17 best work bags for women that are chic and practical
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We might be a few months in, but I've decided that 2025 is when I should invest in one of the best work bags for women. Blame my Virgo tendencies, but I cannot function if I'm not organised (and that includes my accessories).
Hybrid working means that, every couple of days, I have to swap my WFH desk for the office – which is all fun and games until it comes to transporting my belongings in one fell swoop. Investing in one of the best work bags, therefore, is where I've landed on the ‘making life easier’ front, and thankfully there are lots of styles to choose from.
Office days are exciting (it's always nice to have to think about what to wear to work instead of joggers and slippers), but I'm done with the stress of trying to ram my laptop, notebook, headphones and water bottle into any old bag two minutes before I need to leave the house.
Sturdier than beach bags and just as innovative as one of the best laptop backpacks, though arguably more chic, a good work bag will see you through the years.
Take Mulberry's Bayswater tote, for example; considered an icon, the slim silhouette is eternally practical and spacious enough to fit all the essentials – from your laptop to your makeup pouch. Or, Saint Laurent's Bea bag; a slouchier alternative that has been seen on the arms of every means-business woman out there. It's a Hailey Bieber favourite.
SKIP TO: How we tested the best work bags | Shop the best work bags for women 2025.
Best work bags for women, tested by editors:
- Trending work bag: Oversized Edition The Brigitte Woven Faux-Leather Shoulder Bag by Melie Bianco, £135, Anthropologie
- Best designer work bag: Bayswater Tote, £845, Mulberry
- Best black work bag: Large Leather Tote, £110, & Other Stories
- Most spacious work bag: Deliberate XL Woven Shoulder Bag, £149, Dune
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How we tested the best work bags
The best work bags for women need to be strong enough to carry all those important things (your planner and stationery etc), but for many of us, they also need to be stylish. That backpack you took on a girls' weekend away with you a few years ago won’t suffice, and neither will your trusty bum bag or cute mini bag. Sorry. You need a practical design but one that won’t make you look like Will from The Inbetweeners – unless that’s your vibe. Team GLAMOUR is in the office three times a week, so we've taken the time to test, try and chose the majority of the work bags in this round up so you don't have to.
Something like a tote bag is ideal and definitely on the right track, though you may want to go for one with a compartmentalised interior so that A) you can actually find things inside it and B) it’s more secure and safe on your commute. Think baby-changing bag – with all of its nifty pockets and various straps and handles – but more glam. It’ll need to suit your outfit, too, so go for something that can be worn with a blazer or trouser suit just as well as a summer dress.
If you're less of a handbag more of a rucksack kind of girl, then find the best laptop backpacks for women here (including neoprene styles and a Tory Burch and Everlane design), as well as the best travel backpacks here. For more from GLAMOUR UK’s Senior Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd, follow her on Instagram @georgiatrodd.
Below, the 17 best work bags for women to browse before your next office day.
“If super slouchy and oversized is your vibe then this leather tote from & Other Stories is the style for you. It fastens via magnet at the top for easy access and features a generous inner pocket too – though it's more so one of those bags you'll just end up chucking everything into as opposed to keeping organised,” says Denise.
- Does it fit a laptop: Yes, up to 17 inches.
- Dimensions: 43cm x 52cm x 11cm.
- Tested by: Denise Primbet, freelancer.
Save when you shop for the best work bags for women with these & Other Stories discount codes at checkout.
Selling out on more than one occasion, DeMellier's The New York bag is a proven favourite among working ladies. It comes in smooth leather as well as croc-effect, but we love how chic this one looks.
- Does it fit a laptop: Yes, up to 13 inches.
- Dimensions: 58cm x 27cm x 14cm.
Extra Large Woven Shoulder Bag
In and out of stock like a yoyo, this bag can be found on the shoulder of Katie Holmes, Iris Law, and all your favourite fashion editors. The reason? It looks 10x more expensive than it is. It comes in a few different colours now, but act fast if you want any of them as they're already selling out again.
- Does it fit a laptop: Yes.
- Dimensions: 38cm x 50cm x 11cm.
- Tested by: Sophie Donovan, Senior Commerce Writer.
Save when you shop for the best work bags for women with these Dune discount codes at checkout.
Oversized The Brigitte Woven Faux-Leather Shoulder Bag by Melie Bianco
“I've had a plain black bag for work for as long as I can remember, so I wanted something a bit brighter to make my 9-5 as cheerful as possible. This one does the trick, and thankfully it fits my laptop inside as well as all my daily work essentials,” says Sophie.
- Does it fit a laptop: Yes, up to 15 inches.
- Dimsenions: 50cm x 30cm x 2.5cm.
- Tested by: Sophie Cockett, Senior Commerce Editor Europe.
Saint Laurent Bea Textured-Leather Tote
If you can't treat yourself when it comes to your work bag, AKA the bag you'll use every day and be seen with 24/7, then when can you? Invest well and it'll last you a lifetime, and there's no better investment than some Italian leather from Saint Laurent. If you love the shape of the Cuyana System Tote then you'll be all over this.
- Does it fit a laptop: Yes, up to 19 inches.
