These days, our laptops and phones rattle around in our bags like a set of loose keys. The reverence we once had for our pricey electronics seems to be long gone — now we treat them as if they were the ones responsible for our ever-growing email count. (Who even remembers laptop sleeves anymore?) Maybe it’s time we start considering this crucial work commute companion with a little more care, starting with purchasing a laptop bag.
Most handbag brands know we’ve evolved from the era of running out the door with a wallet and keys to requiring a carryall with space for all of our technology, a pair of post-work gym trainers, and a bottle of dry shampoo. While most leather — and even some canvas — tote bags could do the trick, we’ve sourced out work-appropriate bags that go the extra mile. Some double up as a shoulder bag or cute backpack with padded laptop compartments, while others are just perfectly sized bags that render your hardware inconspicuous to the outside eye. Just because we’re schlepping doesn’t mean we need everyone to know just what we’re schlepping, right? Click through for the best laptop bags that will give your computer a little more TLC without sacrificing style.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Anthropologie Contrast Denim Oversized Tote Bag, £78
If you’re in love with all things denim (who isn’t?) this trusty tote could be the perfect addition to your all-blue wardrobe. Roomy enough to carry a laptop, water bottle and notebook, it can easily carry the necessities and more. Plus, a popper strap fastening will stop the straps from slipping down your shoulders.
Anthropologie Contrast Denim Oversized Tote Bag, $, available at AnthropologiePhoto Courtesy of Anthropologie
Rains MSN Mini Backpack In Light Green, £69
One of the most important things when carrying a laptop is ensuring it doesn’t get wet. Luckily, this Rains backpack is much more than just aesthetically pleasing, as it will protect your tech through any sudden downpour.
Rains MSN Mini Backpack In Light Green, $, available at ASOSPhoto Courtesy of Rains
H&M Shopper, £27.99
Dogtooth patterns appear to be timeless, appearing on jumpers, jackets and even socks come autumn time. Slotting into the trend, this H&M spacious shopper is basic in shape yet bold in style.
H&M Shopper, $, available at H&MPhoto Courtesy of H&M
Eastpak X Telfar Womens Dark Olive Shopper Medium Woven Cross-Body Bag, £160
Looking more like a classic laptop bag of years gone by, this chunky Eastpak X Telfar shopper is sure to work for even the fussiest of tech lovers. With backpack straps, a top handle and shoulder straps, it can be worn in almost every way while a padded laptop pocket will keep your precious belongings protected.
Eastpak x Telfar Womens Dark Olive Shopper Medium Woven Cross-Body Bag, $, available at SelfridgesPhoto Courtesy of EASTPAK
Cos Medium Shopper Grained Leather, £135
Cos is a go-to for minimalist fashion and its bags are no exception. In dark brown, grained leather, this solo strap shopper will hold all the essentials while an attached zippered wallet makes sure valuables are secure.
COS Medium Shopper Grained Leather, $, available at COSPhoto Courtesy of Cos
Ba&sh Ara Basket, £260
Basket bags are one of the best ways to eke out the summer holiday feeling and this Ba&sh pick is rather beautiful. Large leather handles help to keep this straw style sturdy while a silky lining is soft on all those valuable items you pop inside.
Ba&sh Ara Basket, $, available at Ba&shPhoto Courtesy of Ba&sh
Fjallraven Kanken Backpack, £95 £75
It’s hard to go anywhere without spotting a handful of the Fjallraven Backpacks in an array of colours. With sturdy straps, a sizeable front pocket and water bottle compartments, it has everything you need for a carry-all commute bag.
Fjällräven Kanken Backpack, $, available at Urban OutfittersPhoto Courtesy of Fjallraven
Charles & Keith Shalia Canvas Tote Bag, £95
Charles & Keith only sells shoes and accessories, so it’s safe to say the brand is an expert when it comes to bags. This boxy tote is seriously spacious and a full zip closure will keep everything inside nice and safe.
Charles & Keith Shalia Canvas Tote Bag, $, available at Charles & KeithPhoto Courtesy of Charles & Keith
Matt & Nat Canci Vegan Tote Bag, £140 £84
If organisation is what you’re after, this Matt & Nat tote could be the answer. With five separate compartments, including a 13” laptop sleeve, phone pocket and pen holders, it really is like a travelling desk. Never again will you struggle to search for something in your bag.
