The 26 best tote bags for hauling your essentials, recommended by stylists and editors

CNN

31-03-2025

In a perfect world, we'd leave home with just the basics: a phone, a wallet and keys. But the reality is, there's usually much more to haul around than our hands or pockets can carry. Equal parts fashion and function, tote bags are the perennial solution for carrying everything you need for the day, and anything else you might pick up along the way.
Fortunately, totes bags never go out of style, but finding the perfect one — the one that can carry all your must-haves without adding bulk — is easier said than done. To help you find a bag up to the task, we reached out to stylists and tapped our very own product-schlepping editors for their favorite tote bags that are spacious enough to hold it all.
Longchamp Large Le Pliage Tote
Underscored updates writer Ellen McAlpine says she's long been obsessed with her Longchamp Le Pliage Tote. 'It's durable, easy to clean, holds everything for my daily work commute but can also be packed for a weekend away,' McAlpine says. 'I've had one for nearly 10 years and the leather is still intact.'
Clare V. Le Box Tote Sportif
For a tote with a sportier edge, Allison Berlin, stylist and founder of Style Made Simple, likes this Clare V bag, which is made from durable nylon ripstop fabric. With 11 inches of height, width and depth, it's a more modest size than other oversized totes on this list, but it's still plenty spacious enough to hold your phone, keys, wallet and other odds and ends. Grab it in one of three color options: black, mocha or army green.
L.L.Bean Boat and Tote Zip-Top Bag
One of the very best canvas totes you can buy, L.L.Bean's bags are about as classic as they come. Made in Maine, these heavyweight canvas totes also have reinforced handles and double stitched seams to ensure they last for years. You can choose from four sizes, 12 color options and even optional personalization to make the bag your own.
Montana West Hobo Bag
After this bag went viral last year as an affordable alternative for Coach's slouchy Brooklyn Shoulder Bag, associate editor Rachel Dennis tested it for herself. A bag made for practical folks, Dennis appreciated the sturdy construction of this faux-leather bag, plus its comfy straps and zippered center pouch that keeps everything from getting jumbled. Read our review
Quince Italian Leather Small Handwoven Tote
Editor-loved Quince is a great place to shop for quality basics at a fraction of the cost. Both Berlin and founder of Style Yourself Chic, Megan LaRussa Chenoweth, called out this simple leather tote from the brand, which has a touch more richness and pizzazz than other basic bags thanks to the textured woven design.
Baggu Horizontal Zip Duck Bag
A longstanding devotee of the Baggu Duck Bag, editorial director Chelsea Stone has seen many iterations of this tote. 'My love for these spacious carryalls (of which I own several) has only grown over the years thanks to improvements, like the zipper, and Baggu's penchant for releasing new, fun patterns,' Stone says. 'What I find most useful is the adjustable strap, so you can wear the bag over your shoulder as a tote or lengthen it to make it a crossbody bag.'
Lovevook Laptop Tote Bag
We know firsthand that you can get a functional and stylish handbag from Amazon, including this under-$50 Lovevook bag that can store your laptop, notebooks and more with ease. Made of water- and scratch-resistant materials, this tote comes in over 35 colors, so whether you want to make a fashion statement with a bold red or green or opt for a neutral beige or black, there's an option for everyone.
Cuyana Classic Easy Zipper Tote
'The butter soft leather of this lightweight carryall looks and feels so luxurious,' personal stylist Joy Asibey-Gabriel says. 'It comes in two versions but this one with the hidden zipper is my favorite.'
Rothy's The Lightweight Tote
Just like Rothy's iconic shoes, its sturdy tote bags are also washable. Senior lifestyle editor Tamara Kraus loves that between toting this roomy bag to the beach or the office, all it takes is a quick machine wash to make it look brand new again.
Dagne Dover Signature Tote
Dagne Dover makes some of our favorite bags that can carry everything from work files to diapers. Chenoweth likes this coated canvas tote, which is a departure from the brand's well-known neoprene material, and features a padded laptop sleeve, plus organization compartments for keeping your office gear and after office gear in order. It also comes in two size options: one for a 13-inch laptop and one for a 15-inch device.
