong with denim,” says Rouch. “This tote will instantly upgrade the cool factor on your outfit.” The soft and durable fabric is also machine washable, an advantage the leather options don’t offer. This is not your basic fabric tote though, either. You can count on Acne Studios to round out the unique details with a clear logo pocket that allows you to customize with an ID, commuter pass, or other form of contact, as well as a metal side ring made for clipping your keys so they don’t get lost in the mix. The thicker straps have a 8.5-inch drop so comfort was also considered in the design of this denim bag. Bring on your next farmer’s market run, work commute, or gym run.
Material: Denim | Size: 16 (W) x 13 (H) x 5.5 (D) inches | Closure: None | Colors: 1
Bottega Veneta
What We Love: The house’s signature leather weaving technique.
What We Don’t Love: The shorter, 4-inch handle drop.
“I tried this bag last time I was in Milan, and it’s been on my mind ever since,” Bassey explains. “Whenever I’m shopping around for designer bags, I always come back to Bottega Veneta because the high quality always makes them well worth the investment.” Since the ’60s, Bottega Veneta has been crafting fine leather goods the Italian way. Its intrecciato technique is world-renowned, defined by the woven strips of leather, that create a basket weave effect. Although an investment, it’s worth every penny for the labor and handmade quality that goes into each bag. These bags only get better with time, and also keep a high resale value. The soft, slouchy shape will never go out of style, either, and fits plenty inside.
Material: Leather | Size: 22.4 (W) x 12.4 (H) x 4.3 (D) inches | Closure: Magnetic | Colors: 3
Cuyana
What We Love: The tall, vertical length for carrying laptops.
What We Don’t Love: The two sets of built-in straps were bothersome to some reviewers.
Another expert recommended Cuyana as a go-to, but instead called out the Tall Leather Easy Tote. “This bag serves as a great example of a foundational staple wardrobe addition,” says Guidry. “The design includes straps that will securely fit over your shoulders and the interior capacity is large enough to fit laptops, making it great to use professionally.” Reviewers love this long shape for carrying laptops (fits 15-inch shapes) and more. “The material is a high quality, black leather, and there are no distracting design details, making it easy to style with so many different looks,” Guidry notes. Featuring two pairs of straps — a 6- and a 10-inch drop — you can carry by a shorter handle or traditional shoulder length. The bottom of the bag has a sturdy, flat base to add extra structure to the fluid silhouette as well.
Material: Leather | Size: 11.5 (W) x 15 (H) x 5 (D) inches | Closure: None | Colors: 2
Saks Fifth Avenue
What We Love: The modern, single-shoulder strap design.
What We Don’t Love: The closure might not contain belongings well.
Fans of Cult Gaia flock to the brand for its vibrant, funky designs. Although this bag takes more of a classic approach with its neutral color options and smooth leather facade, the artful shape makes it unique. “This shape is so fun, a perfect mix of style and function,” says Rouch. “I also love that the strap is adjustable for convertible wear.” The rounded shape has a flat bottom that allows it to stand up on its own, and unlike most tote bags, this just features one single shoulder strap. This thick, buckle strap is adjustable to find the perfect fit with your body. Choose from either a mushroom, beige gray shade, or classic black for optimal styling opportunities, since these will be able to be mixed and matched with anything in your wardrobe.
Material: Cow leather, polyurethane | Size: 23.5 (W) x 16.3 (H) x 7.4 (D) inches | Closure: Snap | Colors: 2
Saks Fifth Avenue
What We Love: The generous, oversized shape.
What We Don’t Love: No interior lining.
“This is another spacious tote bag pick, that’s perfect for warm weather holidays,” says Bassey. “The raffia material makes it the perfect for a waterside companion, and it’s big enough to carry all the essentials — books, beach towels, sunscreen, water bottles, and more.” Having personally purchased this over the summer, she can confirm it was the perfect beach bag. The mix of sturdy, woven raffia and leather straps makes this one even better than your run-of-the-mill beach bag. The textured straw does not require a lot of care, so sun, water, and sand won’t be problematic. There are also two ways to carry — with a long, shoulder strap and a short handle. The bases are covered.
Material: Raffia, leather | Size: 15 (W) x 13 (H) x 10 (D) inches | Closure: Clasp | Colors: 3
Nordstrom
What We Love: The canvas fabrication is easier to clean.
What We Don’t Love: No slot on the back to slide over your roll-on.
