An Essential Guide To Choosing The Perfect Work Tote Bag
The fast-paced lifestyle of the modern working women calls for a bag that can keep up with her — blending form and function, the tote bag is unsurprisingly a well-loved sartorial staple of this group. However, choosing a work tote bag that suits your unique needs and preferences can take some thought.
In this informative guide, we will delve into the various factors — from size to comfort and style — that you should take into consideration when shopping for a tote bag that you will be bringing with you to work. We hope that the tips in this article will help you find the perfect work tote bag that will make your daily commute easier and more pleasant.
Why are tote bags a popular choice for work?
Tote bags are undeniably popular among working women — this is due mostly to their stylish yet utilitarian design. A tote bag is a mid to large-sized bag with a handle attached to each of its sides. It typically opens at the top without any closure or fastening, and is generally larger than most handbags. You can learn more about the definition, origin, and history of the tote bag here.
Several factors contribute to their popularity in the workplace.
Great Capacity
Tote bags are typically large with a roomy interior, so they are perfect for carrying bulkier items and heavier loads, including laptops and documents. With modern variations replacing traditional canvas and cotton shoppers, tote bags offer practicality without sacrificing style. For instance, classic black faux leather tote bags with metallic gold accents look smart enough to complement business casual attire; their sleek design makes them a fashionable yet functional choice.
Easy Access
With wide, open tops, tote bags offer easy access to your belongings, perfect for the modern woman who is always on the go. Some tote bags even feature multiple interior compartments or detachable inner pouches, making organization a breeze. This helps keep the interior of the tote bag neat and allows you to find your belongings more easily.
However, many contemporary tote bags now include closures such as zippers, magnetic snaps, and push-locks. These features keep your belongings secure without compromising accessibility.
Effortless Style
Tote bags offer remarkable versatility due to their spaciousness. Their sleek, structured silhouette and minimalist design make them incredibly adaptable, seamlessly complementing any outfit for any occasion. Simply slinging a tote bag over your shoulder will add an effortlessly chic element to your outfit, and make you look polished and put-together in an instant.
Tote bags pair well with a wide range of office attire, ranging from pantsuits to pencil skirts. Compared to backpacks, which can sometimes appear overly casual, they will elevate your everyday style. The tote bag is also able to transition seamlessly into an evening accessory.
Key factors to consider when choosing a work tote bag
Whether you are looking for a trusty companion for your daily commutes, a functional bag to hold all your everyday essentials and work documents, or a stylish arm candy to brighten up dreary days, here are a few important factors to consider in your search for a work tote bag that best suits your unique requirements.
Functionality
When it comes to work totes, functionality tops the priority list. Needless to say, a good work tote is one that can hold everything you need it to — it should also be able to keep up with the demands of your lifestyle.
Compartments & Inner Storage
A good work tote is one that not only offers ample storage space but also thoughtful design elements. These small but handy features — including detachable pouches, gusseted compartments, inner card slots, inside flap pockets and external compartments — will enhance the organization, accessibility and security of your belongings, thus improving user experience.
Tip #1: Assess your lifestyle needs.
Questions to ask yourself:
- What does your schedule look like on a typical work day?
- What are your everyday essentials?
By answering these questions, you will have a clearer idea about your needs and preferences, and be able to make a good, informed choice when shopping for a work tote bag.
Tip #2: Pay attention to the compartments.
You will need appropriate compartments to store the various items you carry with you:
- Small compartments are good for keys, cardholders and other loose items.
- Big compartments can help to separate larger items like your gym clothes from the rest of your belongings.
- An additional laptop sleeve is a useful feature if you need to carry your laptop around.
NOTE
As tote bags have a limited capacity and are designed to be slung on one shoulder, a backpack may be a better choice if you have a heavy load — it will prevent physical strain by offering better back support.
Type of closure
The type of closure is another factor that you should give some thought to. If you value security over accessibility, a zip closure may be most suitable for you. If you are constantly on the go, and require quick and easy access to your belongings, it may be better to opt for a magnetic closure.
A magnetic clasp (left), zip closure (middle), and one that features both a magnetic closure and side-zipped compartments for added organization (right)
Comfort
Other than the functional features that a work tote bag has, how comfortable you feel while carrying is just as important a factor to consider. Work totes should ideally carry the weight of everything you need it to hold without putting too much strain on your shoulders or arms. Consider looking for totes that come with thicker or padded straps for good weight distribution. Designs that come with detachable straps not only provide multiple styling options, but also offer hands-free convenience.
Tip: Take your commute into consideration.
Pick a tote bag that makes your commutes easier:
- If you are driving, you may want a carry-all tote that you can dump all your items in, so you can get in and out of your car easily and quickly.
- If you are traveling by public transport, you may require a compact tote that can be kept close to your side while you are navigating your way through peak-hour crowds. Zipped outer compartments are particularly handy in this case for keeping frequently used items accessible yet secure.
Style
Finding a work tote that balances functionality and comfort, while also reflecting your style personality and professionalism may not be easy, however, selecting the right one will surely pay off as it will serve you well for a long time to come. Look out for versatile pieces that will match well with various work outfits and be appropriate for different workday settings — the best ones would not look out of place at after-hours events. To keep your looks polished and understated, go for tasteful neutral hues and classic designs that never go out of style.
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Tip: Consider the dress code or general sartorial expectations of your workplace.
Choose a tote bag that complements the setting:
- Professional settings: Go for a sleek, minimalist design that is polished and understated. Structured totes have a sophisticated appearance, especially when they have tasteful details.
- Smart-casual settings: You have more room to explore tote bags of bolder designs and color in this more relaxed setting — lean into the less formal atmosphere and reach for a slouchy tote bag.
Durability
A good work tote is a durable one that is able to keep up with the demands of your daily life for a long time. When selecting your next work tote, pay attention to the construction of the bag, from the materials to the straps and other details.
Work totes made from genuine leather are often softer and more supple, making them more comfortable to hold. Materials such as pebbled leather are also less prone to scratches and wear down less easily. Another popular material used in the making of tote bags is saffiano leather. This high-quality leather is extra resistant to daily wear and tear — it is also able to maintain its shape for a longer period of time, compared to other leathers.
For a more affordable option, faux leather is a great choice. With a variety of colors, finishes and even animal prints to choose from, they are accessible and inexpensive — this means that you would be able to build a collection of tote bags and keep up with the trends without breaking the bank.
A bag that you will be using every working day should not be an impulse purchase — getting the right bag can make your daily life a lot more easy and pleasant. To ensure that you pick the right bag, it is still best to try it on in-store. The tote bag should sit comfortably on your shoulders and have a handle drop length that is proportional to your body. When shopping online, look at measurements for a gauge, alongside reviews that can give you a better idea of how the bag may hold up overtime.
Browse our extensive range of work-friendly tote bags here — we are sure that you will be able to find one that meets your practical needs and reflects style personality.