Let's be honest—no matter how many chic bags you own, the bag you reach for most often is a sturdy leather tote. It's the unsung heroine of our bag collection. I enjoy different types of bags as much as the next fashion-loving woman, but a leather tote is the most essential when it comes to my day-to-day lifestyle. No other bag can double as a gym bag, a work bag, a brunch go-to, and more.
Whether you’re a corporate girl on the hunt for a tote that doubles as a laptop bag or a trendsetter in need of a practical-yet-stylish carryall, the best leather tote bags will serve you well. Nowadays, leather totes come big and small in a variety of shades and materials, including faux, vegan, and genuine leather. Whatever your taste, needs, and preferences, there’s a tote bag out there waiting to be your next favorite purchase.
To get the lowdown on the best leather tote bags, I spoke to some leading ladies in the field: Jenny Lei, founder of Freja New York; and Karla Gallardo, co-founder and CEO of Cuyana; as well as stylists Cameron Nicole Quittner and Elisabeth Kassab for their top picks. Keep reading to learn everything there is to know about the best leather totes, and to shop our favorite.
Marie Claire's Favorite Leather Tote Bags
- Best Overall Leather Tote: Madewell The Transport Leather Tote
- Best Budget Leather Tote: Kattee Leather Satchel
- Best Luxury Leather Tote: Bottega Veneta Andiamo Medium Leather Tote
- Best Genuine Leather Tote: Cuyana Classic Easy Tote
- Best Vegan Leather Tote: Matt & Nat ABBI Vegan Tote Bag
- Best Faux Leather Tote: BÉIS The Work Tote
- Best Leather Tote for Travel: Calpak Haven Laptop Tote Bag
"If you're in New York City in 2024, you've no doubt seen this bag out and about—on the subway, in bars, by your coworkers' desks," says Marie Claire's Digital Director Jenny Hollander. "Its simple design and sustainably sourced leather, in addition to its (relatively) affordable price tag, make it a winner in every category: it's long-lasting, can fit everything you need, and can be customized with your initials for a fashion-editor touch."
What Are The Materials?: Vegetable-tanned leather
What Are The Dimensions?: 13.75 x 14 x 6.25 inches
What Colors Does It Come In?: Black and brown
What We Love: Under $200; has longer shoulder straps; fits a 15-inch laptop; Can be customized with monogram.
What We Don't: No top closure; unlined.
If you're in need of a roomy tote that won't break the bank, this Amazon pick will definitely do the trick. After going with this real leather option I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of this bag given the price. The leather is soft to the touch and I'm obsessed with all of the bag's pockets. I can fit all of my work essentials including my laptop, notebooks, pens, makeup, and water bottle. It even has two pockets on the outside! It's been at least six months of carrying this tote to and from work and I'm happy to report it's held up so well.
What Are The Materials?: Vintage waxed cowhide leather
What Are The Dimensions?: 13.4 x 11.8 x 4.7 inches
What Colors Does It Come In?: Black, navy blue, brown, deep brown, red
What We Love: Under $200; has several interior pockets; has two external pockets; fits a 13-inch laptop; zip-top closure; includes crossbody strap.
What We Don't: Has a strong scent that fades over time.
Ever since Bottega Veneta came out with the Andiamo bag in 2023, It Girls like Hailey Bieber, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, and Dakota Johnson have been wearing it on repeat. While the bag comes in three sizes (small, medium, and large) the medium may prove to be the most versatile—it's just big enough for all of your daily essentials, plus it can easily be carried on a night out. You also have the option to wear it as a top-handle, crossbody, or shoulder bag thanks to its extra-long shoulder strap. Kassab says if you were to splurge on any leather tote bag, make it this one, adding, "The woven leather won’t show as much wear as a smooth leather tote would, which makes it perfect for every day."
What Are The Materials?: Leather
What Are The Dimensions?: 9.4 x 12.8 x 4.7 inches
What Colors Does It Come In?: Black, yellow, grey, brown, light green, and light brown
What We Love: Stylist-approved; multiple wears to wear; has longer shoulder straps;
What We Don't: Cannot fit a laptop.
Co-founder and CEO of Cuyana Karla Gallardo names the brand's Easy Tote as her "go-to" for any occasion. "I love the relaxed, unstructured look and find that it fits seamlessly into my routine no matter what the day brings —whether it’s heading to work, out with friends, or traveling," she explains. "I also love the versatility of the double handle design, perfect for hand or shoulder carrying."