- Dimensions: 28cm x 49cm x 14cm.
Save when you shop for the best work bags for women with these Net-A-Porter discount codes at checkout.
ASOS DESIGN Premium Suede Tote Bag
You'd be forgiven for thinking this bag comes via Net-A-Porter or the like at a much higher price point, but it's good old ASOS DESIGN. Crafted from genuine suede, the roomy design will fit everything you need.
- Does it fit a laptop: Yes.
- Dimensions: 36cm x 56cm.
Save when you shop for the best work bags for women with these ASOS discount codes at checkout.
Le Pliage Original Large Shoulder Bag
“All you need do is sit on the tube during rush hour to see how popular Longchamp's Le Pliage tote bag is with commuters. It fits everything but the kitchen sink, and features a small internal pocket alongside a large main compartment. It's one of my go-to's when I know I need to carry a lot but I still want to look chic,” says Georgia.
- Does it fit a laptop: Yes, up to 13 inches.
- Dimensions: 31cm x 30cm x 19cm.
- Tested by: Georgia Trodd, Senior Commerce Writer.
8/17Work bags with interior compartments: Roomy laptop bag
This slim, water-resistant backpack from Antler features a back sleeve to slot over a suitcase handle – so its ideal as a carry-on travel bag when you're on a business trip – and has a padded pocket that acts as a laptop compartment/laptop pocket and charger holder, as well as other slip pockets and exterior pockets. Read our full Antler luggage review for more from the brand.
- Does it fit a laptop: Yes.
- Dimensions: 41.5cm x 28cm x 15cm.
Chloé Woody Medium Leather Tote Bag
You've seen the Chloé Woody canvas tote on the arm of virtually every influencer, but the latest leather edition is spot on for work. It's less likely to show signs of wear and tear, but it still looks just as chic, and, more importantly, makes you look like you're in the know.
- Does it fit a laptop: Yes, up to 14 inches.
- Dimensions: 29cm x 36cm x 12cm.
Polène went viral on TikTok this year for their famous Numero Dix design, and we've been obsessed with them ever since. The Cyme Bag tote offers ample room (enough for a small laptop) and comes with a matching detachable purse pouch for knick-knacks.
- Does it fit a laptop: Yes.
- Dimsenions: 32cm x 38cm x 17cm.
We can't get over the fact that this vegan leather work bag comes with a matching makeup bag too. Genius! The tubular detailing lends a polished finish to the rich, cognac hue.
- Does it fit a laptop: Yes.
- Dimsenions: 31cm x 39.5cm x 20cm.
Bayswater Classic Grain Leather Tote Bag
The perfect everyday bag, the Bayswater Tote from Mulberry is eternally practical and spacious enough to fit all your essentials – from an iPad to a pair of shoes. The classic pebbled leather style closes with the iconic Postman's Lock, and features a luxurious suede lining. Use the internal, removable pocket to store your most valued essentials.
- Does it fit a laptop: Yes, up to 19 inches.
- Dimsenions: 30cm x 49cm x 15cm.
- Tested by: Kemi Alemoru, Head of Editorial Content.
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If you're looking for something super luxe without the through-the-roof price tag, then DeMellier is where you should set your sights. The Hudson is a new-in silhouette from the brand but it's giving old-money vibes, which, IMO is exactly what you want when you're at work. Dress for the annual income you want, not the one you have, am I right?
- Does it fit a laptop: Yes, up to 13 inches.
- Dimensions: 27cm x 40cm x 16.5cm.
Dragon Diffusion Nantucket Interwoven Leather Tote Bag
You'll have seen this chic silhouette on the arms of just about every influencer on Instagram this year, and with good reason: it fits a laptop. The woven leather design seems to transcend seasons, too, trust us; we've seen fashion editors from all publications towing it around from summer through 'til winter.
- Does it fit a laptop: Yes.
- Dimsenions: 24cm x 50cm x 16cm.
Save when you shop for the best work bags with these Farfetch discount codes at checkout.
Somewhere between a laptop sleeve/laptop case and a hands-free cross-body bag, this design will limit you to just carrying the essentials. Which is probably a good thing, to be honest.
- Does it fit a laptop: Yes, according to reviews up to 14.5 inches.
- Dimenions: 38cm x 33cm x 14cm.
Save when you shop for the best work bags, including crossbody strap bags, with these H&M discount codes at checkout.
Ophidia Medium Leather-Canvas Tote Bag
Combining three of Gucci's unmistakable signatures - the interlocking 'G's, the 'Supreme' motif and the striped webbing - the Ophidia tote is the perfect work bag for fans of the label's maximalist approach. It fits your laptop, makeup bag, lunch and more valuables.
- Does it fit a laptop: Yes, up to 15 inches.
- Dimensions: 38cm x 28cm x 14cm.
Ferragamo Hug Medium Leather Tote Bag
For a pop of colour, look to Ferragamo's Hug tote – this forest green hue is sure to brighten your morning's commute. It might not be as spacious as other designs, and probably won't fit a laptop, but it'll carry everything else.
- Does it fit a laptop: No.
- Dimensions: 22cm x 32cm x 16.5cm.
