The 17 Best Work Bags for Women of 2024, According to Our Editors
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From a functional $18 option on Amazon to one of Meghan Markle’s favorites
People / Alli Waataja
Any commuter will tell you that a work bag is more than just a bag; the difference between a mediocre work bag and a great one is, in fact, significant. When you tote around a bag for work, it needs to be durable, easy to organize, able to protect your laptop and other breakables, and have enough room to fit all your day’s essentials — and perhaps even be versatile enough to carry from morning to night. Of course, a bag that’s pretty to look at never hurts either.
“One of the biggest trends I'm seeing regarding work bags is overall versatility of use,” says celebrity stylist Chelsea Volpe. “For example, many working women are using the same bag for their morning workout, office bag, and even transitioning it into their evening bag. A medium to full-size leather tote is a perfect bag to transition from the gym to the office to a happy hour cocktail with friends.”
Our editors came together to round up a series of work bags that we really use and love, as well as other popular picks you should know about. Scroll down to shop the best work bags for women that PEOPLE recommends.
Best Overall: Dagne Dover Signature Legend Tote
Dagne Dover knows how to make a quality bag — which is why you’ll see it appear several times on this list. When it came time to choose the best work bag for women, we compared organization, capacity, materials, versatility, and the overall design of each bag, and the Dagne Dover Signature Tote really held its own in every category.
It’s a stellar medium-sized bag with a padded laptop sleeve (for a 13-inch laptop) and five other pockets to stay organized. It comes with small but meaningful details like a detachable key ring (to avoid digging around in the bottom when you get home) and a neoprene bottle holder to keep your water bottle upright in your bag. The exterior is a coated canvas material that will hold up to scuffs and is mostly water-resistant (the zippered closure helps keep the interior dry on rainy days). It also has a vegan leather trim and is made from eight recycled water bottles, giving it a polished look with eco-friendly benefits.
This bag sits in the middle of the pack in terms of price (capping off around $250) but given its capacity and versatility — this is truly a Mary Poppins bag — we think it’s worthy of your wallet. The design is timeless so it’s not a trend you’ll grow tired of in a year and the quality will last, making this work bag a worthwhile investment.
Dimensions: 13.75 x 4.5 x 11 inches | Material: Coated canvas, vegan leather trim, zinc alloy hardware | Colors: 3 | Storage: 2 sleeves, 4 pockets, and a water bottle holder | Laptop Size: 13-inch
Best Budget: Hoxis Minimalist Clean Cut Pebbled Faux Leather Tote
If you’re looking for a good quality work bag at an affordable price, you can’t beat this option that’s available on Amazon. The Hoxis pebbled faux leather tote has garnered a 5-star rating from more than 2,400 reviewers. That’s proof enough that this work bag is worth it, especially since it costs less than $20.
The faux leather material is easy to clean and the pebbled texture makes it look like real leather. While it’s not lined, it does have a snap closure and even includes a detachable wristlet that’s perfect for goodies like your sunglasses and wallet. While there’s not a lot of interior storage solutions, there is one interior pocket that would be great for storing your keys or any small items you want to keep out from the bottom of the bag. With a 16.5-inch length, it will fit both 13- and 15-inch laptops.
Dimensions: 16.5 x 11.8 x 2.7 inches | Material: Embossed pebbled faux leather | Colors: 14
Best Convertible: Fastfairy 2-in-1 Waterproof Tote Bag Backpack
This highly functional tote bag is what PEOPLE's former Commerce Project Manager Dhara Patel uses to haul around her work items. "I love this tote because, unlike a classic tote, it easily converts to a backpack," says Patel. "I can fit my laptop and Owala water bottle in it, with space to spare for any toiletries or essentials I want to take with me. Plus, it's easy to keep tidy, with two pockets on the inside and a massive one on the outside." Not only that, but the polyester material is waterproof, so rest assured your items will be protected even if you get caught in some rain or spill a bit of water (or coffee, let's be real) on the exterior.
Dimensions: 11 x 3.9 x 15.35 inches | Material: Waterproof polyester | Colors: 6 | Storage: Exterior pocket, key clip, interior laptop sleeve, two interior pockets | Laptop size: 13 to 16 inches
Best for Travel: Béis The Work Tote
This tote from Béis, Shay Mitchell’s travel brand, has a lot going for it: large exterior pockets, two strap lengths, removable shoulder padding, a trolley sleeve, key leash, two water bottle pockets, two laptop sleeves, several interior pockets, and zip closure.