What Are The Materials?: Italian leather
What Are The Dimensions?: 12.3 x 20.6 x 5.1 inches
What Colors Does It Come In?: Black, cappuccino, caramel, dark olive, ecru, stone, biscuit, sage, terracotta, and deep ocean
What We Love: Fits a 16-inch laptop; comes with double set of handles; lightweight; can be customized with monogram.
What We Don't: No top closure; unlined.
Matt & Nat is a brand with sustainability at the forefront of their ethos. The brand is completely vegan and cruelty-free and prioritizes recycled materials in the design process. For instance, the outer body of this minimalist tote is made from vegan cruelty-free leather. Meanwhile, the inner lining is made of 100 recycled plastic bottles. To put it plainly, this is a bag you can feel good about buying and wearing.
What Are The Materials?: PU vegan leather
What Are The Dimensions?: 13 x 13.75 x 4.75 inches
What Colors Does It Come In?: Black
What We Love: Under $200; zip-top closure; has multiple and exterior interior pockets; made from recycled materials; vegan; fits a 13-inch laptop.
What We Don't: Only available in one color.
When it comes to business travel, Béis really thought of every detail when creating this tote bag. It features a removable shoulder strap, interior and exterior pockets, a padded laptop sleeve, key-ring leashes, and more. While this large tote works for work, after-work, and just about any errand, its trolley pass-through sleeve makes it an ideal and easy nag to pair with your carry-on roller. Thanks to its many pockets and sleek silhouette, this is the bag Kassab recommends to anyone who prefers faux leather.
What Are The Materials?: Embossed vegan leather
What Are The Dimensions?: 16.75 x 13.5 x 7 inches
What Colors Does It Come In?: Black
What We Love: Has designated laptop sleeve; has several internal and external pockets; zip top closure; has trolley pass-through; fits a 15-inch laptop; stylist-approved.
What We Don't: Some reviewers note the shoulder straps are especially thin.
Designed by travel company Calpak, this tote bag was made for your next big trip. It's incredibly roomy and sturdy, but the real magic is the included removable insert. It has a big pocket for your laptop or tablet, three smaller interior pockets for valuables, and four exterior pockets for, well, everything else. use the extra thick crossbody strap for long hauls or use the handles to add polish to your outfit. It even has a trolley sleeve for you to go hands-free at the airport.
What Are The Materials?: PU leather
What Are The Dimensions?: 16 x 12.5 x 5 inches
What Colors Does It Come In?: Brown, black, birch, taupe, baby blue, dark brown, grey, dark green
What We Love: Under $200; includes a removable insert with multiple compartments; fits a 16-inch laptop; includes wide, adjustable shoulder strap; has trolley pass-through.
What We Don't: No top closure.
Other Leather Tote Bags We Love
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Best Genuine Leather Tote Bags
"I’m biased, but I could never find the perfect tote so I designed one myself," says Jenny Lei, founder of Freja New York. The businesswoman cites Freja's Lafayette Tote as her choice leather tote. She details, "It blends functionality with sophisticated design, the unique handles are comfortable and a conversation starter, and the contrasting interior hides all stains and pen marks."
What Are The Materials?: Pebbled vegan ultrafiber leather
What Are The Dimensions?: 19 x 11 x 5.5 inches
What Colors Does It Come In?: Off-white, olive green, brown, dark brown, black
What We Love: Has four internal pockets; magnetic top-closure; lined in vegan suede; fits a 16-inch laptop; includes key leash; vegan.
What We Don't: May appear too large on petite frames.
The latest tote bag I've been taking out for a spin is this Rebecca Minkoff tote, and I gotta say so far it's been serving me well over the last four months. The leather is luxuriously smooth and there hasn't been a scratch or scuff on it, despite carrying this tote to and from work every day. Speaking of carrying, this bag is incredibly lightweight for how roomy it is, so much so that my shoulder never aches even when the bag is full to the brim. And full to the brim is usually how I carry it—this tote holds all of my essentials such as my laptop, water bottle, makeup, sunglasses, and notebook with ease. It also gets major points for its cool hardware, a signature of Rebecca Minkoff, that serves as a style and function.
What Are The Materials?: Leather
What Are The Dimensions?: 13.5 x 12 x 6.5
What Colors Does It Come In?: Black
What We Love: Fits 14-inch laptop; has inner and exterior pockets; holds its shape.
What We Don't: There's only one interior pocket.
