These Stylish Zipper Totes Keep All of Your Essentials Safe

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A tote is the hardest working bag in your rotation. It’s big enough to hold your laptop, farmer’s market haul, or clothes for a weekend away. But, not all totes are created equal. When you’ve got your Kindle, keys, and underwear all jammed inside, you want the best tote bag with a zipper to guarantee that everything that you’ve packed is safely stowed for your journey. Rid yourself of the constant glances and touches to guarantee the innards you’ve tucked away safely haven’t managed to errantly tumble out.

While a zip tote bag may not have the same glamour as a sparkly clutch or the sleek simplicity of a leather baguette, it’s reliable. "A zip-top tote is a great option for those on the go,” says Jen Benevides, L.L.Bean director of merchandising for home and travel. “It’s especially helpful if you commute on public transit or take your tote through airports and on planes. A zip-top gives you all the perks of a tote, with a little extra peace of mind.”

You also may be surprised to discover how many luxe options there are available to consider in addition to tried and true options. Labels like Loewe and Max Mara have put a spin on the silhouette that works for a weekend away or at the office. “Totes have increased in popularity as reusable shopping bags and as an everyday carry-all,” Benevides adds. Now, arm yourself with your own zip-top tote for those days when you’ve got places to be, things to carry, and need a guarantee that everything stays in its place.

Di Bag in Leather Medium

Tod’s top-handle Di bag should be your go-to pick if you’re looking for a luxurious everyday bag that can handle more than just the essentials. The roomy silhouette is durable, designed with an internal zip pouch and metal feet to ensure that even with constant use, it will be the one you want to reach for.

Size: 13.8" W x 10.6" H x 5.1" D

Material: Leather

Color: Brown, black, beige, pink

Boat and Tote

Beloved for both its versatility and durability, "L.L.Bean’s Boat and Tote – which was originally introduced as the L.L.Bean Ice Carrier in 1944 – is made from an ironclad canvas that is tested to hold up to 500 lbs., with V-point closures on the bottom for reinforcement," says Benevides. In other words, it's a tote bag that will really last.

Size: S-XL

Material: Canvas

Color: Olive, black, slate, blue, khaki, and seven more

What reviewers are saying: "Sturdy. Great quality. Perfect for a day at the beach!"

Waterproof Tote Bag

Sometimes, duty calls no matter the weather. This waterproof tote bag can guarantee that your necessities will arrive dry and safe. It’s made with a practical crossbody strap for adaptability, and the polyester body prevents any rain from getting in.

Size: 21" W x 17.3" L x 4,6" D

Material: Polyester

Color: Black

City Adventurer Tote Bag 27L

If you tend to hit the gym after work, this zip-tote tote has an expandable compartment for stashing your workout gear. The nylon body won’t get ruined if your sweaty clothes spend a few hours inside.

Size: 20.5" W x 7.1" H x 12.6" D

Material: 100% Nylon

Color: Navy, black

What reviewers are saying: "A very deep bag when extended. Nice quality bag! Good for traveling when you will be returning with more than you went with."

Maeve Weekender Tote

Don’t underestimate the style points you’ll win when you spend a weekend away with this tote as your only form of luggage. It requires packing relatively light, but the chic silhouette makes traveling feel like a glamorous endeavor, whether it’s by plane, train, or automobile.

Size: 16.9" W x 11.4" H x 8.3" D

Material: Leather

Color: Camel

Small Zip Tote

Mansur Gavriel has managed to retain its cult following for so long because of its elegantly uncomplicated designs and sharp use of color. This sleek tote is a fit for the office or more lively outings.

Size: 16.5" W x 9.45" H x 5.12" D

Material: Leather

Color: Poppy, claret, moss, black, confetto, and 3 more.

Buckle Zip Tote

There’s nothing wrong with keeping things simple. Loewe’s square tote bag is relatively low-profile, save the single buckle detail. The structured shape in classic black leather is the perfect style for days when you want to look polished.

