16 Best Work Bags for Women 2025 | The Strategist

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As the expert on everyday wardrobe essentials here at the Strategist, I thought finding the best work bag would be easy. But like many basics, this is not a one-size-fits-all category. Choosing a work bag depends on several factors: where you’re working (from a coffee shop or the office?), what you’re bringing to work (a lunch box or a change of clothes?), and how you’re getting there (are you commuting by train, car, or foot?). Every week can look different, which is why it’s important to find a bag that not only keeps you organized but can take you from your workplace to after-work drinks or the gym.

To help you find the work bag that suits your lifestyle and budget, I tested 14 work bags from different brands — including Bellroy, Béis, and Freja — and I dug deep on Reddit and watched countless reviews on YouTube. I made sure my testing lineup included bags that were practical and polished, ranging from compartment-heavy options to travel-friendly totes and even a standout briefcase style. Then, I surveyed a handful of women with excellent taste about the over-the-shoulder designs they rely on to carry them through the workday and beyond. Here, you’ll find recommendations in a range of styles and materials based on my own testing and their picks. (And if you’d prefer a backpack, we have a dedicated roundup just for that — or if you need something for longer hauls, check out our buying guides to weekender bags and carry-ons.)

Updated on June 11, 2025I gave this story a full update with all new picks and new testing notes throughout. The stock and prices for all products is up to date.

In general, you’ll want a work bag that’s strong enough to hold heavy laptops and durable enough to withstand being squished on the subway. It should also look professional enough to bring to the office, which will largely be determined by the material. Leather is a traditional work-bag material (think: briefcases), but it can be expensive and require some upkeep. There’s also faux leather, which is less expensive than leather and typically lower-maintenance. Canvas, especially when waxed or coated, is another common option; it remains durable and is usually even more affordable than faux or real leather. I’ve also found some nice nylon options, which are generally lighter-weight and easier to clean than leather and canvas.

Prices for work bags span a wide range, from $20 to a few hundred dollars, depending on their durability and the materials they’re made of (they can go up to the thousands, too, but for our purposes I kept it below $800, with most significantly under that price point). The majority of my picks are in the $150 to $350 range, which I’ve found to be the sweet spot for durability and looks. I included affordable options as well, plus some more expensive (but worth it, in my opinion) picks. Every bag is denoted as either $ (under $200), $$ (under $300), or $$$ (over $300).

Material: Pebbled leather | Price: $$$

When our former best overall work bag, Madewell’s Transport Tote, was discontinued earlier this year, I embarked on a monthslong search for a worthy replacement. I seriously felt the pressure to find something better than the Madewell Transport Tote — especially since the bag had been a favorite of Strategist editors and readers alike since 2018. Specifically, I wanted our new pick to score high points in the areas where I felt the Transport Tote fell short. Since the style of the Transport had started to feel outdated, I wanted to find something that was current but not overly trendy. I also wanted to find a bag that was more structured than the Transport without being bulky. And finally, I felt our best overall pick should have a leather exterior —preferably pebbled leather, which is known for hiding scratches and scuffs — and I wanted it to have a padded tech compartment or sleeve. After testing over a dozen work bags, I finally landed on Dagne Dover’s Allyn Leather Tote because it has all of those qualities and more.

The Dagne Dover Allyn Leather Tote is a pebbled-leather bag with a padded tech space, a removable water-bottle holder, and long over-the-shoulder handles. During my testing, I kept coming back to it because it was just so easy to use. It’s sharp looking, thanks to the brushed zinc-alloy hardware, but the slightly slouchy sides (that are not so slouchy that it tips over) keep it from looking out of place in more casual work settings. The interior is where it truly shines: It has a padded laptop sleeve, a removable neoprene water-bottle holder, multiple smaller pockets, and a detachable key leash. While it doesn’t have a zippered top, the magnetic closure is strong enough to secure the top of the bag, and there’s also an adjustable snap fastener that lets you make the bag smaller depending on its contents. I loved that the handle drop is over 11 inches, which is one of the longest on this list; even when I was wearing a thicker jacket or coat, the straps still fit over my shoulder comfortably.

It’s $380 for the medium size, which fits laptops up to 13 inches. Yes, this is a much higher price point than our old faithful Transport Tote, but in my research, I found that this price is pretty standard for leatherwork bags with highly organized interiors. For example, Lo & Son’s recycled saffiano-leather Trinity bag starts at $350, and Cuyana’s Classic Easy Zipper Tote with the additional $108 insert comes out to around $400. Given the Dagne Dover bag’s thoughtful internal construction and soft, genuine leather, I believe it’s worth the price.