“For travel purposes, a larger, weekender-style tote bag is a great option,” Guidry says. Her pick is this canvas and leather option from Longchamp. “[It’s] an established brand so the quality can be trusted,” she says. “The black canvas is flexible for packing different-sized items but also hiding scuffs or markings. It is more of a classic style, serving as a great start when considering different options.” Both roomy and minimalistic in design, it’s big enough for a weekend adventure but can be used as your gym bag on weekdays too to stow a change of clothes, your laptop, and other necessities.
Material: Canvas, leather | Size: 18 (W) x 14 (H) x 9 (D) inches | Closure: Top zip with snap | Colors: 1
Bergdorf Goodman
What We Love: The fresh, modern shape and design.
What We Don’t Love: The khaki canvas might show dirt and markings easily.
Hereu is an accessory brand that is made in Spain, using old-world construction techniques in family-run production facilities. Their impeccable quality and craft make this one designer that is at the top of our wish list. “The craftsmanship on Hereu products is next level,” says Rouch. “I love the mix of leather and canvas on this tote.” This large canvas bag is made from premium canvas and trimmed with leather piping and a large handle. The roomy interior has an open top that can be closed with leather tie strips and there is even a shoulder strap included, should you like to go hands-free. Inside you will find a patch interior pocket for extra storage and a lining of natural cotton canvas.
Material: Canvas with leather trim | Size: 26 (W) x 15 (H) x 9.8 (D) inches | Closure: Tie | Colors: 1
Nordstrom
What We Love: The roomy shape and minimal design.
What We Don’t Love: No top closure.
Tory Burch’s McGraw tote has been a signature style for a while. Thanks to a clean, minimal design without lots of frills and add-ons, customers have loved the roomy size and the soft flexibility of the leather. A simple stitched logo adorns the exterior, giving this bag that designer logo touch, but in a very subtle way. Double handles (with a 10-inch handle drop) hold the spacious compartment that can tote a 15-inch laptop and more. The interior has a microfiber lining that gives off a suede-like finish, while a hanging pocket separates smaller personal items from the large compartment. The final, finishing touch includes a leather tab with dog-clip closure.
Material: Leather | Size: 14 (W) x 11.5 (H) x 5 (D) inches | Closure: Clasp | Colors: 2
Sezane
What We Love: The smooth, leather sliding handles.
What We Don’t Love: There are no inside pockets.
Get the effortless French look with this tote bag from Sézane that was made for those 12-hour days when you have to carry your whole world in one place. Made in a Portuguese factory, the brand is a Certified B Corporation, so sustainability is very much top of mind in the production processes. The stiff leather gives shape to the oversized silhouette, ensuring long-term durability as you load up your belongings day after day. We love the sliding handles on this design, something entirely different from the rest, which helps to keep straps in place effortlessly while carrying on the shoulder. Carry it with everything from a wool coat in the winter to a white sundress come summer.
Material: Leather | Size: 18.1 (W) x 11.8 (H) x 5.5 (D) inches | Closure: None | Colors: 2
Shopbop
What We Love: The dual-compartment design.
What We Don’t Love: The clay color may show damage more easily than others.
Each of our experts called out a favorite Proenza Schouler White Label bag, making it a sure choice brand to rely on for totes. For Rouch, it’s this lush leather tote. “This bag is brilliantly designed with two components, made in a buttery soft calfskin,” she says. “This bag is luxe and functional.” The beauty of this tote is the two-pocket interior, allowing you to separate your belongings. Put your laptop on one side, and your wallet and other personal items on the other. There is also an extra zip compartment as well for the little extras. The generous, 10.75-inch strap drop will ensure carrying all the weight on the shoulder is no problem and it can fit over a coat. Soft and smooth leather gives this bag its sleek look.
Material: Leather | Size: 15.75 (W) x 15 (H) x .75 (D) inches | Closure: Tie | Colors: 1
Nordstrom
What We Love: The zipper top closure keeps belongings safe.
What We Don’t Love: Some customers don’t like the stiffness of the leather.
Mansur Gavriel’s tote bags are a thing. You’ve probably seen one of the brand’s simple handbag designs carried by Katie Holmes or Taylor Swift. One of its customer favorites is most definitely the zip tote. Made from saffiano leather, this particular stiffer type of leather has a cross-hatched finish, making it scratch-resistant and extremely durable. This smaller size of the zip tote surprisingly packs a lot — including, a 13-inch laptop and all the on-the-go essentials. The 8.5-inch strap drop allows the double handles to be carried on the top of the shoulder or rest easily on the arm. It’s also extremely lightweight, only weighing 1.4 pounds, so won’t weigh you down too cumbersomely. Inside, there is even a little zippered pocket for more organization. This bag will surely become an everyday choice to carry your belongings in style, safely and securely.
Material: Leather | Size: 12.5 (W) x 10 (H) x 4 (D) | Closure: Top zip | Colors: 8
Amazon
What We Love: The fuzzy, sherpa exterior.
