Finding the right work bag is a must. You need one that’s stylish yet functional, spacious, and durable enough to hold the essentials, whether that’s your wallet and headphones or your laptop and a bagged lunch.
To find the best work bags for your morning commute and beyond, we tested some of the most popular options from Baggu, Cuyana, Kate Spade, and more. We looked for options made of high-quality materials—a presentable, well-made bag that won’t fall apart after a year of carrying your stuff. My personal favorite is one I’ve used for two years, and it still serves.
After testing we knew the bags had to be spacious, high quality, and comfortable to hold. We also tapped Liz Teich, fashion stylist of TheNewYorkStylist, for expert advice on choosing a work bag that suits your style and needs.
I got the Cuyana Easy Tote before my first ever day of work, and nearly two years later, I still swear by it. I’m obsessed with the compartment-free design, which makes it easy to carry larger items (lunch containers, makeup bags, extra shoes, etc.) to and from the office.
While it doesn’t have any inner compartments, I use a colored pouch to organize my smaller essentials. Even with that, the inside can occasionally feel like a black hole, so you’ll want to find your own way to organize. I found the mini interior pocket on the side is perfect to hold my wallet, lip balm, and keys.
The style complements nearly any outfit and occasion—I’ve used it for workdays at the office and as an overnight tote—and the black pebbled leather is durable. After almost two years, it still looks as good as new.
Because it’s unstructured, the bag doesn’t stand up on its own. That said, I love the soft feel, which makes it less bulky during crowded subway commutes. Available in several sizes (small, classic, and tall), styles (zipper or no zipper), and nine colors, you can tailor the bag to your liking—you can even customize it with your initials.
Material: Leather | Closure Mechanism: Zipper | Dimensions: 15 by 16 by 5 in. | Handle Drop: 10.5 in.
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Work bags can be pricey, but the Baggu Zip Duck Bag is a delightful exception. It was spacious enough to fit all our work essentials: a laptop with a puffy sleeve, a water bottle, a lunch bag, and a large headphones case.
We found the bag comfortable to carry, whether using the shoulder strap or top handles. The thin strap stayed securely on our shoulder, and since it’s adjustable, you can customize the length to fit your torso. The zipper opened and closed easily, though it occasionally got stuck on the corner if we unzipped it too far.
Made from recycled canvas, the bag felt durable and sturdy. After two weeks of use, it still looked as good as new. Plus, we love that it comes in four patterns—so for under $100, you can grab a black one for winter and a floral one for a summery vibe.
We don’t love that aside from a small pocket on the inner wall, there are no extra storage compartments, but it’s similar to our best overall pick in that you can add your own organization system.
Material: Recycled cotton canvas | Closure Mechanism: Zipper | Dimensions: 16 by 11 by 5 in. | Handle Drop: Up to 20 in.
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If you can’t decide between a backpack and a tote bag, convertible options, like the Fossil Elina Convertible Backpack, offer the best of both worlds. We found this bag comfortable as both a backpack and a tote, but especially as a backpack. The weight was distributed evenly across our shoulders, and it stayed secure–even when single-strapping (backpack style), it didn’t dig into our shoulders.
During testing, the bag held everything we needed for the workday. It’s taller than it is wide, so we could fit a computer, notebook, coffee travel mug, and makeup bag with no issues. The exterior side against your back has a phone slot and a zipper slot, which we found difficult to reach when wearing the bag, but more secure. The interior slots were also on the smaller side, but that wasn’t a dealbreaker.
Converting the bag was a bit of a process. It arrived as a backpack, and converting it required fully removing both backpack straps and then re-attaching one strap to two hooks on the top. It was a bit tedious, and since we preferred the backpack style, we’d likely leave it like that.
Material: Leather | Closure Mechanism: Zipper | Dimensions: 15 by 12 by 4 in. | Handle Drop: 13.5 in.
