The best work bags for women make carrying all your essentials a joy—not a job. They have an interior that’s well organized and roomy enough to hold daily items, comfortable straps that stay put on the go and a stylish aesthetic that’s polished but not stuffy. We tested nine different work bags over the course of several weeks before landing on our winners: Our best overall pick is the Cuyana System Tote, a high-quality leather bag that’s functional, durable and stylish. The Bellroy Tokyo Tote Second Edition is our best value pick, and the Dagne Dover’s Signature Tote is ideal for transporting a laptop on the daily.
Here is the full list of our winners, after testing each bag for durability, organization and style:
In order to fairly evaluate the bags, we spent two weeks rigorously putting each one through its paces. We also consulted with experts to gain insight into what makes an exceptional work bag, whether you’re looking for a designated laptop bag or a travel tote you can take on business trips. Below, find the seven best work bags for women, along with five additional bagscks recommended by stylish professionals.
The Cuyana System Tote successfully combines elegant aesthetics with practical, customizable organization in a leather bag that is made to last. It’s the San Francisco–based brand’s bestseller, a favorite of many users and the best work bag we tested overall.
While the System Tote has plenty of room to toss essentials straight into the main compartment, we found it also offered enough structure to help sort out loose items, such as a passport, phone or lipstick. We appreciated its flexible design, which you can customize with options like a laptop sleeve or tote insert to get the right amount of storage for you. (It can also be monogrammed for an additional $15). We tested the System in its most basic form, without any add-ons. All items (from a wallet to water bottle to makeup pouch) fit easily inside the main cavity, which also has an inside pocket you can remove—we liked how we could pull up the pocket to get items in and out easily.
The System Tote excelled with its flexible design, which you can customize with organizational … [+]
The System’s sturdy, flat bottom allows the bag to stand upright on the floor, which was convenient while working at a café or traveling. Though it doesn’t have any zippers, the bag stays securely shut with the leather lace and snap closures. Generally, it was comfortable to carry on the shoulder, although one of the handles tended to slide down after walking for a few blocks. Since the straps aren’t adjustable, the solution was to grip the straps, which wasn’t uncomfortable but may be a hinderance to those who prefer to be completely hands-free.
Looks-wise, the System is fashionable, thanks to its sloped handles, pebbled leather and sleek silhouette. The leather also adds resilience, making it easy to maintain. We did notice some marks on the inside of the bag, which didn’t alter its functionality but were a disappointing detail considering the price tag–although, thanks to the 2-year guarantee for manufacturing defects, customers encountering this problem can replace the bag. All in all, the System still felt like the smartest choice for an all-purpose work bag.
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Because Bellroy is an accessory brand that specializes in technical bags, it’s no surprise that the Tokyo was one of the best we tested in terms of compartment design, strap padding and construction. At the same time, it was the most utilitarian and least fashion-forward of the lot, which is the main drawback—although opting for a different color might improve that aspect (we tested it in Saltbush, a pale tan). The Tokyo is also quite roomy, which is great if you need lots of space; otherwise, the compact 12-liter version might be your best bet.
In terms of capacity, we found it fit all our essentials with room to spare. The interior is structured with five different pockets inside a zippered main compartment, but since it’s made of a flexible woven fabric, it’s not stiff, so you can create your own order within this bag. A bonus for digital nomads: The Tokyo comes with a built-in laptop sleeve with extra padding to protect devices from impact. We also liked the two expandable compartments on the sides that fit a water bottle and could store an umbrella or pair of shoes. On the exterior, a discreet pocket runs the length of the bag and is so well disguised that you may not even notice it was there at first (which is a good thing for extra security).
The Tokyo Tote has a discreet pocket that runs the length of the bag and is so well disguised that I … [+]
The bag didn’t jostle and remained comfortably on the shoulder throughout various activities, even while running down the block or tidying around the house. We credit this to the length of the straps, which are slightly longer than the Cuyana System’s and help anchor the Tokyo in position. While we liked the lightweight feel of this bag, the recycled fabric give it a more casual vibe than the Cuyana System’s rich leather. It’s best paired with laid-back outfits, ideal for working from a café or running errands.
The material was also prone to stains; the bag picked up some marks during our testing that weren’t able to be removed with all-purpose cleaner. However, we tested it in the lightest color (Saltbush), which is, therefore, the most difficult to keep pristine. If you’re considering the Tokyo, we recommend one of the darker colors—it comes in a lovely Navy and Melbourne Black—which should be easy to maintain and require less upkeep.
Totes are one of the most effective designs when it comes to bags, according to design consultant and Parsons lecturer Ulrich Grimm, since they are simple, resilient bags with ample capacity for holding multiple items. Consisting of a main cavity with two handles, usually without a top closure or gusset, they’re often made from cotton and canvas and exist in every shape. A tote’s functionality can also extend to workspaces when made from more refined materials. This is precisely why we deemed the Leatherology Uptown Vertical Tote to be the best work bag for those who want a streamlined, minimalist option crafted from gorgeous leather at a great price.
