Tote Bags
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Tote Bags: Frequently Asked Questions
"Tote" simply means "to carry," in the very beginning. The classic bag in tote style started in the 1940s when L.L. Bean created the Ice Bag to carry ice from car to freezer.
What makes a bag a tote? Unlike structured bags like
briefcases or satchels, totes keep it simple:
- Open top design with plenty of space
- Two parallel handles long enough to go over your shoulder
- Few or no dividers inside
- Usually rectangular or square shape
- Made from tough materials like canvas, leather, or synthetic fabrics
Withcotton, canvas, and jutebeing the most common. At VERAFIED New York, we use suede and lined in microfiber leather.
A soft brown bag tote in leather might look casual but can hold your laptop, notebooks, and all the random stuff you need daily.
The shoulder bag tote style is perfect for commuters going from subway to office to after-work drinks. Because they're not stiff, they can expand to fit your farmer's market finds or gym clothes for after work.
Depending on the size, a tote bag's size can be anywhere between 5 liters to 50 liters.
Large carrying capacity. What's also great about tote bags' simple design is how practical it is.
At VERAFIED New York, you'll find everything from simple beige tote bags that go with any outfit to designer bags with bold logos.
They've become part of our culture—especially the tote NYC trend, where canvas bags featuring local
delis, bookstores, and museums have become a way for New Yorkers to show off their favorite spots.
A perfect tote bag can be your daily carry essential, your perfect bag for weekend trips, and your perfect bag for play times.
For work, structured leather looks professional and lasts. A black leather bag tote is always a safe choice, while a brown bag tote works great with jeans on weekends.
If you carry lots of stuff, look for big tote bags for work with reinforced bottoms and strong stitching so the handles don't tear off when carrying your laptop and lunch.
Modern professional tote bags often include laptop sleeves and water bottle holders because designers know what working people actually need.
Tote bags can typically carry between10 to 20 pounds (4.5 to 9 kilograms) of weight for everyday use.
Common types include canvas, leather, nylon, and jute totes. At VERAFIED, we use suede and lined in microfiber leather.
When you are shopping for a work tote, it's easy to be distracted solely by looks.
But the perfect bag has to be beautiful and functional. Here are a few important factors to think about before purchase.
Size & Capacity: Your tote needs to fit your essentials, specifically your laptop. Ask yourself what size laptop you use; do you need a designated area for a 13", 15", or larger laptop? And also, whether its dimensions can accommodate your tech and daily stuff.
Material Matters: Women's work tote bag material will determine the overall look, feel, and durability of your bag. Classic leather will show a professional appeal and will last, while a sturdy canvas bag will be casual and lightweight.
Comfortable Straps: Avoid heavy totes that have
uncomfortable straps. Check that your straps are reinforced, and long enough to
fit comfortably on your shoulder. Long straps are a plus, and so are dual
straps to have more options on how you can carry your bag.
Style That Suits You: Your bag is an extension of your personal brand. Choose a design that complements your style and makes you feel empowered and confident, regardless of whether your style is minimalist or a bold statement piece.