The 20 Best Designer Tote Bags That Carry It All
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Updated September 20, 2023: This article on the best designer tote bags was updated with fresh product picks for fall/winter of 2023, plus new information on the best ways to clean designer totes.
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Call them the white T-shirt of accessories, a designer tote bag is a desirable piece of arm candy that ticks off all the boxes of what a designer handbag should be. This enduring style is a classic with its skillful blend of polish and practicality.
This trusty silhouette will safely house all your everyday essentials — more than a crossbody bag can — and provide a stylish accent to your wardrobe basics. Plus, they can last forever, become a valuable heirloom, and never feel like a regretful purchase — especially when investing in Chanel’s 22 bag, Saint Laurent’s ICare bag, Khaite’s Lotus, or Louis Vuitton’s Neverfull bag, all of which are tote bags with the highest resale value for 2023, according to The Real Real’s Luxury Consignment Report.
In the 1940s, cosmopolitan city dwellers began to embrace tote bags for their functionality, durability, and versatility. As other bag trends came and went, the tote remained. Over 80 years later, the iconic bag silhouette stays as a core style with designers reinterpreting it in innovative and modern ways.
Understated, streamlined, and roomy, totes make a faultless addition to any outfit. You can pair them with oversized tailoring and jeans for a stylish shopping trip or with joggers and a hoodie for casual moments on foot. The usefulness of the silhouette is unparalleled. It can accommodate a towel when you want to take your bag to the beach, a laptop for work, a water bottle or change of clothes for the gym, and even designer shoes and a toiletry bag when traveling.
Scroll on to see our guide to the best designer tote bags for work, weekends, travel, and more, from durable luxury leather styles to lightweight woven raffia options. Plus, fashion experts share the top designer tote bag trends for 2023, along with helpful tips of what to consider when buying a designer tote.
Related:
Best Everyday Bags
Best Shoulder Bags
Top Designer Tote Bags of 2023
Best Pillow-Like Bag: Marc Jacobs The Crinkle Leather Mini Tote Bag
Best Vacation Bag: Tory Tote Bag
Best Evening Bag: Prada Small Satin Tote Bag
Best Logomania Bag: Gucci Blondie Small Tote Bag
Best Mini Bag: Ree Projects Mini Helen Tote Bag
Best Affordable Bag: Longchamp Le Pliage Tote Bag
Best Suede Bag: J. Crew Berkeley Tote Bag
Best Classic Bag: Bottega Veneta Andiamo Tote Bag
Best Colored Tote Bag: Loewe Mini Puzzle Tote Bag
Best Oversized Bag: Dior Large Book Tote Bag
Best Gym Bag: Paravel Fold-Up Tote Bag
Best Sustainable Bag: Ganni Banner Tote Bag
Best Unisex Bag: Coach Leather Field Tote Bag
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The Best Designer Handbags
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Marc Jacobs The Crinkle Leather Mini Tote Bag
Best Pillow-Like Tote Bag
Colorways: Black, Khaki
Materials: Lamb leather
Designer background: Marc Jacobs is an American brand that constantly challenges convention and creates a spark. It has been pioneering bags that are both playful and functional and is beloved by Ashley Tisdal, Hilary Duff, and Beyonce — to name a few.
Saks Fifth Avenue Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4/5 stars
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Pillow bags are having a moment, so embrace the style with Marc Jacobs’ The Crinkle Leather Mini Tote bag. This structured bag is made with crinkled and shiny lamb leather with the logo on the front, a removable and adjustable crossbody strap, and a zipper closure that opens to one main compartment with a separate zippered back. It looks and feels cozy yet will add delight to any fall and winter look.
What reviewers say: “Love this bag! It is cute and easy to carry. Love the shine, and it goes from every day to out to dinner in a blink! Fashionable and versatility make this bag a win.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $425
Marc Jacobs The Crinkle Leather Mini Tote Bag
Marc Jacobs The Crinkle Leather Mini Tote Bag
Related:
The 15 Best Designer Crossbody Bags
Tory Tote Bag
Best Designer Tote Bag for Vacation
Colorways: Natural
Materials: Cotton canvas; faux leather trim
Designer background: Tory Burch is a luxury lifestyle brand known for its American, bohemian-preppy sportswear. The brand’s logo, a geometric pattern of the letter T, has gained recognition as an emblematic notion for contemporary American fashion.
