Aside from the 10-second commute from bed to desk, one of the many benefits of working from home is knowing that you’ll never forget your essentials at home. With many workplaces now embracing hybrid working arrangements or mandating a full-time in-office schedule, a dependable work bag—alongside a smart work wardrobe—is a necessity.
The search for the best work bags can be something of a full time job in itself. With endless options on the market—structured, unstructured, convertible, tote, backpack!—it can be easy to give up entirely and resort to just carrying a cute crossbody for your phone and lipstick and shoving your lunch and laptop into a free-gift-with-purchase canvas tote that gets sheepishly shoved under the desk the moment you arrive at work.
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Key to nailing the search for the perfect work bag is understanding that not everyone has the same work requirements. While many contemporary office goers require a bag that holds a laptop alongside lunch, a water bottle, diary, notebooks, and other miscellaneous essentials (think: wallet, hand cream, lipstick/lipgloss, and hand sanitiser), others have enforced a strict delineation between their work and personal lives, meaning their laptop (or even desktop) exclusively stays in the office.
Regardless of what your everyday carry looks like, there are a few non-negotiables when it comes to choosing work bags. The best work bag will not only fit everything you need for the day, but also look stylish enough that you not only feel good about carrying it to work but are happy to tote it around to after-work drinks or dinner. It also needs to be durable. A work bag is not a dainty mini bag that you can baby for a night for the #aesthetic before carefully stowing it back in its dust bag; it needs to be able to be thrown around (within reason) and go from the train station to your weekly stand-up meeting without showing excessive signs of wear.
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As it’s set to become one of your most carried bags, the perfect work bag should also be comfortable i.e. it shouldn’t dig into your shoulder or be unreasonably heavy when empty. And, it should ideally have some form of organisation system to avoid turning into a black hole; think a separate sleeve pocket for your laptop or iPad and perhaps some external pockets to allow you to quickly access a phone or small notepad. Oh, and a zip—or at the very least, button—closure is essential.
Sounds simple enough, right? Oh, wait — the price has to be right too. While a hardworking work bag is an undeniable investment piece, we also acknowledge that one mightn’t be desirous of blowing the budget on a bag intended for more utilitarian activities, which is why we’ve made sure to include chic affordable options alongside high-end styles.
To help simplify the search for the perfect work bag, we’ve divided our search into laptop-friendly and essentials only work bags. Without further ado, here’s our list of the best work bags; each chosen for their ability to unite comfort and practicality with style.
The best laptop-friendly work bags
1. Sans Beast Universo Tote
Price: $299AUD
The Universo Tote from vegan brand Sans Beast is a workhorse of a tote bag if ever there was one. With space for a 15-inch laptop (with a dedicated laptop sleeve), water bottle, lunch box, notepad, and even several magazines or books, its north-south (rather than the traditional east-west) style prevents it from feeling too big or bulky. Ample interior and exterior pockets keep your essentials organised, with the zipped front pocket perfect for keeping your phone and transport pass handy. It’s got a top zip to keep everything secure, while two sets of handles allow it to be worn on the shoulder or carried briefcase-style in hand.
Does it fit a laptop? Yes, up to 15-inch
Material: vegan leather/polyurethane | Top zip: yes | Dimensions: 27cm (W) x 36.5cm (H) x 15cm (D) | Colour range: six (black, black croc, forest green, olive green, burgundy, tan)
2. Ferragamo Hug Bag (M)
Price: from $4590AUD
The Ferragamo Hug Bag has been on our radar for a while thanks to its deliciously supple leather, curvilinear edges, namesake ‘hug’ strap detailing, and understated branding. A quiet luxury bag if ever there was one, the Ferragamo Hug Bag is one that’ll make you want to have in-person meetings just to casually show it off. The medium variant is just large enough to fit a 13-inch laptop, however anything larger will affect the straps’ ability to close.
As it’s not a dedicated work bag, there aren’t ample pockets for interior organisation, however there is a lined zipped pocket and a keyring chain inside. The Ferragamo Hug Bag doesn’t have a top zip, however when fastened, the ‘hug’ straps narrow the top opening and prevent your items from spilling out. If you don’t need to carry a laptop to work, we’d recommend sizing down to the small size, which is big enough to fit a kindle and other essentials.
