Chic, Classy and Practical—These Designer Tote Bags Overshadow Every Other Style

See our editors picks of the very best designer tote bags that are truly worth the investment below.

An image of the best designer tote bags.
(Image credit: Who What Wear UK)
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Picture a designer bag and what comes to mind? A sleek baguette bag, or perhaps a chain-strap cross-body, both of which likely boast an iconic logo in premium metal hardware. Although they are usually versatile—you'll be hard-pressed to find an outfit a quilted Chanel won't go with, after all—bags with status are often more formal-looking. That, however, is not necessarily the case when it comes to 2025's need-to-know arm candy—designer tote bags.

@sobalera wears a Margaux Tote bag

(Image credit: @sobalera)

Like the rest of our wardrobes, designer handbags are taking a practical and effortless turn this season. In place of fancy clutches or minuscule styles that hold your debit card but very little else, it's clear that, as roomy and relaxed as they are, the best tote bags for women are certainly taking a more luxurious format, with the shape dominating the premium handbag scene for months on end. The good news? There's already plenty to choose from.

Marisa Martins wears an oversized tote

(Image credit: @_marisamartins_)

While Loewe's accessories, like the iconic Puzzle bag, or Dior's book tote, including the new literary-inspired designs issued by incumbent creative director Jonathan Anderson, have become status symbols in the past, it's not all about straw and canvas.

Large totes in both classic leather and sumptuous brown suede are on the up, and they're particularly well-suited for transitional dressing. Helpful, as we start to cast our minds towards the beginnings of autumn.

Dragon Diffusion and Bottega Veneta's woven iterations, including the latter's freshly unveiled dual top-handle Campana tote, have proven popular in fashion circles, but the options truly are extensive. From the future heirloom Gucci Giglio, which Sienna Miller and Dakota Johnson won't stop wielding, Saint Laurent styles in the vein of their Bella Hadid-approved Y Bag to irresistibly chic minimalist designs and quiet luxury bags by the likes of The Row and Toteme, there is a designer tote bag to suit you, whatever your aesthetic may be.

designer-tote-bags-293691-1696406120367-main

(Image credit: @_jessicaskye)

Their appeal is simple: They're roomy enough to hold just about everything you could need (your phone, purse, laptop, keys, snack stash, water bottle, and probably the items you pick up on the way home for dinner) but present a chic way to do so.

This is the sort of bag you can grab and go, confident in the knowledge it'll look the part with a myriad of looks this year, whether it's summer travel or autumn polish you're going for. Keep scrolling to discover the designer tote bags we love right now. Trust us—you'll be tempted never to use another bag again.

The Best Designer Tote Bags of 2025

1. The Row Marlo Tote Bag

2. Bottega Veneta Andiamo Bag

3. Loewe Puzzle Fold Leather Tote

4. Tory Burch Romy Tote

5. Métier Incognito Cabas Large Leather Tote

6. Saint Laurent Le 5 à 7 Bea Tote

7. Gucci Giglio Large Tote Bag

8. DeMellier The New York Tote

9. Prada Buckle

10. Manu Atelier Le Cambon 35

11. Totem Suede Lounge Tote

12. Ferragamo Hug Bag

13. Dragon Diffusion Nantucket Large Woven Leather Tote

14. Miu Miu Ivy Leather Bag

15. Alaïa Le Teckle Leather Tote

16. The Row N/S Park Tote Bag

17. Mulberry Bayswater

18. Coach Brooklyn Shoulder Bag

19. Longchamp Le Pliage

20. Bottega Veneta Campana Tote

21. Liffner Mega Sprout Suede Tote

What Should I Look for In a Designer Tote Bag?

So, you're ready to part with your hard-earned cash and buy a designer tote bag. It's a smart call, but what exactly should you be looking for when selecting your perfect style?

We suggest focusing on quality—since most of these tote bags are timeless, great for everyday use and can be pretty hefty investments, you probably want something durable. That's why we heavily focused on leather iterations in this edit—they'll age like a fine wine with the right care, making them classic bags in their own right. Sturdy handles, quality stitching and a trustworthy brand known for its craftsmanship will all lengthen the lifespan of your bag.

Of course, the most important thing is that the bag you choose aligns with your needs and style. Bold and bright or neutral and classic, as long as you truly love it, you'll reach for it again and again, making it worth the cost per wear. Size wise, totes can range from simply roomy to outrageously capacious—check out our measurements for each bag to choose the size that works for you. Whether you want a more compact style that slips a Kindle in, or one that carries your 16-inch Macbook and the kitchen sink, will guide your decision.

If you're going to use your designer tote bag for work, you might want something really sleek, or perhaps you're after a chic baby bag— then you'll probably prefer something with plenty of internal pockets to keep your items organised.

Feeling overwhelmed? Don't fret. We've got all of these needs covered in the edit.

An image of @monikh wearing one of the best designer tote bags with a pencil skirt, jelly flip-flops and plum tank top.

(Image credit: @monikh)

Are Tote Bags in Style in 2025?

If you weren't convinced by now that tote bags are in style in 2025, allow us to detail exactly why this bag shape remains on-trend, now and forever.

Sure, Matthew Macfadyen's expertly delivered "ludicrously capacious bag" monologue from the final season of Succession helped revive interest in gargantuan carry-alls, but make no doubt about it, there's nothing déclassé about schlepping around an accessory that can fit all your essentials.

You see, at both expensive-looking high-street price points and within the designer set, tote bags have remained the pinnacle of style. In 2025, this translates to the LL Bean tote being as widely discussed and sought after as the Hermès Birkin. Of course, luxury iterations are always indicative of what's in fashion. So, if the virality of pieces like Coach's Brooklyn shoulder bag and Manu Atelier's Le Cambon 35 are proof of the tote bag appeal, it's clear these styles are here to stay.

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, fashion is our speciality. Our editors have years of industry experience, from reporting on seasonal fashion trends seen at international fashion weeks to working with some of the most recognisable names in fashion. Every item we recommend is carefully selected based on current trends, quality and real-world wearability.

We regularly try on pieces ourselves—everything from best-selling jeans to designer shoes—and speak to external experts and fashion insiders, staying closely connected to what our readers are searching for. Our advice is grounded in expertise, and each and every buy we feature has to meet our exceptional taste standards—so you can feel confident in every recommendation.

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Ava Gilchrist
SEO Writer

Ava Gilchrist is the SEO Writer at Who What Wear UK. Born in Sydney but now based in London, Ava has worked at some of the most prestigious women’s luxury and lifestyle publications including ELLE, Marie Claire and most recently GRAZIA where she held the title of Senior Fashion Features Writer. Ava has five years of industry experience, beginning her writing career after graduating with a Bachelor of Communication from the University of Technology, Sydney. Her words fuse style with substance, bringing readers insightful commentary on the latest fashion trends, runway shows, celebrity red carpet offerings, must-have shopping pieces, beauty hacks and pop cultural moments. As an editor, Ava has interviewed everyone from Kendall Jenner, Margot Robbie, Zendaya, Emma Corrin and Stella McCartney.

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