Tory Burch Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.3/5 stars
The structured canvas tote bag is here to stay — and this sleek silhouette delivers a grab-and-go appeal, perfect for days spent lounging on the beach. However, the beauty of this bag is that it goes beyond beach-and-pool attire. Luxe finishing and thoughtful details ensure the Tory Tote will work day-to-day, too, hitting refresh on tailoring or adding a casual note to classic denim.
What reviewers say: “Roomy bag. Heavy duty. Perfect for a day in the office or on the go.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $248
Tory Tote Bag
Prada Small Satin Tote Bag
Best Evening Designer Tote Bag
Colorways: Silver, Black
Materials: Leather, studs
Designer background: Since Prada’s launch in 1913, premium leather handbags have been at the forefront of its success. Regardless of the style — classic, ruched, printed, or studded — the leather the brand uses is of the highest quality calf leather that’s rich and smooth. Because Prada is so well-versed in everything from coveted totes to on-trend minis, the brand brings back silhouettes from years past in its contemporary collections.
Saks Fifth Avenue Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4/5 stars
Prada’s Small Satin bag proves that totes don’t have to be large and in charge to make a stylish statement. This structured design features studded crystals, leather handles, and the brand’s signature silver hardware logo. While it may be smaller than your typical day bag, it still has ample room for everything from your five favorite lipsticks to your designer wallet and backup phone charger. This bag is best for evenings dancing under neon lights and a disco ball.
Price upon publish date of this article: $3,750
Prada Small Satin Tote Bag
Prada Small Satin Tote Bag
Etronik Duffel Tote Bag
Best Designer Tote Bag for Travel
Colorways: 25 colorways (including printed options and quilted styles)
Materials: Nylon
Amazon Rating: 4,082 five-star reviews on Amazon (reviews at time of publish)
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Made with a sturdy cotton canvas and luxe Italian trim, it’s easy to see why the Etronik Duffel Tote is a go-to for Amazon shoppers who are constantly traveling. It features a 13-inch laptop sleeve, two exterior slip-in pockets for a water bottle and umbrella, a zippered waterproof PVC-lined pocket for wet clothes or swimsuits, a large pocket on the front, a zippered pocket on the back for storing your keys, a luggage strap to hook up to suitcase, and a separate shoe compartment at the bottom. The detachable leather crossbody strap allows you to carry on-hand, over-the-shoulder, or crossbody, while the luggage handle sleeve slides easily into most suitcases for convenience. It’s big enough to hold a laptop, other work essentials, or everything you need for an overnight trip.
Editor testing and review notes: “The durable and water-resistant nylon travel bag won me over instantly since it’s much lighter and easier to clean than my tried-and-true leather duffel bag. This flexible body and multiple strap options — one adjustable and detachable shoulder strap with comfortable padding and two-top handle straps — made it a breeze to tote around. My all-time favorite feature is the USB charging interface design. All I had to do was attach a USB plug to the bag, and then I could happily charge my computer, kindle, or iPad when on the go.” — Nikki Chwatt Style Commerce Editor
Price upon publish date of this article: $28.99
Etronik Duffel Tote Bag
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We Tested the Etronik Duffle Tote Bag from Amazon
Gucci Blondie Small Tote Bag
Best Logomania Designer Tote Bag
Colorways: Silver, black, white, green,
Materials: Lamé leather
Designer background: Gucci is a renowned name in the world of luxury leather goods, fashion, watches, and jewelry. Its products’ dynamism, creativity, artistic aesthetic, and detailing represent the pinnacle of craftsmanship.
Net-a-Porter Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.9/5 stars
Gucci’s Blondie bag collection dates back to 1971, with the curved design silhouette that features interlocking double G hardware. While the line may be less well-known than the brand’s famous Jackie and Diana styles — it won’t be for long. As Gucci looks to its archives to inspire new collections or re-launch vintage styles with a modern twist, the label has introduced the new Gucci Blondie Tote. This bag is the ideal designer tote bag for logo lovers with an affinity for heritage style. It combines two of Gucci’s recognized signatures — the interlocking G’s and the striped webbing. It’s crafted from lamé leather with cotton linen lining, three main compartments, and one zip pocket. Style it with a cashmere sweater, straight-leg jeans, and chunky lug-sole boots for a weekend look.