Does it fit a laptop? Yes, up to 13-inch
Material: leather | Top zip: no | Dimensions: 38cm (W) x 24cm (H) x 22cm (D) | Colour range: ten (some not available in Australia)
3. Madewell Zip-Top Medium Transport Tote
Price: $333AUD
Madwell has several iterations of its popular transport tote, but this zip-top version is our favourite. Made from durable pebbled leather—which ages well over time and shows signs of wear less than smooth leather—it can hold a 13-inch laptop as well as essentials like books or magazines, a water bottle or umbrella, and other bits and pieces. An interior pocket keeps your keys and wallet safe, while the oversized exterior slip pocket adds visual interest and allows you to easily access your phone and store receipts.
One reviewer says: “I love this bag! I bought it before starting graduate school to have something that felt a little more polished and put together to carry my laptop and notes in. Some days it has my 13″ macbook, two spirals, a pencil bag, a wallet, a little toiletry bag, phone & laptop charger, glasses case, my keys, and, of course, a couple masks – AND I’ve never felt like I’m overworking the purse itself, but I would maybe get a wider strap.”
Does it fit a laptop? Yes, up to 13-inch
Material: pebbled leather | Top zip: yes | Dimensions: 28cm (W) x 31cm (H) x 14cm (D) | Colour range: two (black and saddle brown)
4. Oroton Emilia Large Tote
Price: $629AUD
For a ludicrously capacious bag that doesn’t follow the rectilinear silhouette of a traditional tote, we can’t go past the Oroton Emilia Large Tote. The main compartment has a zip-top to keep your daily carry secure and is spacious enough to fit a 15-inch laptop with enough room for a lunchbox, water bottle, and other accoutrements. Discreetly concealed slider pockets on the front and back allow for easy access to essentials without disrupting the sleek aesthetic of the bag. We particularly like the wide shoulder straps, which are lightly padded to ensure comfort no matter how heavy your bag gets during the day.
Does it fit a laptop? Yes, up to 15-inch
Material: pebbled leather | Top zip: yes | Dimensions: 43cm (W) x 35.5cm (H) x 17cm (D) | Colour range: three (black, navy, dark brown)
5. Freja Paloma
Price: $564AUD
This is perhaps our all time favourite work bag; it’s sleek and holds everything you need without dwarfing petite frames. The tri-compartment silhouette is elegant and sets it apart from conventional totes, with the layout meaning there’s ample space for all your belongings — the zipped middle compartment holds a 16-inch laptop while the two buttoned side compartments can fit a 13-inch laptop. There’s interior organisation aplenty here, with both zipped and slip pockets for keeping your cards and cash secure and your phone and sunglasses within easy reach.
As with all the brand’s bags, the Freja Paloma is crafted from ultrafibre (non-woven fabric made using recycled microfiber with a top layer of water-based polyurethane) which is scratch- and stain-resistant — we’ve tested the latter and any stains and spills (think lipstick or wine) can be easily wiped off with a damp cloth.
What we think: We’ve tested the Freja Paloma as a work bag and a personal item bag when travelling and found it passes muster for both. The former is where it excels, with its compartmentalised nature perfect for keeping all your work essentials organised, while allowing enough space to also hold a sweater, water bottle, and lunch box. It also works well as a travel bag, however it’s worth noting that the middle zipped compartment is designed to have gaps at the end, so smaller items might slip out if you’re stuffing it under plane seats. That said, it’s good for road trips, and the brand markets said gaps as ideal for slotting your water bottle into.
Does it fit a laptop? Yes, up to 16-inch
Material: vegan ultrafibre leather (microfibre coated with polyurethane) | Top zip: yes, with buttons for side pockets | Dimensions: 45cm (W) x 29cm (H) x 15cm (D) | Colour range: six (black, latte, cappuccino, taupe, pecan brown, espresso brown)
6. DeMellier New York Tote
Price: from $940AUD
Another work bag that doesn’t scream “I’m a work bag!” the DeMellier New York Tote is an eminently capacious bag. Ideal for those who want something less structured, it has a zipped pocket and slip pocket inside, but is otherwise relatively unstructured. It doesn’t have a top zip, so is better suited to those who walk or drive into work than those who take public transport — there is a top button to keep it together, though.
