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. “Leather totes are functional, mainly because they can help you to lug a day's worth of essentials effortlessly,” says Lola Banjo, founder of luxury bag brand Silver & Riley.
It's a given that the best leather totes can hold a 15-inch laptop and a pair of commuter shoes. But according to Banjo, the very best leather totes can also tie a look together while doing the hard work of carrying daily essentials (and then some). “A stylish leather tote will uplift any outfit beautifully, as they are incredibly versatile and can be used in unexpected ways,” says Banjo. “Whether you’re dressing up for the office or you’re keeping things casual for a grocery run, a leather tote never fails,” she adds.
For an office outfit, try a slouchy suit set to perfectly juxtapose a structured bag like Khaite's leather bucket tote. You can also opt for a bag like Dragon Diffusion's woven leather tote, which can inject some OOO ease into your best fall outfits. For a day of errands, totes from Janessa Leone and Coach will blend nicely with a relaxed look. Through any workplace or situation, tried-and-true rectangular leather bags everywhere can tote your essentials with ease.
The Best Leather Tote Bags in 2024
If a commute isn't part of your routine, we’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 28 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.
What reviewers are saying: "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
Among the many features of this Silver & Riley tote— supple calf-skin leather, protective metal feet, and a removable zip pouch, to name a few— we’re particularly drawn to the bag’s saturated shade of forest green.
“The Manila tote adds a great pop of color without overwhelming your outfit,” says Banjo. She prefers to style her beloved tote with a button down shirt, a pair of jeans, and pumps to match.
What reviewers are saying: “The leather quality is exquisite, and it fits literally everything. I also love that it has legs underneath, so I can set it down without having to worry about my bag being on the floor. If you love tote bags, you absolutely need this one.”
Dimensions: H 12.5" x W 20" x D 6.5"
Materials: Leather
Colors: Green
Serapian has been perfecting leather craftsmanship since 1928, so it comes as no surprise that their textured-leather tote boasts a marvelous construction. The exterior is designed with the brand’s signature “Rugiada” leather (which is beyond soft), while the interior is lined with suede and equipped with storage compartments. Serapian’s tote was built to last, and therefore, it’s a must-have investment.
Dimensions: H 10.6" x W 16.5" x D 7.9"
Materials: Leather
Colors: Brown
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A classic square tote with sleek handles will always remain relevant. We’ve seen this elegant silhouette reappear numerous times throughout fashion history, and it’s not going anywhere soon. For this reason, The Row’s Park tote will fit in nicely with any capsule wardrobe.
Dimensions: H 7.1" x W 7.1" x D 3.7"
Materials: Leather
Colors: Brown
The Best Everyday Tote
Brandon Blackwood Everyday Tote
An everyday tote is the type of bag that will never leave your side— to the point where you simply can’t imagine life without it. It’s functional yet chic, and durable enough to wear any day of the week. Brandon Blackwood’s tote falls right into this category, in a variety of colors.
Dimensions: H 10" x W 14" x D 12.5"
Materials: Vegetable dyed cowhide leather
Colors: Brown, black (leather), black (canvas), orange (leather), orange (canvas), green, blue
Unlike your ordinary tote, Bottega’s Intrecciato bag features a slouchy shape that stands out among the crowd. The unique silhouette is just the start of its appeal— the carefully woven strips of leather, magnetic fastening, and curved shoulder strap are also worth noting.
Dimensions: H 14.6" x W 22.2" x D 2.8"
Materials: Leather
Colors: Brown
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Ganni's Banner tote is crafted from recycled leather, emphasizing the brand’s commitment toward minimizing their environmental impact. While the exterior consists of leather, the interior is designed with a cotton twill lining to keep all your essentials protected.
Dimensions: H 14.25" x W 12" x D 3.5"
Materials: Recycled Leather
Colors: Brown, black
If you’re trying to elevate an outfit that’s lacking excitement, throwing Acne Studios’ glossy tote over your shoulder will do the trick. Why? Well, you can always count on patent leather to add some shine.
Dimensions:H 13.8" x W 18.1" x D 6.3"
Materials: Faux patent-leather
Colors: Black
Nanushka calls this collapsable tote "a bag for modern life." It's also a feat of everyday bag engineering. 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
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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 16 inches wide and 16 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.
What reviewers are saying: "Best carryon bag ever! Perfect for stuffing a winter coat in when traveling from cold to hot climates. I also use this bag got every day grocery shopping —- so chic and easy."
Dimensions: H 16.5" x W 16" x D 8"
Materials: Leather
Color: Black
Some of the best leather totes aren't really leather at all. Everlane's latest work bag uses a textile derived from prickly pear cactus that's eco-friendly but no less soft and streamlined.
What reviewers are saying: "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: Beige
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
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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
When warmer weather comes back around, you'll want 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
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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, you can pop in the separate interior organizer to tidy your essentials. It's just the right size to slide under an airplane seat—and the zipper really doesn't budge—so it's also a must for work travel.
Dimensions: H 12.3 in. x W 21.6 in. x D 5.1 in.
Material: Leather
Colors: Beige, 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
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Loewe's striking motif is the first thing you'll love about this 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 11.8" W
Material: Leather
Colors: Brown, burgundy
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.
What reviewers are saying: "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
Halie LeSavage
Fashion Commerce Editor
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.