9 luxury totes that make schlepping easier, according to style editors

Best overall: Cuyana Easy Tote

The Cuyana Easy Tote is a prime example of quiet luxury. It has a simple exterior, but after years of wear, the smooth, luxe Italian leather carryall has proven itself to be an utter classic.

It softens and develops character with regular use, making it the ideal investment piece for lowering its cost-per-wear. The unstructured silhouette adapts to whatever you carry — from a laptop and notebook to a water bottle and essentials — without looking bulky or awkward. Even better, the dual handle lengths let you carry it by hand or comfortably over your shoulder (even with a puffy coat on).

"Cuyana also makes several accessories, like the Classic Tote Insert, for organizing the interior of your bag," writes executive editor Sally Kaplan. "These are great if you like a bit more structure or interior protection since the soft Italian leather is unlined inside.

"I've had my bag for about 4 years now and I've taken it on every vacation, flight, weekend trip, and long car ride in that time," she continues. "It fits an unbelievable amount of stuff, but it also doesn't look floppy or silly if I just put a few things in it."

This kind of longevity, in addition to the refined minimalist design and pared-back hardware, makes Cuyana's Easy Tote a stylish option that you're bound to get plenty of use from.

Read more in our full Cuyana review.

Best for weekday commutes: KAAI Pyramid Bag

I know the KAAI Pyramid is a coveted design because I've seen it often imitated, but never duplicated. In my years of testing fine leather goods, I've never felt a smoother suede than the blue lining of this luxury tote. It serves as the ultimate protection against scratches for my laptop, and puts this structured design in a league of its own.

What sets the Pyramid apart is how well it performs both on my commute and at the office. The scratch-resistant, water-resilient leather stays looking sharp through the hustle and bustle, and it usually earns me a compliment in the elevator.

It's also easy to keep organized, thanks to the interior slip pockets for easy-access essentials, and the fully zipped top makes me feel more secure wearing it on the subway. A nice little touch are the metal feet at the bottom, so I can set it down without the bottom getting dirty.

It also comes in multiple sizes, from the full-size tote to a Midi and Mini version — in case you have a lighter everyday carry but still want the same look.

Overall, the KAAI Pyramid Tote is a splurge-worthy blend of modern style, substance, and enduring quality — a bag that feels expensive because of how it's made, not because of flashy logos. It's apparent the moment you pick it up.

Read more in our guide to the best luxury work bags for women.

Best for travel: Tumi Contine Weekender

Tumi is one of our favorite splurge-worthy luggage brands our team has tested. Its Contine Weekender manages to fit as much as a duffel and still feels comfortable to carry like a tote.

The sleek design comes with a ton of organizational features. "A padded laptop pocket, a spacious shoe compartment, a water bottle holder, and an exterior zip pocket with card slots are just a few of this bag's ample pockets that proved convenient for organizing all my bits and bobs," writes style contributor Talia Ergas.

As a bonus, the shoe compartment is convertible. You can unzip its barrier and turn into a more spacious tote, allowing more room for a bulky makeup bag or puffy jacket.

"I'd use this bag for work trips or to take to more upscale destinations," she continues. "The bag doesn't come cheap, but it's built to last: My husband has used his Tumi weekender tote for well over a decade (though his specific style has since been discontinued)."

Read more in our guide to the best weekender bags.

Best lightweight: MZ Wallace Medium Metro Tote Deluxe

The MZ Wallace Metro Tote is made with a featherlight quilted nylon and comes with padded, reinforced handles, which really makes a difference on the shoulders after carrying this tote for a full day.

"It's easy to convert this tote from a shoulder bag to a crossbody because of the removable strap, and with so many pockets and colors to choose from it's just as practical as it is stylish," writes style contributor Rebecca Strong.

Let's talk about those pockets: There are six on the inside and five on the outside, with still room left over for a 13-inch MacBook. "I never have to worry about digging into the depths of my bag to find my phone charger, lip balm, or whatever else I might need at any given moment," adds Rebecca.

Given the softshell fabric, you can also easily pack the MZ Wallace Metro Tote flat and it won't take up too much space in your carry-on. If you do wear it to the airport, though, you'll be glad to find that its luggage sleeve conveniently slides over your suitcase handle.

Read more in our guide to the best travel totes.

Best hobo: Coach Brooklyn 39

I'm sure I don't need to tell you that Coach is a reputable brand, since most people I know have seen a Coach bag up close at some point or another. But since the brand's Tabby has come back in such a big way, I want to give the Brooklyn 39 its flowers — because sometimes you need a rather large unlined leather hobo bag, in case you come home with souvenirs.

This luxury tote has that trendy oversized shape, which lends well if you're bad at packing light (like me). Crafted from Coach’s signature pebble leather, the bag has a relaxed feel, yet the slightly shiny finish makes it polished enough for formal settings. It's a stylish accessory on the weekend, but serves its purpose as a catch-all when you need it to.

The strong, malleable leather means you can stuff it to the brim with a laptop, bulky sweater, or 40-ounce water bottle, and it won't protest with any creases or cracks. "The Brooklyn 39 is so roomy that I call it my Mary Poppins bag," says style editor Samantha Crozier. "For people who like to take an extra pair of shoes to work, this will absolutely hold your heels while you commute in sneakers."

Best oversized: Parker Thatch Jack

This is one of the most expensive options you'll find in this guide, but the price is justified by just how much stuff this Parker Thatch tote can handle. The huge main compartment and distressed leather means you don't have to be precious about avoiding scuffs or scratches, as other luxury totes demand.

"I've stuffed it with groceries, spilled iced tea on it, and carried it in the rain with no fear," writes style editor Samantha Crozier. "And after every mishap, the Jack still looks great with its lived-in leather. It's hard to explain how relieving this cognitive shift is, but it's made me reach for this bag all the time."