Celebrity stylist Cindy Conroy relies on this tote for her everyday work needs. "I am obsessed with this tote because it meets everything on the preverbal wish list, without compromising on aesthetic," she says. "It has a removable pouch for smaller everyday essentials, the body of the bag is deep enough to fit a laptop comfortably, and it looks stealthily chic while putting in work."
For PEOPLE Senior Commerce Writer Madison Yauger, on the other hand, it's her go-to bag for travel. "I used [this tote] in black for about 10 months and I loved it (still do), but I had the large size and it got to be a bit cumbersome for lugging around the city," she says. "That said, it's my favorite work bag to bring on trips, because it holds two laptops, has a sleek (and surprisingly sturdy) design, and comes with a trolley sleeve so you can throw it on your suitcase when traveling."
Dimensions: 14.25 x 11 x 6 inches | Material: Polyester, faux leather, recycled polyester | Colors: 8 | Laptop size: 13 to 16 inches
Best Water-Resistant: Quince Revive Nylon Large Tote
Many don't associate "durable" and "water-resistant" with a chic work bag, but this Quince nylon tote proves that thinking wrong. We love Quince because they offer high-quality goods (made in the same factories as some designer brands) at non-luxury prices. For example, this $90 bag would traditionally be marked up to around $200, according to the brand. Plus, it offers free shipping and 365-day returns, which is a much longer return period than most other online retailers.
Made from precisely 27 plastic water bottles with recycled leather trim, this bag features spacious storage so you can fit everything you need, from your 13- or 15-inch laptop to your reusable water bottle, and so much more. In addition to the various pockets and compartments, the laptop sleeve is padded to keep it safe and sound on your commute. And, of course, the nylon material is water resistant and durable, so it's bound to last even in the wettest of seasons.
Dimensions: 13 x 17 x 5 inches | Material: Nylon made from recycled plastic water bottles, recycled leather trim | Colors: 5 | Storage: 2 exterior slip pockets, two interior slip pockets, 1 internal zip pocket, key ring holder | Laptop size: 13 to 15 inches
Best Organization: Calpak Haven Laptop Tote Bag
The Calpak Haven Laptop Bag is for the organized-obsessed. Let us walk you through why. In addition to the two strap options (one is removable), the tote comes with a removable interior insert that can house everything you need to tote with you.
Designed with one big pocket for a 13- or 15-inch laptop or iPad, three small interior pockets, and four exterior pockets, the insert is a dream (and comes with the bag, not sold separately). The insert snaps into place inside the tote so everything stays safe and secure. Not to mention it’s great for traveling, too, thanks to the luggage sleeve that makes it easy to slip onto your suitcase.
Dimensions: 16 x 12.5 x 5 inches | Material: Polyurethane, polyester | Colors: 9
Related: The Best Carry-On Luggage of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Best Machine-Washable: Rothy’s The Lightweight Tote
If your commute sees a lot of weather and grime (whether from public transit or the outdoors), we recommend investing in a high-quality tote that’s machine-washable — and no one does machine-washable better than Rothy’s.
Not only is it great for the office thanks to its roomy interior, durable exterior, and helpful key ring, but it’s also a tote that’s equally great for everyday errands and weekend trips. So while the price may be high for some, you can get a lot of use out of this lightweight, versatile bag (that comes in 17 colors and prints).
Dimensions: 13.6 x 12.8 x 6.7 inches | Material: Thread made from ocean-bound marine plastic | Colors: 17
Best Backpack: Dagne Dover Dakota Backpack
Dagne Dover bags are known for their durable neoprene and mesh material and impressive waterproof capabilities. The medium-sized Dover Backpack packs a lot of punch and is also a favorite of Yauger. "Between the waterproof material and spacious interior, the Dagne Dover backpack is the best work bag for commutes," she explains.
"It has lots of organization options for storing keys, pens, a planner, etc., as well as a laptop sleeve, cushioned straps, and a few subtle color options." It's been Yauger's go-to for the last two years and has yet to show any visible signs of wear. The medium size fits most 13-inch laptops, while the large size fits most laptops up to 16 inches.
