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No matter what you do, how you live, where you go, or what you carry, the best leather tote is a clear staple for anyone’s wardrobe. Whether you carry a laptop and heels to work every day or you throw a water bottle and a beach towel in for a summer Friday, a good tote is essential, and it’s important to think about what you want in one (besides, you know, what you put in one). Do you prefer an open layout or a more compartmentalized one? Do you want an oversized bag or can you work with a concise fit? Will you carry it across your body, over the shoulder, or by hand?
Whatever your needs are for a bag, look no further than our top picks for 2023 below. From real leather and vegan options to work bags and going-out purses, these totes can handle it all—and they come at all prices, too. So, the real question is: Which one is the one for you?
Pros
Beautiful woven leather- Cotton lining and zippered pockets for security
- Variety of sizes
Cons
- Handles not adjustable
If you love the Bottega Veneta look but don’t have the Bottega Veneta budget, this woven leather tote is perfect for you to carry your laptop, heels, and whatever else you’ll need to be effortlessly chic.
Customer review: “I love this bag. Perfect size with side zippered pockets for keys. Leather is soft and high quality.”
Dimensions: 16” x 22”
Materials: 100% Nappa or Suede leather
Pros
- Comes in fun colors and iridescent white
- Jewelry pocket and key clip
Cons
Choose your favorite color combo or a classic neutral with this carry-all from Brahmin.
Customer review: “I love everything about this purse, but mainly their timeless beauty. Besides its beautiful styling, it also provides enough room to get me through a long and busy work day. Brahmin never disappoints.”
Dimensions: 15.25” x 13.25”
Materials: Croc-embossed leather
Pros
- Vegan leather & climate conscious
- Adjustable strap
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Not real leather
For a less classic, more edgy look, go with this knotted strap tote from Von Holzhausen.
Customer review: “10/10. I have been searching for the perfect work bag for years and this is 100% it! I debated for so long before I finally bought it and I only wish I would have done so sooner! Worth every penny.”
Dimensions: 14.5” x 15”
Materials: 100% vegan and animal-friendly faux leather
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Pros
- Leather Working Group-certified leather
- Made in family-owned Italian factory
- Two ways to carry
Cons
Designed in the shape of a grocery shop bag (but with a handle), this tote is both cute and versatile!
Dimensions: 15” x 14.75”
Materials: Italian leather
The Classic
Tecovas Leather Tote
Pros
- Simple, classic design
- Holds everything
Cons
- Open top, less secure
Everyone needs a classic black leather tote for work, play, and everything in between.
Customer review: “The quality of the Leather Tote is top tier. 10/10 recommend!!”
Dimensions: 18” x 12.5”
Materials: Vachetta leather
Pros
- Fits a laptop without being too chunky
- Top zip component
Cons
- Not much extra room
Coming from someone who’s carried (two) Kate Spade totes as a work bag for the past three years, this is a must-have for any working woman.
Customer review: “Have had this bag a month or so and it’s the perfect work bag. So pretty and holds everything I need.”
Dimensions: 12.16” x 13.2”
Materials: Saffiano leather
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Pros
- Detachable, adjustable strap
- Minimalist, fashionable design
Cons
With a simple, yet elevated design, Ree Projects creates a tote that doesn’t feel like a “tote” but more like part of a sleek outfit.
Dimensions: 13.8” x 15.8”
Materials: Calf leather
Pros
- Removable laptop sleeve
- Perfect for work or travel
- Luggage trolley sleeve
Cons
Perfect for work or travel, Calpak has created an adjustable and thoughtfully-designed tote bag (read: There’s a sleeve specifically designed to fit over luggage handles). Game-changer!
Customer review: “I had searched for months to find the tote I wanted and I was thrilled when I found the Haven tote. Looks beautiful and is roomy without being bulky. Classy and trendy, but also timeless.”
Dimensions: 16” x 12.5”
Materials: Vegan leather
Pros
- Magnetic closure
- Dog clip hardware
- Doubles as an overnight bag
Cons
For those who’ve never had a Rebecca Minkoff bag of any kind, do yourself a favor and start with one of their totes!
Customer review: “Can’t believe it’s taken me so long to discover Rebecca Minkoff. I purchased 3 bags in a 2-month period. I can’t say enough about each one of them.”