When style queen Katie Holmes wears a tote bag on repeat, we pay attention. Her go-to tote is undoubtedly Mansur Gavriel's Everyday Soft Tote—she's been spotted in it on 13 occasions just this year! Its appeal comes from its slouchy, easy-going silhouette. When you're in a rush, this is the kind of bag you can toss everything in and head out the door, knowing you still look put together. It's roomy enough for your laptop and has an interior pocket for all of your small essentials. Truth be told, we get why Katie wears this on repeat.
What Are The Materials?: Italian tumbled calfskin leather
What Are The Dimensions?: 21.5 x 18.8 x 9 inches
What Colors Does It Come In?: Black with red interior, brown, brown with yellow interior, blush pink; off-white with blue interior, and off-white
What We Love: Fits a 16-inch laptop; lightweight; comes in several colors; has longer shoulder straps.
What We Don't: There's only one interior pouch; unlined.
In the last couple of years, COACH has been going through a major glow-up and this bag is proof. It nails the quiet luxury look the fashion set has been favoring down to a T. The silhouette is a classic shape, made of luxurious, sturdy leather and the black and gold color combo is perfect for everyday wear. On the inside, you can easily keep your things organized thanks to its dual compartments and large interior pocket, which zips close, by the way, to secure all of your valuables. Another thoughtful detail is the subtle COACH logo—not only does it add a touch of polish to this bag, but it also conceals the bag's magnetic closure.
What Are The Materials?: Leather
What Are The Dimensions?: 15 x 11.75 H x 5.25 inches
What Colors Does It Come In?: Black
What We Love: Has multiple interior pockets; zip-top closure; holds its shape; fits 15-inch laptop.
What We Don't: Scratches may show more easily.
"I’ve fallen in love with the small-tote trend over the past few years, and this Marc Jacobs tote is my go-to for weekend afternoons," says Quinci LeGardye, Marie Claire's contributing culture editor. "The grained leather is both very soft and durable enough to keep its shape when empty, so whether it’s stuffed or nearly empty I know my tote will remain sleek with no slouching. It also comes in several sizes and colors—I’ve had my eye on the mini size in red for a minute."
What Are The Materials?: Leather
What Are The Dimensions?: 10 x 8 x 4 1/2 inches
What Colors Does It Come In?: Black, off-white, brown, olive green, lavender, red, and hot pink
What We Love: Comes in seven colors; comes with removable crossbody strap; zip-top closure; holds its shape.
What We Don't: Cannot fit a laptop.
Both Quittner and Kassab swear by The Row's Park leather tote bag for any occasion. In fact, Kassab says, "I’ve seen this bag at pilates, the coffee shop, and everywhere in between." The stylists agree that its slouchiness and minimalist design are its big draws, not to mention its roomy interior. "You can fit a good amount inside and its shape is quite relaxed which I love," explains Quittner. "I believe it will look even better when it has more wear." So while this chic bag is an investment, it's bound to last you a lifetime.
What Are The Materials?: Leather
What Are The Dimensions?: 19 x 12 x 10 inches
What Colors Does It Come In?: Black
What We Love: Comes with detachable leather pouch; lightweight; has longer shoulder straps; lined in suede; stylist-approved.
What We Don't: There's only one interior pouch.
Woven bags have been having a moment as of late, and no one is doing the handbag trend like Dragon Diffusion. The brand comes approved by Quittner who calls it "one of the best staple woven leather totes at their price point." The stylist points out that the woven bag comes in a wide variety of colors (10 to be exact!) and will complement your look in any season. "They can also easily be dressed up or down which is something that is important for my clients," she adds.
What Are The Materials?: Buffalo calf tapered leather
What Are The Dimensions?: 17.3 x 9.25 inches
What Colors Does It Come In?: Red, off-white, dark green, tan, dark grey, dark brown, navy blue, black, white, and pink
What We Love: Handcrafted; comes in several colors; stylist-approved.
What We Don't: Unlined; cannot fit a laptop.
Polène bags have been blowing up on my For You Page and it's not hard to see why—each one is an original, organic shape that looks like it could sell for three times its price tag. Kassab is especially a fan of this brown tote bag, pointing out its "beautiful" contrast stitching. "This is a classic tote that goes with everything and you’ll be reaching for forever," she says. Made from luxe Italian leather, this bag's unique shape will stand out in your look, whether you carry it by the top handles or as a shoulder bag.
What Are The Materials?: Italian textured calf leather
What Are The Dimensions?: 12.6 x 15 x 6.7 inches
What Colors Does It Come In?: Brown, black, taupe, cognac, and auburn
What We Love: Stylist-approved; comes with double set of handles; has longer shoulder straps; can be worn multiple ways.
