The 12 Best Work Bags Will Make Commuting That Much Easier

Best Overall

Caraa Studio Medium Leather Tote

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The ideal work bag should hold everything without feeling too heavy or becoming disorganized. The Caraa Studio Tote can do just that. "The Caraa tote is the best bag I've ever used for commuting. It fits everything I need — extra pair of shoes, lunch, water bottle — and if it gets too heavy, I convert it to a backpack," says Shannon Bauer, Senior Commerce Editor at InStyle. "It's also my go-to bag for travel when I need to bring my laptop along too." Bauer has the medium-sized tote, which can hold a 15-inch laptop. She notes that bulky lunch containers take extra finagling to squeeze them in because it is on the narrow side. Luckily, they make a larger size, which fits a 17-inch laptop. Both have seven different pockets and compartments to organize your belongings.

And Chloe Anello, Senior Commerce Editor at InStyle, recommends this bag, too. (Note: it was gifted to her a few years ago.) "I have a two-hour commute coming into the city, so I need something that can stand up to a lot of abuse on public transit. I've never used a more durable bag — I have yet to notice a major flaw after three years of constant use," she says. She owns the nylon fabric bag, as does Bauer because it's lightweight, waterproof, and easy to clean, but the bag comes in high-quality leather, too. You can even choose between gold or black hardware. We appreciate how wide the removable, leather backpack straps are. The wider the straps, the better they distribute weight, so they're less likely to dig into your shoulders, according to Los Angeles-based stylist Joanna Angeles.

Price at time of publish: $338

Material: Nylon or leather | Dimensions: 12 H x 7.5 W x 17.5 L inches (medium) | Colors: 1

Best Leather

Madewell The Zip-Top Medium Transport Tote

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For those that prefer leather, you can't go wrong with Madewell's Transport Tote. It's made from pebbled leather, which better fends off scuffs and scratches than smooth leather, according to New York City-based stylist Beverly Osemwenkhae. I used this tote throughout college and can confirm it withstands lots of wear and tear from lugging my books around. While it may not be the largest tote out there, it's still roomy enough to hold a 13-inch laptop, textbook, and other essentials. The compact size lends itself to more versatility — I've worn it off-duty, and it felt just like a regular purse.

The interior pocket keeps your keys and wallet secure while the slip pocket on the outside gives easy access to essential items, like a phone. The zipper at the top adds extra reassurance that nothing will fall out during a commute. And whenever I want to be hands-free, I slip the long strap over my sounder to wear it as a crossbody bag. I mainly bought this tote for its classic leather design — the black and mahogany shades also look luxe — but I've been pleasantly surprised with how functional the bag is, too.

Price at time of publish: $188

Material: Leather | Dimensions: 12.75 H x 5 W x 11 L inches | Colors: 4

Best Lightweight

MZ Wallace Medium Metro Deluxe Tote

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While a sturdy, structured bag has its place, sometimes you need a design that is lightweight and packable — cue the MZ Wallace Metro Tote. When I lived in New York City before the pandemic, I constantly saw this bag on my commute to work. I asked around to see what all the fuss was about. Former InStyle writer Caitlyn Martyn describes the easy-to-clean nylon bag as Mary Poppins' never-ending bag. "I really like how flexible the bag is. I've been able to stuff not only work items [into the bag] but a change of clothes and a makeup bag, glasses, sunglasses, water bottle, etc. too, and it somehow always fits," says Martyn. Considering that it has five exterior pockets and six interior pockets, its capacity isn't that surprising. It doesn't have a dedicated space for your laptop, but a 13-inch laptop fits perfectly in the center. To prevent back pain, the nylon straps on this tote are padded on top of being wider than most. There's also a detachable crossbody strap.

Price at time of publish: $275

Material: REC Oxford | Dimensions: 12.7 H x 9.4 W x 11.6 L inches | Colors: 18

Best Budget

Ecosusi Ecosusi Laptop Tote Bag

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After seeing a blogger Martina Damico post about this bag, I assumed for how expensive it looked, it would go way over budget. Turns out, you can buy it on Amazon for less than $60. The faux leather material, minimalistic design, and neutral shades look elegant. On the inside, you'll find a padded sleeve in the center to keep a 15.6-inch laptop with additional pockets to hold your phone, keys, and other knick knacks usually rolling around in the bottom of your purse. And to prevent anything from spilling out, a magnetic clasp on the top keeps everything safe.

