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Who doesn’t love a cotton tote bag? Bonus points if it’s free, like our classic New York tote. We all have our favorites. For me, it’s my Hood Health tote, which can fit everything and anything. However, as much as we all cherish our emotional-support totes, I’m on the hunt for tote bags that keep their shape rather than becoming a blob when I throw all of my belongings inside them.
I’m not necessarily looking for a work bag (although it can surely double as one). My criteria is less “farmers’ market” and more “I want to carry more things than my go-to shoulder bag allows.” It should at least have one pocket on the inside so my keys, lip balm, wallet, and sunglasses aren’t always at the bottom of the pit. And it should make me feel and look put together — like Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen carrying their extremely beat-up Birkins without the Birkin price tag.
Below is a list of tote bags I own, ones fellow editors are always using when I meet them at events, and options our group chats highly recommend.
So, you’re looking for the best tote bags?
➼ Our top picks
➼ More tried-and-true options
Our top picks:
Dimensions: 19 inches high x 14 inches wide x 2.5 inches deep | Material: Oxford fabric that is polyester with a waterproof coating | Colors: Multiple options
This might look like your typical cotton tote bag, but it’s not. Made from a waterproof canvas, the thicker handle makes carrying it around so comfortable, and the oversize rectangular silhouette really is what put the icing on this tote-bag cake. And it has a pocket and key-chain loop.
Dimensions: 30 centimeters high x 32 centimeters wide x 13 centimeters deep | Materials: Nappa PU | Colors: Dark moss, cream
While I don’t own this Charles & Keith tote bag, when I use the one I do own (which is similar but no longer in stock), I’m floored with compliments and the ol’ question, “Where did you get that?” The faux-leather material is buttery soft and the less-than-$100 price tag makes it a winner in my book.
Dimensions: 57 centimeters wide (at widest point) x 12 centimeters deep (at base) x 41 centimeters high | Material: Recycled cotton with recycled postconsumer plastic| Colors: Available in multiple prints
You can’t walk the streets of NYC without spotting this tote at least once. I caught a fellow editor sporting hers recently, and while it was the first time she was out and about with it, she raved about how efficient it was and how it made her outfit stand out.
Dimensions: 22 centimeters high x 50 centimeters wide x 15 centimeters deep | Material: LWG-certified cow leather | Colors: Black
Market editor Cortne Bonilla calls this leather bag “my one and only tote.” With the perfect dimensions to double as a work bag and the sleek silhouette that makes it great for after-work hours, I don’t blame her.
Dimensions: 10 inches wide x 10 inches high x 6.5 inches deep | Material: Outer: Italian embossed cow leather;
inner: Italian calf suede leather | Colors: Pearl, biscotto, seaweed, black
I love schlepping my Mansur Gavriel M Hobo bag during Fashion Week. It can hold my laptop and all of my other between-show necessities without having to sacrifice the look. Priorities! While the price is bit steeper, it is made with 100 percent Italian embossed cow leather and calf-suede lining, making the cost per use much more worth it.
Dimensions: 12.59 in wide x 12.59 inches deep | Material: Outer: Polyurethane, cotton, and elastane; inner: polyurethane, brass, and Zamak | Colors: Beige, brown
Shopping editor Hanna Flanagan isn’t immune to TikTok recommendations either. She shared that as soon as it popped up in her FYP, she added this one to her wish list. And who are we to blame her? You can fold the bag completely, making it the perfect tote to throw in your suitcase and bring back filled with all your overseas purchases.
More tried-and-true options:
Material: Cotton | Colors: Rock, saltwater, sol sunrise, French workwear
Another solid option for under $100, this time from Free People. Despite its slouchy design, your keys, lip balms, loose change, and hair ties have their own zip pocket so they won’t get lost.
Dimensions: 12.3 inches high x 20.6 inches wide x 5.1 inches deep | Material: Italian leather| Colors: Available in nine colors
Beloved by moms all over the country (it’s one of our top-selling products in our Mother’s Day roundup), this tote is true to its name. It is also simple to carry around and style.