Price upon publish date of this article: $3,890
Gucci Blondie Tote Bag
Gucci Blondie Tote Bag
Related:
Best Silver Bags
Ree Projects Mini Helen Tote Bag
Best Mini Designer Tote Bag
Colorways: Faded Red Plum
Materials: Leather
Designer background: Ree Projects is a black-owned sustainable handbag brand. While the label is from Amsterdam, all pieces are handcrafted in Italy and made in all our favorite purse styles—including baguette satchels, totes, phone pouches, and highly-structured handbags.
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Ree Project’s effortlessly cool aesthetic shines with this mini tote bag. The sculptural design, smooth Italian leather, contrasted hued interior, and subtle logo print delivers a high fashion vibe to any look. The magnetic closure, adjustable shoulder strap, and interior smartphone pocket are a few of the other details that make this piece worth your time and money. Best of all, it comes in the anything-but-boring fiery red hue has become the color of choice for fall 2023. It’s a statement but adds polish to various looks.
What reviewers say: “This bag is beautiful, just the right size for my stuff, the leather is soft, and it’s a bag like no other. What I paid for it was worth it.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $714
Ree Projects Mini Helen Tote Bag
Saint Laurent Panier Crochet Tote Bag
Best Straw Designer Tote Bag
Colorways: Nero/Brick
Materials: Straw, Leather
Designer background: Saint Laurent is a French luxury fashion house specializing in haute couture, ready-to-wear, leather accessories, and footwear. Stars such as Kate Moss, Zoë Kravitz, Hailey Bieber, and Indya Moore are just a few of the faces of the label’s past campaigns.
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Saint Laurent, known for its timeless sense of style, has hopped on the raffia trend and put its spin on it. Whether you’re on vacation, headed to drinks at the hotel, or sightseeing in town, the Panier lightweight tote bag allows for ease and versatility. Its cool, triangular shape, trimmed tonal leather details, iconic YSL-logo hardware, and overall lightweight design allows you to carry your farmer’s market finds or your park reading material without weighing you down and causing arm discomfort.
What reviewers say: “I bought this bag for an upcoming vacation trip to the Bahamas. I received it today, and it’s just beautiful. Perfect size, perfect for summer. Highly recommend it.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $1,750
Saint Laurent Panier Crochet Tote Bag
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Longchamp Le Pliage Large Tote Bag
Best Affordable Designer Tote Bag
Colorways: Black, Navy
Materials: Nylon, leather
Designer background: Since 1948, Longchamp has established itself as a French leather luxury goods brand synonymous with understated elegance and attainable price points. The brand is worn by countless A-listers each day, proving that its designs never go out of style.
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Bloomingdale’s Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
If you’re ready to invest in a tote bag, make it a classic one that can last through many wears, tears, and seasons. With a durable nylon construction, lightweight feel, and timeless appeal, the cult-classic Longchamp Le Pliage tote is for you. It’s perfect for long days and business meetings and highly durable — it holds more weight than you think. Not to mention, a sweet-spot price point of $155 makes it a designer bag that’s 100 percent worth the buy. Plus, it has been toted by celebs like Vanessa Hudgens, Jessica Alba, Rita Ora, Miley Cyrus, and Martha Hunt.
Price upon publish date of this article: $155
Longchamp Le Pliage Large Tote Bag
Longchamp Le Pliage Large Tote Bag
J. Crew Berkeley Tote Bag
Best Suede Designer Tote Bag
Colorways: Ganache, black
Materials: Leather and suede
Designer background: J. Crew is an American clothing brand that makes wardrobe essentials that are anything but basic. It has set the industry standard for quality, design, and style by sourcing fine fabrics from top-notch domestic and international mills.
Scoring a high-end tote doesn’t mean paying a hefty price for it. Meet J. Crew’s new budget-friendly bag that gives luxury designer vibes without the price tag. At under $300, this Berkeley bag has a navigable cost. Plus, its suede, rich brown hue and leather handles wield a timeless feel. In short, this one is for the easy, breezy dresser. Style it with workwear staples pieces like a maxi skirt, a button-down, and a blazer.
What reviewers say: “This bag is perfection. I actually wasn’t expecting for one side to be suede and the other side to be leather (I thought it would just be the handles that were leather), so I was pleasantly surprised – it’s such a fun twist. This is the perfect bag to body size ratio, and the color is beautiful. I will be using this for a long time! Thanks, JCrew!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $295
J. Crew Berkeley Tote Bag
Cuyana Classic Easy Tote Bag
Best Minimalist Designer Tote Bag
Colorways: Black, grey, caramel, dark olive, and four others
Materials: Italian Leather
Designer background: Cuyana is a women-built, heritage-led company offering fewer, better collections that embody timeless design, luxury quality, and sustainability to ensure each piece in our collection will serve a purpose in your wardrobe for years to come.
