Best Handbags for a 16″ Work Laptop

Last updated on April 8th, 2026 at 09:37 pm

When I started my current job, I was assigned a 16” Macbook Pro as my work laptop. And while I appreciated the extra processing power, I found myself at a loss of how to bring it to work. My Everlane backpack and Lo & Sons OG fit a 16” laptop, but are utilitarian in design. Not a bad thing, but I desired some more options. Here are a few of my favorite finds that balance design and roominess for a large laptop.

Personal Favorites

The Large Shopper tote ($257) from Telfar’s eponymous vegan leather line or the Medium Carry Leather tote ($600). For whatever reason, the leather version runs slightly larger so the Medium is plenty large enough to fit a 16” laptop. I have this in black, and it is my go-to during the colder months.

• Bonus: For the regular shopper tote, this Etsy shop has Telfar inserts that can be customized with a laptop pocket to give it more structure and support. For the Carry leather shopper, I ordered a custom sized one and it fit perfectly,

Polene Ilo Tote ($360) I’ve had this bag now for two years, and it has held up incredibly well. This is my go-to bag during the warmer spring and summer months. Despite the delicate looking profile, it’s quite strong – the strap design is both unique and functional!

Additional Options

For a vertical silhouette in an all-leather style, the Cuyana Tall Easy Tote is a lovely option. Cuyana’s leather tends to be medium thickness with some malleability. So I would also recommend getting the matching insert to maintain its structure.

For a slightly more affordable option, this Leatherology Tote has a similar silhouette.

For more classic east-west tote designs, Everlane has two totes: the Studio Market Tote (I reviewed the regular Studio tote here) and the Lux Italian Tote.

Large Yore Tote from Songmont has a vintage vibe; I like the two options of a shorter handle and longer shoulder strap.

The Portland Leather Verona Tote reminds me of the Saint Laurent Y tote with a better reinforced design. A laptop may peek out the middle section by an inch or so, but that would not bother me personally.

Last but certainly not least, the popular Quince Italian Leather Tote is the most affordable option here. I’ve been particularly impressed by Quince’s leather bags, especially those with woven leather. If you’re looking to make your first purchase on Quince, use this link to get $20 off your first purchase of $100 or more. Please note that I’ll earn $20 as well, so thank you!

Partnership Disclosure: This blog post was not sponsored by any of the brands listed above. As always, all opinions are my own. This post may contain affiliate links, in which I earn a commission on purchases.