What We Don’t Love: Ecru colorway might show markings more easily.
Who doesn’t love a cozy moment? For winter adventures and days in the snow, we will be leaning on this Vanessa Bruno quilted tote. Made from 100 percent sherpa with leather straps, it’s both stylish and practical for those cold days — and to break up the dark winter palettes. The 6.75-inch handle drop means it’s best for hanging over the arm or carrying as a top handle, but the roomy interior gives lots of space to place all your belongings. Whether you’re heading to a snowy, ski weekend and need a little carryall or you are running to meetings in the city, this will add a dose of whimsy to any look. Whether it be a tailored, cashmere coat, a sporty puffer, or even just an alpine knit, complete your winter style with this easy tote bag.
Material: Sherpa | Size: 17 (W) x 12 (H) x 7 (D) | Closure: None | Colors: 1
Shopbop
What We Love: Easy shape for everyday wear.
What We Don’t Love: The brand recommends avoiding prolonged water exposure.
The best basics are made with the finest quality fabrics in the best production ways possible. This simple leather tote from Loeffler Randall checks these boxes, while not costing a fortune, compared to other luxury brands. The pebbled leather offers a nice texture, a minimal but striking detail that does not go unnoticed. The subtle shape opens from a larger mouth to a smaller bottom, giving it a nice shape. The 9.5-inch strap drop makes it an appropriate hanging length off the shoulder. Inside, the interior features a small, hanging pocket. The stamped logo is very subtle on the front of the bag, for those who prefer not much branding. We would wear this to work with a blazer and trousers, to a workout class with a fleece and our favorite leggings, and a weekend away with a plaid coat, jeans, and boots. The only thing we could wish for is more color options.
Material: Leather | Size: 17 (W) x 15 (H) x 7.5 (D) | Closure: Magnetic | Colors: 2
Neiman Marcus
What We Love: Multiple organizational compartments.
What We Don’t Love: Some reviewers have difficulty with the turn lock.
Sometimes a larger-sized tote is unnecessary. Coach’s Willow bag is a mini tote that surprisingly fits a lot. It’s a great carry-all for everyday essentials, a night out, and more. Everything will remain safe within the turn-lock closure, which opens to reveal two distinct pockets and a zippered center compartment — genius organization on the design part. Keep belongings separated and organized with ease. Carry with either the 4.5-inch handles in the hand or on the arm or use the removable 21.5-inch shoulder strap to wear as a crossbody when you want to go hands-free. The best part is the sleek and chic, croc-embossed leather exterior that will add a polished touch to any outfit.
Material: Leather | Size: 9.5 (W) x 7.8 (H) x 4.3 (D) | Closure: Snap/turn-lock | Colors: 2
Neiman Marcus
What We Love: Canvas is lightweight, yet durable.
What We Don’t Love: Some customers note the color fades quickly.
Reviewers can’t get enough of The Medium Tote from Marc Jacobs. This option is the most recognizable on our list, since it’s the only one with a grand logo being front and center, so if you like a standout designer item but don’t have much budget to spend, this bag will satisfy the designer itch. Designed with both 4-inch top handles and a convertible strap that can open from 18 to 28 inches, it’s a versatile style that makes it easy to find the best strap drop length to fit your needs. The canvas structure also packs flat very easily, making it ideal for storage at home or packing it as a travel companion. Inside, find one zip pocket and two wall pockets to stow your necessities. Choose from four colorways from beige, black, and slate green to a minty-toned chlorophyll. There is something for every personality and preference.
Material: Canvas | Size: 13 (W) x 10 (H) x 7 (D) | Closure: Top zip | Colors: 4
What to Keep in Mind
Strap and Handles
Unanimously, our experts are looking at the strap and handles — a very important part of all tote bags. Bassey is looking at the strap length and thickness whenever she buys a tote. “I definitely need a bag that’ll comfortably fit over my shoulder without digging into my skin,” she says. This is top of mind for Rouch, too. “A design detail that is important to me is strap length, something I can effortlessly swing over my shoulder as I head out for the day,” she adds.
Guidry explains why straps are important to consider when purchasing. “Given the tote bag is typically a larger style than a standard handbag, the straps are an important part in successfully carrying the weight of the bag and its contents,” she says. Depending on how large the tote bag size is and what it will hold if the straps are too short to be carried on the shoulder and must go in the crook of one’s arm, then that might make it unsuitable for everyday use. On the other hand, if the handles are structured and supportive, it’s easy to “avoid deterioration of the material, increase the bag functionality, and convey an aesthetically pleasing personal style,” Guidry adds.
