From Loewe to Khaite, These Are the It Designer Tote Bags to Know

Whether you're heading out on a long weekend and want to pack everything into one big bag, going to the office and need a carryall for your laptop and things to get you through the day, or simply looking for a spacious bag for everyday wear, a tote bag is the answer. While there are a range of styles and price points, I'm here to draw attention to the best designer tote bags currently on the market that every cool fashion person is wearing.

Nearly every designer has their own version, so there is a robust range of styles. Styles such as the Hermès Birkin and Louis Vuitton Neverfull are iconic classics that will forever stand the test of time. Other designs, including The Row's Marlo, Jacquemus's Le Turismo, and Bottega's Pinacoteca, are newer but are already carving themselves out as cult classics. Ahead, see the best designer tote bags to add to your closet.

The Best Designer Tote Bags

• Best New Designer Tote Bag: Bottega Veneta Pinacoteca Tote ($4400)
• Best Classic Designer Tote Bag: Loewe Puzzle Fold Convertible Large Leather Tote ($2650)
• Best Celeb-Loved Designer Tote Bag: Saint Laurent Le 5 à 7 Supple Small Suede Tote ($2750)
• Best Affordable Designer Tote Bag: Longchamp Le Pliage Tote ($155)
• Best Quiet Luxury Designer Tote Bag: The Row Marlo Tote ($5600)

1. Bottega Veneta Pinacoteca Tote Bag

Not only is Bottega Veneta's Pinacoteca Bag going to be one of the It bags of the year, but I've also been told by a few editor friends who have purchased it that their reasoning for the splurge was that it's one of the most practical designer bags they've come across. The brand's Jodie and Sardine bags may be aesthetically beautiful, but the Pinacoteca is the one that's going to get maximum wear and be able to hold all of your necessities.

Material: Lambskin leather

Colors: Fondant, Lunar, Matcha

Size: Small: 9.4 in x 5.9 in; Large: 16.9 x 9.1

Laptop size it can fit: iPad in the small and a 14-inch in the large

2. The Row Marlo Tote

If you're willing to invest, The Row's Marlo bag is one you'll keep for life. It's structured, but the leather and suede still have flexibility and softness. The design is minimal but looks incredibly polished.

Material: Leather

Colors: Black

Size: 17 in x 12 in x 6.3 in

Laptop size it can fit: 14-inch

3. Khaite Lotus Tote

If a roomy bag that doesn't compromise style or look like a regular tote bag is what you need, look no further than Khaite's Lotus Tote. The sculptural shape of the bag was inspired by the fluidity of a scarf and is made from Italian soft suede. While I'd recommend this as more of an everyday bag that can fit your stash of essentials, the width of the bag is 19.7 inches, so it can fit a laptop or tablet if needed.

Material: Calf suede

Colors: Brown, black

Size: 22 in x 8.5 in x 15.5 in

Laptop size it can fit: 16-inch

4. Prada Re-Nylon Tote Bag

Prada's recycled nylon tote bag offers an element of durability that other suede and leather options can't. As someone who tends to throw around their work bag, I knew this was the better option for me. Since Prada's Nylon was first introduced in the 1980s and remained popular in the 2000s, you can also find plenty of options at a cheaper price point on secondhand sites, which is the route I took for my bag.

Material: Recycled Nylon

Colors: Cork Beige, Black

Size: 6 in x 17 in x 12 in

Laptop size it can fit: 16-inch

5. Loewe Puzzle Tote

For those who like to be heavily prepared while traveling, Loewe's Puzzle Tote is crafted from soft leather that has origami-style folds, making it packable and easy to fold down in your luggage.

Material: Leather

Colors: Black

Size: 19.5 in x 15.5 in

Laptop size it can fit: 14-inch

6. Métier Private Eye Tote

Two of our NYC editors use Métier bags as their work totes, and I've seen firsthand the incredible amount of stuff they can fit into their bags. Despite how much they're schlepping around, they always look undeniably chic.

Material: Buffalo leather

Colors: Camel, Burgundy

Laptop size it can fit: 16-inch

7. Saint Laurent Icare Tote

When Zoë Kravitz and Hailey Bieber were spotted carrying this larger-than-life bag this past year, everyone was intrigued. The bag has snaps on the side, so if needed, it can be snapped off to expand and create even more space for your items.

Material: Lambskin

Colors: Black, beige

Size: 22.8 in x 16.9 in x 3.1 in

Laptop size it can fit: 16-inch

8. Loewe Leather-Trimmed Woven Raffia Tote

If you're planning a warm-weather vacation, a raffia tote like this should be the first thing you pack.

Material: Raffia

Colors: Neutral

Size: 11.2 in x 12.6 in

Laptop size it can fit: 12-inch

9. Dior Oblique Embroidered Dior Book Tote

While the options from The Row and Khaite in this roundup are made for those with a more minimalist and low-key aesthetic, this iconic Dior logo tote is for the ones who aren't afraid of a little loud luxury.

Material: Cotton

Colors: Ecru and Blue

Size: 16.5 in x 14 in x 7.5 in

Laptop size it can fit: 14-inch

10. Tory Burch Romy Tote

Tory Burch is the talk of the town, and I'm on board with every piece that comes from each new collection. Our editor Eliza Huber recently did an in-depth try-on with the brand and sang nothing but high praises for the spacious tote. Reviewers seem to agree, writing that the bag feels like a true luxury despite the more contemporary price point. One wrote, "This may sound silly, but this bag is hardy. It's been my work bag, carry-on bag, errands bag. After all of this, it shows no signs of wear."

