XL Tote Bags For Work: The Ultimate Guide For All Your Office Girlie Needs
The office girlies asked, and these brands have totes delivered.
With the daily chaos of makeup, earphones, lip balm, cards, an emergency claw clip (and everything in between), my everyday bag has to be extra-large. Whether I’m heading into the office or out on spontaneous errands, a trusty tote remains my go-to – spacious, dependable, and surprisingly stylish when you find the right one.
As someone who’s tested everything from canvas carryalls to structured leather staples, I’ve learned that the perfect tote is a mix of function and flair. And it turns out I’m not alone – TikTok’s office girlies have been debating the question “What makes the ideal tote?” for months now.
What size is best for an everyday bag?
For everyday, I'd personally opt for a medium-sized tote bag. Not too bulky, and depending on its design and material, can easily blend with any outfit or occasion. For a classic and versatile choice that prioritises practicality, I'd go for a simple canvas tote. For something with a timeless feel, a black or brown leather tote. For something bolder that matches your specific style and aesthetic, prints or textures like suede or knitting might be a good option.
How do I choose the right tote bag?
While the all-purpose everyday bag should be compact and easy to carry, the work bag needs to keep up with your lifestyle. Meaning: go for the XL. On top of all your everyday essentials, it needs to fit work and after-work necessities. Laptop-friendly? Absolutely. Thick, shoulder-saving straps? Essential. While everyone has their own must-haves, one thing’s clear: the best work totes blend practicality with personal style, and have room. Lots of it.
Below, I’ve rounded up some of the latest XL designer options I’ve either carried myself or bookmarked for future splurges – consider this your XL tote bag cheat sheet.
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Prada Bonnie Leather Tote Bag, $5,200, Prada
Why we love it: Prada’s Bonnie Leather Tote is as versatile as it is chic. At 50 cm, it’s big enough for everything, with a detachable, adjustable strap for hands-free ease. Prefer texture? It comes in suede too – and yes, it’s every bit as beautiful as it sounds.
Large Ciao Ciao, $11,800, Bottega Veneta
Why we love it: Bottega Veneta’s Large Ciao Ciao means business – and pleasure. At 41.5 cm, it fits your laptop with ease. Crafted from supple calfskin, it features a two-way flap, a zipped pocket inside, and a strap you can sling over your shoulder or wear cross-body.
Marlo 17 Bag in Leather, $5,800, The Row
Why we love it: The Row’s Marlo 17 is minimalism at its finest. Crafted from smooth saddle leather, it’s sleek yet understated, with a secure top-zip closure and 100% cotton lining – proof that luxury is all about the details.
Puzzle Fold Tote XXL calfskin tote, $4,800, Loewe
Why we love it: The Puzzle bag is a Loewe classic and a JW Anderson masterpiece. Its foldable design and geometric shape make it flexible – both literally and style-wise. On top of that, it’s huge – the XXL size measures 45 cm wide, making it extra roomy for all your necessities.
Coachtopia Loop Tote recycled polyester tote, $425, Coach
Why we love it: Love luxury but care even more about the planet? This one's for you. The Coachtopia Loop Tote is a lightweight, puffer-style bag made from 100 per cent recycled polyester.
XL leather tote, $2,577, Lemaire, www.farfetch.com
Why we love it: For a more relaxed look, Lemaire’s XL leather tote is a standout pick. Crafted from strips of leather woven into a herringbone pattern, it’s both effortless and functional – making it the perfect tote for day-to-day ease with a touch of understated luxury.
Ella Tote Bag recycled polyester tote, $545, Tory Burch, www.toryburch.sg
Why we love it: Another win for recycled materials – Tory Burch’s Ella Tote features an outer shell made from recycled nylon and an inner lining crafted from recycled polyester. It’s a simple, no-fuss option that’s both eco-conscious and office-friendly.
Spin Bag large leather tote, $2,750, Chloe
Why we love it: Chloe’s Spin Tote is elegant and understated – perfect for those who favour a clean-girl or quiet luxury aesthetic. While it doesn’t feature any closing mechanisms, it remains a functional and effortlessly chic option for everyday use.
Sliding Tote nylon and leather tote, $1,600, Rimowa
Why we love it: While Rimowa is best known for its luxury travel gear, its tote bag is perfect for jet-setters seeking both functionality and sleek design. With a travel strap that slides neatly onto a luggage handle, plus hidden outer pockets for added storage and security, this tote is made for life on the go.
Y leather tote, $5,250, Saint Laurent
Why we love it: Clean lines, fine leather, a plush suede lining, and enough space to fit your 5–9 after your 9–5? The Y Tote ticks all the boxes. While it only has a small built-in pocket, its lack of compartments is a plus for those who prefer the space and flexibility to carry just about everything.
Neverfull Bandouliere Inside Out MM coated canvas and leather tote, $3,150, Louis Vuitton
Why we love it: It feels like everyone’s been fawning over the Neverfull – and with good reason. This iconic Louis Vuitton bag is ultra-roomy, with the added bonus of being reversible, offering two distinct colourways in one chic package.
Epure XL leather tote, $910, Longchamp
Why we love it: Naturally, the Gen Z office girlie’s favourite brand deserves a spot on the list. While it’s not the iconic Le Pliage, the Epure is her equally stylish sister in leather. Sleek and elevated, it’s the perfect companion for anyone stepping into their office girlie era.
Leather tote, $10,960, Chanel
Why we love it: Possibly one of Chanel’s most underrated bags, this tote is perfect for the fashion girlie who wants an everyday carryall that won’t cramp her style. With leather top handles and a chain-link shoulder strap threaded with leather, it can be worn two ways – making it a versatile, roomy option for errands and daily essentials. Also… it’s Chanel. Need we say more?
Andiamo large leather and canvas bag, $11,080, Bottega Veneta
Why we love it: Fun fact: ‘andiamo’ translates to ‘let’s go’ in Italian- which is pretty fitting for a bag that’s made to be seen and used. The Andiamo brings Bottega Veneta’s signature weaving into a modern silhouette in the tote. In canvas and leather, it’s casual yet iconic, making a tote for the fashion-forward.
Bel Air XL Carry All calfskin tote, $10,900, Balenciaga
Why we love it: The Bel Air is for those who love a bit of drama. Floppy, flashy, and with a bold silhouette, it offers plenty of outer and inner pockets for organised storage. This is a bag that deserves its own seat on the train as you transition from work to your Friday night escapades.
Dior Toujours large denim and leather tote, $6,400, Dior
Why we love it: With Dior’s signature monogram motif, it’s already a win for any bagaholic. In denim, this tote strikes the perfect balance – luxurious yet casual, ideal for a laidback vibe.
Garden Party Voyage canvas and leather tote, price unavailable, Hermes
Why we love it: Is there anything that says luxury quite like an Hermes bag? With its signature craftsmanship, this edition of the Garden Party Voyage features equestrian motifs, paying homage to the house’s roots. For the fashion girlies in search of a statement bag, this is the one.
Gucci B large suede shoulder bag, $6,300, Gucci
Why we love it: For those seeking a vintage-inspired touch, the Gucci B bag is the perfect choice. Slouchy and roomy, its suede finish exudes retro glamour, making it a standout piece.
Di Bag Swing large leather tote, $6,090, Tod's
Why we love it: Large without being too imposing, this soft leather bag offers both polish and practicality. It can be worn two ways – either as a classic tote with its offset handles or as a sling bag with detachable shoulder straps.