2024’s top women’s workbags

By editor
August 13, 2024

We’ve been testing work bags for years and these are the best of the best

3x3 grid of different work bags

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Whether you’re looking for a casual workhorse bag or a stylish leather number that will get you compliments at the office, we have the best options.

Senreve, Freja, KAAI, Bandolier, Quince



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A good work bag will make your life easier and more organized when you’re mobile, especially stylish ones that make you feel confident just by carrying them. We asked our team members at Insider to share their selections for the best work bags for women and explain what they love about them. And if you need a fresh outfit to pair with your work bag, read our guide to the .

You’ll find a few bags on this list, and that’s because they’ve truly mastered the art of crafting the best work bags for women. For example, one of our top picks is the for its intentional organization system with multiple compartments inside an incredibly sleek shape, making it a fashionable and functional option for whatever you need during your workday.

See below for a quick peek at our top five picks. Plus, read on for in-depth reviews on why we love these bags.

Our top 5 picks for the best work bags for women

The Allyn Tote opens super wide, which is a big win for functionality. Plus, it has bells and whistles like a water bottle pocket and a key leash.

Real Italian leather and great construction make this tote feel like it costs way more than the sticker price of $150.

KAAI’s splurge-worthy Pyramid Bag is stunning in person and is scratch-resistant and waterproof to keep all your essentials dry.

Bandolier’s Carryall Tote has a padded laptop sleeve and reinforced handles that make schlepping way easier on your shoulder.

This vegan leather tote is beautifully made, lined with luxurious suede, and can carry a laptop as large as 16 inches.

Best leather overall: Dagne Dover Allyn Leather Tote

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Samantha Crozier/Insider


The Allyn Leather Tote has the best internal organization features we’ve found in a work tote, with its laptop sleeve in 13-inch and 16-inch, snap-in water bottle insert, as well as smaller pockets for your phone or a notepad. And thank goodness for its mini compartments, otherwise we’d never find that tiny, elusive lip balm. The straps are also the perfect length and width for comfortably carrying over your shoulder.

“One of the best parts about this bag is how wide it opens, so you won’t have to go blindly digging for anything. But despite how much it holds, the bag has a manageable silhouette that isn’t bulky at all, even on my five-foot-two frame,” says Samantha Crozier, style editor, Insider Reviews.

Read our to find out more about why this bag got the hard-earned top spot.

Best luxury: Kaai Pyramid Bag

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Samantha Crozier, KAAI


This stylish work bag comes in ten colors that all function as chic neutrals. It’s made from 100% scratch-proof, UV-resistant Italian leather that won’t get discolored or wilt in the rain. As for the inside, it can fit laptops up to 15.6 inches and has a slew of other helpful pockets. There’s a place for your pens, charger cables, notebook, makeup pouch, and whatever else you need to tote around.

Plus, it comes in two other sizes — the (12 colors) and the (11 colors). I have the Mini Pyramid and I’m obsessed with the luxurious suede lining and the little metal feet that help keep the bottom of your bag from touching the subway floor when commuting. And I love the two outer pockets, which are super helpful for slipping your phone into for easy access. This one is a little bit of a splurge, but you’re paying for the highest quality.

Best vegan overall: Freja Paloma

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Samantha Crozier, Freja


I got Freja’s after seeing the vegan leather brand all over Instagram. I absolutely love gold hardware, and workbags with a simple but unique style, so I’m partial to the aesthetics of this stunning bag.

This bag can hold a ton due to its roomy shape. I’ve put my laptop, a book, a water bottle, a jacket, a charger, and all my small essentials in it with absolutely no issues. Honestly, it could probably also fit lunch, a makeup bag, and a whole ‘nother laptop if necessary. The center compartment fits a laptop as big as 16 inches, which makes it one of the wider choices on this list.

The straps are also thick enough that they won’t dig painfully into your shoulders if you’re seriously schlepping. Plus, the also has many smaller compartments— zippered and unzippered — for essentials. Also, I love the gold-brown suede lining that feels luxurious and expensive.

One thing that might be a concern is that the middle zippered compartment doesn’t fully close. The bag is designed so that there are gaps at either end, which gives it that pretty silhouette. However, this means that this isn’t a great choice to double as a carry-on since putting it under the seat may lead to items slipping out. However, the brand does pitch this gap as a chic water bottle slot, allowing you to access it without going digging.

Read our full to see our other favorite picks from the brand.

Best for carrying a laptop: Bandolier Tote Bag

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Samantha Crozier/Insider


The Bandolier tote is made of high-quality pebbled leather that feels luxurious to the touch. Inside, you’ll find a zippered pocket, a few open compartments, and even a special pouch designed for storing your sunglasses. There’s also a padded compartment with a snap button closure that will fit a 15-inch laptop.

And since carrying a laptop can be a struggle if you’re toting it around all day, the Bandolier bag comes with reinforced straps. “My favorite part about this tote is the straps. The extra bit of leather reinforcement makes it so much more comfortable on my shoulder when I’m carrying it around — plus it can carry a lot, so I need the extra support,” says Samantha Crozier, Style & Beauty Editor.