The Uptown is made from full-grain leather and is very soft to the touch, and although we officially tested it for only two weeks, it showed all signs of aging beautifully. The stitching of the seams is excellent, and it still looked as good as new after putting it through its paces. We spritzed the surface with water to mimic different weather conditions, and the droplets quickly beaded without leaving behind stains. Even some light food and makeup stains were easily removed with all-purpose cleaner (a bonus for people with messy tendencies). The leather, combined with the inner nickel hardware, was versatile to work with any look, even making more casual outfits look more elevated.
The Uptown is made from soft, full-grain leather and will likely wear in beautifully over time.
In terms of storage capacity, the Uptown is not as roomy as the Cuyana System or the Bellroy Tokyo Tote but still had enough space to fit our array of testing items. In addition to a small zippered pocket inside, there are also two bigger compartments. Personally, we felt the compartments were too slim and deep to be truly useful, and required a lot of digging around just to pull out a lipstick or pack of gum. We found it easier to simply leave items like keys, phone or wallet loose inside and locate them by patting the soft, supple leather exterior of the bag.
A drawback that some users have criticized is the Uptown’s lack of closure, so naturally, all items inside (except for those kept in the zippered pocket) come out of the bag if it’s flipped over. Still, we found that since it’s a tall, vertical bag and the straps don’t hang too low, it was secure and nothing tumbled out or felt at risk of being stolen on a crowded subway. It’s a soft-bottomed bag, which means it didn’t really stay upright when placed on the office’s floor or other surfaces, but for that same reason, the Uptown is also lightweight and comfortable to carry. And for less than $200, you can’t beat the quality and overall construction of this leather tote.
The Dagne Dover Signature Tote is an excellent companion for those who need something closer to a briefcase or laptop bag than a traditional work shoulder bag. It’s by far the most secure bag we tested: It has a zippered top closure and rigid bottom with studded feet, so it stayed upright. The 13-inch laptop pocket is fully padded, and the bag’s coated canvas adds an additional layer of protection against impacts, something we appreciated after accidentally knocking it over a few times. And even if you happen to leave it unzipped, the Signature has a magnetic strap that secures both padded compartments for an extra measure of security on the go.
While a laptop fits neatly in the pocket, you have to be strategic about where to place the rest of your items, such as your wallet, glasses case, earphones and keys. This bag has 11 pockets within the main compartment, which really organized people will love, but it requires many decisions in the morning about where to place what. It was also one of the heaviest bags we tested, at 2.6 pounds when empty (the Cuyana System Tote weighed 1.9 pounds, and the Bellroy Tokyo Tote weighed 1.4 pounds). The rigidity of its design adds heft, as do all those compartments and the gleaming gold-toned hardware. We found the bag started to feel heavy on the shoulder after a long day of walking around, but placing it on the arm on like a top-handle bag was surprisingly more comfortable.
The Signature is by far the most secure bag I tested: It has a zippered top closure, fully padded … [+]
At $255, the Signature is on the pricier end. But the structured coated-canvas body is durable and easy to clean and proved to be perfectly waterproof during our spritzing tests. The zippers glide open and close on the go, so you can easily access your phone or wallet. The shape is reminiscent of classic case bags, and the color we tested (Bleecker Blush, which is actually a light shade of gray), also fit in well with most office outfits. It even looked great in relaxed, social situations, too, garnering compliments at brunch.
The Calpak Haven Laptop Tote offers a vegan alternative to genuine leather work bags. And while the PU material definitely feels stiffer than traditional leather, we enjoyed its enhanced water resistance: Water pooled quickly on the surface and wiped right off with no residue left behind. For this reason and others, we highly recommend this bag for travel—you can feel at ease knowing your belongings are safe, even in unpredictable weather.
While you’d never be able to tell from its sleek exterior, this bag’s interior laptop sleeve can be removed entirely, making for a seamless airport security experience. We found that the bag-within-a-bag design also made finding stashed items easier. It has a pair of top handles as well as a wide, removable shoulder strap that can be adjusted in length. One thing to note: Due to the stiffness of the PU leather, we found that the shoulder strap was a bit uncomfortable when worn with a sleeveless top—the edges dug into the skin a bit. However, this wasn’t an issue when the strap was worn over a wool blazer.
The Calpak Haven Laptop Tote can be carried by hand, worn over the shoulder or placed on top of your … [+]
Another travel-friendly feature is the bag’s discreet trolley strap, which is designed to slip over the top of your luggage handle. This is an incredibly useful feature to have, and, once secured on a carry-on suitcase, the bag remained sturdy as it rolled across the floor. Our one wish is that the trolley sleeve had a bit more wiggle room: When the bag was full, it took some effort to slide the bag on and off the handle. If you can get used to that, though, this bag is a solid travel companion that effortlessly pairs with any work outfit. It’s easy to clean, and while it may not develop patina with age, it feels high-quality enough to last for years.