Dimensions: 5 x 11.5 x 17 inches (medium) | Material: Premium neoprene with Repreve lining (made from recycled plastic bottles) | Colors: 8 | Laptop size: 13 to 16 inches
Related: The 12 Best Work Shoes for Women of 2024, Starting at $19
Best Leather: Cuyana Classic Easy Tote
Cuyana has a long list of celebrity fans from Meghan Markle to Jessica Alba, and it’s easy to see why. The brand launched the Easy Tote last year, describing it as a bag that’s “designed to go everywhere.” Its Italian leather construction (which is Leather Working Group certified, a.k.a. it's tanned responsibly) is lightweight and unstructured, but the bag is still designed with plenty of function.
Case in point: The double handles with different lengths allow you to switch from shoulder to handheld easily; a hanging interior wall pocket can act as a catch-all for all your small necessities, phone, and wallet; the roomy interior can hold all your daily essentials, including your laptop, water bottle, books, travel makeup bag, chargers, and more. It’s available in two sizes (classic or tall), seven colors, and there’s even a personalization option. If you’re especially organized, you can separately purchase a matching Airpod case, laptop sleeve, or inner pouch insert.
Dimensions: 12.3 x 21.6 x 5.1 inches | Material: Italian leather, microsuede interior | Colors: 9 | Storage: Interior wall pocket | Laptop size: 13 to 16 inches
Best Vegan Leather: Freja New York Paloma Tote
Freja NYC's Paloma Tote is a beautifully designed option made from premium vegan leather and vegan microsuede. In fact, you'll be surprised it's vegan at all — it looks, feels, and smells like genuine leather.
Reals touts this tote as her main office work bag, due to the ample compartment and pocket storage space and professional-looking design. "I can pack everything I need for the day in this, which usually includes my laptop, several notebooks, SPF makeup for touch-ups, sunglasses, wallet, phone, various charges, a water bottle, and my wireless headphones — that's just counting the major items," she says. "I do appreciate how premium it looks and feels. The price may be relatively higher than other totes I use for work, but you do indeed get what you pay for."
Dimensions: 3 (base) x 10 x 5 inches | Material: Vegan ultrafiber leather with vegan microsuede lining | Colors: Latte, Cappuccino, Taupe, Pecan, Black | Storage: 3 main compartments, 5 interior pockets (one zipped pocket), water bottle access | Laptop size: 13 inches
Related: The 7 Best Toiletry Bags, Tested and Reviewed
Best Lightweight: MZ Wallace Medium Metro Deluxe Tote
Despite being super lightweight, this MZ Wallace tote doesn't sacrifice durability or quality. In fact, it's functionality at its finest. Featuring a pass-through trolley sleeve that doubles as an exterior pocket when not in use, as well as four other exterior pockets, six interior pockets, a detachable pouch and a key ring, you won't lack places to put your wireless headphones and office essentials.
Perhaps the "it" work bag of the New York City subway, we especially love this one for its barely-there feel. Some other bags feel a bit clunky and are heavy before you even add anything to them — which doesn't fare well for any type of commute; impressively, this only weighs 1.6 lbs. And thanks to the removable strap, you can choose to tote it around as either a crossbody or shoulder bag.
This MZ Wallace classic comes in an array of colors but is inclusive of bold hues, in addition to classic neutrals. "Thankfully amongst the sea of homogeneous black and navy work totes, we are now seeing a color wheel explosion," Conroy tells PEOPLE. "If you travel the gradient scale of color and texture, you’ll see work bags available in hues like burnt saffron yellow, caramel embossed croc, or intense pomegranate."
Dimensions: 11.6 × 9.4 × 12.7 inches | Material: Rec Oxford, natural Italian leather lining | Colors: 17 | Storage: 5 exterior pockets, 6 interior pockets, 1 detachable pouch, key ring | Laptop size: 13 inches
Best Adjustable: Nubily Laptop Bag
Laptop bags can get kind of heavy, so having dual strap options — especially those with adjustable and detachable options — can help literally shoulder that weight. The Nubily Laptop Bag is only $38 on Amazon and offers a huge amount of space with versatile strap options to make your commute more comfortable. You can opt for the standard shoulder straps or clip on a cross-body strap to distribute the bag’s weight a bit more. This is an especially great option in winter when shoulder bags tend to slide off due to bulky outerwear like puffer jackets.