Material: Leather

Colors: Biege, black, white, and more

Size: 8.7 x 9.1 in

Laptop size it can fit: 14-inch

11. The Row N/S Park Tote

Offered in small, medium, and large iterations, The Row's N/S Park Tote is the ultimate understated handbag. Opt for small if you only need your daily essentials, but the large size is fit for travel or work. Crafted from textured leather, the bag feels soft to the touch and flexible but still holds its bucket shape.

Material: Cow leather

Colors: Ivory, black, and taupe

Size: 11.8 in x 16.5 in

Laptop size it can fit: An iPad

12. Ferragamo Studio Tote

This tote has a unique shape, but it's not over-the-top. Ferragamo's Hug tote bag comes in both medium and large sizes. It also comes in a variety of beautiful shades, from suede brown to black leather.

Material: Suede

Colors: Brown

Size: 10.6 in x 15.4 in

Laptop size it can fit: 14-inch

13. Jacquemus Le Turismo Tote

If you live in New York City, you’ve likely noticed Jacquemus’s new Turismo tote bag. Its bowling bag silhouette and minimalist design are popular among fashion enthusiasts. You can choose between small and large sizes based on your lifestyle and needs.

Material: Leather

Colors: Brown, black

Size: 18.5 in x 10.2 in

Laptop size it can fit: 16-inch

14. Saint Laurent Le 5 à 7 Supple Small Tote

If the Saint Laurent shopping tote is too big for your everyday endeavors, this smaller bag fits your phone, wallet, sunglasses, and other essentials. It still features the classic logo but is more subdued with a gold-tone plaque.

Material: Calfskin leather

Colors: Black, Dust Grey, Fox, and three other colors

Size: 9 in x 8.6 in x 3.3 in

Laptop size it can fit: iPad

15. Dragon Diffusion Nantucket Bag

Channel your inner Jane Birkin with a basket bag as your accessory of choice. By using traditional basket-weaving techniques with supple leather, Dragon Diffusion can combine the casual elements of a basket or woven bag with the luxurious look and feel of leather.

Material: Woven leather

Colors: Black, Brown

Size: 14 in x 8.5 in

Laptop size it can fit: 12-inch

16. Hereu Calella Tote

Everyone has a few random canvas tote bags lying around, but this Hereu bag is a more luxurious version you'll gladly wear all the time. It's simple, but with its leather trim and geometric shape, it's still interesting. Plus, it's under $550, a lot less costly than many of the bags featured here.

Material: Canvas, leather

Colors: Natural, tan

Laptop size it can fit: 12-inch

17. Alaïa Mina Tote Bag

If your priorities are more focused on design than function, this Alaïa bag is a gem that deserves a spot in your wardrobe. The look of lace inspires the intricate leather cutouts, and it comes with a detachable leather pouch.

Material: Leather

Colors: Black, Argile

Size: 12.5 in x 19.5 in

Laptop size it can fit: 16-inch

18. Longchamp Le Pliage Tote

Longchamp's Le Pliage was the celebrity It bag in the 2010s, but despite the trend cycle, people aren't letting their trusty bag go. I still own mine from college, and there's not a mark or scratch on it. If that's not enough to convince you, the almost 2000 reviews for the bag on Nordstrom and five-star rating should do the trick.

Material: Nylon

Colors: Black, Fawn, Dark Green, and four other colors

Size: 12 in x 12 in x 7 in

Laptop size it can fit: 12-inch

Why buy a designer tote bag?

Investing in a designer tote bag rather than opting for an affordable version can offer significant benefits, especially when it comes to longevity, quality, and versatility. While a budget-friendly tote may seem appealing in the short term, a designer tote offers a higher level of craftsmanship and durability that makes it a more worthwhile investment over time.

How should you shop for a designer tote bag?

Before swiping your card on a designer tote bag, consider the below:

Budget: It's essential to establish a clear budget to help narrow down your options and prevent impulse purchases that could strain your wallet. Keep in mind that a higher price tag doesn't always indicate better quality; it's more about finding the right fit for your style and needs.

Size: Consider how you plan to use the tote. Will it serve as a daily carry-all for work or errands, or will it be more of an occasional accessory for travel or brunch? This will help you determine the appropriate size for your tote bag.

Fabric and Material: Designer totes are available in various materials. To ensure durability and that your bag can hold all your essentials, look for options made from high-quality leather, suede, or nylon.

Classic Versus Trendy: Designer bags, especially totes, are significant investments. It's important to decide whether you want a timeless piece, like Louis Vuitton's Neverfull bag that you can use year after year, or a trend-driven design, such as Loewe's Puzzle Tote Bag, which features bold logos and styles.

Which designer bags are hot right now?

Several designers are making a significant statement in the handbag industry, including Khaite, Totême, Prada, and Alaïa. For instance, Khaite's Simona bag and Alaïa's Le Teckel bag are two east-west designs that have been spotted on celebrities such as Sofia Richie, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, and Julianne Moore. Additionally, Totême's T-Lock clutch has gained popularity among fashion editors due to its compact, minimalist design that suits various occasions.

When it comes to tote bags, we’ve seen Métier's Perriand All Day bag, Demellier's New York leather-trimmed suede tote, Ferragamo's Hug Tote bag, and Loewe's Puzzle Fold bag being carried by fashion influencers across Paris, London, and New York.

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear, fashion is our specialty. Our editors have years of industry experience, from reporting on seasonal fashion trends seen at international fashion weeks to working with some of the most recognizable names in fashion. Every item we recommend is carefully selected based on current trends, quality, and real-world wearability.

We regularly try pieces ourselves, including everything from bestselling jeans to designer shoes, speak to external experts and fashion insiders, and stay closely connected to what our readers are searching for. Our advice is grounded in expertise and has to pass our exceptional taste levels, so you can feel confident in every recommendation.

This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.