There’s space to hold up to a 16-inch laptop, as well as a lunchbox, sweater, water bottle, books, and files. Its exaggerated trapezium silhouette and slouchy appearance when filled means that while it looks professional, it’s far from corporate and can be confidently carried to dinner and drinks without looking like you’ve come straight from the office.
Does it fit a laptop? Yes, up to 16-inch
Material: small-grain or embossed leather | Top zip: no | Dimensions: 58cm (W) x 27cm (H) x 14cm (D) | Colour range: five (black, black croc, natural raffia, dark brown, white croc)
7. Longchamp Le Pliage Xtra L
Price: $1335AUD
If you’ve been searching for the perfect work bag for some time now, you’ve undoubtedly come across the Longchamp Le Pliage, which is invariably recommended by every article on the subject—not to mention touted by its owners—as the ideal work bag. While the original nylon iteration is indeed durable, it’s best reserved for university students and recent graduates (or even as a chic travel or gym bag), with the fabrication coming off a little too casual to take to meetings.
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If you’re a fan of the silhouette, might we recommend the Longchamp Le Pliage Xtra L instead? French leather goods house Longchamp is underrated when it comes to its leather quality and craftsmanship, but the Le Pliage Xtra L puts it on full display. Crafted entirely from smooth cowhide leather, it combines the beloved silhouette of the original nylon iteration with an elevated finish, making it a solid choice to tote your everyday carry around it. Both durable and sturdy, it can fit a 15-inch laptop with room to spare. There’s a dedicated laptop pocket to keep it secure, as well as one zipped pocket.
All this being said, if your workplace errs more casual (or you are indeed a university student), you have our blessing to go forth and enjoy the original nylon iteration.
What we think: Having solidly worn the nylon version into the ground after ten years of use and graduated to this iteration, we’ve been enjoying the elevated the full leather composition lends, paired with the silhouette we know and love. The Longchamp Le Pliage Xtra L carries just as much as its nylon sibling and is sturdy and durable enough that we don’t feel the need to baby it — a necessary quality when it comes to work bags.
Does it fit a laptop? Yes, up to 15-inch
Material: smooth leather | Top zip: no | Dimensions: 34cm (W) x 28cm (H) x 14cm (D) | Colour range: six (ecru, navy, black, brown, yellow, grey)
8. Manu Atelier Tote du Jour
Price: approx. $890AUD ($590USD)
Manu Atelier has swiftly become one of our favourite handbag brands for understated yet impactful designs. Minimalist without being boring, their restrained branding and iykyk aesthetic makes the Turkish brand’s designs a go-to for lovers of quiet luxury. The Manu Atelier Tote du Jour is no exception, with the external adjustable leather belt that wraps around the top distinguishing it from other north-south totes, while cinching it to add interest to the silhouette. The bag fits up to a 13-inch laptop, with the interior housing zipped pocket and card slots. While it has a top button rather than a zip, we’ve found that this isn’t an issue due to the vertical orientation of the bag, which allows it to sit securely under the crook of your arm when commuting and prevents items from slipping out. The Manu Atelier Tote du Jour isn’t overly commodious, so it’s better suited to those who prefer to keep their daily carry to the essentials only.
Does it fit a laptop? Yes, up to 13-inch
Material: pebbled leather or suede | Top zip: no | Dimensions: 31cm (W) x 34.5cm (H) x 13cm (D) | Colour range: eight (deep brown, black, black croc, black suede, burgundy, brown, cream, taupe)
9. Coach Willow Tote
Price: $695AUD
Coach has been on the receiving end of much praise and adulation of late — and rightfully so. The American fashion house’s new era is one to watch, with styles throwing it back to the good old days when its leather craftsmanship and timeless silhouettes took precedence over heavily monogrammed canvas. The brand has a number of functional work bags, however the Coach Willow Tote is one of our favourites. Polished yet unfussy, it’s crafted from polished pebbled leather and features a centre zipped compartment between two open pockets and is secured by a turnlock closure. There’s space for a 13-inch laptop, as well as other daily essentials. Designed with practicality in mind, the longer strap drop allows the Willow Tote to be comfortably worn on the shoulder (even over the bulkiest of coats) or carried in hand.
