Most of us own more bags than we use: one for every morning, one that only sees daylight on holiday, and a few waiting in the wardrobe.
The trick isn't owning lots of bags. It's having the right one for each kind of day.
This guide covers the bags that do the everyday work, from the work tote and crossbody bag to the sling bag and travel backpack, and how to choose each one.
Start with your week, not the bag
Before choosing, think about an ordinary week. A laptop to the office? Weekends of walks, markets and coffee? A train to see family, or a few days away by plane?
Most people need three or four bags: something roomy for work, something small and hands-free for days out, something secure for busy places, and something for weekends away.
The work tote: room for the whole day
A good tote is the workhorse of the week. It holds a laptop, a notebook, a water bottle, lunch and an umbrella, and still looks smart enough for a meeting.
What to look for
A few details make the difference:
- A zip across the top, to keep everything safe and dry on a crowded train or in the rain.
- The right size for your laptop, with room for everything else alongside it.
- Handles long enough for the shoulder, even over a winter coat.
- A light bag to start with. Your laptop is heavy enough.
A soft, slouchy laptop tote bag with a zip top and a detachable crossbody strap is a good all-rounder: relaxed for the weekend, smart enough for the office.
The crossbody bag: hands-free days out
For days when you only need the essentials, a crossbody bag is hard to beat.
It keeps your phone, purse and keys close, leaves both hands free, and sits in front of you where you can see it.
Choosing the size
A small crossbody bag fits a phone, cards and keys. If you also carry sunglasses, a compact umbrella or a notebook, go one size up.
An adjustable strap lets you wear it across the body on a city break and shorter on the shoulder for an evening out.
A neat, compact crossbody bag with a zip top and a buckle front pocket for a train ticket suits shopping trips, museum days and weekends in town.
The sling bag: secure in crowded places
Busy stations, Christmas markets and city breaks are all places to keep valuables close.
A sling bag sits across your back or chest on a single strap, comfortable for long days and quick to swing round when you need something.
Anti-theft features
Many sling bags now include them, and they're worth looking for if you travel or commute through crowds:
- Lockable zips, so the main compartment can't be opened without you noticing.
- A hidden pocket against your back for a passport or cards.
- RFID protection, which helps shield contactless cards.
- A cut-resistant strap.
An anti-theft sling bag with a combination lock and a USB port for charging your phone from a power bank inside suits the commute and travel alike.
The travel backpack: weekends away
For a long weekend, a travel backpack is often easier than a suitcase. No dragging wheels over cobbles, and your hands stay free for tickets and coffee.
What makes a good one
The best travel backpacks open fully like a suitcase, so you can pack neatly and see everything at a glance.
A padded laptop sleeve, a pocket for damp things and a hidden passport pocket all make travel days smoother. Packing cubes help keep clothes folded.
A carry-on travel backpack that opens flat like a little suitcase makes packing for a weekend away calm.
Flying with it
Always check your airline's cabin bag allowance before you go, as sizes vary between airlines and fares.
Don't forget the wallet
A wallet is the bag inside the bag, so choose one that suits how you pay.
If you mostly use your phone and a couple of cards, a slim card holder will do. If you carry notes, receipts and coins, a fuller wallet keeps them in order.
Leather gets better with age, softening and darkening with use.
A vintage-finish leather wallet with plenty of card slots, a coin pocket and RFID protection also makes a thoughtful present.
Choosing colours and materials
Colour
Black is the safest choice for work and evenings out, and hides marks on the commute.
Tan and dark brown feel warmer and go well with the navy, camel and olive of a British autumn wardrobe. A brighter colour, like forest green or red, suits a smaller bag you want to stand out.
Material
Vegan leather is light, wipes clean and is usually more affordable. Real leather is heavier but softens and ages with character.
Water-resistant fabric is the practical choice for travel and for anyone who walks to work through the drizzle.
Looking after your bags
A little care goes a long way:
- Vegan leather needs only a soft, damp cloth. Keep it away from radiators, which dry the surface out.
- Real leather likes a dry cloth and an occasional leather balm.
- Fabric and water-resistant bags wipe clean with a damp cloth; let them dry naturally.
- Store bags stuffed with tissue paper so they keep their shape, upright rather than piled up.
- Empty them now and then. Old receipts and spare change add weight and stretch the bag.
Frequently asked questions
What size tote bag do I need for a laptop?
Look for a tote a few centimetres larger than your laptop in each direction. Many work totes fit a 15-inch laptop.
What's the difference between a crossbody bag and a sling bag?
A crossbody bag hangs at your hip on a long strap, like a small handbag. A sling bag sits higher, across your chest or back, and tends to be sportier and more secure.
Do anti-theft bags really work?
They won't stop every determined thief, but lockable zips, hidden pockets and cut-resistant straps make a bag much harder to get into quickly.
Can I use a backpack as hand luggage?
Usually, if it fits your airline's cabin bag size. Allowances vary between airlines and fares, so check before you fly.
What does RFID protection mean in a wallet or bag?
RFID-blocking layers help shield contactless cards and passports from being read without you knowing.
How do I clean a vegan leather bag?
Wipe it with a soft cloth dampened with water or a little mild soap, then dry it. Avoid harsh cleaners and don't soak it.
The right bag for the day ahead
A good bag is one you stop thinking about: it holds what you need, sits comfortably and looks right with what you wear.
Start with the day you have most often, and build from there.
If you'd like a few ideas, have a look through our bags and travel collection.