Reviewers appreciate that the tote stands up on its own thanks to the sturdy construction and flat bottom, which coincidentally makes it great for flights, too, because it can easily slide under the seat without falling over onto your feet. If you've ever had a bag with a dark or black interior, you'll know that makes things harder to find, especially when digging around mid-flight, so thankfully this design has light-colored fabric on the inside. And as an over-packer, I know from experience that when your bag is especially stuffed, it's uncomfortable to wear it right under your armpit. With adjustable shoulder straps, you can simply increase the length for a more comfortable fit.

Price at time of publish: $53

Material: Faux leather | Dimensions: 11.8 H x 5.1 W x 16.5 L inches | Colors: 5

Best Splurge

Polène Cyme Bag

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InStyle writer Bianca Kratky owns and adores this tote bag like no other. Ever since the Polène team generously gifted it to her, she has been using it for work and travel and even as an extension of her outfit. The smooth leather, expertly crafted into an aesthetic basket-shaped tote, simply looks elegant no matter what it’s paired with — be it leggings and a hoodie for a flight or pantsuits and a blouse to the office. 

There aren’t any side pockets or slits in the interior of the bag, but it does come with a removable small leather pouch. Regardless, there is ample space inside, with the ability to fit a laptop, numerous notebooks, a cardigan, a makeup pouch, and other essentials. Two magnets sewn onto the sides of the bag also clip together, allowing you to invert the ends to create a different shape in the bag, if you tire the basket look — consider it a two-in-one bag. The two strap lengths allow you to throw it over your shoulder or hold it in your hands as well, again, making this a rather diverse work bag. 

Price at time of publish: $430

Material: Calf leather | Dimensions: 32 H x 52 W x 10.5 L cm | Colors: 8

Best Designer

Bottega Veneta Arco Canvas Tote Bag

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For her first designer investment bag, Kratky purchased this bag from Bottega Veneta. Considering you are spending a good chunk of your waking day at work, you may as well have a special bag as a symbol of your hard work coming to fruition. The Arco canvas tote is timeless in design, yet unique enough to stand out. The iconic weave effect of Bottega is brought to life with canvas material sewn together with contrasting black leather trimmings. You can find the designer label on the side of the tote, as well as at the bottom of the interior. It also comes with a small removable pouch to organize the smaller essentials, like lipgloss and hand creams. Just make sure to take extra good care of the fabric, as the oat color will quickly show stains and dirt.

Price at time of publish: $2,800

Material: Linen, cotton, leather | Dimensions: 9.4 H x 14.3 W x 5.1 L inches | Colors: 1

Best Professional

Cuyana System Tote

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In need of a sleek, no-nonsense work bag? This Cuyana system tote offers a professional and elegant bag, ideal for the office. While the unassuming and minimalist bag looks nice from the outside, it truly stands out with its customization capabilities on the inside. The snaps on the interior allow you to add and remove accessories as needed, like pouches, straps, flap bags, laptop sleeves, and more. You can even add a monogram to the tote. Whatever your office and personal needs are, this tote will meet you with the corresponding accessory (for an additional fee, that is).

Price at time of publish: $278

Material: Leather | Dimensions: 10 H x 17.25 W x 5 L inches | Colors: 9

Best Briefcase

Bostanten Mizuki Modern-style Leather Briefcase

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If the word "compartmentalize" sounds as good as wedding bells to you, then this Mizuki briefcase is going to sweep you off your feet. With two pockets on the exterior (big enough for an ipad) and pen slips, slip pockets, a laptop sleeve, and a zipped pocket on the interior, you can keep all your work items neatly organized in this bag. However, it should be noted that if you have a laptop larger than 15 inches, you might struggle to fit it in. Standard 13 inch laptops will find lots of comfort in the soft lining of the interior. The well constructed bag is not just handy, but aesthetic as well, with a sleek leather material gracing the exterior. While traditional briefcases look to solely mean business, this one adds a touch of femininity to it.

