The 12 Best Designer Tote Bags That Carry It All (2024)

$155

$155

If you’re searching for an everyday bag that covers every base from work, travel, and day-to-day hauling, you’ll want choose a classic and durable style that can withstand regular wear and tear, like the cult-favorite Longchamp Le Pliage Tote. Its durable nylon construction, lightweight feel, and timeless appeal is versatile and functional — and it holds more weight than you’d think. It comes in a slew of on-trend colorways, from burgundy to gray-blue and this fresh green, and rings it at an affordable price point that won’t break the bank (or eat into your vacay budget).

What testers say: I love this classic so much I’ve gotten six of them over the last few years! Don’t let the thin nylon fabric fool you, these bags are sturdy. Ideal for carry on travel! I knew I was on to something when I counted the number of Longchamp bags on a trip to London in first class, and even more at baggage claim some years ago. I can’t go anywhere in NYC subways, streets, or gym without spotting one or more of the large totes. Some things are universal and this tote is definitely one of the best!”

Price upon publication of this article: $145

$495

$495

What’s summer without a straw bag? Whether you wear it as a beach bag or daytime tote bag to add textural intrigue to your summer outfit, the Altuzarra Large Watermill East/West Straw Tote is chic and sturdy for the long haul. Tightly woven with natural straw and bound by leather caging and straps, it features a wide, open top that allows you to see all its contents in one glance, and secures with a minimal tie closure. It’s large enough to fit a laptop, spare sweater, Stanley Quencher, and then some, with two sturdy braided top handles that add a polishing touch and fit comfortably over the shoulder.

Price upon publication of this article: $495

$3,060$3,2205% off

A designer tote bag that can do it all is a worthy investment, so you might as well take the plunge on a classic from Chanel that you’ll cherish for decades. The Caviar Quilted Grand Shopping Tote is as luxurious as they come, featuring timeless quilted caviar leather and polished chain-link shoulder straps that come cushioned with shoulder pads for carrying comfort. Lined with satin, its interior splits into two large sections that are large enough for a laptop and spare sandals, and is separated by a central zip pocket for storing more precious goods like your wallet or passport. High-fashion meets high-function with this collector’s piece.

Price upon publication of this article: $3,060

$795

$795

The Mansur Gavriel Everyday Soft Tote grants you beautiful bang for your buck. Its exceptional quality makes it a great value for under $800, with supple, lightweight Italian leather to its flexible carryall silhouette. Its buttery finish plays as a minimalist mainstay in the celebrity street style of city slickers like Julianne Moore and Katie Holmes, while remaining just as functional as it is stylish. Consider this a modern Mary Poppins tote: It can fit everything from a work day’s worth of essentials, to workout gear, and flight must-haves like a pillow and blanket. Plus, it comes with an interior pouch for smaller goods like your signature lipstick or a phone charger.

Editor testing and review notes: “This leather tote bag has a super minimalist design that lets the high-quality craftsmanship shine through —the construction is gorgeous and although understated, reads luxurious. It has a relaxed silhouette that slouches just a bit when it’s on my shoulder, giving a chic lived-in, heirloom look to it. It’s so spacious that in a pinch, I’ve used this as an overnight bag.”

Price upon publication of this article: $795

$108

$108

Great for a getaway or the daily haul, the Béis East to West Tote shines for its versatility and organization. The durable bestseller features all the fixings: One large compartment to fit a laptop, several interior and exterior pockets for small items, spill-resistant lining, and a secure zip closure. It also has a trolley pass-through slot for travel, as well as a convenient key leash and slot for your water bottle. You can wear it three ways as a top handle bag, crossbody bag, or shoulder bag, thanks to its removable and adjustable shoulder strap.

What testers say: “I love this bag! It’s very big and holds a lot of stuff when traveling. It’s also great as a toddler mom who has a lot of items to carry — I love the three different carrying options. Fits perfectly even when packed full under the seat in the airplane. 100% would recommend. It’s also obviously adorable..”

Price upon publication of this article: $108

$450

$450

Large-and-in-charge red totes have been all over the runway, and this cult-favorite iteration from Marc Jacobs happens to come in a bold cherry red for summer. The traditional leather style is spacious and structured for work or travel, with a removable and adjustable crossbody strap and a zipper closure that opens to one main compartment with a separate zippered back. If you have yet to jump on this bags hype — which amounts to over 50 million views and searches on TikTok — consider this your cue.

