Finding the best work bag for women can be a tricky task! This is because a work bag is a woman’s closest friend and confidant for over 8 hours, five days a week. The bag accommodates much of her personality — through her devices, books, files, makeup products, lunch choices, and more items that speak little stories about her life. 

To symbolize this, it is a good idea to invest in a bag that also reflects her personality through its style! If you are an ambitious, corporate mogul, then a classic black leather bag would be your best pick. And, if you are driven by creativity and passion, then a colorful rucksack would suit your taste. Also, there are other factors to consider when looking for a good work bag, such as comfort, durability, storage capacity, etc. 

Speaking of factors to consider when looking for a work bag, our contributor Ana Roberts, who is a professional stylist, says, “While maximizing storage is crucial, you’ll want a bag that features padding in the lining to protect your work materials, customizable compartments that fit the size and shape of your essentials and reinforced, cushioned straps that feel comfortable on your shoulder all day long.”

According to Michelle Wagman, Editor-in-chief and Owner of FashionEdits, “When it comes to work bags for women, there are several excellent options available. Tote bags, backpacks, crossbody bags, briefcases, and laptop bags are some of the most popular choices. Choose a durable, comfortable, spacious bag that fits all your essentials.”

So, to lessen your burden of having to search for the best bag, we have curated a list of our favorite product picks below for your reference. Keep reading to learn more!

• 1
  Best Overall

  MODOKER Vintage Laptop Backpack

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Many features of this vintage laptop backpack by Modoker make it the holy grail among work bags for women. To begin with, it has a very sleek, square structure with brown leather accents that make it appropriate for corporate settings. But, at the same time, its matte finish and mint green color make it fit for more casual occasions. Despite not appearing too bulky, it is highly spacious and accommodative of your everyday essentials. It also comes with a built-in USB port to charge your smartphone on the go. Besides, considering its dapper aesthetic and splendid functionality, this backpack is unlikely to go out of style!

Dimensions:  11.8"L x 16.5"H x 5.1"W

Material: Nylon 

Colors: Mint green and brown

 

 

2

Best Water-repellent

NUBILY Laptop Shoulder Bag

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One can consider this leather work tote bag by Nubily an epitome of professionalism owing to its minimalistic design and sturdy structure. Its aesthetic further makes it look great with every outfit you wear to work. The bag consists of 4 major compartments, one padded compartment for laptop, and additional zippered pockets to hold your phone, stationery, wallet, glasses, etc. that help you organize your essentials well. Plus, it comes with adjustable shoulder straps and a long detachable crossbody strap to slide it across like a crossbody work bag.

Dimensions: 16.7" L x 5.7" W x 12.6" H

Material: PU Leather

Color: Black

 

 

3

Best Budget-friendly

KROSER Laptop Backpack

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To prevent fatiguing your muscles and joints, invest in this ergonomic laptop bag for women as it comes with backstraps as well as arm straps for you to carry it in alternate ways. Plus, the smart, state-of-the-art design of this bag is to die for as it can be used as a tote and a rucksack. It looks very tapered but provides ample space and expands in size as you put more items inside. You also get padded laptop and tablet compartments optimized in it to offer protection against impacts. Overall, this is the perfect work bag to invest in when  you’re unsure of your personal style.

Dimensions: 16.9"x11.15"x7.5"

Material: PU Leather/Nylon

Color: Black

 

4

Best Durability

ECOSUSI Laptop Tote

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The elegant fringes on this leather work bag for women add a playful touch to its  minimalistic design. It has a large storage space with three major compartments, the middle one having padded walls and a zip closure to keep your laptop safe. Other compartments have a magnetic button closure that provides easy access to the items outside and saves time. To top off, the drop handles to carry this classic tote are adjustable and adequately thick to prevent any strap marks or discomfort on your shoulders.