Cuyana Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.3/5 stars
It’s no secret that Cuyana’s leather goods have captured the hearts of minimalist dressers worldwide. Not only are its designs crafted from the finest Italian leather in Turkey that wear well over time and get better with age, but also they’re timeless, allowing you to wear them over and over again without hesitation. This minimalist-friendly design is sleek, slender, classic, and already topping our shopping list. It has a double handle for easy carrying and a spacious interior to store all of your essentials for work or the weekend. The bag is offered in five core colors ranging from black to grey and four seasonal hues like butter yellow and burnt orange, so there’s an array of options to suit anyone’s taste.
Price upon publish date of this article: $268
Cuyana Classic Easy Tote Bag
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Bottega Veneta Andiamo Tote Bag
Best Classic Designer Tote Bag
Colorways: Black, Travertine, white Agate Grey
Materials: Calfskin leather
Designer background: Bottega Veneta is an Italian luxury fashion house known for its intrecciato woven design. Its creative director, Matthieu Blazy, has a deep, pragmatic understanding of the market and an interest in ambitious art thanks to his extensive resume, which includes roles at Raf Simmons, Celine, and Maison Martin Margiela.
This season, Bottega Veneta’s Arco tote is being traded in for the newer, more sophisticated Andiamo bag. In the first month of this bag release, celebrities like Kylie Jenner, Sofia Richie, Emma Chamberlain, and many more got their hands on this stunning bag, further suggesting that it’s the must-have tote bag of the moment. It features supple lamb leather woven into the brand’s signature intrecciato pattern with a elevated gold knot detail. You can also find durable straps and an open interior, allowing you to quickly reach for essentials. Whether you carry it in your hands or use the detachable strap to wear it on your shoulder, this one is a never-fail option that you’ll keep in your closet for years.
Price upon publish date of this article: $4,100
Bottega Veneta Andiamo Tote Bag
Bottega Veneta Andiamo Tote Bag
Dragon Diffusion Triple Jump Big Bag
Colorways: White
Materials: Leather
Designer background: Established in 1985 by Belgium designer Craig Wright, Dragon Diffusion is an eponymous brand that delivers covetable woven totes, pouches, and baskets handmade with leather by local artisans in India.
Every person on Instagram seems to own a Dragon Diffusion bag these days — and for good reasons. Its handcrafted woven leather bags never go out of style and are on par with the quiet luxury handbag trend that focuses on pieces without logos. Whether you’re looking for a summer tote or a beach bag for your winter vacation, look no further than Dragon Diffusion’s Triple Jump bag. It’s handmade in India with the help of local artisans using leather. Its spacious shape allows you to carry any and all essentials while the structured design magically elevates any look. Pair with a swimsuit and linen dress for a beach-to-bar ensemble.
Price upon publish date of this article: $438
Dragon Diffusion Triple Jump Big Bag
Loewe Mini Puzzle Tote Bag
Best Colored Designer Tote Bag
Colorways: Orange
Materials: Leather
Designer background: Founded in 1846, Loewe is the oldest of LVMH’s roster. It began as a collective of artisans crafting leather and suede goods in a workshop in Madrid and has maintained its status as a luxury leather maker ever since.
MyTheresa Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
Bergdorf Goodman Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
If you’re familiar with Loewe, you’re probably aware it’s partly known for its various “puzzle” handbags. Due to the collection’s popularity and success, the Spanish brand released the Puzze Tote Bag. The new tote is a functional addition to the lineup and is already beloved by stars like Jennifer Lawrence. This Loewe Mini Puzzle bag stands out with its bright orange hue and geometric paneling. It’s made from leather with a magnetic closure, flat top handles, and a detachable shoulder strap in case you want to wear it across your body or shoulder. Its minimal logo detailing exudes playful and understated energy that will make you more than ready to tackle your day. We can’t forget to mention how the thoughtfully designed purse folds down flat so one can store it neatly in a suitcase or a weekender.