Backpacks aren’t just for students and hikers—Béis’ streamlined, professional Commuter Backpack makes the case that they should be in the office, too. We found this bag to be surprisingly roomy, fitting all of our essentials with room to spare. This has to do with the fact that the laptop compartment is separate from the main compartment, a smart design detail that ensures tech is well-protected by ample padding. The straps, too, are cushioned and comfortable—even when the bag was stuffed full, its weight felt evenly distributed.
Inside, there are several compartments for stashing a notebook, charger, power bank and more. A designated water bottle sleeve and key leash made it easy to stay organized—we loved not having to dig around for keys while entering the car or front door. While the front pocket is nice to have, we found that it didn’t offer a lot of room when the bag was packed. This wasn’t a dealbreaker, though, since a backpack’s position doesn’t really allow for on-the-go access. The zippered trolley sleeve in the back was a nice surprise, and adds to the backpack’s versatility as a travel bag.
The Béis Commuter Backpack is thoughtfully designed to hold all of your essentials with room to … [+]
The backpack is made of smooth nylon that resists water well, but keep in mind that it isn’t waterproof. We found that while small droplets of water pooled on its surface, larger amounts of water soaked in to the fabric. This is to be expected with nylon, but it’s still worth keeping in mind that you wouldn’t want to wear this bag in a downpour unless you had an umbrella on hand.
Style-wise, we found that this backpack looked great with work outfits: It didn’t stick out like a sore thumb when paired with a blazer and dark jeans. While other backpacks lean either outdoorsy or scholarly, this one felt perfectly neutral and sleek. It may not cut it for more formal office settings, but for more casual work environments, it’s a comfier alternative to the traditional over-the-shoulder bag.
The Lululemon Go Getter Bag is the largest bag we tested, measuring nearly 19 inches wide and almost 9 inches deep. For this reason, it’s perfect for holding a change of clothes and shoes for an after-work gym session. We found that this bag had plenty of room for all of our essentials, plus a pair of leggings, a sports bra and even a pair of New Balance sneakers. It has a padded laptop sleeve, plenty of internal pockets and an external pouch for easy phone access. For travelers, a concealed buckle strap can be pulled out and attached to your luggage handle.
We appreciate how the Go Getter has two designated water bottle holders discreetly built into the bag, although we struggled to locate them at first. While water bottles remained snug in the compartment when we took the bag on the go, we found that it easily slid out while tipping the bag upside down during our testing. The option of an internal water bottle holder would be a helpful addition to ensure that it stays secure when hustling from place to place.
The Lululemon Go Getter Bag is roomy enough to hold all of your work essentials, a change of clothes … [+]
The Go Getter Bag can be carried or slung onto the shoulder—both options are comfortable, thanks to the padded handles. There’s no shoulder strap, which makes sense as the bag is on the bulkier side. The nylon fabric is water-resistant and easy to clean; the fact that it’s black conceals water spills remarkably well. However, it does pick up dog hair and dust if you leave it sitting on the ground.
The black hue is versatile and professional-looking, but it’s also the only shade available—it would be nice to see a few more color options. Still, if you’re a frequent gym-goer, this bag’s sheer size and durability makes it an excellent choice.
Other Top Work Bags To Consider
For more recommendations, we spoke to stylish experts and asked them what work bags they swear by and have personally tested over the years. Here are five of their highly-rated picks.
How We Tested The Best Work Bags For Women
We read hundreds of bag reviews and researched factors such as size and capacity, materials, colors and price. We also considered technical features like storage, laptop protection and the ability to stay securely closed while remaining easily accessible. In order to make a fair comparison, we focused on similarly sized bags—between 11 and 18.5 inches in width, 10 and 15.5 inches in height and 3.5 and 9 inches in depth, which we determined is large enough to hold most items needed for work without feeling cumbersome.
We narrowed our list of contenders to test to nine bags: Alonso-Misol carried the picks from Cuyana, Bellroy, Leatherology and Dagne Dover for two weeks, while Epting tested out bags from Calpak, Béis, Lululemon, Cuyana and Athleta for an additional two weeks.
Design
Using a standardized range of products (13-inch laptop, 6 x 9 inch notebook, iPhone 11 or iPhone 13 mini, wallet, keys, pen, 16.9-ounce steel water bottle, snack box, light sweater, laptop charger, earphone case, glasses case and makeup pouch), we tested the fit and organization of the items within the bag, as well as its sturdiness when full. We paired the bags with outfits ranging from formal to casual, assessing the ability to wear them in different scenarios.