Material: Leather | Price: $

When we put out a call for work-bag recommendations on the Strategist’s Instagram account, a few of our readers mentioned Portland Leather Goods, so I reached out to try its best-selling Tote Bag. I chose the large size — it’s also available in small, medium, and oversize — and opted for the zippered version, though it’s also available as an open-top tote. With its thick bridle handles and brass details, this work bag has a rustic feel that I like, although it may not be dressy enough for certain professions. It reminds me of the Madewell Transport Tote, but Portland Leather Goods offers more options in terms of leather colors and textures to choose from, ranging from pebbled leather to smooth. If you’re on a budget, it’s a really solid option. It can fit my 13-inch MacBook Pro, and though there’s only one pocket on both the interior and exterior, I found these to be great for stashing my phone and wallet; plus, there’s a snap key loop so you won’t have to worry about digging in your bag to find the important items.

I also tested Quince’s Triple Compartment Shopper Tote, which is a solid affordable runner-up. It was just a bit too stiff for my liking due to the pinched sides. Something to note: The Shopper Tote was dissected by the influencer Tanner Leatherstein (whose real name is Volkan Yilmaz), who found that only the interior zipper compartment was made of top-grain leather. He concluded that the exterior was made of split leather, or the lowest grade of leather that still legally qualifies as “leather.”

Material: Leather | Price: $$

After six years of searching for her ideal sturdy-yet-lightweight work bag, Strategist contributor and law student Mya Gelber finally discovered Cuyana’s Easy Tote collection. Gelber spent a day flagging down stylish strangers on the subway, which led her to try both the Classic Easy Zipper Tote and the Classic Easy Tote. She eventually settled on the Easy Zipper Tote, describing the Italian pebbled leather as feeling “so soft,” adding that it sits comfortably on her shoulder “even while carrying my thousand-page textbooks.” Both Cuyana bags can be paired with an insert to create additional compartments, but you can purchase a wide strap for this version if you need extra support.

Although Gelber chose the Classic Easy Zipper Tote, the Classic Easy Tote is another excellent option available for $30 less. It received high praise from our senior writer Liza Corsillo and writer Arielle Avila. The main difference is that the Easy Tote does not have a zippered top; it also features a double-handle design for hand or shoulder carrying. Both bags are available in three different sizes — classic, small, and tall — and eight colorways. Avila, who has owned the Easy Tote in the tall version for three years, appreciates its “slim, streamlined silhouette and that it’s still able to fit my laptop, wallet, phone, keys, and even a couple journals,” she says. Corsillo’s bag is her go-to for her New York City subway commute. “My favorite thing about it is how light the actual bag is, so I’m not adding any weight to what I’m carrying,” she says. “It also has double handles, so I can carry it two ways really easily.”

Material: Buffalo-calf leather | Price: $$$

Our senior writer Lauren Ro had her eye on this Dragon Diffusion bag for years and finally bought it in November 2023. “I love its dark-brown color, woven leather, braided handles, and the notched opening,” Ro told me. Although she wasn’t sure that it would be big enough to hold a laptop, given its shorter height and larger arm opening, Ro says that because it’s a flexible bag, it actually stretches to accommodate whatever she has inside. “I use it to take my 13-inch MacBook Air to and from the office (in a puffy Baggu sleeve), and while you can see the top of it through the notch, it never feels like it’ll fall out,” Ro explains. The Nantucket also comfortably fits her wallet, phone, AirPods, makeup pouch, and an occasional book. “I’ve been surprised by just how strong the bag is, especially because it doesn’t have a liner,” Ro notes. Sometimes a pen or tine of a hair claw clip will poke through the weave, but nothing has ever fallen out, and there have been no rips or tears in the buffalo-calf leather. It also doesn’t have a closure, so it can feel slightly floppy and open up when set down, but that’s not a dealbreaker for Ro. (She has considered using kilt safety pins to close it, but says it’s not necessary.) “Most of all, I love how stylish it looks. I get compliments on it all the time, and it’s completely versatile. I can wear it on an evening out, a weekend with my kids, and on vacation,” she adds.

Material: Leather | Price: $

While our beloved Madewell Transport Tote has been discontinued, the Handwoven Leather Tote is the most comparable option at Madewell right now. It has a similar size and shape but is handwoven. It’s also 17 inches wide, allowing it to accommodate some large-screen laptops. Corsillo owns this bag and has been super-impressed with the quality of the leather and the weaving. “I got it because it looks a lot like the Dragon Diffusion bags and Bembien. But I was surprised to find that it’s sturdier than those,” she told me. “I can put a lot of heavy stuff into it and it doesn’t get stretched out.” Corsillo also notes that the straps are soft and comfortable.