Dimensions: 14 inches high x 10 inches wide X 6 inches deep | Material: Leather | Colors: Available in seven colors
If you want an under-$200 leather (or suede) tote bag that the internet (mostly TikTok users again) swear by, Madewell has you covered. The viral blue suede one might no longer be in stock, but this burgundy option is just as good.
Dimensions: 12.5 inches high x 12.5 inches wide x 5 inches deep | Material: Vegetable tan leather | Colors: Natural, saddle, walnut, black
Behold the next tote I have my eyes on. It reminds me of Peter Do’s dumpling bag without the $1,000 price tag.
Dimensions: 15.59 inches x 15.82 inches x 8.66 inches | Material: Outer: recycled polyester; lining: cotton | Colors: Black, blue, burgundy, beige
Another oversize tote for your consideration. This time, it’s quilted and less than $100. And yes, TikTok users approve of this one too.
Dimensions: 40 centimeters wide x 25 centimeters high x 9.5 centimeters deep | Material: Outer: leather; lining: organic cotton | Colors: Available in six colors
The Spanish brand might be known for its quirky knits and effortless dresses, but its accessories shouldn’t be disregarded. This bag can be worn across your chest or on your shoulder, and according to the site’s product description, it can “carry anything from a jacket to a yoga mat.”
Dimensions: 12.5 inches deep x 38.5 inches wide x 33 inches high | Material: Leather | Colors: Tobacco, black, and pine needles
This slouchy, oversize tote feels reminiscent of nostalgic “It”-girl bags like the Balenciaga Motorcycle Bag and the Fendi Spy Bag, which we love. It’s made from buttery-soft leather and features a removable strap for maximum versatility.
Dimensions: 9.75 inches high x 11.75 inches wide x 5.5 inches deep | Material: Leather | Colors: Emerald/white, black
If you’re looking for a more beach-friendly tote, this option from Loeffler Randall is great to style with all of your upcoming summer and swim looks.
Dimensions: 12.5 inches high x 11 inches long x 6 inches wide | Material: Custom pebbled vegan ultra-fiber leather | Colors: Oat, taupe, pecan, black
This tote bag might look slim, but your 14-inch laptop can still fit in it. Plus, it has not only one pocket on the inside but one on the outside so you can have easy access to your lip balm and hand sanitizer.
Dimensions: 11.8 inches x 5.5 inches x 18.1 inches | Material: 100 percent cowhide leather | Colors: Smooth honey, smooth chocolate, and smooth black
This 100 percent cowhide-leather tote is great for those of us who like to throw a bunch of random items in our bags on the way out the door; the depth and upside-down-triangle shape make it extremely stuff-able. The sliding handles are a nice touch that will make this tote stand out from others in your collection.
Dimensions: 14.5 inches high x 20 inches wide x 11 inches deep | Material: Suede and leather | Colors: Tan
A casual everyday bag that also has a sturdy, wide bottom so it won’t tip over every time you set it down is truly the best of both worlds. And the tan suede material will transition well from fall to winter.
Dimensions: 13 inches x 18 inches x 8.5 inches | Material: Waterproof TPU with vegan leather details | Colors: Clear
Need a pool tote to get you through the last month of summer or a beach bag for an upcoming vacation? Look no further than this convertible tote-to-cross-body option from functional bag brand Caraa. It’s lightweight, spacious, waterproof, easy to clean, and equipped with a convenient interior pocket.
Dimensions: 13 inches long x 10.6 inches high x 5.5 inches wide | Material: 100 percent Italian cow leather | Colors: Available in 13 colors
Designed to keep you organized no matter how chaotic your schedule gets, this scratch-proof, water-proof, and UV-resistant tote has so many features that make it worth the splurge — including six inner pockets, two outer pockets with magnet button clasps, a reinforced base and handles, and a built-in key leash. This is the medium size that can hold a 13.5-inch laptop, but Kaai’s Pyramid silhouette is also available in a large size that can hold a 15.6-inch laptop and a mini size that can hold an iPad or e-reader.
Dimensions: 17.7 inches high x 17.3 inches wide x 6.1 inches deep | Material: Leather | Colors: Black
This tote will match just about everything in your closet. The sleek and structured shape makes it feel more formal and professional than others on this list, which is perfect for important presentations or meetings with clients.
