A leather tote bag can instantly elevate your everyday look. It’s the perfect accessory to bring with you to the grocery store, a day at the beach or even for a girls’ shopping trip. These totes also make the ultimate work bag for a trip to the office or for carrying around your laptop and essential accessories, such as a pair of sunglasses and a water bottle.
A good quality tote bag should be able to stand up on its own (or fold down when not in use) and have comfortable handles that feel secure on your shoulder. It should have plenty of room inside to fit your lunch, a book and any other essentials you’ll need during the day. And, of course, it should look great and last a long time.
With that in mind, a few key traits should be considered when shopping for the perfect tote bag:
1. The quality of the leather.
Leather is one of the strongest materials you can find in a bag, and it takes fine craftsmanship to ensure that your tote is going to hold up well to regular use. It’s worth splurging on the higher price point for a tote that is made of genuine leather, as it will be more durable and will look better with age.
2. The size and shape of the bag.
A tote’s size and shape can play a big role in how versatile leather totes it is. For instance, a larger tote can be more spacious and will easily fit your lunch, a book and any extras you might need for a busy day on the go. A smaller tote will be more compact and can still fit all the basics you need, but may not have as much space for additional items.
3. A clean, classic design.
A good tote should be as sleek and modern looking as possible, which can help it transition from work to a night out. Look for a tote with minimal embellishments and details, such as this one from Madewell, that will pair well with any casual outfit. The neutral raw-edged style and light waxed finish also look amazing with some normal wear, plus the brand sources its leather from a sustainable manufacturer. Add a little extra personalization to the mix by choosing to monogramme your new tote at checkout.
4. A durable, eco-friendly design.
A high-quality tote should be a smart investment, especially since you’ll be using it regularly. Consider the durability of the leather, as well as any special features that will keep it in top condition. For example, this vegan tote from Beis includes a removable pouch to house smaller accessories, a padded laptop sleeve that closes to keep your device secure, a zippered interior pocket and pen slips.
GH testers raved about how spacious and chic this tote is, with one noting that it holds a lot of stuff with ease—making it an ideal work bag for commuting. Another loved how the longer crossbody strap made it easy to comfortably carry a heavier load. And, of course, the zipper is buttery smooth.