Does it fit a laptop? Yes, up to 13-inch
Material: pebbled leather | Top zip: yes, with buttons for side pockets | Dimensions: 34.5cm (W) x 27.5cm (H) x 14.5cm (D) | Colour range: three (black, cream, monogrammed canvas)
10. Mulberry Bayswater
Price: from $1975AUD
Hey, one in every ten women in England can’t be wrong… well, at least not about this. Released in 2003, the Mulberry Bayswater has become an icon; and for good reason. The consummate work bag for those desirous of taking everything but the kitchen sink, the Mulberry Bayswater fits, well, everything. Along with a 15-inch laptop, it’s able to fit a lunch box, water bottle, sweater, books, and other bits and pieces. While it doesn’t have a top zip, the flap and iconic postman’s lock closure keep everything secure during your commute. It’s worth noting that the Mulberry Bayswater is a relatively heavy bag and is designed to be carried by hand (i.e. not on the shoulder), so it’s likely better suited to those who don’t need to walk long distances to get to work.
Does it fit a laptop? Yes, up to 15-inch
Material: grained leather | Top zip: no, flap closure | Dimensions: 36cm (W) x 26.5cm (H) x 16.5cm (D) | Colour range: six (black, black high shine, brown, natural brown, dark green, cream)
11. Maison de Sabré Laptop Bag
Price: $369AUD
For those of us who like to keep it streamlined, a dedicated laptop bag can be the way to go. A briefcase-style bag is a baller move for meetings, with the Maison de Sabré Laptop Bag pulling it off with aplomb. Crafted from full-grain leather, it fits a 16-inch laptop and has dedicated storage space to house a charger, notebook, phone, and files, while the slip pockets on the outside make it easy to keep your go-to items handy. It features rolled top handles to ensure it can be comfortably carried in hand, while an adjustable webbing strap allows for crossbody or shoulder carry. Go for the green, we dare you.
Does it fit a laptop? Yes, up to 16-inch
Material: full-grain leather | Top zip: yes | Dimensions: 37.5cm (W) x 28cm (H) x 4.5cm (D) | Colour range: four (green, black, sandstone brown, navy)
12. Everlane New Day Market Tote
Price: $469AUD
One of the best work bags for women, this commodious tote fits a ridiculous amount. Equally fit for travel as it is for work, the Everlane New Day Market Tote is crafted from eco-friendly vegan leather, made with BioFabbrica Bio-Tex which is composed of plant proteins. The Everlane New Day Market Tote is able to fit a 16-inch laptop with room to spare. It’s worth noting that while it does have a zipped internal pocket, it’s relatively unstructured so might be a better choice for those who need to cart larger equipment to work (such as photography or audio gear).
One reviewer says: “This is the lightest leather bag I have ever used — it looks very elegant, the colour looks very good, not fading under the sun, and so far I have carried pretty heavy stuff for day/weekend trips, its durability is awesome! I would definitely like to buy another one for my mom!”
Material: vegan leather (plant proteins on a cotton base) | Top zip: no | Dimensions: 48cm (W) x 33cm (H) | Colour range: three (black, chocolate brown, burgundy)
13. Ten Tones Alba Bow Shopper Tote
Price: $95AUD
One for the cool girls, the Ten Tones Alba Bow Shopper Tote is a fresh interpretation of the classic shopper tote. Ideal for those in creative industries who want a work bag that errs on the more casual side, the Ten Tones Alba Bow Shopper Tote is a slouchy two-compartment style that houses a 13-inch laptop within the middle compartment (secured with a magnetic button), with room for notepads, books, and other essentials in the oversized front pocket. Designed to be carried on the shoulder, the strap features a bow detail on the top which adds a sense of whimsy to the design.
Material: vegan leather (polyurethane) | Top zip: no | Dimensions: 34cm (W) x 31cm (H) x 13cm (D) | Colour range: three (black, tan, cream)
14. Acne Studios Musubi Midi Shoulder Bag
Price: $2900AUD
Well-suited to insouciant creatives and former scene kids who, due to the constraints of society, are forced to be shackled to a desk, the Acne Studios Musubi Midi Shoulder Bag fits carries everything you need and looks cool doing it. The slouchy style is able to hold a 13-inch laptop along with other essentials. There’s a zipped pocket in the middle for keeping smaller items like keys and cards safe, while your laptop sits in one of the larger side compartments. We’re particularly drawn to the musubi knots on either side of the bag, which are inspired by traditional Japanese obi sashes.