Dimensions: 42 x 13x 30 cm

Material: PU Leather

Color: Brown

 

5

Best for Multiple Occasions

Himawari Work Bag

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Another backpack tote on the list, this product is one of the most versatile women’s work bags owing to its ergonomic and advanced design. While having a large storage capacity, it comes with additional front and side pockets for easy access to small essentials. You can weatherproof this bag by unzipping a protective, water-repellent fabric to cover it up. In addition, the bag is made with an eco-friendly canvas that effectively protects the contents inside from accidental jerks, spills, dust, etc. To top off, the eye-catching pink color of this bag makes it too irresistible to not get your hands on! 

Dimensions: 8 x 11 x 16 inches

Material: High-quality waterproof canvas

Color: Deep Pink

 

6

Best for Gifting

Lovevook Quilted Laptop Backpack

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This women’s laptop work bag has a classic ovular shape and quilted design that makes it unlikely to go out of style. In contrast to most work bags out there, this backpack comes with breathable mesh back straps to relieve tension from your shoulders and allow you to carry it around with ease. It has three major compartments with a padded laptop sleeve and numerous small pockets to organize your essentials. Besides comfort, the sturdy structure and minimalistic aesthetic of this bag make it appropriate for corporate and other formal settings.

Dimensions: 7.5 x 12 x 17 inches

Material: Nylon

Color: Black

 

 

7

Best Shoulder Straps

Nodykka Leather Tote

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When speaking of cost-effective choices, there are only a few that can match up to the quality and aesthetic of this leather work bag by Nodykka. This simple tote provides ample storage space to keep your books, glasses, water bottle, wallet, makeup, etc. Its crocodile skin texture and glossy finish boosts your style quotient and gives it an edge over similar totes. You can pull this bag off with any outfit as its minimalistic aesthetic never looks mismatched.

Dimensions: ‎14.25 x 6.22 x 1.97 inches

Material: PU leather

Color: Black

8

Best Scratch-resistant

Lubardy Women’s Laptop Bag

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This laptop bag by Lubardy has a ritzy crocodile skin texture and gold accents that titivate its minimalistic aesthetic. It comes with a highly padded laptop sleeve, a center compartment, and a large zipped-up pocket with fine slots to store small essentials. Moreover, the bag is water-repellent from the inside out, which ensures the safety of your belongings. To top off, this bag looks great with all outfits and is appropriate for every occasion, making it a versatile choice. 

Dimensions: 16.9 x 5.5 x 12.2 inches

Material: Faux leather and polyester

Color: Black

9

Best Lightweight Choice

BIG WIZARD Laptop Handbag

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Among the best versatile work handbags, this product by Big Wizard provides a plethora of benefits to make your life easier. It has extra storage capacity with numerous pockets of different sizes and closures to prevent smaller essentials from getting damaged or covered by bigger objects. Also, it has three slip-on pockets on the outside for you to keep some change, chewing gum, phone, sanitizer, etc. handy. What tops off its benefits is that the fine and firm stitches of the bag make it highly durable.

Dimensions: 15.75 x 4.33 x 12.99 inches

Material: Cotton duck canvas
Colors: Brown and white

10

CYUREAY Women's Convertible Daypack Laptop Backpack

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This versatile backpack is designed to seamlessly transition from a daypack to a laptop backpack, making it the perfect choice for work, travel, and everything in between. This laptop backpack is sleek and stylish, so you don’t feel like you’re bearing a hefty load when heading to work! Crafted with high-quality materials, this backpack is built to withstand the demands of everyday use while maintaining its elegant appearance. Equipped with a padded laptop compartment, this backpack provides secure storage for your laptop or tablet, ensuring maximum layer of protection during transport. The spacious main compartment offers ample room for your essentials, while multiple interior and exterior pockets keep your belongings organized and easily accessible.

11

Best for Carrying Lunch

MATEIN Women’s Work Backpack With Insulated Lunch Box

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Your workspace doesn’t have to have a minibar/microwave as this work bag by Matein has an insulated compartment — a feature that maintains the temperature of your food for up to four hours. Besides, the bag is highly spacious and can be carried around as a backpack or a functional tote, depending on the situation you’re in. It comes with a well-padded laptop sleeve and strap to prevent it from sliding. And it has side pockets, and an extra mesh pocket inside to store small items. Overall, this backpack is a stylish and functional choice for both women and men.