We sprayed each bag with a water bottle to see how well they stood up to moisture.
Waterproofness And Maintenance
Since it’s necessary for a daily work bag to be able to withstand the elements (like rain, snow, sleet), we sprayed the bags with water to check for waterproofness and how quickly the moisture beaded on the surface. We judged the cleanliness of the bag after two weeks of use and tested how easy it was to clean each at home using an all-purpose cleaning product sprayed on a paper towel.
Comfort And Security
To assess whether the straps would stay put while performing different activities on the go, such as bending down, reaching up high and turning side to side, we tidied up and cleaned our apartments while wearing each bag on our shoulders, since this involved many different quick movements. We also closed the bags and turned each one upside down to test whether items would spill out or remain inside. Additionally, to mimic the real-life scenario of having to rush to catch a train, bus or plane, Alonso-Misol ran a full city block in her neighborhood of Barcelona with the bag to see if it slipped off her shoulder or if any of the contents fell out.
How To Pick The Best Work Bag
Here are the specific features that matter most when selecting the best work bags for women, based on expert insight and rigorous research.
Capacity
When considering which bag size is right for your needs, think practically. Virginia Rolle, a fashion consultant and the Milan-based founder of the Big Bag Club, has felt the frustration of splurging on bags that were not appropriately sized for the realities of her job. “I travel a lot for work, for example, and having a bag that can hold everything in my universe is essential,” she says. Know which key items you need daily, and choose your bag based on that. Don’t go overboard, though, since you also don’t want a bag with too much space that will go unused: Not only is it likely to feel bulky and cumbersome when mostly empty, but it’ll also be unnecessarily heavy and potentially a cause of back pain down the line.
Material
Materials for work bags are first and foremost a question of necessity. They need to be resistant, waterproof or water-resistant and ideally stay clean with minimal upkeep. In that sense, leather or vegan leather are two of the most popular options. Nylon and canvas are also good alternatives that hold up well with proper care. Whatever the material, Rolle emphasizes the importance of durability: “The quality of the fabric is immediately recognizable to the touch,” she says. Whether you’re choosing between leather, vegan leather or canvas, she advises spending a bit more to get a bag that will last, because it’s an accessory you will interact with daily.
Shape
Bags come in all shapes, so prioritize what will be most comfortable for your commute or regular routine. Apart from a backpack, which experts like for evenly distributing weight (though we didn’t test any for this piece specifically), handheld and shoulder bags tend to be the best options for long days on the go. Grimm advises against crossbody bags if you need to carry more than a few items, since this style naturally sticks out from the body and will feel bulky if packed with too many items. In that case, a simple tote bag, handheld or shoulder design is a more comfortable bet.
Organization
How structured or unstructured you prefer the inside of your bag to be depends on your work habits and behavior. Do you need extra protection for devices? Are you disciplined enough to keep belongings in separate compartments? Look for features that match your needs accordingly. “I’m a lover of clutches, internal pockets and extra shoulder straps,” says Rolle, and for that reason, she always leans towards bags with customizable storage. Grimm, on the other hand, is a proponent of simplicity: “I would look for something that’s not over-compartmentalized, perhaps with one or two pockets inside or outside,” he says. If you need more places to stash items, put them in a small pouch you can transfer in and out of your larger work bag, he advises.
Our Expertise
Andrea Servert Alonso-Misol is a Barcelona-based fashion and design editor and writer. She’s worked at many publications and publishing houses over the past 10 years; most recently, she served as a book editor at Gestalten in Berlin. Her life includes a lot of commuting, working in cafés and frequent traveling, which means she spends much time on the move, hauling her laptop, keys, wallet, books, snacks and water, as well as the occasional change of shoes or outfit. Having a durable, stylish work bag is essential for her, and she’s experimented with many over the years.
Having a durable, stylish work bag is essential for me, and I’ve experimented with many over the … [+]
Fashion writer Claire Epting, who conducted additional testing for this story, has four years of commerce writing experience covering beauty, fashion, travel and lifestyle. As a Forbes Vetted staff member, she has covered a range of topics including the best work clothes for women and the best blazers for women. While she works primarily from home, she often works from coffee shops and makes the hour-long commute between her home of Long Beach, California and Los Angeles for various events; in these instances, she packs a work bag with her essentials.
For this piece, Alonso-Misol interviewed two experts who specialize in accessories and bag design specifically: Ulrich Grimm, a design consultant and lecturer of accessory design at Parsons School of Design, and Virginia Rolle, Milan-based founder of the Big Bag Club and a fashion consultant for clients like Alexander McQueen, Tory Burch and Valentino. To gather additional work bag recommendations, she also talked to stylist Lindsay Weiss of Coco In Cashmere, personal stylist and professional organizer Ella Barnette and fashion writer Corrie Jackson.
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