Plus, the bag has no shortage of compartments, fitting up to a 15.6-inch laptop and outfitted with eight pockets and sleeves to organize everything you bring to the office. It has a zippered close and is made from a durable polyurethane leather. And if you like color, there are 14 options to choose from.
Dimensions: 16.7 x 45.7 x 12.6 inches | Material: Polyurethane leather and polyester lining | Colors: 18 | Laptop Size: Up to 15.6 inches
Best Bucket Bag: Madewell The Transport Bucket Bag
For those who like to work from a coffee shop or other venue where you just need a few essentials, the Madewell Transport Bucket Bag is a stylish office on the go. The silhouette of this bag is simpler than others on our list with one main “bucket” pouch and an interior zipper pocket. That said, it easily carries a laptop — Yauger has used this bag many times to bring her laptop to coffee shops with a notebook and a few pens.
It has such a sleek design and is easy to carry, especially with the crossbody strap. And if you want to swap it into your everyday purse rotation, it’s versatile enough for daily usage too. The leather is soft and durable, and the two color varieties are stunning: black and mahogany.
Dimensions: 13.75 x 4.5 x 11 inches | Material: Leather | Colors: 2
Best Investment: Dagne Dover Allyn Leather Tote
Similar to our best overall, this Dagne Dover tote is overflowing with versatility. It has so many compartments like a laptop sleeve, phone and wallet pockets, pen holders, a carry-all pocket, and one for a full size Swell bottle. This bag can go from the office to the gym and anywhere in between. It can hold a lot which is great for consolidating on the go, especially for those who commute around a city.
And the construction is made with quality materials that justify the cost. It has a pebbled leather exterior that will hold up against a lot of use, a recycled polyester interior, and a magnetic closure to seal the bag. We love the chic neutral shade options like black, dark and light gray. And since it’s available in two sizes you can find a good option for your storage needs.
Sizes: Medium, Large | Dimensions: 13.5 x 4.75 x 12.25 inches, 14.25 x 7 x 13 inches, respectively | Material: Genuine-pebbled leather exterior, recycled polyester interior, zinc alloy hardware | Colors: 3 | Laptop Size: 13-inch, 15-inch respectively
Best Canvas: Charles & Keith Shalia Large Double Handle Tote Bag
If you value fashion as much as function, the Charles & Keith Shalia Large Double Handle Tote Bag was made for you. This is a work bag you can easily take from the office to happy hour or date night, with the contrasting faux leather and cream canvas coming together for a look that’s as chic as it is timeless. And while the exterior is a cream canvas, the design can be shown off year-round. But let’s not forget its functional features.
This tote bag includes an accessible exterior pocket perfect for keys, your wallet, and/or phone, as well as an interior wall zippered pocket as well. It easily fits our laptop, snacks, water bottle, headphones, and knick-knacks despite its smaller size. And I love that there’s two strap options so you can choose to carry it on your shoulder or your arm.
Dimensions: 4.72 x 15 x 11 inches | Material: Faux leather and canvas | Colors: Multi, Cognac, Beige, and Black
Best with USB Charging Port: Lovevook Laptop Bag
Whether you’ve got a long commute or not, it doesn’t hurt to purchase a work bag that comes with a built-in USB charging port. The Lovevook Laptop Bag has that plus much more. Tons of interior pockets? Check. Anti-theft pocket? Adjustable shoulder strap? Laptop sleeve? Check, check, and check. What makes it even better is that it’s available on Amazon for under $50.
Dimensions: 17 x 6.5 x 11.2 inches | Material: Polyester and faux leather | Colors: 9
Best Compact: Telfar Medium Shopper Bag
If you look around the desks at our office, you’ll notice more than a few of the classic Telfar Medium Shopper Bags. And for good reason: This medium-sized tote is quite compact despite fitting a laptop and other office essentials, so it’s a solid choice for commutes. The dual strap options (cross-body and shoulder) make for easy wear and the nylon material has an almost puffer-like appearance and feel that holds up to extensive use.
The bag is a known favorite of Oprah’s as well as Tracee Ellis Ross — though a handful of celebrities have been seen carrying bags from this popular Black-owned brand. It comes with a laptop sleeve and one interior zipper pocket (ideal for your favorite lip balm or hand cream. Plus, there’s a magnetic closure to keep all of your items in place.