What We Don't: May not fit laptops.
Best Faux Leather Totes
When a job suddenly opened its offices again and I needed a work tote fast, of course I turned to Amazon and its Prime shipping. This bag has the ability to fit everything you need and then some whether it be your laptop, notebooks, water bottle, makeup case, or all of the above. I especially love all of the bag's pockets—each one of my things has its own designated spot, which is exactly how I like to stay organized.
What Are The Materials?: Faux leather
What Are The Dimensions?: 16.9 x 5.5 x 12.2 inches
What Colors Does It Come In?: Black, beige, blue, brown, dark brown, dark green, grey, green
What We Love: Under $100; has several internal pockets; zip top closure; long shoulder straps; includes crossbody strap; waterproof finish.
What We Don't: Bag loses shape over time; shows scratches easily.
"The materials have changed (it’s now made of a plant-based leather alternative) but this classic bag has lasted me years, sars Katherine J. Igoe, a Marie Claire contributing editor. "Back in the day, when Meghan Markle brought this bag to an early date with Prince Harry, I was sold: That year (2017), I bought one for my own. It’s a simple construction, but spacious and durable. It’s lasted one move, several jobs, a bunch of trips, and two kids. It still looks awesome and functions beautifully."
What Are The Materials?: Bio-Alloy™ and Bio-PU leather alternative
What Are The Dimensions?: 19 x 16.5 x 13 inches
What Colors Does It Come In?: Black, brown, and red
Pros: Fits 16-inch laptop; made from sustainable materials; under $200; comes in three colors; lightweight.
Cons: Only has one interior pocket.
Marie Claire Contributing Editor Katherine J. Igoe says a slouchy tote has been the missing piece in her handbag collection. After seeing Melie Bianco bags all over Instagram, she thought it was finally time to try one of their famous vegan bags herself. "This woven option is a perfect contrast to my chunky wool coats, but it’s also going to be a great pick to go with lighter, summery outfits," she says. "And it’s not a flimsy vegan leather—it’s heavy and luxurious."
What Are The Materials?: Recycled vegan leather
What Are The Dimensions?: 15 x 13 x 5 inches
What Colors Does It Come In?: Black and nude
What We Love: Under $200; vegan; made from recycled materials; comes with smaller pouch.
What We Don't: Does not hold its shape.
As someone who schleps along their lunch every day to work, this tote bag is a genius find. Modern Picnic specializes in making lunch bags so stylish, you would never guess they're holding yesterday's leftovers. They hit the nail on the head with this tote bag, which features a chic streamlined design and an insulated pouch to keep your lunch cool during your commute. It can even hold your laptop right alongside your food in its roomy interior. If you have a day filled with work, the gym, and errands, this tote can carry all of your essentials without a sweat.
What Are The Materials?: Vegan leather
What Are The Dimensions?: 13 x 16 x 7 inches
What Colors Does It Come In?: Black, cream, black croc-embossed, and cream croc-embossed.
What We Love: Comes with an insulated pouch; zip-top closure; has interior and exterior pockets; fits 13-inch laptop.
What We Don't: Some reviewers note the pouch is difficult to carry without handles.
Big, slouchy bags have been trending for a few seasons now, and it's still shaping up to be a major accessory trend for summer 2024. This under-$100 option is a favorite of Marie Claire's Fashion Features Editor Emma Childs, who's a big fan of its versatility. With a jam-packed schedule, she can easily carry her laptop, makeup bag, commuter shoes, and other essentials with plenty of room to spare. One Anthropologie reviewer even likened it to Hermione's magical purse in Harry Potter, in which she had endless carrying capacity. Whether you wear this to the office, at the airport, or on the weekend, this cool tote works for it all.
What Are The Materials?: Polyurethane
What Are The Dimensions?: 14 x 15 x 4 inches
What Colors Does It Come In?: Black, brown, green, red, yellow, off-white, and taupe
What We Love: Comes with detachable leather pouch; fits 13-inch laptops; comes in several colors; under $200.
What We Don't: Only has one interior pocket.
What to Look For in a Leather Tote
When on the hunt for the most perfect leather tote bag to suit your needs, Gallardo and Lei suggest considering these factors:
- A bag’s feel and texture are major, according to Gallardo. “A good leather tote bag should be soft and supple,” she says. “You should always look for a grainy, pebbled feel.”
- Lei recommends looking at a bag's features such as: “comfortable straps, good structure, lots of pockets, a classic silhouette, and the ability to go from day to night and blend into any environment.”