Dimensions: 20” x 23”
Materials: 100% leather
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The Lightweight Classic
Il Bisonte Roseto Vacchetta Leather Tote Bag
Now 36% Off
Pros
- Signature wave contour
- Classic silhouette
Cons
Classically designed, yet artistically simple, Il Bisonte’s leather tote comes at a mid-level—but very reasonable—price point.
Dimensions: 12.6” x 15.7”
Materials: Vacchetta leather
Pros
- Made from organic cactus leather
Cons
- Might not be as durable as real leather
If you don’t want to buy real leather, try out this cactus leather alternative from Madewell.
Customer review: “I highly recommend this bag to anyone who is looking for the design of Transport Tote but would prefer a vegan option.”
Dimensions: 13.75” x 14”
Materials: Organic cactus leather
Pros
- Sleek silhouette and classic print
Cons
- Closure not very secure
If you’re like me (’90s baby, Midwestern), your sense of logomania started with Coach. Reclaim it with this subtle signature-print tote.
Customer review: “This tote is perfect for everyday ventures to work, the market, anywhere! I love the shape and size of it, and the zippered pouch inside is an added bonus!”
Dimensions: 12 3/4” x 11 1/2”
Materials: Refined calf leather
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Pros
- High quality leather
- Simple, yet statement-making design
Cons
- High price point
For those after a luxury tote that’s anything but boring, Mark Cross is your go-to.
Dimensions: 22” x 14.6”
Materials: 100% calfskin leather
For the Fashion Lover
Marc Jacobs The Leather Medium Tote Bag
Pros
- Versatile straps
- Holds everything without being clunky
Cons
The perfect laptop bag or weekender, this Marc Jacobs tote is a staple for those who take fashion a little more literally.
Customer review: “This bag is everything! I expected it to be smaller but when it came in I was impressed with the size of it. The inside is very roomy and has more space than it appears from the exterior.”
Dimensions: 13” x 10”
Materials: Leather
Pros
- Structured design
- Ethically made with apple leather
Cons
- Since it’s vegan leather, it might be less durable
Another vegan option, this Samara tote is made with structured apple leather with a vegan suede interior.
Customer review: “This is a gorgeous tote: well made with luxury eco-materials, impeccable stitching, soft yet incredibly structured (doesn’t slump when empty), and has a strong base.”
Dimensions: 19” x 13”
Materials: Vegan apple leather
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Pros
- Consciously crafted in small batches
Cons
Known for making gorgeous hats, Janessa Leone’s classic tote deserves just as much praise for its simple, chic design (that can also fit one of her wide-brimmed hats in the straps).
Customer review: “Great bag for travel, you can fit a lot in it. It snaps closed at the top, which keeps items secure. Added bonus— holds your hat(s). Such a useful feature.”
Dimensions: 14” x 12”
Materials: Cowhide leather
Pros
- Optional cross-body strap
- Multiple compartments for organization
Cons
- Smaller size so won’t hold everything
For those after a smaller tote bag, look no further than Tory Burch’s small multi-compartment tote. Small but mighty!
Customer review: “It’s a very elegant and beautiful bag. Perfect size for daily use. Highly recommended.”
Dimensions: 7.7” x 9.5”
Materials: Leather
Pros
- Simple, classic external design
- Internal compartments for organization
Cons
A leather tote at the fraction of typical pricing, Quince offers a classic design for a bargain.
Customer review: “Loving my leather tote. Perfect size for work and tons of smart pockets and a laptop compartment. Excellent quality and excellent price.”
Dimensions: 11” x 18”
Materials: Italian leather
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Pros
- Can fit a 13“ laptop, change of clothes, etc.
- Neoprene bottle holder
- Recycled lining
Cons
Known for their backpacks and duffels, it’s easy to believe that Dagne Dover would make an excellent tote bag as well.
Customer review: “Best work bag I ever bought. Perfect size to carry the essentials and so much more. Keeps me very organized.”
Dimensions: 13.5” x 12.25”
Materials: 100% pebbled leather
Pros
- Several compartments for organization
- Comes with extra zipper pouch
Cons
- Allow bag to air out due to the nature of cow leather
Whether you’re carrying your laptop, work shoes, a change of clothes, or whatever you need for the day, this bag will hold it all.
Customer review: “This bag is perfect—deep enough to put my laptop and everything I need for work. The black pouch inside is so handy to keep everything organized. Good quality for the price!”
Dimensions: 13.8” x 11.8”
Materials: Cowhide leather
