The 20 Best Work Bags of 2024
Regardless of what you do for a living, finding the right work bag is a must. You need one that’s stylish yet functional, spacious, and durable enough to hold the essentials, whether that’s your wallet and headphones or your laptop and a bagged lunch. Searching for an option made of high-quality materials is crucial—a presentable, well-made bag that won’t fall apart after a year of carrying your stuff.
To find the best work bags for your morning commute and beyond, we scoured the internet and considered the material, closing mechanism, dimensions, and handle drop length of dozens of options. We also tapped Liz Teich, fashion stylist of TheNewYorkStylist, for expert advice on choosing a work bag that suits your style and needs.
Best Organization
Sometimes a work bag can feel like a black hole, making it difficult to locate your keys, wallet, and other items. If you struggle to navigate the essentials, a work bag with compartments may be for you. These options offer a variety of separated interior pockets—some with zippers, some without—to keep your items organized. Some bags also feature exterior pockets for storing small items and even your water bottle.
The Nubily Laptop Bag stands out on our list with its padded laptop section, two large open pockets, one large zipped pocket, and several smaller interior pockets. Plus, it’s structured enough to stand on its own without flopping over. If you’re looking for a versatile option suitable for both work and travel, the MZ Wallace Deluxe Tote is hard to beat. We like that this pick is lightweight enough to lug around—even when filled to the brim— boasting 11 (yes, 11) total pockets. And we can’t forget the Freja Paloma Tote, which features a shortened zipper track that creates a makeshift cup holder for easy access to your water bottle without having to unzip the entire bag.
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Best Single Compartment
While compartments can help with organization, they can also be restricting, preventing you from carrying larger items (like a spare pair of heels). If you’re looking for extra space, single-compartment bags offer more flexibility. For those who still crave some form of organization, consider throwing in a colorful pouch, like the Kusshi 2pc Neoprene On-the-Go Pouch Set, to help keep track of smaller items.
Despite its lack of compartments, the Long Champ Le Pliage Nylon Shoulder Tote’s small size makes it manageable enough to find your essentials quickly. Plus, it’s foldable design makes it portable and perfect for packing in carry-on luggage. For a simple yet practical option, Madewell’s The Transport Tote checks all the boxes: versatile, spacious, and stylish. You can even personalize it with your initials.
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