Material: Faux leather | Price: $$$

I’ve been seeing Freja’s bags everywhere — from celebrities like Lila Moss and Hailey Bieber to content creator Lauren Burns and stylist Alexis Badiyi — and knew I had to try one of the faux-leather bags for myself. After testing the Paloma Tote for over six months now, it’s become one of my personal favorites. The sides are pretty rigid, which is a plus in my book because I prefer a solid work bag that isn’t floppy or tippy when fully packed. The faux leather looks very similar to real leather because it has a subtle uneven texture. The Paloma features a zippered middle compartment that accommodates up to a 16-inch laptop, along with two side compartments with magnetic closures that fit laptops up to 13 inches in size. I mainly use the side compartments for my MacBook Air and to hold books or papers. The main compartment is spacious enough for my makeup pouch, a water bottle, my AirPod Max headphones, and more. I love that it features gold hardware, and the straps always feel sturdy, even when the bag is fully loaded. I’ve taken it to important appointments, to travel on planes, and when I’m going about my everyday life.

Material: Faux leather | Price: $

If you’re not willing to spend over $350 on the Freja, another structured, faux-leather work bag I’ve been seeing online is the Béis work tote. As you can see from the product image, it has a very well-built rectangular shape with smooth faux leather and zinc-alloy hardware. There’s a designated laptop compartment with a velcro strap, a side water-bottle pocket, and a handy removable pouch. It also features a pass-through band that you can slip over luggage handles, which doubles as an additional exterior pocket when zippered. While the regular size fits a 13-inch laptop, I found it to be on the small side. If you’re prone to overpacking, I’d go with the large version, which is only $20 more.

Material: Cotton with TPU coating | Price: $

For a slim yet mighty tote, consider the Everyday Small Tote from the Australian-based travel brand July. Our senior editor Ailbhe Malone received it as a press sample two years ago and hasn’t stopped using it since. Malone describes it as an “elevated tote bag” given its structured design, zippered top, and many clever pockets. “It’s especially nice if I’m taking my laptop to a co-working space, then going out again,” Malone told me, adding that it can fit her laptop, mouse, chargers, and water bottle, plus her makeup bag. The TPU coating means it’s waterproof, so it’s easy to wipe clean, unlike most cotton tote bags. And if you’re going to be traveling, the bag has an exterior band that can slide over luggage handles.

Material: Nylon | Price: $

Longchamp’s Le Pliage tote is a favorite among multiple Strategist staffers, including myself, for its durability. New York Magazine deputy editor Alexis Swerdloff says hers has withstood nearly two decades of wear and tear, and I’ve owned mine for over eight years; it’s held up through commutes and multiple vacations. It’s so durable because it’s made of a waterproof nylon material. Seattle-based knitwear designer and blogger Elisa Yip says that it “repels water to protect all my important stuff,” including her iPad, phone, wallet, makeup bag, and eyeglasses. Yip adds that it’s a great bag for traveling, as it can fold up and fit into a carry-on, making it a good choice for those who frequently take business trips. My editor, Hilary Reid, seconds this: She bought her orange Le Pliage during a trip to Venice (vacation, not business) and used it as an extra carry-on to bring home souvenirs. After schlepping that one around for nearly four years, she recently retired it and bought a fresh one in tomato red.

Material: Recycled Saffiano leather | Price: $$$

In the previous edition of this story, we didn’t include any Lo & Sons work bags, which I found surprising since the brand is super well-known in this category. With that in mind, I set out to test both the OG 2.0 and the Trinity — the latter of which was my favorite. It’s a briefcase-style laptop bag that’s incredibly streamlined with a chic design. It features three zippered compartments: The largest is the center compartment, then there’s a padded laptop sleeve at the back, and at the front, you’ll find another compartment with a variety of smaller pockets. The handles fit over my shoulder, but they’re a bit snug and really meant more for holding the bag on your arm. There’s also a removable shoulder strap, which I preferred for carrying this bag crossbody. It comes with two shoe pouches for commuting with an extra pair of footwear, too.

Material: PU (polyurethane) | Price: $

When I tested the Haven bag from Calpak, I found it to be spacious and sturdy, thanks to the wide handles, easy-to-clean polyurethane material, and deep interior. The standout feature of this work bag is that you can completely remove the insert, allowing you to organize your work essentials before snapping it back into the bag. The insert has a large 16-inch laptop sleeve, four interior pockets for valuables, and four exterior pockets. Theoretically, you could also use the bag without the insert, but I’m not sure why you would — I found it very helpful for organizing chargers, headphones, extra snacks, and my makeup pouch. The Haven also comes with an adjustable shoulder strap, which is nice if you tend to fill your bag to the brim. It also features a luggage sleeve you can slip down over a suitcase handle when traveling.