Best budget: Quince Italian Leather Triple Compartment Tote

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Samantha Crozier, Quince


This bag from Quince is a great deal at under $150 for an Italian leather tote that’s big enough to carry a laptop. Similar bags cost twice as much. Plus, this one also comes with bells and whistles like a dust bag that is usually only included in more expensive purchases

It’s a great tote that will check all your boxes if you’re looking for a basic work bag. It even has little metal feet, which I love as a feature but many work bags lack.

If there’s one criticism I have of this bag, it’s the lack of pockets with zippers. The zippered compartment in the center is only big enough for a 13-inch laptop and maybe a slim paperback, so you can’t fit a ton in it if you’re already toting around a computer. Other than that, there are three open pockets in the interior that are big enough for a cell phone.

The is also not lined, which doesn’t make too much of a difference when you’re using it, but the interior is not as luxurious as most of the bags on this list. For the price, though, it’s a great deal.

See our to check out our team’s favorite pieces we’ve tested.

Best structured tote: Dagne Dover Signature Tote

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The tote fits everything — and then more.

Sally Kaplan



Available in two sizes, Dagne Dover’s Signature Tote is what structured bag dreams are made of. The saffiano-style vegan leather looks just like real leather, and it’s just as durable, too.

“Some of Dagne Dover’s most popular features incorporated into the bags — like the water bottle holder, padded laptop compartment, and key leash that makes your keys easier to find — are also some of my favorites.” says Sally Kaplan, executive editor, Insider Reviews.

After testing the larger version of this bag, our recommendation is to stick to the medium size unless you need to carry a large backpack or need to haul around a lot of stuff. Besides the useful interior organization features like a laptop sleeve and water bottle insert, the best part of this bag is the shape and size of the handle, which makes it easy to carry over the shoulder even when you’re wearing a bulky coat.

See our full here.

Best minimalist: Everlane New Day Market Tote

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Insider


This version of Everlane’s New Day Market Tote has everything we’ve raved about in the original, only this time with an eco-conscious update. Its flexible vegan leather is virtually indistinguishable from genuine leather and has far less of an impact on the environment. We’re talking specifically about its exterior, a leather alternative derived from plant-based proteins. The process of creating the tote out of its Italian-crafted material requires 83% less water compared to its previous leather version. and find out why it’s one of the best work bags for women in 2023.

Do note, though, that that interior doesn’t have many pockets or compartments, which might make this not ideal for everyone. However, this might be perfect for some people — like those that take bulkier equipment than a laptop to work (would be great for audio equipment, toting crafting supplies, etc.) It also makes the perfect shopping tote.

Read our full

Best splurge: Senreve Maestra Bag

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Sally Kaplan/Insider


Brace yourself to be approached by inquiring minds wanting to know where your bag is from. The Maestra is a convertible tote that began trending on the basis of just how adaptable its structure is. You can easily change between a shoulder bag, a top handle bag, and a backpack. The city traveler will especially notice it’s one of the best work bags for women who use public transport.

“It can be swapped while walking without missing a beat, which is essential when the subway door is about to close on you but there’s only room for your body and not the large backpack attached to it,” says Sally Kaplan, executive editor, Insider Reviews.

At its current price, the Maestra is definitely up there. Though should you be looking to invest in a daily-use work bag, its timeless silhouette has the stamina to last through years of trend cycles.

Check out our full

Best tote for work travel: Monos Metro Tote

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Samantha Crozier, Insider


Monos has long been one of our go-to travel brands. We recently and loved some of the same things that we love about this tote. For example, this tote is a lot roomier than you’d expect it to be. You can fit way more than just a laptop and some essentials, which is why it takes the award for the best travel tote.

Plus, it has the travel bells and whistles you’d expect: a luggage sleeve, a zipper that goes across the entire main compartment so that you can tuck it under your seat without worrying about items slipping out, and a zippered front pocket for quick access.

If you’re always traveling for work, this is absolutely the tote for you. But if you want something light and slim for everyday use, then this isn’t the right pick.

Best for customization: Cuyana System Tote

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Cuyana


Cuyana lets you create your own ideal work bag via the System tote’s variety of customizable options. After landing on your favorite color and size, you can also choose from Cuyana’s selection of add-ons, including a snap-in laptop sleeve, detachable interior flap bag, zipper pouch, shoulder strap (wide or narrow) and the organizing insert. Considering the detail of the System’s features, the exterior is by contrast very minimalistic. Its simplicity makes it easy to style, should you be on the lookout for a work bag that is cohesive with your workplace wardrobe.

Best convertible: Caraa Studio Tote

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Caraa


Another clear winner for one of the best work bags for women is Caraa’s dual-purpose Studio Tote. “Convertible bags are lifesavers for anyone who commutes on a subway, and this tote from Caraa is the best we’ve tested,” says Sally Kaplan, Executive Editor Reviews.

While the nylon version we originally reviewed is no longer available, its new Italian leather counterpart has the same appeal. This tote has dedicated pockets for your laptop, water bottle, phone, even a hidden side compartment for shoes. And of course, the best part is the removable straps perfect for converting your tote into a backpack and vice versa.

