By Laura Lajiness Kaupke - published
Enormous totes can be practical, but they’ll seriously weigh you down. That’s where the best small tote bags come in. With just enough space for day-to-day essentials, they strike a harmonious balance between practicality and style for everyday use—something oversize tote bags just can’t accomplish. Some even boast enough room to hold a laptop or tablet. You can’t beat that when parting with your tech isn’t an option for work.
Related article: 16 Chic Bags That Can Carry Your Laptop
While a full-size designer tote is unquestionably an investment you’ll forever keep in rotation, these smaller-scale options offer tons of versatility. Many also boast the same design value the most cult-fave bags possess, from top-handle and shoulder shapes to versions with a crossbody strap (we love a good carrying option). Vacation-ready straw, lightweight canvas, and durable nylon styles come in small tote sizes, too—validating your desire to have several options in your lineup.
Ahead, scroll to shop 17 of the best small tote bags.
A COLOURFUL SMALL TOTE BAG
Andiamo Small Leather Tote Bag, $6,410, Bottega Veneta at MyTheresa
Hop aboard the Andiamo train with this small-scale version in a captivating deep green.
Dimensions: 17.8cm H x 30.5cm W x 12.7 cm D
Material: Leather
A GEOMETRIC SMALL TOTE BAG
Small Sara Leather Tote Bag, $2,150.80, Khaite at Saks Fifth Avenue
Add interest to any look with a geometric tote, like this slick version from Khaite.
Dimensions: 27.9xm H x 30.5cm W x 5.1cm D
Material: Leather
A CANVAS SMALL TOTE BAG
Tondo Small Canvas Tote Bag, $1,730, Savette at Neiman Marcus
Though canvas may seem inherently casual, this structured and leather-trimmed tote is polished enough to pair with workwear.
Dimensions: 21.6cm H x 25.4cm W x 12.7cm D
Material: Leather
A BLACK SMALL TOTE BAG
Vertigo Small Leather Tote Bag, $2,980, Jil Sander by Neiman Marcus
Whether slung over your shoulder by the crossbody strap or toted by the double top handles, the diagonal lines give this small black tote bag a dynamic pop.
Dimensions: 24.9cm H x 17.5cm W x 17.5cm D
Material: Leather
Related article: The 13 Best Quilted Crossbody Bags, From Classic to Quirky
A DOUBLE-HANDLE SMALL TOTE BAG
Charming Small Leather Tote, $2,155.80, Ferragamo at Bloomingdale’s
Sleek and just spacious enough, this open-top, double-handle bag is a versatile option for carrying you from workweek to weekend.
Dimensions: 25.4cm H x 33cm W x 12.1cm D
Material: Leather with suede lining
A TRAPEZE SMALL TOTE BAG
Midi New York leather tote bag, $800, DeMellier at MyTheresa
If you’re feeling classic tote fatigue, opt for an eye-catching trapeze shape, like this tasty brown leather top-handle by DeMellier.
Dimensions: 21.6cm H x 49.5cm W x 41.9cm D
Material: Leather with fabric lining
A PERFORATED SMALL TOTE BAG
Extra Small Perforated Leather Ruched Tote, $1,460.40, Proenza Schouler at Bloomingdale’s
Warm weather calls for more breathable fabrications, like perforated leather. Yes, your belongings deserve to feel the breeze.
Dimensions: 16cm H x 21.6cm W x 11.9cm D
Material: Leather
A MINIMAL SMALL TOTE BAG
Park Small North-South Tote Bag, $1,390, The Row at Bergdorf Goodman
Small and supple in calf leather, The Row’s small North-South tote is a minimalist essential.
Dimensions: 21.8cm H x 13.5cm W x 12.7cm D
Material: Leather
A TWO-TONE SMALL TOTE BAG
Paseo Small canvas and leather tote bag, $2,900, Loewe at MyTheresa
This modern small tote is a head-turner, from the slouchy drawstring shape to the two-toned mix of leather and canvas fabric.
Dimensions: 15.2cm H x 39.4cm W x 27.9cm L
Materials: Leather and fabric
A SUEDE SMALL TOTE BAG
Market small suede tote, $2,927, Métier at Net-a-Porter
Métier’s market tote nestles perfectly in the crook of your arm without weighing you down (IYKYK).
Dimensions: 22.1cm H x 24.9cm W x 20.1 D
Material: Suede
A GETAWAY-READY SMALL TOTE BAG
Small Woven Fabric and Leather Tote Bag, $3,269.70, Prada at Saks Fifth Avenue
Found: a sturdy getaway woven mini tote that won’t fall apart after a few uses.
Dimensions: 25.9cm H x 24.9 cm W x 14cm L
Material: Raffia-effect yarn and leather with metal hardware
Related article: The 20 Best Straw Bags To Buy For Your Next Vacation
A SOFT LEATHER SMALL TOTE BAG
Le 5 à 7 Small leather tote bag, $3,390, Saint Laurent at MyTheresa
How fresh does Saint Laurent’s soft leather shoulder silhouette feel, detailed with the French label’s polished silver logo buckle?
Dimensions: 21.6cm H x 21.6cm W x 8.9cm D
Material: Leather with suede lining
A STUDDED SMALL TOTE BAG
Small Rockstud Leather Tote Bag, $3,997, Valentino Garavani at Neiman Marcus
Add a little edge to your everyday handbag lineup with this studded small black leather tote by Valentino.
Dimensions: 30cm H x 31cm W x 14cm D
Material: Leather
A UNIQUELY SHAPED SMALL TOTE BAG
Cala Open Top Tote Bag, $623, Hereu at Farfetch
A distinctive leather handle instantly elevates the effect of white cotton canvas—so dreamy with warm-weather attire from white dresses to linen separates.
Dimensions: 53.4cm W x 30.7cm L x 20.6cm D
Material: Cotton canvas with leather top handles and cotton lining
A WOVEN SMALL TOTE BAG
Rosanna tapered leather shoulder bag, $572, Dragon Diffusion at FarFetch
Drape this little woven bag over your shoulder when you’re carrying just a few essentials.
Dimensions: 17cm H x 32cm W x 10cm D
Material: Leather
A HOBO SMALL TOTE BAG
Soft Leather Hobo Bag, $1,244.80, Mansur Gavriel at Bloomingdale’s
Technically a hobo, this modern Mansur Gavriel silhouette has a spacious sensibility akin to more traditional tote shapes.
Dimensions: 32cm H x 25.9cm W x 2cm D
Material: Leather with suede lining
A BASKET SMALL TOTE BAG
Small Marta Basket Tote Bag, $363.30, Ulla Johnson at Saks Fifth Avenue
Summer calls for beautiful basket bags—modernize your assortment with Ulla Johnson’s double top-handle design crafted of Iraca palm and trimmed with leather.
Dimensions: 26.7cm H x 27.9cm W x 19.7cm D
Material: Iraca palm and leather
This article originally appeared in Harper’s BAZAAR US.