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8 Modern Tote Bags You Won’t Mind Carrying Around

We all have a collection of tote bags, most probably acquired from a grocery store, as a brand freebie, or an inexpensive one bought as a last-minute necessity. They’re usually cheap, flimsy, and don’t last very long making them not much better than a disposable plastic bag. There’s something about carrying a bag large enough to easily throw in a purchase made while out, a snack, or even an umbrella, on top of your usual belongings. Not only are they great for daily use, they’re prefect for travel when you typically need to carry more with you. From high-end to affordable, take a look at some of our favorite modern tote bags.

Lucent Basic Tote by BAO BAO Issey Miyake
There are tote bags… and then there are BAO BAO Issey Miyake totes with their flexible geometric design that’s been a cult favorite for years. They’re not cheap but it’ll easily become one of your favorites and live in your collection for a long time.

Aiko Felt Tote by Graf Lantz
This Los Angeles brand crafts really beautiful, minimalist bags out of felt and leather, like this tote featuring a color block style in granite and heather Merino wool felt with natural vegetable tanned leather trim and handles. It houses two interior pockets to secure money and other essentials and a hidden magnet to keep your gear safe while out and about.

Black Nylon Porter Tote Bag by Mackintosh and PORTER
A practical black tote that is part of a collaboration between Japanese bag brand PORTER and 200-year-old coat makers Mackintosh, which resulted in a contemporary collection of design-focused accessories. The bag is constructed in Japan out of durable nylon offering plenty of space to carry around all of your daily essentials.

Marfa Tote by Wood&Faulk
Part of their Color Collection, this Marfa Tote features a bold blue pocket (additional colors also available) on the front that contrasts with the roughout tan leather of the bag. The back side of the leather faces out giving the exterior a soft but tough texture that will hold up and age perfectly over time.

Skala Tote by Herschel Supply Company
A great tote for those that like to carry a little bit of everything around with them during the day or on a trip. It’s oversized, unstructured, and padded, meaning you can stuff it full and its durable fabric will accommodate just about anything but the kitchen sink.

Persian Blue Luxury Soft Leather Travel Tote by STOW
A luxury tote, designed in England and handmade by talented leather artisans, whose timeless style and quality craftsmanship will go the distance. Its roomy interior will hold a laptop along with space to carry books, notebooks, travel documents, and daily essentials, like pens, sunglasses, or a mobile phone.

Transparent Tote Bag by MM6 Maison Marginal
For the more adventurous set, this translucent PVC bag is designed with an origami-like construction and topped off with a leather-wrapped handle. If you don’t mind everyone seeing what you roll with, the antique pink color and unique design will definitely keep them looking.

Duck Bag by Baggu
For those who like to keep things simple yet cool, Baggu’s Duck Bags have a classic shape that easily fits a 15″ MacBook in its main compartment and an iPhone Plus in an interior zip pocket. They’re made from 16oz. cotton canvas which means you can throw it in the washer when it gets dirty or just needs a refresh after daily use.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.