Check out our full Plus, check out our article on the for more convertible options.

Best work bag that looks like a purse: Radley London Baylis Road 2.0

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Radley London


If you work in an office that requires you to dress up, chances are you won’t be carrying a canvas tote or a nylon backpack. This open-top tote is made from a faux-croc leather material that looks incredibly chic. Instead of a rectangular silhouette, the bag has a purse-like look with winged sides. Though it’s big enough to fit essentials like a laptop and a water bottle, its also fashion-forward enough that it doesn’t look like a typical office bag.

“This would be the perfect bag to carry when you’re wearing a power suit. It looks super expensive and the shiny gold hardware is a great touch,” says Samantha Crozier, Style & Beauty Editor. See our picks for the to come up with a full outfit.

Best for organization: L.L. Bean Stonington Daily Carry Tote

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L.L. Bean


This “cute, very utilitarian” (Michael Nolledo, former Executive Editor for Insider Reviews) work bag is distinguished by the Maine backwoods aesthetic of L.L. Bean. If your criteria for the best work bag for women is pure functionality, then this is the bag for you. It has it all— five interior pockets and three exterior pockets, designated to hold a laptop, a 40-ounce , and an extra pair of shoes or umbrella. The Stonington’s rugged cotton canvas is weather resistant and the bag features two sets of handles for hand-carrying or over-the-shoulder transport.

Best for work-to-gym: Caraa Stratus

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Caraa


Caraa is an up-and-coming indie brand that makes thoughtful considerations in its designs. The Stratus backpack is no exception, with its mesh netting interior compartments and removable pouch. Its exterior features clever details, such as with an inconspicuous pocket placed strategically on the flat back panel, and its exterior is constructed with a weatherproof cloudlike nylon.

“Starting with the material, you’ll find that it’s incredibly lightweight (we’re talking nearly unnoticeable), like a handful of feathers,” says Insider Reviews Executive Editor Sally Kaplan. What’s more, are vents at the bottom that air out any damp workout clothes, so the inside always stays fresh.

Check out our full to find out why it’s one of the best work bags for women.

Best backpack: Dagne Dover Dakota Neoprene Backpack

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Dagne Dover


Again, Dagne Dover dominates the work bag category with its equally amazing backpacks. Its roomy main pocket fits everything you need for the office and comes with a travel bag for shoes if you need to make a quick change from your streetwear to workwear. It’s cushy exterior makes light work for the average commuter.

“The thick and cushioned neoprene straps make it so comfortable to carry,” according to deputy editor Lauren Savoie. “If you’re not someone who carries a lot, you may want to opt for the medium size, but I think the large size is particularly versatile, especially if you’re someone who travels a lot for work or pleasure.” It also comes in a size small, in observation of the range of commuters’ travel needs.

Read more in our full .

Best backpack for work travel: Lo & Sons Rowledge Nylon Backpack

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Lo & Sons


Lo & Sons is another brand we feature often at Insider — not just because they make some of the best work bags for women — but also because they create superior travel essentials. The Rowledge made our guide to the , and it’s the ideal companion for commuters that need a work bag as capable of adapting to their environment as they are. “The conversion was so easy that I didn’t even realize I walked onto the train with a backpack and exited with a handbag,” says Francesca Rea, former Story Production Manager.

Check out our full

Best for a slim profile: Bellroy Tokyo Tote (Second Edition)

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Bellroy


If you hate carrying bulky bags and want something that will stay close to your side, you’ll be especially pleased with this tote from Bellroy. It has exceptional interior organization, with a spot for your laptop, water bottle, wallet, notebooks, and any other essentials you carry. It’s flexible enough to shove in a whole change of clothes for the gym, but the light padding in the walls of the bag keeps it structured enough to avoid becoming bulky even when packed.

Best for daily carry: Bellroy Classic Backpack (Premium Edition)

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Bellroy


Aussie-based brand Bellroy stepped up their Classic Backpack with their new Premium version. It boasts the same comfort and features as the original with multiple tech sleeves and microfiber lined compartments for delicate items, such as glasses. The new leather panels are an attractive contrast to the weather resistant exterior. Its pockets are easy-access and sealed with stylish leather accents.

Best for carrying a lot: Dagne Dover Pacific Tote

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Dagne Dover


Dagne Dover’s Pacific Tote is best suited for more casual workplaces because it’s made from canvas, but if you opt for the black bag you can probably get away with carrying it to nicer offices, too. The bag holds an unbelievable amount of stuff on both the inside and outside of the bag. It has a pocket for your laptop and a huge interior cavity with organizational features that make it easy to fit your lunch, a change of clothes, a water bottle, and more. But what really sets the bag apart is the four external pockets that are big enough to hold a book in each one, plus a small card pocket for discreet external storage. This bag can also work overtime for trips to the beach or even a small trip to the grocery store. Overall, it’s one of the best work bags for women — but it will serve you for more than just heavy-carry days at work.

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Disclosure: Written and researched by the team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at .

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