What testers 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

$248

$248

In the hotter months, mesh makes for an excellent tote bag material because it’s durable, lightweight, and incredibly easy to clean — especially as a beach tote when sand inevitably creeps its way in. This minimalist tote from Tory Burch comes right off the runway and is available in prominent colors trends for 2024, like pale yellow and rich green hues. It serves as a compact, featherweight carrier with refined touches like leather trimmed-tulle to hold a healthy haul.

What testers say: “This bag immediately caught my eye due to the extremely sleek silhouette and minimalistic branding details. Not only is the quality amazing but it is so chic!!! I have worn this every day since I have received and is the perfect beach or pool bag. The tote comfortably fits my book, cosmetics, sunglasses, wallet, etc. This is definitely a product I will use for years and just purchased another to gift my roommate for her birthday. A must buy!!!”

Price upon publication of this article: $248

$340

$340

$340

The Naghedi St. Barths Large Tote turns the trendy woven, basket bag design on its head with handwoven construction of strong and sturdy neoprene. It forwards the same relaxed attitude for summer as you’d find in a straw tote but is far more forgivable, with stain and spill resistant fabrication, a lightweight feel, and stretchy top handles that fit snug upon the shoulder. Its large and open design spreads wide from the top, allowing you to quickly fish out your goods, while a removable crossbody strap gives you the option of hauling it hands-free.

Editor testing and review notes:“I’m always amazed by how much this tote bag can carry — I’ll fill it to the brim with heavy items like a full water bottle, an extra pair of shoes, and my overstuffed makeup bag when I’m traveling. The strap stretches slightly when the bag is full; this makes it easy to slip on the shoulder and also creates a bouncy, buoyant feeling that makes what you’re carrying feel lighter than it would in a standard canvas tote.”

Price upon publication of this article: $340

$268

Cuyana’s leather goods have captured the hearts of minimalist dressers worldwide. Not only are its designs crafted from the finest Italian leather that wears well over time and gets better with age, but they’re also timeless, allowing you to wear them over and over again without hesitation. This minimalist-friendly design is sleek and classic. It has a double handle for easy carrying and a spacious interior to store all of your essentials for work or the weekend — it can house all your tech, making it a top laptop bag. 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.

What testers say: “This is my fourth Easy Tote! I love it so much. I get different colors for the seasons. I like this tote because it wears really well and always looks great. It holds a ton and its minimalist design compliments anything.”

Price upon publish date of this article:$268

$398

Among Freja’s bestselling tote selection is the large Lafayette East-to-West style tote. Its softly structured silhouette spans wide for fitting large items (including 16-inch laptops), with a sturdy base for secure storage and pinched top handles that comfortably rest atop the shoulders. It also comes chock-full with thoughtful details, like four roomy pockets, a key leash, and soft vegan microsuede lining. Its chic design aptly doubles as a purse you can wear out on the town — take your pick from five rich and versatile neutral colorways in luxe vegan leather that flash shiny gold hardware.

Price upon publication of this article: $309

$850

Coach has been trailblazing sustainable leather bag construction over the past several seasons, and the Rogue tote is a shining example of the brand’s eco-conscious, fashionable designs. Made of regenerative pebble leather that’s durable enough for decades-worth of wear, it features accordion-style compartments inside that’ll have any organization lover jumping for joy. One large zip compartment comes flanked by two expandable side wells, containing credit card slots and small magnetic snap pockets to hold items like your headphones and keys. The transitional crossbody bag also dons a zip top closure that keeps everything secure, while it stands safe and stable upon four protective metal feet.

What testers say: “The Rogue bags are my favorite. All of sizes too. The three compartments are perfect for keeping your items organized, the handles plus the straps make it a breeze to carry, and there’s a size for all occasions. It’s a gorgeous style of bag.”

Price upon publication of this article: $850

$2,500

$1,9880

Khaite’s scarf-inspired Lotus Tote has swiftly become a modern classic in fashion circles. “The textured, buttery suede onthis bagmakes for the lushest, everyday tote,” says Hsu. Its sculptural silhouette and expandable capabilities make this a stellar choice for those looking to stray from the ordinary tote bag, without skimping on essential function. It leans into this season’s boho-chic resurgence with this warm Caramel Suede colorway that omits fringe for more clean lines, with a structured round base and a bonus pouch for storing small items. “[It’s a] chic alternative to everyday black that can elevate any outfit,” adds Hsu.

Price upon publication of this article: $1,980