20 Best Leather Totes of 2023: Tote Bags Tested & Reviewed

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For your workweek essentials—and some extras.

Most days, my best everyday bag is the last thing I put on or pick up before heading out the door. But that didn't make selecting it an afterthought, especially where my best leather tote is concerned. The same goes for anyone looking for a new laptop bag or expanding their designer tote collection. Whether you're climbing some sort of corporate ladder, or you're a creative who works outside the confines of a nine-to-five routine, the best leather tote bags are the ones you want to carry at least five days per week.

It's a given that the best leather totes can hold a 15-inch laptop and a pair of commuter shoes. But the very best leather totes tie an outfit together while doing the hard work of carrying daily essentials (and then some). Slouchy suit sets perfectly juxtapose a structured bag like Khaite's leather bucket tote; a woven leather tote like Dragon Diffusion's injects some OOO ease into your workweek wardrobe. Through any workplace or situation, tried-and-true rectangular leather bags everywhere from Janessa Leone to Coach can tote your essentials with ease.

If a commute isn't part of your routine, I've found that leather totes with laptop sleeves, removable pouches, and extra-spacious interiors are just as suited for weekend travel. Wherever your schedule takes you, the 20 best leather totes ahead will carry everything you need to get there.

If your Holy Grail leather bag is spacious, streamlined, and well-reviewed, you've come to the right place. This affordable bag is durable, but beautifully made, and comes with several options to personalize it.

Shopper review: "I’ve been in search for the perfect work bag to carry my laptop, various folders, snacks, and water bottle for quite some time. I happened to stumble upon the Leatherology website during one of my numerous google searches. I was hesitant after personalizing my tote and kept it in my cart for days but finally took the plunge and purchased it. The shipping was so quick and received it within 2 days. I was pleasantly surprised at the high quality, the sturdy structure, and the vastness this bag holds. I’ve been using it daily for the past 2 weeks and not a single scratch on it."

Dimensions: 15.5" W x 11.75" H x 6" D; 10" strap drop

Materials: Italian leather

Colors: Tan, black, mocha, and more

Nanushka calls this collapsable tote "a bag for modern life." It's also a feat of everyday bag engineering, in my humble opinion. The square faux-leather design folds into a flat, single piece for easy storage until the next time you're ready to pack it to the brim.

Dimensions: H 32cm x W 32cm x D 32cm

Materials: 60% PU, 40% PES

Colors: Black, coffee bean, off-white, and more

Janessa Leone's take on the leather tote is tailor-made for minimalists. Knotted straps are the only embellishment its clean exterior needs, plus an understated brass hook to keep everything safely inside. At 12 inches wide and 14 inches tall, this tote bag can hold your laptop and a change of clothes for the gym without breaking a strap. It's just as chic as a weekend carryall.

Shopper review: "Great bag for travel, you can fit a lot in it. It snaps closed at the top, which keeps items secure. Added bonus— holds your hat(s). Such a useful feature."

Dimensions: H 14" x W 12" x D 4"

Materials: Leather

Colors: Cognac, black

Some of the best leather totes aren't really leather at all. Everlane's latest workbag uses a textile derived from prickly pear cactus that's eco-friendly but no less soft and streamlined.

Shopper review: "Thought the strap would be longer but, this bag fits and feels fantastic. Extremely comfortable and elegant looking. Compliments galore. Everyone thinks its leather and are surprised when I tell them what bag is plant-based."

Dimensions: W 11.8" x H 10.8"

Materials: Desserto plant-based leather alternative

Colors: Black, saddle, green

Khaite turns the classic bucket bag into an elevated workbag in oversized proportions and buttery leather. Feel free to perch it on a corner of your desk where everyone can see it: Its round base will keep it from toppling over, no matter what you're storing inside.

Dimensions: 23.5" L x 15" W x 9.5" D

Materials: Calfskin, brass

Color: Brown

When all-over leather feels overly corporate, try a tote bag that mixes leather with another material, like canvas. This Saint Laurent cage tote has all the structure and space you need from a leather tote bag—but a far more relaxed look.

Dimensions: D 5.5" x H 11" W 17.3"

Materials: Leather, canvas

Color: Brown/cream

This shopper is so much cooler than your average market tote, thanks to the stripes of silver embellishments coating the entire piece. Inside, you'll find a small leather pouch for stashing a phone or beauty minis. Go ahead, double up with Alaïa's status ballet flats with the same embellishments while you're at it.

Dimensions: 14.25"W x 17.75"H x 6"D

Materials: Leather, silvertone hardware

Color: Black

Ease into warmer weather with a leather-and-raffia bag. This basket tote has all the Jane Birkin vibes, with wider dimensions and a sturdy leather strap to get you (and your devices) to and from the office.

Dimensions: D 6 in. x H 9.5 in. x W 12 in.