Size: 14.4" W x 13.2" H x 5.1" D

Material: Leather

Color: Black, blue, tan, anthracite

Zip-Top Essential Tote

For a more affordable option that still looks expensive, try Madewell’s zip-top suede tote. It's designed with two sets of leather straps, so you can carry it in whatever way is most suited to your needs. The material is also extremely durable.

Size: 20" W x 11" H

Material: Suede

Color: Caramel, chocolate, cinnamon, black

What reviewers are saying: "I’ve been looking for a high quality tote (both practically and looks-wise) for work and this one is perfect. It not only looks classy, professional, and stylish, but feels sturdy and holds everything I could need throughout the day."

Nabella Tote Bag

Calling all minimalists! By Malene Birger has a small zip tote that deserves a place as your new go-to bag. It’s made of durable polyester with stylish leather straps and the brand’s logo stamped on the side. The size is more compact than others on the list, but is great for occasions when you don't have too much to carry.

Size: 39cm W x 22 cm H x 14cm D

Material: 100% polyester

Color: Brown, black

Green JW Anderson Edition Tote

In a recent collaboration, French label A.P.C. teamed up with JW Anderson for a soft zip tote that’s the ideal style for packing into a small car trunk. Its flexible textile fabric allows it to mold into shapes that other totes may not.

Size: 22" W x 14" H x 6.5" D

Material: Textile

Color: Green

Le Pliage Original L Tote

This is a timeless tote design. Longchamp’s Le Pliage can be folded into an extra-small size, making it the perfect style for packing in a suitcase if you’re traveling somewhere where you anticipate bringing more back home with you. The range of colors available allows you to find a version that truly suits you.

Size: 12.2" W x 11.8" H x 7.5" D

Material: Recycled canvas

Color: Steel, paper, sage, ebony, black, navy, orange

Classic Easy Zipper Tote

Cuyana’s “fewer, better” ethos translates to a zip tote that anticipates all of your needs. It’s constructed thoughtfully on the inside, with the ability to add on clip-in storage compartments.

Size: 21.6" W x 12.3" H x 5.1" D

Material: Leather

Color: Stone, black, cappuccino, caramel, olive

What reviewers are saying: "Fantastic size for travel or overnight trip. We love that it fits large size laptops and still zips. Cappuccino color is perfection."

The Recycled Nylon Tote

If you’ve shopped at Everlane before, you know the brand has a lock on durable-yet-stylish staples. This tote bag, designed in recycled nylon is big, flexible, and durable.

Size: 14L Capacity

Material: 100% GRS-certified recycled nylon

Color: Khaki

What reviewers are saying: "Great quality, holds much more than it appears to, just wish it had an extra pocket inside. Great for traveling, for work, for whenever you need a tote."

Mini Zipped Bayswater

If you're in the market for a new work bag, Mulberry’s compact zip tote will coordinate with even the most formal offices. It comes in neutral colors like oak and black, and features a handy crossbody strap in addition to top handles.

Size: 9" W x 8.25" H x 5" D

Material: Leather

Color: Grey, chalk, black, oak, blue

Pyramid Bag

Got a thing for pockets? This smartly-designed tote features plenty of places dedicated to stowing away small items. It puts function first with reinforced handles and protective metal feet to ensure that even with wear and tear, it holds up.

Size: 14.6" W x 12.2" H x 5.5" W

Material: Leather

Color: Forest green, black, cognac, macaron, merlot, and 7 others

What reviewers are saying: "I could not be more pleased with this tote. I am an attorney and have looked for years for the perfect work tote [...] and I have finally found it."

Large Whitney Bag

Max Mara's take on the zip tote is less about the ability to stuff everything inside, and more about offering a functional structured bag that you can carry around daily. Note the detachable, adjustable strap for easy use.

Size: 36 cm W x 31 cm H x 14 cm D

Material: Leather

Color: Tobacco, black, navy

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