Matt & Nat Canci Vegan Tote Bag, $, available at Matt & NatPhoto Courtesy of Matt & Nat
Damson Madder Frill Backpack In Black Floral Stitch, £60
Backpacks are often more comfortable than any style of shoulder bag, so if you’ve got a long commute, cycle, or, you know, just aren’t a fan of shoulder aches, then make sure this Damson Madder option is on your radar. Its frilly, floral-stitch design will sway even the most backpack-averse among us (school-kid nightmares never die guys!).
Damson Madder Frill Backpack In Black Floral Stitch, $, available at Damson MadderPhoto Courtesy of Damson Madder
John Lewis ANYDAY Sia East/West Minimal Tote Bag, £49
If you like the look of leather yet sit firmly in the faux club then this John Lewis option may be the perfect pick. In a soft sage/khaki colour it breaks up the sea of blacks and browns while having enough space to store all of the essentials.
John Lewis ANYDAY Sia East/West Minimal Tote Bag, $, available at John LewisPhoto Courtesy of John Lewis
& Other Stories Large Leather Trimmed Canvas Tote, £75 £45
As bags are often block colours, striped styles like this & Other Stories can stand out from the crowd. As well as a spacious inner section, three pockets sit on the outside of this option so you can keep your water bottle, notebook and keys away from your precious computer.
& Other Stories Large Leather Trimmed Canvas Tote, $, available at & Other StoriesPhoto Courtesy of & Other Stories
Coach Market Tote, £395 £147.50
We’ve already picked out one Coach bag as the ‘it’ item of the season and this more spacious option is just as stylish. A turnlock fastening will help keep items safe and secure while the hardwearing pebble leather should last a lifetime.
Coach Market Tote, $, available at CoachPhoto Courtesy of Coach
Sézane Romie Bag, £350
If you’re after a little bit of luxury from your laptop bag, Sézane may be the style for you. This Romie Bag is one of the brand’s bestsellers combining dainty features like its thin strap with a deep structure to carry all the essentials.
Sézane Romie Bag, $, available at SézanePhoto Courtesy of Sèzane
Mango Shopper Bag With Buckle, £49.99
This singular strap style from Mango is very handily adjustable, meaning you can alter the drop of the design. For big chunky laptops, you may want it a little lower. For thin MacBook models, maybe go a little higher — the choice is yours.
Mango Shopper Bag With Buckle, $, available at MangoPhoto Courtesy of Mango
Ganni Recycled Mini Backpack, £155
Ganni is a go-to for fashionable accessories and this backpack is no exception. While it may be a little small for most laptops, it can certainly squeeze in a tablet and that’s sure to be enough for some of us on the go.
Ganni Recycled Mini Backpack, $, available at GanniPhoto Courtesy of Ganni
DTBG DTBG Laptop Tote Bag, $, available at Amazon
H&M Tote-bag Backpack, $, available at H&M
KrisWorksCo Canvas Laptop Rucksack, $, available at Etsy
Lo & Sons Nylon Laptop Bag, $, available at Lo & Sons
A New Day Commuter Backpack™, $, available at Target.com
TUMI Carson Backpack, $, available at TUMI
Matt & Nat VON Satchel, $, available at Matt & Nat
Everlane The Modern Snap Backpack , $, available at Everlane
pacsafe Citysafe CX Anti-Theft Slim Laptop Brief, $, available at Zappos
Charles & Keith Two Tone Laptop Bag, $, available at Charles & Keith
Lipault Plume Business Laptop Backpack, $, available at Zappos
Kate Spade New York Universal Nylon Slim Commuter Bag, $, available at Shopbop
State Wythe Backpack, $, available at STATE
Cuyana Convertible Satchel-15 inch, $, available at Cuyana
Madewell x Topo Designs Light Pack, $, available at Madewell
Dagne Dover Ryan Laptop Bag, $, available at Dagne Dover
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
These Gym Bags Are As Stylish As You Are