- For both women, a brand’s processes, transparency, and story are key when making a purchase. Gallardo argues that making educated decisions (i.e. researching a brand’s materials and sustainability certifications) is the most critical step. “Transparency from brands and third-party certifications are key to identifying the authenticity and quality of a product,” she says. Lei is in a similar boat in that a brand’s story is particularly crucial to her, adding, “It’s important that every item I invest in was made consciously and for a purpose.”
Faux vs. Genuine Leather Totes
Nowadays, you may pick up what you think is a leather tote bag and quickly realize it’s not made from real leather at all. Alternative leather tote bags are becoming increasingly popular, as they're often cheaper and more environmentally friendly. Faux leather is made from synthetic and/or natural materials to mimic the look and feel of genuine leather. “Vegan” leather also fits into this category and is made from materials such as pineapple leaves, cactus, cork, and fruit waste. Genuine leather, however, is made using the skin of animals.
It’s a matter of personal preference whether you opt for a faux, vegan, or genuine leather tote. If eco-friendly materials are an important factor for you, you may want to consider a vegan leather bag. On the other hand, Gallardo says, “Genuine leather is unmatched in its quality, beauty, and natural finish,” adding that genuine leather bags are investment pieces.
According to Lei, though, genuine leather and faux leather can run the spectrum of low to high-quality, so it’s a topic that should be approached with nuance. She adds, “The durability, look, and feel of vegan leather has come very far in the past few years so there’s really no compromise there.”
If faux or vegan leather sound like the best option for you, Lei recommends avoiding totes made primarily with PVC and to look for products made with recycled plastics and natural resources like cork and apple.
How to Style a Leather Tote
The best leather tote bags are the ones that you can work into your wardrobe seamlessly. Whether you're heading to the grocery store, your nine-to-five, or a sweat sesh at the gym, a leather tote bag instantly elevates your look. For a simple, yet effective work outfit, Kassab recommends going with the basics—a T-shirt, trousers, and a sleek belt. " I love feeling put together for work while also being comfortable in my own skin," the stylist says. "This look is perfect for that."
A fashion week guest demonstrates how a leather tote pairs flawlessly with simple basics.
A sleek, minimalist tote is always a good idea but it doesn't mean you can't add some flair. To keep your look more casual, Quittner offers up a fall 2024 handbag trend: bag charms. "I love the idea of adding on keychains and small collector items that personalize the bag a bit," she explains. Taking after Jane Birkin who famously bedecked her namesake bag, Dua Lipa decorated her Birken bag with a twilly scarf and several keychains while out in London. The end result is fun, original, and full of personality.
Dua Lipa accessorized her leather tote with a scarf and plenty of fun charms.
Meet the Experts
Jenny Lei is the founder and designer of Freja New York. After taking a detour from her original plans to pursue UX design, she decided to take a chance on herself and launch Freja to create functional foundation pieces for people to support their big life moments—something made ethically and responsibly with a story behind it. Functional, but still elegant. Jenny holds a Bachelors and Masters from Cornell University and currently resides in New York City where she has personally shipped every Freja package to date, adding a personal touch to every order.
Along with Co-founder Shilpa Shah, Karla Gallardo created Cuyana in 2011 to create high-quality and sustainably sourced accessories. Starting her career in investment banking, Karla holds a Bachelors in Applied Mathematics and Economics from Brown University and later added business expertise to her background with a Masters of Business from Stanford. After meeting Shilpa in late 2009, she then decided to combine her creativity and analytical brain to create Cuyana. The brand was inspired by Karla's childhood in Ecuador where she was taught to invest in quality pieces and saw traditional artisanry firsthand. Alongside her duties as Cuyana's CEO and Co-founder, Karla spends time mentoring other women who can relate to her story.
Cameron is a Los Angeles-based stylist experienced in street style, editorial, and commercial work. From an early age, Cameron embraced fashion as a creative outlet. She began her career by assisting top stylists in Los Angeles, working with prominent figures like Kendall Jenner, Hailey Bieber, and Elsa Hosk, which helped her refine her individual sense of style. Now, with her team, she works with a diverse range of clients, including Niall Horan, Tate McRae, Lily M He, and Orion Carloto.
Elisabeth Kassab is a Michigan and New York-based stylist and personal shopper specializing in street-style looks, personal shopping, brand campaigns, and capsule wardrobes. Elisabeth created the Instagram account STYLISTCHECK to give her clients the red carpet experience when it comes to getting dressed, with the end goal of always feeling confident and stylish.
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