Dimensions: ‎7 x 5.7 x 10.7 inches

Material: Water-resistant polyester

Color: Austere gray

12

COFIHOME Women’s Rucksack

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For those bored with neutral colors and minimalistic designs, this colorful rucksack is a feast for the eyes! It has a smooth texture and a geometric, color-block aesthetic with adorable pom-pom detailing that adds jazz to your look, even if you’re wearing a plain white button-up. The main compartment of the bag has a U-zip opening and an anti-theft design at the back that keeps your belongings protected. It also contains a zipper pocket and two slot pockets on the inside, in addition to two bottle slots on the outside to organize a variety of everyday essentials.

Dimensions: 11.81 x 4.72 x 12.59 inches

Material: High-density Oxford fabric

Colors: Multicolor

13

BAGSMART Women’s Work Tote

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If crossbody work bags are your thing then this adorable pink product by Bagsmart is an incredible choice for you. This bag has a pretty color with a soft, quilted texture that adds a vintage, feminine vibe to it. It provides ample accommodation and adequate compartmentalization to organize your belongings and keep them secure. It is also comfortable to carry around and does not strain or fatigue your spine. Hence, investing in this bag would be worth every buck as it is highly versatile and durable.

Dimensions: 7"L x 4.5"W x 12.5"H

Material: Vegan leather and water-resistant polyester

Color: Pink

14

1MISSNINE Laptop Tote

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This dapper work bag for women has a neutral, yet visually-pleasing aesthetic that looks ideal for corporate settings as well as for weekends and travel. It has state-of-the-art compartmentalization to secure your laptop, tablet, books, files, stationary and so on. Furthermore, the bag not only comes with sturdy drop handles but also one long shoulder strap to carry it around like a crossbody work bag. A feature that sets it apart is that it comes with a built-in keychain to keep your keys handy.

Dimensions: 15.9”L x 11.7”H x 5.1”W

Material: Faux leather

Colors: Beige and black

15

BTOOP Laptop Tote Bag

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This stylish and practical bag is designed specifically for women who need to carry their laptop and other essentials to work or school. The high-quality canvas material used in crafting this tote bag makes it adequately durable and long-lasting. It features a spacious main compartment that can comfortably fit a 15.6-inch laptop, along with notebooks, files, and other essentials. Also, the interior includes multiple pockets and compartments to keep your belongings organized and easily accessible. Lastly, the adjustable shoulder strap of this canvas tote allows for comfortable carrying, while the sturdy handles provide an alternative carrying option.

16

BOETRU Laptop Tote Bag

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Perfect to go with your business casual outfits, this woman's work tote has an edgy yet neutral aesthetic that will also look great on most occasions. Its tear-proof satin inner lining keeps your stuff secure without causing any friction, and the anti-scratch outer surface ensures the bag stays new for years to come. The flat bottom allows you to place the bag in a way it doesn’t slip, reducing the impact on the items stored inside. Considering its dapper looks and optimal functionality, this bag would be a great purchase for you. 

Dimensions: 18 x 5.5 x 12.5 inches

Material: PU leather and canvas

Colors: Black, white, and brown

 

17

Lovevook Commuter Backpack

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We cannot get over the smart and snazzy aesthetic of this women’s work bag by Lovevook. The glossy brown leather details look very eye-catching on the classy matte canvas — a perfect winter aesthetic. Plus, the sturdy contoured exterior of this bag looks ideal for a corporate or university setting. The bag consists of numerous pockets inside out, a laptop sleeve, a tablet sleeve, and a small external compartment to keep certain essentials handy. These features make it extremely functional and convenient for day-to-day use. 

Dimensions: ‎15.43 x 9.49 x 5.12 inches

Material: Polyester

Colors: Black and brown

 

Now that you’ve seen our product recommendations for the best work bags, let us go through the following buying guide so you can make an informed shopping decision. 