Material: smooth leather | Top zip: yes, with buttons for side pockets | Dimensions: 35cm (W) x 35cm (H) x 16cm (D) | Colour range: three (black, brown, beige)
The best work bags for women (laptop-free)
Work doesn’t look the same for everyone, therefore it stands to reason that the perfect work bag shouldn’t be a one-size-fits-all solution. Whether you’re in the office full-time and leave your laptop at work; in an industry that doesn’t necessitate you to lug a laptop around at all; or are fully remote but want a professional looking bag for occasional in-person meetings, these work bags fit the bill (but not a laptop).
15. Tory Burch Lee Radziwill Double Bag
Price: approx. $1505AUD ($998USD; cheaper via the United States webstore)
The Tory Burch Lee Radziwill Double Bag is one of our all time favourite bags. It’s often touted as an alternative for the Hermès Kelly, but much like its namesake, it’s an icon in its own right. The small size makes for the perfect work bag, with zipped middle compartment for smaller items and side compartments big enough for a kindle and a diary or planner. Designed to be worn with the clasps undone, the Tory Burch Lee Radziwill Double Bag contrasts leather with suede and sees a hint of brown complement black, with the slouchy outer layer lending a relaxed sensibility to the otherwise traditional bag. An additional longer strap allows it to be worn crossbody, in addition to being carried by hand.
One reviewer says: “Since I no longer need to drag my laptop back and forth to work, this bag holds my essentials in style with beautiful colours, and a touch of suede (I love suede). The short handle can still go on my shoulder until winter when I will use the longer strap to go over my winter jackets. It is so nice to have a beautiful bag to step up my game now that I am not in business wear, it reminds me to wear something besides yoga pants.”
Material: leather and suede | Top zip: yes, with buttons for side pockets | Dimensions: 24cm (W) x 27cm (H) x 12cm (D) | Colour range: five (black, tan, blue, beige, grey)
16. Ten Tones Siena Everyday Tote
Price: $80AUD
Those who prefer a catch-all style bag will enjoy the Ten Tones Siena Everyday Tote. Crafted from soft yet durable faux leather, this affordable work bag for women has a slouchy curved hobo-style silhouette and is deceptively spacious, fitting an 11-inch tablet or iPad, books, planner, and other small essentials. As it doesn’t have any internal pockets (and is secured by a magnetic button), we’d recommend keeping smaller items (such as cards, keys, and lipgloss) in a small zipped pouch.
What we think: This is our bag of choice for days when you don’t need to carry a laptop. Big enough to house all your essentials, its slouchy shape precludes it from being boxy or bulky, making it easy to carry for long periods of time. Our favourite thing about the Siena Everyday Tote is the adjustable turnlock strap, which can go from shoulder bag to crossbody in an instant.
Material: vegan leather (polyurethane) | Top zip: no | Dimensions: 26cm (W) x 24cm (H) x 10cm (D) | Colour range: five (black, tan, cherry red, chocolate brown, taupe)
17. Deadly Ponies Mr Chopalopagus
Price: $699AUD
Leather quality is where New Zealand handbag brand Deadly Ponies excels, so you can trust it to do a buttery soft slouchy bag well. The Deadly Ponies Mr Chopalopagus is one of the rare few slouchy shoulder bags that has a zip-top, making it a solid contender for a laid back—yet secure—work bag. Mr Chopalopagus is spacious without being bulky and has a zipped internal pocket to keep your smaller bits and pieces within easy reach. The shoulder strap is adjustable and can be lengthened for crossbody wear. If you’re feeling particularly daring, there’s also a cheetah velvet iteration, however we’d hazard a guess that the black leather variety will go down better in the workplace.
Material: leather | Top zip: yes | Dimensions: 43cm (W) x 32cm (H) x 15cm (D) | Colour range: two (black, velvet cheetah)
Words by Arabella Johnson & T. Angel
