Leather or canvas tote?
Leather gives a tote shape and presence. Crazy horse cowhide in particular scuffs and darkens with use, so a leather tote bag for men looks better after a year of carrying than it did on day one. Canvas is lighter and more forgiving. Waxed canvas sheds light rain and wipes clean, and plain canvas with leather trim keeps the weight down for days when the bag carries a lot. Pick leather if the tote also has to look right in an office. Pick canvas if it will be thrown in a car, a locker or an overhead bin.
What to look for in a men's tote bag
Start with the closure. An open tote is fast, but a zip top keeps your laptop and wallet inside when the bag tips over on a train seat. Next, look at the handles and strap: handles should be long enough to carry on the shoulder, and a removable crossbody strap lets you go hands free in a crowd. Finally, check the pockets. A tote with no interior organization turns into a pit, so look for at least one zip pocket and a place for your phone and keys.
Compare the styles
| Style |
Material |
Best for |
Trade-off |
| Zip-top leather tote with crossbody strap |
Crazy horse cowhide |
Office, commuting, travel days |
Heavier than canvas |
| Waxed canvas zip-top tote with removable strap |
Waxed canvas |
Daily carry, weekends, wet weather |
Softer shape, shows creases |
| Utility canvas tote with pockets and leather trim |
Canvas with leather trim |
Errands, gym, casual carry |
Open top, less secure than a zip |
Keeping a tote in good shape
For leather, wipe the bag with a dry cloth, condition it once or twice a year and let it dry naturally if it gets wet. Do not stuff it past its shape, because overloaded handles stretch first. For canvas, brush off dry dirt and spot clean with a damp cloth and mild soap, then air dry away from direct sun. Skip the washing machine, which can strip wax and damage the trim.
A practical gift
A tote has no size to guess and suits almost anyone who carries a laptop or a gym kit, which makes it a safe gift for a colleague, a graduate or a partner. Orders come with free US shipping over $100 and 30-day returns.
Built to fit the rest of your kit
If you need a more structured work bag, see our men's leather briefcases. For a cross-body carry, compare men's messenger bags, and for longer trips look at our men's travel bags. Round out your everyday carry with men's accessories.