Price upon publish date of this article: $1,600
Loewe Mini Puzzle Tote Bag
Loewe Mini Puzzle Tote Bag
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Jil Sander Square Canvas Tote Bag
Best Canvas Designer Tote Bag
Colorways: Natural
Materials: Canvas
Designer background: Jil Sander is noted for its luxurious, understated clothing and influence on minimalist style. The contemporary designs express the belief that less is more with neutral colors, clean cuts, cashmere, and full-bodied materials. Celebrities like Victoria Beckham, Olivia Culpo, and Jessica Alba continue wearing the label between their garments and accessories.
Net-a-Porter Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.9/5 stars
Jil Sander Square Canvas tote is the ideal tote bag for designer bag lovers who pride themselves on their pared-back style. It’s crafted from durable canvas with sturdy leather handles, logo lettering, and an interior wall pocket with two card slots. It sits comfortably in your hand and will round out any outfit.
Price upon publish date of this article: $325
Jil Sander Square Canvas Tote Bag
Goyard Saint Louis PM Tote Bag
Best Designer Tote Bag for Work
Colorways: Black/Natural
Materials: Canvas, Calfskin
Designer background: Goyard is the oldest leather goods maker still in business. It’s most recognizable for its monogram print, symbolizing the Goyard family history. Its influential clients and collectors include Rihanna, Bella Hadid, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Dua Lipa, Hailey Bieber, Kerry Washington, and Gwyneth Paltrow.
If you’re looking for a logomania tote that stands out, consider the Saint Louis bag — one of the most popular styles from Goyard. This bag is worthy of its price tag because it is “consistently in demand and retains strong resale value,” says Sciacca. It’s made of canvas with the signature chevron print handpainted in a three-dimensional pattern and is lightweight and reversible. It also features a detachable pochette for all your must-have essentials, which could double as a clutch. It works seamlessly between travel, meetings, and the gym.
Price upon publish date of this article: $3,830
Goyard Saint Louis Tote Bag
Dior Large Book Tote Bag
Best Oversized Designer Tote Bag
Colorways: Blue
Materials: Canvas
Designer background: Dior is a French luxury fashion house known for its feminine, timeless and opulent designs. These collections have been worn by film stars and royalty alike and continue operating at the fashion industry’s forefront.
One of the key trends we’ve seen on recent runways and streets are extra large tote bags, roomy enough to carry all of your essentials. “People are seeking the functional bag, which has been stimulated greatly by the return to normal rhythms and back to work life,” says Gramaccioni. Fashion-forward brands like Dior are adapting to this shifting lifestyle by rethinking proportions for a more elevated and practical look. Its fan-favorite Book Tote, “which was first introduced in 2018, has quickly become a classic style,” Sciacca says. “Since last year, demand for this bag is up 36%.” It may be simplistic, but the overall design and impeccable craftsmanship encompass everything Dior stands for. The sporty lines create the perfect accessory for athleisure and formal looks alike. It’s also a popular bag choice for A-list celebrities and influencers like Bella Hadid and Negin Mirsalehi.
Price upon publish date of this article: $3,500
Dior Large Book Tote Bag
Paravel Fold-Up Bag
Best Designer Tote Bag for the Gym
Colorways: Safari Green, Derby Black, Flatiron Grey, and three other colors
Materials: 100% recycled nylon
Designer background: Paravel is a sustainable luggage brand that carries tote bags, duffels, suitcases, accessories and more. Every piece from the brand is made using sustainable materials, including recycled polyester and recycled nylon, combined with Paravel’s targeted technologies.
Paravel Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
This Paravel Fold-Up Bag is a lightweight, collapsable gym bag that makes lugging your essentials to your workout a no-brainer. It features sustainable nylon (made from 22 recycled plastic bottles), a trolley sleeve, and an interior pocket. You can pack it to the brim with everything from a tennis racquet and tennis balls to ankle weights and a portable speaker, and you’ll still have extra room. Plus, it can be folded up into a little pouch that can be packed and brought with you anywhere you need an extra bag. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to personalize it with custom embroidery, especially when gifting it to someone special.
Price upon publish date of this article: $75
Paravel Fold-Up Bag
Ganni Banner Tote Bag
Best Sustainable Designer Tote Bag
Colorways: Caramel Cafe, Black
Materials: Recycled polyester
Designer background: Scandinavian brand Ganni creates eclectic designs for everyday wear. It constantly strives toward being a conscious fashion brand, collaborating with the likes of New Balance, Levis, Juicy Couture, and more.