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Whether you struggle with back pain or simply dislike the feeling of a thin strap digging into your shoulder, consider trading in your tote for the Beis’ Commuter Backpack, which earned a perfect score in our testing. Made from nylon, the pack is super light, durable, and easy to spot clean. Unlike backpacks with a juvenile feel, this one’s classic appearance makes it perfect for the office.
At first glance, the bag looked fairly small, but it turned out to be more spacious than we expected. It has open storage compartments: a front pocket, a laptop compartment, a smaller magnetic closure pocket on the back side (which can also be used as a trolley, subway, or train pass), a water bottle holder, and a main opening with four additional organization pockets.
During testing, we wore the bag in several ways—one shoulder, two straps, and just carrying the top handle—and all were comfortable. While some backpacks make it difficult to locate smaller items, this one provided ample storage without forcing us to rummage. The zippers were durable and helped the main compartment expand. And the best part? We could easily fit our sneakers in there, too.
The soft, unstructured design may not be as ideal for extra heavy loads, but we had no complaints. We even filled it with 20 magazines to see if it could withstand the extra weight, and it did. Two weeks later, there are still no signs of wear and tear.
Material: Nylon | Closure Mechanism: Zipper | Dimensions: 17 by 13 by 4 in.
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Out of the seven tote bags we tested, the Kate Spade Perfect Tote Bag took the cake. We could not believe how lightweight it was—when we stuffed it to the brim, it still felt manageable. The straps aren’t adjustable, but we found them comfortable enough as they are.
The bag is spacious without being too oversized—perfect for work but not so large that you can’t take it out for brunch on the weekend. It has one big opening, making it easy to slide your laptop in and out, along with three interior pockets and one exterior pocket. While some people may prefer more organization compartments, we liked that there weren’t too many nooks and crannies to keep track of.
The leather exterior is both luxe and durable, so it’s clear this bag is built to last. We’ve taken it on the subway, out to dinner, to the office, on a work trip, and it still looks the same as when we opened it. The zipper closed easily, though it does have a gap on each side, meaning it’s not totally rainproof.
Material: Leather | Closure Mechanism: Zipper | Dimensions: 12 by 16 by 5 in. | Handle Drop: 11 in.
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It’s very heavy.
Who says your work bag and weekender bag have to be mutually exclusive? That’s why we love the Pond LA Transform Tote Air Edition—it’s perfect for office commutes and overnight trips.
The bag has a zipper closure, along with several pockets and cupholders. It has removable nylon crossbody and backpack straps, so you can wear it in many different ways, and a luggage sleeve in the back. We found the material felt luxe and durable, and the water- and scratch-resistant interior was an extra nice touch.
The bag itself is pretty heavy, even when empty, and since the straps aren’t padded, it isn’t as comfortable to hold for longer periods. That said, we were impressed by the smooth zipper—even when we packed the bag to maximum capacity, it still zipped shut well. After two weeks of use, including a long, fully-packed road trip, it’s still in great condition.
Material: Oxford fabric | Closure Mechanism: Zipper | Dimensions: 12 by 16 by 7 in. | Handle Drop: 8.5 in.
Final Verdict
Our top pick is the Cuyana Tall Easy Tote, for its timeless design, spacious interior, and secure zipper closure. Even after two years of weekly use, it’s still what I reach for every day. For a budget-friendly pick, we love the Baggu Zip Duck Bag—it fits all our work essentials with ease, and with its variety of prints, you can stock up for every season.
Our Testing Process
To find the best work bags, we tested 12 popular models—including backpacks, totes, and convertible options—over two weeks and beyond.
First, we packed each bag with everyday essentials, making the most of any laptop sleeves, organization compartments, or other design features.
For convertible bags, we paid close attention to how easy it was to switch between styles and how comfortable each option was on our back and shoulders.
We used each bag as much as possible during the testing period, commuting to and from work, traveling by car, subway, and more. At the end, we assessed how comfortable the bag was and whether there were any signs of wear and tear.
To evaluate long-term performance, we’ll continue using the bags for six months and update this story with how the bags held up.
