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Cuyana
We've tested lots of bags over the years. In fact, I would estimate that our team has probably tested close to a hundred totes, if not more. So when we say that we love Cuyana, we mean it.
The brand is known for functional bags made of high-quality leather. Many of its totes and satchels are also compatible with snap-in bag organizers, which you can purchase separately. The leather is soft, wears nicely, and
The only issue with Cuyana is that the bags are relatively expensive — mostly retailing for $300 and up. But if it's in your budget, we recommend splurging a little since the totes and satchels will last you a long time. Ours have held up over the years and still look great.
Who it's perfect for: People who want a soft leather tote bag that's versatile enough for work, travel, and general schlepping.
Who should skip it: Those who prefer their totes to have structure.
Cuyana's Classic Easy Tote is our top pick for the best tote bag because it's chic, durable, flexible but not floppy, and can fit a huge amount of stuff. And though it looks like a basic tote at first glance, there are actually a ton of thoughtful details that have gone into the design of the bag. Two sets of straps mean you can carry the tote like a handbag, or you can use the longer set of straps to throw it over your shoulder. Internally, there is a small pocket for things you need to grab frequently, and there's a tie you can use to close the bag up a little more if you want.
Cuyana also makes several accessories, like the Classic Tote Insert, for organizing the interior of your bag. 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. 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.
On a usual vacation, this bag will hold two pairs of shoes, my giant Dyson blow dryer, a hair brush, my toiletry and makeup bags, a scarf or sweater, and a couple snacks. I use the interior tie to keep it closed when I have to shove it under my seat on a plane, but they also make a zippered version of the Easy Tote if you prefer the added security. Just note that you may not be able to shove quite as much stuff in it if you wanted to zip it closed. —Sally Kaplan, executive editor, Insider Reviews.
Small Easy Tote, which is a little less bulky but still fits a 14-inch laptop.
Tall Easy Tote, which is longer vertically than horizontally.
System Tote
Insider
Who it's perfect for: People who want custom organizational features, like the option to pick between an internal zippered pouch or a flap pouch and the ability to snap in or remove a laptop sleeve.
Who should skip it: Those who want built-in pockets and organizational tools.
The Cuyana 13-inch System Tote is easily one of the most versatile totes out there. The bag itself is a relatively simple in design with seamless top handles that fit tightly around your shoulder and a small internal pocket. But it also comes with internal D-rings that allow you to attach a cross-body strap, and you can snap in one of Cuyana's tote organizers for extra customizability.
The leather is extremely supple and it softens over time with use, so don't expect this to be a super structured bag. If you're deciding between the 13-inch and 16-inch options, I would go with the larger style. I've tested the smaller one and my only complaint has been that I wish it were roomier. The brand introduced the larger one later on to solve that problem! — Sally Kaplan, executive editor, Insider Reviews.
You can also get other versions of the System Tote, like:
The System Zippered Tote, which has all the same features but comes with a top zipper for added security.
Mila Satchel
Samantha Crozier
Who it's perfect for: People who travel a lot for work and need a professional-looking bag to do double duty as a work tote and a functional carry-on.
Who should skip it: People looking for a compact tote that just fits their laptop and some essentials. Also, people on a budget since this is one of the more expensive picks.
This bag is bigger than a typical tote but smaller than a weekender. It has many work bag features, like a laptop slot that fits a computer up to 14 inches and a place to snap in Cuyana's signature organizational inserts. But it also has travel features, like a luggage sleeve that has a zipper at the bottom so that you can turn it into an outer pocket.
Because of the sleek look, functional pockets, and travel-friendly details, this would make a great work travel companion. It can easily double as a functional carry-on and a professional work satchel.
The Mila Satchel comes with a long strap so that you can sling the bag over your shoulder. The strap is adjustable and thick enough that it won't dig in. I use this strap a lot since it can be awkward to carry such a large bag with just the top handles. Sometimes, I wish the top handles were longer so that I could carry the bag on my shoulders without having to use the long strap. —Samatha Crozier, style editor, Insider Reviews.
Double Loop Satchel
Talia Ergas/Insider
Who it's perfect for: Stylish corporate folks who want a work tote that looks like a chic (and very trendy for fall 2024) hobo bag.
Who should skip it: People who want their tote to double as a carry-on since the top doesn't zipper.
Equal parts stylish and functional, Cuyana's Double Loop Satchel is a splurge, but I believe it's worth every penny.
It has an elegant, unique silhouette that resembles an oversized shoulder bag more so than a traditional tote bag. If you're going right from work to happy hour, this is a perfect way to look professional but not stuffy.
Plus, the interior and exterior pockets are relatively minimalist. There are two exterior magnetic pockets on either side that are perfect for stashing small go-tos like a packet of tissues or my iPhone. The inside of the bag is pretty simple in design: there's an open laptop pocket that can hold a computer up to 14 inches (a 16-inch laptop can fit in the main compartment) plus one zippered pocket.
You can also add more compartments. If you prefer some more organizational features (like I do), you can snap on a System Flap Bag (sold separately) to add another magnetic interior pocket. Though it's an extra cost, I feel it's worth it since the System Flap Bag can be detached and used as a clutch — or you can purchase a strap for it to turn it into a small crossbody tote. — Talia Ergas, freelance style writer.