J.Crew Large Hand-Knotted Packable Tote Bag
Perfect for your next warm weather or beach getaway, Berlin likes that this J.Crew tote lays flat for easy packing in your luggage. Plus, the interior pocket is handy for keeping your keys, sunglasses and sunscreen secure and easily in reach.
Naghedi St. Barths Medium Tote
As a mom of three, personal stylist Alex Lamb says she loves this Naghedi tote bag. 'I have the medium size and it fits my newborn's essentials plus any snacks and items for my big kids,' Lamb says.
Telfar Medium Shopping Bag
Reviews editor Tobey Grumet Segal says it's hard to resist buying more than one Telfar bag, and personally now owns this medium-sized bag in three different colors. 'The best part is, when you rock a Telfar, you become part of a community,' Grumet Segal says. 'No matter where I am, I can count on someone coming over and giving me a compliment — which is always a nice surprise. Plus, I can fit a laptop and all my personal items, so it's perfect for work as well as travel.'
Loeffler Randall Medium Tote
Combining straw and Italian leather, this Loeffler Randall bag is the perfect accessory for your casual and flowy spring dresses. Choose from one of two straw pairings to accent the espresso-colored leather; a light, natural brown or a deep, red-tinted chestnut.
Madewell The Essential Bucket Tote
A modern bucket bag that adds a touch of cool to any look, this minimalist Madewell tote loved by wardrobe consultant and stylist Taissha G. LaReau will age beautifully over time thanks to the full grain leather design.
Mansur Gavriel Everyday Soft Leather Tote
If a chic work tote is what you're after, both Lamb and LaReau like this luxurious yet understated leather tote from Mansur Gavriel. At nearly $800, this bag is definitely an investment, but its minimalist look and spacious design will make it a versatile option in your wardrobe. Chenoweth is also a fan of the brand's Large Zip Tote style, which is slightly smaller than the Everyday Tote.
Baggu Small Cloud Carry-On
If you travel a lot or want something super casual for daily use, online personal stylist Dacy Gillespie likes this Baggu tote, which fits under airplane seats and folds up neatly into a matching storage pouch when empty.
Lands' End Five Pocket Zip Top Canvas Tote Bag
'The L.L.Bean is the classic tote bag, but I'm going to dare to say that this Lands' End tote is an improvement over the original because it has lots of interior pockets and the option for a zip top,' Gillespie says. Home and gifts editor Amina Lake Abdelrahman also enjoys rocking this tote for running errands, picking up household necessities or hitting a workout class.
Cuyana System 16-Inch Laptop Leather Tote
LaReau says this leather tote from Cuyana is 'perfect for professionals looking for a refined yet functional bag.' You can even opt to purchase a matching laptop sleeve, flap bag or storage pouch for more customized organization options.
Kule The Etna Tote
A playful patterned bag that's suited for anywhere from the beach to the grocery store, this cotton tote has a zip-top closure to make sure all your goods remain well secured.
Reiss Delphine Tote
It doesn't get much more sleek than this black leather tote from Reiss. Simple gold accents embellish this structured bag, which can accommodate a 15-inch laptop, making it ideal to the person who likes to keep all their creature comforts nearby while still looking incredibly chic.
Tom Bihn Monster Truck
A multi-purpose and monster-sized bag, this Tom Bihn tote is designed for carrying grocery hauls. Testing and updates writer Michelle Rae Uy is a fan of the bag's large 38-liter capacity and its three-compartment design that helps to keep everything organized. 'I also love that it has a rigid bottom, which keeps things from jostling around, front and back pockets, and a glossy inner lining which helps with leaks,' Uy says. 'And the handles are large enough to comfortably sling over your shoulders even when the bag is full.'
Tumi Voyageur Just in Case Packable Nylon Tote
LaReau says this Tumi tote is a travel-friendly option. Made with durable nylon, multiple compartments for staying organized and a trolley sleeve for easy airport navigation, it's spacious enough to pack in for a weekend getaway too.
Clare V. Summer Simple Tote
'I adore bright pops of color and a cheeky slogan, and this tote delivers,' Asibey-Gabriel says. With a cherry red and turquoise color-block combo, this crocheted Clare V tote makes a statement while still being large enough to hold a 17-inch laptop if you need. You can also snag it in a black and white checkered combo too.
