A good work bag does more than haul your laptop from meeting to meeting. Unfortunately, many of them are a bit meh, with little personality. We went looking for bags that balance function and style: structured without being stiff, roomy without turning into luggage, and designed to give your Monday to Friday haul a little more oomph.
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STYLE 01 New Foldover Tote, Tan
We picked this one for its balance of structure and style. The soft tan suede has real warmth to it, and it only gets better with age. We love the foldover design and the four front pockets that hold your small essentials so you don’t have to dig through its innards. The interior is padded and roomy enough for your laptop and charger (though we’d still recommend a laptop sleeve for extra protection). A work bag that makes showing up feel a little less stressful—and a lot more suede. |
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STYLE 02 Alton Backpack 2.0 - Forest GreenThis one was a revelation—the forest green goes with everything, the water-resistant canvas holds up to the elements, and a sturdy form that is built to last. It accommodates your laptop, lunchbox, charger chaos, and still makes you look like you’ve got it together. The plus, plus: Padded straps, a snug laptop sleeve, and pockets that actually make sense. This is a backpack that’s work-ready without being dull—and durable without making you look like you’re on a trek. |
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STYLE 03 Melvin Docket - Apple LeatherWe were curious about apple leather—turns out, this biobased vegan material feels just as premium as the real thing (minus the guilt). This isn’t pretending to be a full-on laptop bag; it’s for days when all you need is a notebook, an iPad, and other bits that make you feel prepared. Sleekly professional so you can take it to a meeting with a client but also perfect for grabbing a workday lunch or afterwork drink with a mate. Yes, it’s a splurge—but the kind that earns its price tag and gets loads of compliments. |
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STYLE 04 Diving Man Highland ToteHandcrafted in cotton canvas with suede and leather trims, this tote hits that sweet spot between work and weekend. It can hold a 13”/15” laptop (use a sleeve for extra padding) or anything you’d need for a Sunday brunch . The detachable sling adds versatility, and the painting-like print is, well, just plain pretty. Form, function and personality—a rare find for a workday carry-all. |
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STYLE 05 Slate WatsonWe’ve been hunting for a classic ‘doctorbag’ and Watson delivers with plenty bang for your buck. Roomy enough for a laptop (14” or smaller), notebook, and even a lunchbox, it’s made start-to-finish by a single artisan—the tag inside carries their name. The natural-dyed leather gains character with every trip, and the semi-stiff frame keeps it in shape. Made to order (it takes a few weeks), which is exactly why it feels like it was made just for you. |
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STYLE 06 Tan Trooper ToteHere’s a ‘Non-Leather’ work tote made of high quality polyurethane that doesn’t compromise on look or feel. It can hold a 16-inch laptop (sleeve required), a bottle, and daily extras without tipping into an oversized haul. The detachable zip pouch is genius—take it solo for lunch runs or use it to keep your easy to grab essentials. The option of adding your name is a nice touch. A smarter, made-for-you alternative to standard work totes. |
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STYLE 07 Executive Laptop Bag (Olive)We first heard about this beauty from a friend who swore by it after a year of daily use and multiple work trips. We especially like the classic laptop-bag silhouette in an olive green, which makes it feel more stylish than the usual black or tan. It fits a laptop, wires, and everything you need for a full work day without the bulk. Clean detailing keeps it smart without being too “office-y”. |
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STYLE 08 Lyon Messenger, 13"-14" Laptop, Deep Sea BlueThe Lyon is one of those designs that makes sense the second you use it. The unique, structured front takes its cues from Charles Correa’s architectural lines. Inside, the padded sleeve fits up to a 16-inch laptop, with room for a notepad and well-placed pockets. Made in a deep sea blue nappa leather with Egyptian cotton lining, it’s practical, durable, and way more gorgeous than the standard black messenger. A work bag that makes function look good. |
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