Materials: Leather, raffia

Colors: Black, navy, natural, and more

For when you don't want to overthink your workbag, here's a functional tote in a pretty navy leather with dimensions suited to the tightest everyday edit (computer, charger, phone, wallet). The brass bar accent shines like jewelry for your bag.

Dimensions: 4.9" D x 11.6" W x 9.4" H

Materials: Leather outer, microfiber lining

Colors: Navy, black, bottle green, chestnut, vanilla, and more

Here's a quintessential leather tote made from responsibly sourced leather in several neutral shades. For workdays, I pop in the separate interior organizer to tidy my essentials. It's just the right size to slide under an airplane seat—and the zipper really doesn't budge—so it's a must when I'm in transit for work.

Dimensions: H 12.3 in. x W 21.6 in. x D 5.1 in.

Material: Leather

Colors: Stone, dark olive, caramel, black, and more

Classic shapes (the square tote) meet modern touches (the quilted outer) in this perfect black tote bag. You don't worry about stowing your laptop in an extra case, either, with this bag's cushily insulated outer protecting it.

Dimensions: 33.5cm H x 14cm L x 35cm W

Material: Leather

Color: Black

Loewe's striking motif is the first thing you'll love about this roomy leather tote bag. The second are its doubled-up handles, so you can alternate between sliding it over your shoulder or swinging it in your hand.

Dimensions: 5.5" D x 9.8" H x 16.5" W

Material: Leather

Colors: Saddle, black

If you prize space above all else, J.Crew's extra-spacious bag is for you. It's one of the biggest totes on our list, but its leather is featherlight—meaning this one can pull double duty as a workbag and a weekender.

Shopper review: "Used this on our spring break trip to Hawaii as my carry-on. Fits a ton of stuff, looks pretty, and high quality. Def recommend!"

Dimensions: 15"H x 18 3/4"W x 8"D

Materials: Leather, canvas strap

Color: Rich Oak

Staud's structured leather shopper proves it's now quite cool to be square. Inside, you'll find a coordinating leather pouch to separate your beauty touch-up tools from your work laptop and notepads. Take your pick from six leather shades, ranging from cognac brown to pastel pink.

Dimensions: 14.5" L x 13" H x 5" W

Materials: Calf leather

Colors: Pink, brown, black, and more

Proenza Schouler's extra-large leather tote can carry two laptops, if you need that much space. But the real appeal here is the distinctive scrunched edge. An extra leather pouch on the inside holds your hard-to-keep-track-of accessories, like hair ties and AirPods.

Dimensions: 17"H x 26"W x 12"D

Material: Leather

Color: Black, white

Summer Fridays have been reincarnated into leather tote form. This Dragon Diffusion bag features a single compartment where you can store work essentials and beach gear in equal measure. The braided leather outer looks as relaxed as you'll feel packing it, knowing you definitely won't run out of space.

Dimensions: 5.5"D x 9.8" H x 14.2" W

Material: Goat leather

Colors: Green, saddle

Calling Madewell's Transport Tote a crowd-pleaser might be an understatement: The brand has sold 731 in the past week. It all comes down to versatility. The central compartment is so spacious, reviewers have used it as a workbag, travel tote, and even a diaper bag.

Shopper review: "The perfect size for a work bag, fitting your laptop and every day needs. Specifically love that this has a zip top so everything feels more secure/private."

Dimensions: 13 3/4"H x 17"W x 6 1/4"D.

Material: Vegetable-tanned leather

Colors: Saddle, black, black/brown

Give your work accessories the royal treatment with a top-handle tote from one of Duchess Meghan's favorite brands. The Montreal satchel is all crisp lines and one-second organization, with customizable features including long and short top handles, a removable middle compartment, and an extra cross-body strap. (And yes, it can fit a 15" laptop.)

Dimensions: 15.5" W x 10.6" H x 5.9" D

Materials: Leather, cotton lining

Colors: Burgundy, cream

Coach's signature pebbled leather is polished but durable for carrying daily—and it comes with an extra pouch to keep the spacious inside organized. Try it in this cheery yellow to stand out from other commuters on the train platform, or stay classic with black and white versions.

Shopper review: "This tote is the perfect summer accessory to carry around! Love the inside pouch that comes with it. Roomy and the leather quality is not too stiff nor soft!"

Dimensions: 12"W x 11 1/2"H x 5"D

Material: Leather

Colors: Yellow, black, white

Savette is one of my favorite new handbag brands, thanks to its clever use of metal hardware and high-quality, long-lasting leather. This minimalist top-handle tote has a lock with the elevated feel of a brass brooch, plus all the space of a classic work tote.

Dimensions: 16.5 inches long x 13 inches wide x 8 inches deep

Materials: 100% Calf

Color: Mink

Halie LeSavage is the fashion commerce editor at Harper's BAZAAR. Her style reporting covers everything from reviewing the best designer products to profiling emerging brands and designers. Previously, she was the founding retail writer at Morning Brew and a fashion associate at Glamour.

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