The Jack immediately feels like a trusty tote you've had for years. With the soft, loosely structured shape and wide opening, you can toss in your everyday carry along with the kids' favorite stuffed animals, a backup pair of shoes, and that package you've been meaning to drop off at the post office.

While it doesn't zip shut, you can still tie it closed to retain the boxy shape. Inside is a zippered pocket so you can avoid digging around for your wallet, and the D-rings next to the long drop handles let you add a crossbody strap or decorative key chains.

Best designer: Tory Burch Lee Radziwill Tote

When you add a belt to a luxury tote, you immediately have my attention. I love to see the accessories-wearing-accessories trend in an elevated fashion, so with all the recent press around the Kennedy family, it's a timely opportunity to sport this Tory Burch tote — named after the former president's sister-in-law, style icon Lee Radziwill.

Besides its aesthetic value, the double faced design gives it a practical edge. These outer layers provide even more storage on the outside for dropping in your sunglasses or keys, and they snap shut so the profile stays slim. Inside, the main compartment flares at the base so you can comfortably fit your laptop, toiletry bag, and other essentials within its smooth, suede lining. Leave the belt undone for an intentional devil-may-care effect, or wear it clasped shut to add some structure.

The price tag is definitely considerable, but true purse girls know the Lee Radzwill line is a major component of Tory Burch's design archive. And if you're going to spend nearly a grand on a luxury tote, isn't it nice for it to have some cultural significance, too?

Best edgy: Hammitt Oliver Zip

If I had to sum up my personal style, I'd call it "alternative with a corporate job." The Hammitt Oliver Zip Tote fits that aesthetic. It's crafted with a buttery soft pebbled leather that feels soft on my skin, so it's comfortable to wear tucked underarm.

Hammitt's signature gunmetal rivets give it an edge over mainstream designer bags, yet it still has all the practical details one could want in a tote. For me, that includes a zippered top, exterior slip pocket for my phone, a key leash, and an interior drop pocket for small essentials like my wallet and lip balm.

The softly structured leather makes this the carry-all ideal for carrying bulky items like books, a toiletry bag, or a light jacket. If you're into the prim-and-proper tote with rigid corners and brassy hardware, look elsewhere. But if you want something that complements your all-black wardrobe and still looks polished, the Oliver is a dependable option.

Best trendy: Polène Cyme

This chic, tulip-shaped design from Parisian luxury brand Polène is one I keep seeing worn by stylish passengers on the train. When you untuck the petals it takes on a whole new shape, giving you a versatile luxury tote you can wear two ways.

The main design drawbacks of the Cyme Tote are its open top and the smooth, coated leather, which is prone to scratches if you're not careful. "The bag does come with a zippered pouch that you can fasten to the interior, though," notes style editor Samantha Crozier, "so when I take it on the subway, I keep my phone, keys, and wallet in the pouch and leave non-valuables like a sweater, a book, and a water bottle on the outside."

As with any trendy luxury tote, I've seen affordable alternatives pop up that sort of resemble its sculptural shape, only they lack the expensive-looking sheen of Polène's Italian and Spanish leather. The genuine article also has hanging tassels, contrast stitching, and two sets of handles, which let you tote it by hand or over your shoulder.

Meet the expert behind this guide

Gabrielle Chase, senior associate style editor: I've spent almost three years testing fine leather goods on the style team at BI Reviews, from legacy brand ballet flats to lesser-known designer handbags. I've found the quality of a leather tote is best proven over time, once the material either ages gracefully with soft signs of wear, or comes apart due to shoddy construction.

Based on my discussions with industry experts, trend research, and an involuntary personal habit of clocking labels all over New York City, I curated this list to include luxury totes that balance functionality with sophisticated style.

Read how the Reviews team tests clothing, shoes, and accessories at Business Insider.

FAQs on luxury tote bags

Why is it worth investing in a luxury tote?

Luxury totes are built with quality materials and craftsmanship that you both feel and see — from full-grain leather that develops a rich patina over time, to reinforced stitching that holds up to stains and strains. Cheaper totes often use lower-grade leather or synthetics that can crack, peel or sag.

What makes a luxury leather tote more functional than a canvas one?

Believe me: I've collected my fair share of canvas totes, and they each served me well — until the rips, stains, wrinkles were too obvious to ignore, and a permanent leather tote made the most sense for someone like me who carries a tote everyday. The durable nature of the material lasts longer, and you can easily find a luxury leather tote with a laid-back style to suit quick errands (such as the Parker Thatch Jack).

How does leather quality affect the value of a tote?

Look for luxury totes made in a tannery with a Gold rating from the Leather Working Group. It means the manufacturer is doing the important work of conserving energy, using fewer chemicals deemed harmful for the environment, and maintaining records on the source of its raw materials.

The grade of leather — whether top-grain, full-grain, or pebbled Italian leather — determines how it changes color, how it feels on your skin, and how well it maintains its structure. Luxury totes are typically made with higher-grade leather that resists scratches, instead developing a lovely patina.

What is "cost-per-wear," and why does it matter for luxury totes?

Cost-per-wear is calculated by the purchase price divided by how often you use your luxury tote. If you carry yours everyday — and those days become weeks — it quickly increases in value, because the cost spreads out over hundreds of wears. This (eventually) justifies the the initial investment.

Do luxury totes retain resale value?

Some do, if they become collectors items or come in a classic silhouette that transcends the ever-shortening trend cycle. It also depends on how well you preserve the quality of the luxury tote. Use a leather conditioner and store it in a dust bag away from direct sunlight. This not only makes it last longer, but gives you the option to have it appraised in the future.