 

Here are a few factors to consider when looking for the best work bags for women:

Material: You want a bag that can withstand the wear and tear of daily use. Opt for materials like real leather, nylon, or canvas that are known for their durability and longevity. These materials are also easy to clean and maintain, ensuring your bag stays looking good for years to come.

Shape And Size: The first thing to consider when selecting a work bag is its shape and size. Think about how much stuff you need to carry on a daily basis. Do you need to fit a laptop, charger, notebooks, and other essentials? Look for a bag that has enough room to accommodate your belongings without being too bulky or overwhelming. Consider the dimensions and compartments of the bag to ensure it meets your needs.

 Functionality: Don't forget about the overall functionality of the bag. Think about the specific features you need to make your workday more convenient. For example, if you frequently travel for work, a bag with a luggage strap or a trolley sleeve can be a game-changer. Water resistance or a detachable and washable lining can also be practical additions.

Organized Storage:

There are a plethora of decorative women’s bags out there that barely provide any compartmentalization, and consequently, provide no functionality! But, when going to work, there are a variety of things that people carry — laptops, books, lunch, makeup, etc. — of varying sizes that cannot be kept in the same compartment. Hence, always look for a work bag that has 2-3 main compartments and a plethora of medium and small pockets. Also, take great care that the laptop and/or tablet compartment are adequately padded to ensure the safety of the devices. A couple of hidden pockets go a long way in protecting your cash, car keys, and similar essentials. 

Style And Versatility:

It goes without saying that one should look for a work bag that is stylish and evergreen. Women’s work bags look unflattering when they are too bulky. Hence, always pick a bag with a sleek and contoured design, despite the fact that it provides immense space on the inside. 

Whether you’re choosing a rucksack or a tote, effective designs made with materials such as faux leather, nylon, thick cotton, or hemp are the way to go. Avoid bags made with soft and droopy materials like linen as they don’t hold shape and look less appropriate to carry at work. 

Neutral colors such as black, brown, and beige are a great choice for corporate environments, but you can play around with colors and prints if your workspace has a more fun and casual environment. 

It is a hassle to switch bags frequently for different occasions. Hence, if possible, look for a bag that has a minimalistic and versatile design that looks suitable for a variety of occasions such as corporate parties, family get-togethers, friendly brunches, travel, etc. 

Comfort:

Women’s bags through decades have been notorious for being too strappy and uncomfortable for the sake of “style”. Fortunately, today, “style” has become more synchronized with comfort, and your work bag doesn’t have to be a torture for your shoulders and spine to look pretty. Always look for bags with arm/shoulder straps that are thick and well-padded. The straps should be adjustable and suitable to be carried around in different ways to go easy on your muscles and joints; a good example of this would be a tote rucksack that can be placed on both shoulders, a single shoulder, or be carried with your hand. 

Durability:

Discussing the factors that impact the durability of bags, our contributor Ana Roberts says, “Material and design are crucial factors that can influence how durable and long-lasting your work bag will be. Scratch-proof and UV-resistant leather will weather the elements and prevent the sun from drying out your bag, causing cracks, tears and other damage. A well-engineered design can ensure that your laptop, charger, binders and other work essentials fit inside without stretching out the lining or disfiguring the bag’s shape. If you put your work bag on the floor while riding the subway or flying, choose a bag that comes with feet or cushions to protect the bottom.”

Invest in a bag that lasts for at least 3-4 years without much hassle. One great way to ensure the durability of the bag is to check for any warranty offers, so you can replace the bag with a new one in case any damage occurs. Also, check whether the bags are well-stitched, tear-resistant, and consist of high-quality zippers. 

The above-mentioned products are some of the best work bags for women that you’ll find out there. These consist of rucksacks, handbags, totes, crossbody bags and hybrid bags to suit different aesthetics and comfort preferences. And, these effective designs range from minimalistic and professional to snazzy and Instagrammable styles, so you have plenty of options to choose from. When looking through your options, consider the things you need to carry and thoroughly read through our buying guide before making a purchase. We hope you like our product recommendations. Happy shopping!

Contributor: Ana Roberts, Professional stylist and the editor at Top Trends Guide