Able Selam Tote
On top of being ethically made in Ethiopia, Gillespie also likes that this Able bag is slim, while still having enough room for a laptop. Plus, the three roomy organizational pockets make sure nothing goes missing.
Vee Collective Porter Basque Matt Black Bag
Ideal for whatever life throws at you, this Vee Collective bag is made of water- and stain-resistant fabrics. 'This is a perfect tote for running around whether you're going to the gym, you have a new baby or you're traveling,' Lamb says, and also notes the plethora of compartments that help to keep everything tidy. As fashionable as they may be, tote bags are first and foremost about function. 'You want one that can take you on a trip as a carry-on, a catchall for your kids' or grandkids' items, something that you could take to the local farmers market or even use as an everyday bag when you wear a lot of different hats throughout the day,' LaRussa Chenoweth says.
The first thing to consider is how much space you'll need in your tote. You want a bag large enough to comfortably hold what you need — be it a laptop, water bottle, journal, sneakers or something else. To help keep everything organized, Berlin says to look for bags with interior pockets or pouches included.
Because totes are so spacious, you can either look for options that come with interior pockets, like Berlin mentions, or you can even add your own organization solutions. 'I also love the trick of placing my 'daily essentials' in a small zip-top bag that can easily be dropped into my tote or any everyday handbag,' LaRussa Chenoweth says. She adds that another good feature to keep an eye out for is a zip or magnetic closure at the bag's opening to prevent items from falling out.
Our stylists also recommended checking the length of the bag's shoulder strap and, if you're shopping in person, trying it on before you buy. 'You want it to comfortably fit on your shoulder and under your arm for ease of carrying,' LaRussa Chenoweth says. 'If you are someone that likes to be hands free, see if you can find one with a shoulder strap and a crossbody strap.'
The following FAQs have been answered by wardrobe consultant and stylist Taissha G. LaReau and cleaning expert Jolie Kerr.
What are the best materials for tote bags?
What are the best materials for tote bags?
Tote bags come in a wide selection of materials. The best material for you will depend mainly on what you plan to use your bag for. For a work tote, many of the stylists we talked to recommended investing in a quality leather tote, both for aesthetics and long-term durability. 'Full grain leather is the gold standard for durability,' LaReau says. 'While coated canvas or nylon are lighter, more weather-resistant options.' Canvas totes are a popular choice for more casual style, since they're durable and have the added benefit of being easy to clean at home.
Additionally, LeReau says that you'll want to look for bags that have reinforced double-stitched straps to help prevent wear and tear. She adds that a great tote should have interior organization features like separated compartments, zippered pockets and a laptop sleeve.
What is the best way to wash a tote bag?
What is the best way to wash a tote bag?
Your tote bag may or may noy be washable depending on the material. For instance, you'll never want to douse a leather tote bag in water, but you can gently clean, condition and protect it with the help of some specialized products.
Canvas tote bags can be machine washed, but should always be air dried. If your bag comes out wrinkled from the wash, cleaning expert Jolie Kerr says you can run an iron over it to help restore its appearance. To take it a step further, coat the bag in a spray starch to give it an even crisper look and help keep it from getting wrinkled while in use. Though unlikely, some non-canvas tote bag styles like those from Rothy's, may be machine washable, but you'll want to check the brand's care instructions before taking any action.
For this article, we consulted the following experts to gain their professional insights:
Joy Asibey-Gabriel, personal stylist based in Toronto
Allison Berlin, stylist and founder of Style Made Simple
Dacy Gillespie, online personal stylist
Alex Lamb, personal stylist
Taissha G. LaReau, wardrobe consultant and stylist
Megan LaRussa Chenoweth, style coach and founder of Style Yourself Chic
Here at Underscored, we make it our job to stay up to date on all the latest products, but we don't just find them; we also rigorously test products from hundreds of brands to make sure every product we recommend is worthy of your money. In addition to hands-on testing products, we also consult top experts to understand what features, benefits and possible downsides each item offers. We also seek out important considerations and advice from our experts to help give you the information you need to make smarter shopping decisions.
For this story, associate editor Jillian Tracy, consulted six professional stylists for their tote bag recommendations and sourced Underscored editors for their go-to totes.