Material
“The material is important for a tote bag to be versatile and really functional for your lifestyle,” says Guidry. “I would suggest choosing genuine leather, avoiding suede, lighter colored canvas, knitted, transparent, or plastic designs.” She notes that suede is a delicate material that requires protection and upkeep. “A high-quality, leather bag will last for years with minimal care required.”
However, soft leather can sometimes be hard to clean and maintain. “I generally prefer a water-resistant, hardier material like coated leather or canvas, over soft leathers, because my tote bags carry a lot of stuff and need to be able to withstand long days out around town,” Bassey says. For Rouch, leather and canvas are also her go-to recommendations. “I love a leather or canvas bag, a combination of function and style for everyday use,” she says.
Design Details
One important design detail is size. “This I find the trickiest,” says Rouch. “I need it large enough to fit my laptop but not too large that things get lost at the bottom.” The other experts have other things on their mind, one being color and pattern. “I like to stick to everyday colors and neutrals for a tote bag that’ll go with almost anything in my closet, so that it’ll make for a good everyday bag,” Bassey suggests. Guidry also recommends going the minimal route. “Avoid patterns, prints, brighter colors and instead consider darker, neutral color shades such as black, a deep chocolate brown, taupe, or a charcoal gray,” she says. She also personally prefers no visible logos or larger hardware. “If you are using the bag professionally or daily, a logo is another way of continuing your personal brand and avoiding assumptions both positive or negative is ideal,” she says. “If you chose a bag for practicality, but it’s not a brand you wouldn’t normally wear or has a strong connotation associated with brand name and logo, it will be a distraction.” To get the most wear as a staple piece, she stresses the importance of clean, minimal designs and letting your style show in another part of your outfit.
Our Questions, Answered
How do you clean tote bags?
Following the brand’s recommendations, or a trusted professional, always comes first and foremost. “If the bag needs further attention, I would research a leather specialist for repairs,” says Guidry. “Alternatively you can contact the brand of the tote bag directly to be advised on cleaning procedures or if they offer in-house cleaning or repair services.” Rouch also recommends asking the store associate before purchasing.
If this is not available, the experts find spot cleaning usually works. “It depends on the material but since I prefer water-resistant materials, I find that there’s not much that a warm, damp washcloth won’t fix,” Bassey says. Similarly, Guidry uses caution at home. “I use a slightly damp, cotton washcloth, even without soap at first to safely test the material.” Then, she runs over the entire outer surface of the tote bag and follows with another clean, dry washcloth to completely dry the bag. “If I’ve traveled with my tote bag, I will use a Lysol or Clorox wipe on the button or handles and immediately dry afterward.”
How do you store tote bags?
Proper storage is important to maintaining the bag’s quality. “I have a dedicated shelf in my closet at home for all of my bigger bags,” Bassey explains. “Some of my foldable totes also get folded into my luggage bags, if I prefer to keep certain ones out of the sun.” Sun damage and exposure are big considerations, as is how they are stacked and placed on shelving. “A shelf in your closet with enough space should be sufficient for tote bag storage,” Guidry says.
But she encourages making sure there is dedicated space. “Having enough space so the handles or shape isn’t compromised or filling the bag with other items also stretching the shape should be avoided,” she says. “Not hanging the bag is also best or else the straps will be stretched out over time.” Another tip is to use those dust bags that come with your designer purchase. “If your tote bag purchase came with a dust bag or any packaging, utilizing this for further protection is preferred,” Guidry says. They are included for a reason.
How do you style a tote bag?
“This depends on the tote bag’s use, keeping your personal style and brand in mind, and keeping the tote bag in alignment with your lifestyle,” says Guidry. “I would recommend keeping things very clean and simple when styling the bag.” (Rouch also agrees with the minimalist styling approach).
“For professional use — loafers, a great, tailored wool pant, classic button-down, and a trench with the tote bag is a great look,” adds Guidry. “If you want to add an extra detail for certain occasions, depending on the material you can add a classic or sentimental broach or tie a silk scarf around one of the handles.” When it comes to travel, she suggests pairing your tote with a luxury cashmere set or matching athleisure with a quality, comfortable sneaker.
Why Shop With Us
Full-time freelance writer and fashion editor Kristina Rutkowski has been covering all things style, trend, and shopping for over 10 years. Living in New York City, she is often able to see and try out brands firsthand, directly through the designer showrooms, which has provided ample research opportunities for this story.
For this story, she also spoke to experts to discuss what to look for when selecting designer tote bags. They included content creator and creative consultant Coco Bassey, personal shopper and stylist Camille Guidry, and stylist Laynie Rouch.