Material: Recycled polyester and nylon | Price: $

When I researched durable work bags, Bellroy’s Tokyo collection kept turning up. During my testing, I was quite surprised by how much I liked the Tokyo Wonder Tote, as it initially appears to be just another non-leather tote from the outside. But that’s where I was wrong. This bag really hits hard where it counts: It’s water-repellent, and the internal organization is fantastic. The interior features a large 16-inch laptop sleeve, along with a zippered mesh pocket and two sleeve pockets designed for a water bottle or a tall travel mug. Each handle has grippy strips, ensuring they stay in place on your shoulder when the bag is fully packed. Another feature I love: The bag’s internal tag doubles as a mini pocket designed to hold an Apple AirTag, which is genius for folks like me who tend to forget where they’ve set their bag down.

Material: Recycled nylon | Price: $$$

This Caraa tote bears a strong resemblance to the Le Pliage tote from Longchamp, which I mentioned earlier. Like the Longchamp, it’s lightweight and made of water-repellent nylon, but the most significant difference is that it converts from a tote to a backpack with two extra straps. The interior has a padded laptop compartment (which I’ve used to hold two laptops, my personal one and my work one), a water-bottle holder, and two smaller pockets. On the outside, there’s a small snap pocket at the front and a zippered phone pocket at the back. You’ll also find a hidden side compartment that’s made for storing an extra pair of shoes. Caraa also sells a leather version, though it’s slightly more expensive at $380.

Material: Recycled tarpaulin | Price: $$

Suitcase Magazine columnist Anna Hart and designer Tyler McGillivary told us they use the sturdy bags from Freitag as their workhorse. The Swiss brand recycles truck tarpaulins into sturdy bags. Hart says her tote is a “compact yet virtually indestructible carry-on that can be converted into a comfortable backpack with a simple clip-on strap.” McGillivary also loves the strength and look of her bag: “It’s the perfect shade of yellow, in my opinion, and paired with a washed-out orange, it reminds me of fruit and fresh paint.”

Material: Nylon | Price: $$$

While this bag may cost the same as two months of membership dues at a luxury gym, it’s a must if you love to work out after (or before) work. I’ve only been testing the Studio 2 for a few weeks, but it’s become my go-to for carrying all my items to early morning Pilates HIIT classes. It has two separate compartments: The main pocket opens wide for easy access to my headphones, makeup bag, and an extra change of clothes; there’s also a cushiony pouch for my 13-inch laptop and two adjustable water-bottle holders. A turn lock on the zipper keeps the entire compartment more secure. The outer compartment is great for storing snacks or a pair of shoes, like my sneakers. Whether I’m heading to a workout or catching a flight, I love that the adjustable straps can convert the Studio 2 into a backpack or an over-the-shoulder weekender.

Another fan is Katheryn Thayer, vice-president of brand marketing at Primary Venture Partners, who says, “Caraa’s super-versatile ‘luxury sports bags’ are magical” and notes that the bag “has a million secret pockets.” Thayer adds that people stop her in the street to ask where she got it all the time. (If you’re just looking for a gym bag, we’ve got lots more options at various price points here.)

Material: Leather | Price: $$$

If you’ve been wanting to treat yourself to a more elevated (and expensive) work bag, I’d recommend the Pyramid bag from Belgium-based brand KAAI. It’s the brand’s best seller, and after testing it for about a month, I can see why. The design is very thoughtful: The bag has two magnetic outer pockets for small items that you want quick access to, such as your phone or wallet, and inside there’s a Velcro tech sleeve that fits laptops up to 15.6 inches, two pen holders, and five drop-in pockets. It also has six metal feet at the base of the bag, which is the most I’ve seen on any work bag I’ve tested. I love the blue interior lining, which is almost like a soft velvet material. As for the exterior, the 100 percent cow leather has a smooth, matte finish. According to the brand, it’s sourced from a special tannery in Northern Italy where the leather is treated to be water-, UV-, and scratch-resistant. At three pounds, it’s one of the heavier bags on this list; however, it’s available in a smaller size called the Midi Pyramid, designed to fit 13-inch laptops. The brand has also recently launched the Pyramid and Midi Pyramid in cactus leather.

• Arielle Avila, Strategist writer• Liza Corsillo, Strategist senior writer• Bethany Everett-Ratcliffe, content creator• Mya Gelber, Strategist contributor and law student• Rachael Griffiths, Strategist writer• Anna Hart, travel columnist at Suitcase Magazine• Tyler McGillivary, designer • Hilary Reid, Strategist senior editor• Lauren Ro, Strategist senior writer• Jade Stenger, high-school assistant principal• Alexis Swerdloff, New York Magazine deputy editor• Katheryn Thayer, vice-president of brand marketing at Primary Venture Partners• Elisa Yip, knitwear designer and blogger

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