Dimensions: 11.25 x 15 x 5 inches | Material: Nylon exterior and polyester interior | Colors: Black, chocolate, cream, gray, bubblegum, red, yellow, green, painter’s tape
How to Pick the Right Work Bag
Construction
“Another important consideration is material and durability,” says Volpe. “A cloth bag won't survive a morning coffee spill or torrential downpour en route to the office. Consider materials like leather, which is luxe, durable and looks elevated for an important meeting with your boss. We particularly love the Cuyana Classic Easy Tote, but if you prefer faux leather, the Freja New York Paloma Tote offers a luxury alternative. Another great material is polyester, which you can often throw in the wash or hand clean with a basic soft cloth. Polyester and other synthetic materials are also less expensive than the more upscale leather bag for the budget conscious buyer. Finally, a waxed or coated canvas bag is a great and durable option for your everyday casual work bag.”
Functional Features
“When searching for the perfect work bag, your first priority should be functionality,” explains Volpe. “Depending on the type of work you do, your needs will likely be different. Overall, I enjoy a bag with easy to access compartments. No one wants to be fishing around their work bag for an important document, your keys, wallet or iPhone.”
Additionally, think of features you’ll need specifically on your commute and at the office. Do you have a longer commute and typically need to charge your devices? You might want to consider the Lovevook Laptop Bag for Women, which features a built-in USB charging port.
Not Too Small, But Not Too Large
Volpe explains that size is an important factor, as well, depending on how much you need to pack for the day. “A work bag that is too large will be difficult to schlep on your morning commute, however something too compact won't fit your laptop. for example,” says Volpe. “A medium-size, well-compartmentalized bag with a laptop sleeve is always a win.” Some medium-size bags with plenty of compartments and a laptop sleeve include the Nubily Laptop Bag for Women and the Calpak Haven Laptop Bag.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which work bag is the best?
According to our expertise and research, the best work bag for women is the Dagne Dover Signature Tote because of its functional design, long-term durability, sleek look, and shocking amount of space considering the compact size. It’s a bag you can take from day to night — fitting essentials for work, the gym, and even after-work events. It’s competitively priced against our other top picks, but if it’s too expensive for your budget, then consider the Quince Revive Nylon Large Tote which shares several of the same qualities but for under $100.
Are expensive work bags worth it?
Typically bags that are more expensive are made with higher quality materials, but not always. Sometimes you’re paying for the extra storage and functional bells and whistles, or you could just be paying for the brand name. However, the Dagne Dover Allyn Tote, in our opinion, is worth the splurge if you can swing it. If not, there are plenty of other great work bags on the list that are much more affordable and still offer plenty of functionality and durability that are must-haves when it comes to work bags. Case in point: the Hoxis Minimalist Clean Cut Pebbled Faux Leather Tote which retails for under $20 on Amazon.
Do work bags need to be washable?
It’s not essential for work bags to be machine-washable, although that’s one perk of our machine-washable pick: Rothy’s The Lightweight Tote. However, if it’s not machine-washable, make sure it’s still easy to spot clean and durable enough to resist some wear and tear that comes with toting around a large, usually heavy bag.
Take Our Word For It
Erika Reals is a senior commerce editor at PEOPLE who writes and edits everything from the best work shoes to the best places to buy dresses. Her previous work as a fashion editor can be found on Byrdie and Brides. Madison Yauger is the senior commerce writer for PEOPLE whose expertise in fashion ranges from celebrity-inspired trends like linen pants and fall sweaters to the most versatile accessories.
For this roundup, they spent hours researching the latest and greatest work bags on the market based on factors like price, styling, capacity, and durability, as well as testing several bags each. We also tapped other PEOPLE editors and writers about their favorite work bags, as well as interviewed celebrity stylists for their shopping expertise and recommendations as busy women on the go.
Meet Our Experts
Chelsea Volpe is a New York-based fashion and still life stylist with a penchant for bold colors and imagery. She’s worked with celebrities like Alicia Keys and brands like Bloomingdale’s, Victoria’s Secret, and more.
Cindy Conroy is a fashion expert, celebrity stylist, keynote speaker, and on-air commentator who’s appeared on E News! and CTV’s The Social and has been featured in Forbes, WWD, New York Magazine, InStyle, and more.
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