This gorgeous tan carryall is undoubtedly one of the best sustainable designer tote bags to debut recently. It’s smaller than your standard carryall but large enough to house whatever you may need to take with you. It features an embossed logo, snap button closure, buttery recycled polyester, an internal zip-fastening pocket, and an adjustable, detachable shoulder strap. It’s the perfect way to combine city sleekness with a wanderlust sensibility.
Price upon publish date of this article: $259
Ganni Banner Tote Bag
Cos Washed-Cotton Tote Bag
Colorways: Black
Materials: 50% Cotton, 50% Recycled cotton
Designer background: Cos is known for its wardrobe staples that express Scandinavian minimalism. Since 2007, it has worked to fill a gap between fast fashion and luxury, meeting the needs of consumers who are looking for styles that last while still reflecting the current zeitgeist.
With their casual charm and versatility, cotton totes effortlessly complement a wide range of outfits. Cos’ Washed-Cotton bag is the perfect option because it has clean lines and utilitarian design elements that ensure it feels considered, even paired with cozy sweatpants. Toss it all in, from multiple books to a packed lunch and a change of clothes.
Price upon publish date of this article: $89
Cos Washed-Cotton Tote Bag
Coach Leather Field Tote Bag
Best Unisex Designer Tote Bag
Colorways: Dark Saddle
Materials: Calf leather
Designer background: In 1941, Coach began with a dream to hand-craft leather into beautiful, clever, practical things, and 81 years later, it has continued to do so. All through, the brand offers the best quality leather at affordable price points.
Coach Top Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
You may be familiar with Coach’s trendy Pillow Tabby bag, but the heritage brand also has some of the most timeless bags on the market. Its Field Tote Bag is exceptionally lightweight, sleek, spacious, and minimal, and best of all, it’s designed with everyone in mind. It has a rich brown leather composition with the logo crowned in the center, a spacious interior, and a detachable webbing strap for versatile wear. It pairs well with flared jeans and a camisole, a little black dress, or a suit for a modern edge.
Price upon publish date of this article: $650
Coach Leather Field Tote Bag
Designer Tote Bag Trends for 2023
This year, “micro mini bags are being traded for more practical oversized styles,” Noelle Sciacca, Senior Fashion Lead at The Real Real, says. “That’s because as people spend more time out and about, they need large tote bags that can carry their day-to-day necessities.” Fashion-forward brands have taken notice of the shifting landscape and are now offering bags that rethink proportions for a more elevated and practical look and feel. Citing Louis Vuitton’s Onthego carryall and Bottega Veneta’s Intrecciato tote as recent examples, Sciacca tells WWD. We also see the infamous Saint Laurent ICARE tote make its rounds on A-listers like Zoe Kravitz and Rosie Huntington-Whitley.
Unlike the traditional totes of the past, these newer iterations are centered on surprising details like geometric shapes, luxe materials, and vibrant hues packed into extra-large profiles. “However, this doesn’t mean you should discredit mini totes altogether,” Sciacca adds. “We normally see a lift in demand for them come the holiday season.”
Another prominent trend is the movement with sustainable tote bags. As the season progresses, more designers are using innovative and eco-conscious materials. “We are going to see increased interest in leather-alternative handbags that have a reduced environmental impact,” Marta Gramaccioni, Head of Buying at Luisaviaroma, says. Additionally, “Shoppers are looking to pre-owned vintage tote bags to make smart investments.” Sciacca says. “Classic styles like the Hermès Birkin or Kelly have the highest resale values of any bags on the secondhand market; both are great examples of luxury handbags that regularly sell for or above current retail prices. Adding, “Louis Vuitton’s Neverfull tote continues to be a bestselling, volume-driving style from the brand, reselling for over 80% of its original retail price, on average.”
What to Look for In the Best Designer Tote Bags
Size: “When searching for your ideal designer tote, first identify what you will use it for,” Sciacca says. That’s because tote bags are available in different sizes, so depending on the purpose, you’ll have to think about what you’ll need to fit inside. “Are you hoping this will carry your laptop back and forth between the office and home? If so, check the listed dimensions to ensure they will fit your devices. Will this tote double as a luxe gym bag? If the answer is yes, look for a style with extra pockets to separate pre-workout and post-workout clothes, sneakers, socks, etc.,” Sciacca adds. If you’re traveling, a more oversized tote will be necessary to pack in-flight essentials and maybe even clothes for the weekend getaway.
