These 12 Work Backpacks Are So Chic That I Forgot My Shoulder Bag Existed

Finding the best laptop backpacks for women can feel like searching for a unicorn—something that’s stylish, practical, and actually comfortable to carry without looking like a third grader lugging around a bag full of textbooks. Whether you’re commuting to the office, heading to a coffee shop, or catching a flight for work, you need a bag that keeps your laptop safe and looks good doing it. Thankfully, today’s options combine sleek, minimalist design with smart storage and padded protection, so you never have to choose between fashion and function when searching for the best laptop backpack for work.
Below, we're spotlighting 12 ultra-chic work backpacks that deserve a spot in your daily rotation. Each one is designed with the modern woman in mind (think hidden laptop compartments, water-resistant materials, and timeless silhouettes). They’re elevated, polished, and professional—the kind of bags that make you forget your shoulder tote ever existed. See and shop our full edit of the best laptop backpacks for women.
What Makes a Good Laptop Backpack?
A great women’s laptop backpack balances form and function. Look for padded laptop sleeves (ideally for up to 15" laptops), padded, comfortable straps, lightweight materials, and a streamlined shape. Bonus points for features like interior organizers, water bottle pockets, and hidden compartments to store your most valuable items with discretion.
Are Laptop Backpacks Better Than Totes for Work?
If you carry tech, a backpack is often a smarter pick. Unlike totes, laptop backpacks evenly distribute weight across both shoulders, reducing back and shoulder strain, especially during long commutes or travel. Plus, many leather options look just as polished and professional as a structured handbag. Most of our picks below also come with soft, padded laptop sleeves, ensuring your computer doesn't get damaged or scratched up while you're on your way to work.
Colors: Black, Cream, and Olive
Material: Water-resistant fabric derived from recycled plastic water bottles
Laptop Size: Holds 17 and 15-inch laptops
Additional details: 10 pockets, luggage sleeve, and laptop and tablet compartments
Customer review: "The shoulder straps on this are so comfortable that after walking around for a week feeling my backpack be half as heavy, I gave away my old backpack to a friend!"
Colors: Black and Maple
Material: Natural grain leather
Laptop Size: Fits 13-inch and 16-inch laptops
Additional Details: Drawstring and snap closure, exterior pockets, and adjustable shoulder straps
Customer review: "Bag is versatile and durable. Large enough to carry my everyday essentials laptop, gym clothes, umbrella, wallet etc. A must have!"
Colors: Black, Olive, Beige, Maple, and Pink
Material: Recycled poly and recycled faux leather
Laptop Size: Fitsa 15-inch laptop
Additional Details: Laptop sleeve, water bottle holder. and luggage sleeve
Customer review: "I love this backpack. I use it as my everyday backpack for work. It has everything I need (lots of pockets and compartments), and it adds to my a stylish/elegant look."
Colors: Beige, Maple, Olive, Black, Navy, and Grey
Material: Cotton and PVC
Laptop Size: Fitsa 15-inch laptop
Additional Details: Water bottle pockets, padded laptop sleeve, and built-in key leash
Customer review: "This bag is made so well! The zippers and the leather are quality additions. It was the perfect size to fit everything I needed. I used the side holders for my water bottle and my umbrella."
Colors: Orange, Red, Black, Olive, Navy, Pink, Tan, among others.
Material: Nylon canvas (Polyamide)
Laptop Size: Fits a 14-inch laptop
Additional Details: Zip-top closure, leather straps, and lightweight construction
Customer review: "I was so excited to see this style. I have smaller longchamp backpacks and the large totes, but this one is the perfect size for my workday essentials without being bulky like my LuLuLemon backpack that’s better suited as an overnight bag. This is great for commuting on a packed bus or train and looks nicer (and less like a little kid)."
Colors: Lavender, Black, Copper, Red, among others.
Material: Nylon
Laptop Size: Fits a 15-inch laptop
Additional Details: Zip side compartments, padded laptop pocket, padded straps, and secret phone compartment
Customer review: "Great quality bag - perfect for work and I like how there is a pocket for everything! The finishing is of an excellent standard and the bag looks really smart."
Colors: Beige
Material: Polyester
Laptop Size: Fits a 15-inch laptop
Additional Details: 13 pockets, hidden zippered pocket, laptop sleeve, and padded straps
Customer review: "I love my laptop backpack! It has much more room than I thought. I love the zippered pockets. The zippered pocket on bottom is a real plus. I’m amazed how much I can pack in it. I took on my trip via plane, and it fit perfectly under seat in front of me."

Ana Escalante is an award-winning journalist and Gen Z editor known for her sharp takes on fashion and culture. She’s covered everything from Copenhagen Fashion Week to Roe v. Wade protests as the Editorial Assistant at Glamour after earning her journalism degree at the University of Florida in 2021. At Who What Wear, Ana mixes wit with unapologetic commentary in long-form fashion and beauty content, creating pieces that resonate with a digital-first generation. If it’s smart, snarky, and unexpected, chances are her name’s on it.
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