Price at time of publish: $165

Material: Leather | Dimensions: 11.42 H x 5.12 W x 16.14 L inches | Colors: 6

Best Backpack

Dagne Dover Dakota Neoprene Backpack

4.2

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We all know that backpacks are better for our shoulders, but we often can't look past the bulkiness or childlike style. However, Dagne Dover has converted us with its Neoprene Backpack. Hawaii-based writer Nicol Natale swore off backpacks after college until she saw her aunt wearing the Dakota and decided to give it a chance. The neoprene fabric, which comes in stylish colors immediately impressed her because it cushions the straps and back, so it never feels too heavy. It's also easy to clean — just wash it with warm water and detergent and it'll look as good as new. Best of all, the neoprene is water resistant. "I live on an island where we get a ton of rain," says Natale. "Whether I'm caught on a hike or out running errands, the exterior absorbs the rain and my belongings stay dry inside."

Despite its compact size, the Dakota holds all of Natale's essentials she uses as a reiki and yoga instructor. There's a laptop sleeve, shoe bag, and smaller pockets on the outside to hold your phone, headphones, and keys. "This is an adult backpack that compliments my outfits while still holding my things and feeling so comfortable to carry around. I use it every day and would buy it again and again," adds Natale.

Price at time of publish: $215

Material: Neoprene and air mesh, recycled repreve lining | Dimensions: 17 H x 5 W x 11.5 L inches | Colors: 7

Best for Business Trips

Baggallini Fifth Avenue Weekender

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Whenever I travel, I inevitably overpack and end up sticking odd objects like a curling iron or pair of heels into a second travel bag. That's why I must travel with a functional duffle. After taking the Fifth Avenue Weekender Bag (I was kindly gifted it by the brand) on a business trip recently, where I needed sets of both business and party clothes, I was impressed with how much I could fit into the roomy compartments — it easily held my 13-inch laptop, two bags of toiletries, a magazine, book, laptop charger, and random essentials, like hand cream. Flying with a laptop makes me nervous that one bout of turbulence could break it, so having a padded compartment for my device eased my worries.

The four pockets on the outside made it easy to store things I wanted on hand, like my AirPods and wallet. But not all the outer pockets have zippers, making it easy to slip my phone in and out as I waded through the airport. There's even a grommeted cord opening, so you can either plug your phone into the wall while it's still in the bag or hide a portable charger in the pocket and charge your phone on the outside. When filled to the brim, it of course did not feel weightless, but it sat securely on my suitcase using the luggage sleeve — it spent more time sitting on my carry-on than on my shoulder. When it came time to board, the duffle shape easily fit under my seat, standing upright, so nothing moved around.

On top of being great for the travel portions of a business trip, I wore the bag to the office, too, and not only fit a jacket inside, but also stored an extra pair of shoes in the built-in compartment. In addition to the shoulder straps, there's a detachable crossbody strap for when you want to be hands-free. While nylon looks a little utilitarian, it's waterproof, lightweight, and durable. It doesn't scuff or tear easily and you can wipe it clean with a damp cloth.

Price at time of publish: $150

Material: Nylon | Dimensions: 12 H x 6.5 W x 17 L inches | Colors: 3

Best for Parents

Dagne Dover Indi Diaper Backpack

4.2

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Whether you have a little one or not, a modern diaper bag like this design from Dagne Dover makes one incredible work bag. In fact, plus-size model and actress Kelsie Nick swears by the Indie Backpack. "I know a diaper bag isn't the first thought when working or traveling, but it is so comfy and can fit anywhere," says Nick. "All the compartments make it so easy to organize my things, from shoes to make-up brushes. My favorite part is the clip they use for a pacifier. I use it for my car keys."

New parents love how you can clip the backpack to a stroller and that it comes with a mini changing mat. But when playtime is over and you need to head to work, the laptop sleeve keeps your 15-inch device safe. Made from the brand's signature neoprene fabric, the material is water-resistant and easy to clean. Parenthood is expensive and time-consuming enough, so if there's a backpack that can multitask between the office and playdates, we're here for it.

Price at time of publish: $165

Material: Neoprene and air mesh, recycled repreve lining | Dimensions: 13.75 H x 6 W x 12.25 L inches | Colors: 6