Material: When it comes to handbags, the materials are fundamental. Even the most beautiful totes will fall short if crafted with the wrong textures like polyester. Instead, look for sturdy, durable, soft to the touch, and easy-to-style materials like leather, Gramaccioni tells WWD. Leather stands the test of time and “holds up to everyday wear and tear,” Gramaccioni adds. Canvas is also a long-lasting and flexible fabric that can be the right choice for those who see heavy daily use.
Color: Have you ever made an impulsive purchase because the bag you were interested in came in a color you loved, only to get home and realize it doesn’t go with your clothes? That’s why considering the color of your tote bag — especially if it’s an investment — is essential. First, take the time to go through your wardrobe and identify the colors you wear the most. “If you want this closet staple to blend in with your existing wardrobe seamlessly, opt for a neutral color that will pair well with everything like a black patent Bottega tote,” Sciacca says. “If you’re planning for your carryall to be your go-to statement piece, search for bolder colors and prints like a bright blue Balenciaga A4 tote or the Fendi Vertigo bag.”
How to Clean a Designer Tote Bag
Before cleaning any type of tote bag, empty the bag of all items and double-check the tag for washing instructions. Once you’re ready to wash, you can take a few different methods depending on what fabric your bag is made from.
Leather tote bags: Leather handbags are fairly easy to clean if you use a mild soap made for leather and a barely damp cloth. Then, you can finish by applying a leather conditioner to help the bag remain flexible and stain-resistant. Often, at-home treatments work for leather bags; however, if you own a very expensive, delicate leather tote, we recommend taking it to a leather specialist for professional treatment.
Suede tote bags: Suede tote bags can be the hardest to clean because oftentimes, suede can get discolored. So, if you want to remove any markings, use a white dry cloth and gently rub your bag to remove surface marks. If there is a stain, use a pencil or cleaning eraser.
Canvas tote bags: When it comes to canvas, you want to start on a small area of the bag to ensure the whole thing won’t get damaged. That means using a soft washcloth and warm water. If the stain still isn’t coming out, then a toothbrush and mild soap can be used, but make sure not to scrub too hard. You can also wash it by hand with a mild detergent or another cleaning solution like talcum powder or cornstarch.
Nylon tote bags: If your bag is nylon, you’ll clean it differently than leather or suede. Since nylon is water-resistant, gently hand-wash it with mild soap, rinse it with water, and let it air dry.
How We Selected the Best Designer Tote Bags
Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as “the fashion bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections.
To find the best designer tote bags on the market, we assessed several different factors and design elements of every tote bag on this list, including the style, straps, interior features, and materials used, plus personal testing and market research. To narrow our selections of tote bags for women, we looked to online consumer reviews and interviewed designer bag experts in the fashion industry, including a fashion buyer and an executive. Additionally, we looked for tote bags that cater to all occasions — for travel, everyday wear, and nights out. For the second update to the best designer tote bags for 2023, we performed another round of research and testing to ensure our readers are up to date on the latest and greatest finds in the women’s handbag market. You’ll find a price range that stems from affordable, budget-friendly finds from brands like Longchamp to high-end purse brands like Bottega Veneta that have become tried-and-true favorites in the space. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Author
Nikki Chwatt is the Style Commerce Editor for WWD and Footwear News, where she both writes and edits stories on the latest clothing, accessory, and shoe must-haves. As a city dweller, she’s garnered a love for handbags, especially designer tote bags, because they can carry all her essentials when running uptown, downtown, or cross-town. In her spare time, Chwatt keeps up with street style to understand which accessories are highly coveted by the style set. Chwatt wrote the update to this best designer tote bags story with new expert tips and styles to wear for fall and winter of 2023 on September 20th.
Meet the Experts
Marta Gramaccioni is Head of Buying at Luisaviaroma. She has extensive knowledge in the luxury fashion space and is always keeping up with what well-established, and emerging designers are creating for the seasons ahead so that she can offer timeless and fashion-forward pieces, including outwear, bottoms, footwear, and more, to all types of Luisaviaroma shoppers.
Noelle Sciacca is the Senior Fashion Lead at The Real Real. Previously she’s held positions at Mashable and Hearst, reporting on fashion and its latest accessories, including jewelry and designer handbags, and contributing to celebrity editorial photoshoots.
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