Real Simple
How to Shop For Work Bags Like a Pro
Style
Not sure whether to go with a backpack or a tote bag? It mostly will depend on your personal preference.
Backpacks are more ergonomic, as the bag’s weight is distributed evenly on both shoulders. While less comfortable, tote bags are often thought to have a sleeker, more professional look.
If opting for a backpack, Teich recommends choosing something made of higher-quality materials rather than the canvas or nylon you might have used in school. “I like convertible backpacks that convert from a backpack to a tote so you have options and don’t feel like you’re walking into work wearing a school bag,” Teich says.
If you’re going the convertible route, we recommend the Fossil Elina Convertible Backpack or the Pond LA Transform Tote Air Edition.
Material
We think leather work bags look the most professional in a corporate environment. “There’s something about leather vs. canvas or nylon in quality and polish,” Teich says.
- Leather: Real leather can be expensive, so for those seeking a more budget-friendly option, faux leather offers a similar look typically at a lower price. Keep in mind that faux leather is usually less durable than the real deal. Sustainability-wise, Teich recommends searching for something that is either vintage, pre-owned, or sourced ethically and made with vegetable-tanned dyes.
- Canvas: These totes offer a lighter, more casual look and are typically lower maintenance since you can hand wash them. This informal appearance can be a pro or con—depending on your office.
- Nylon: Nylon is another cost-effective material to consider. It’s durable and waterproof, so you won’t have to worry about your belongings getting wet if you forget your umbrella during a rainy commute. The tradeoff for the strong, tear-resistant nylon material is that these bags are often a bit rougher in texture and tend to have a more athletic feel.
Real Simple
Closure Type
Work bags can come with various closing mechanisms, including open tops, zippers, and magnetic closures. Teich says that in terms of a bag’s closure method, there is not a definitive “best” style, as a lot comes down to personal preference.
Open-top bags are the best for accessibility since you can reach in and grab items without needing to fumble with zippers or buckles. However, if you’re commuting on public transit, Teich says a zipper closure will prevent any items from spilling out or getting swiped by potential pickpocketers.
Magnetic snaps offer a middle ground between the two, providing both accessibility and a layer of protection. That said, magnetic closures easily come undone if you overstuff your bag.
Size
When choosing the ideal size of your work bag, always consider the function it will serve.
- Fitting in a tight drawer: If you have an assigned desk and designated office space at work where you can store personal items, a smaller work bag may be all you need. A smaller bag will not only be lighter on the shoulder but will also be more convenient for crowded train commutes and shorter work days.
- Going from the office to happy hour: If you occasionally travel for longer periods or tend to be an inherent over-packer, a bigger bag may be better. For those who like to throw in a sweater to combat the blaring office AC or add an extra pair of heels to change into post-commute, you may want a work bag that can fit these additional items.
- Holding your laptop: In terms of dimensions, be sure to also consider the size of your laptop. Work bags typically specify what size laptop they can accommodate, usually either 13 or 15 inches, so make sure you compare those dimensions to your own computer.
- Comfortable handle length: Shorter handle drops work great if you prefer to carry your bag in your hand or on your elbow, while longer drops work better for slinging the bag over your shoulder, especially when wearing a puffer coat in the winter.
Take Our Word for It
I’m Jamie Fischer, a writer for Real Simple with nearly two years of experience covering home, lifestyle, and fashion shopping stories. When I set out to find my first work bag, I knew I wanted something spacious with a zipper top for the subway, and versatile enough for year-round use. I went with the Cuyana Tall Easy Zipper Tote and never looked back—two years later, it’s still my go-to.
For this article, our team tested 12 work bags over two weeks (and beyond), looking for options that were comfortable on our shoulders, spacious enough to hold all our daily essentials, and didn’t wear down over time. I also spoke with Liz Teich, @TheNewYorkStylist, about what qualities are important in a work bag. Teich has 15 years as a commercial stylist, working with brands, retailers, and editorial teams to create photoshoot looks. She eventually transitioned to a career as a personal stylist, where she started a closet refresh business to help people learn to style clothing they already own.
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