For many years, tiny bags reigned supreme — some of which were too small to fit a standard-sized iPhone. As charming as small handbags are, they aren’t exactly practical. Even though tiny bags are very demure, I found that carrying a small bag made me feel less organized and pulled together. Luckily for me and any other big bag lovers, larger handbags are all the rage this season. Whether you’re a student, love to travel, or have a long commute, a big bag can really come in handy. These are some of the most practical and stylish big bag options on the market. We also included advice on how to make a big bag work efficiently, without overwhelming you.

_{Prices are accurate as of November 22, 2024. Subject to change.}

Leatherology Park Satchel

I had my first baby recently and once I got the hang of things, I realized I did not need to schlep around a giant diaper bag with me wherever baby and I went. Enter the Leatherology Park Satchel. This large purse is a game-changer for a busy mom. It’s big enough to hold all of my and baby’s essentials and when I no longer need a diaper bag, I can still use it as a normal purse. It’s so practical, my husband even asked to borrow it for his next business trip. Once you clip on the convenient shoulder strap, it almost looks like a mini duffle and would be the perfect under-the-seat bag on your next flight.

The secret to making a really big bag functional is to get one that’s thoughtfully designed. This bag has ample pockets and a keychain so you’re never digging around looking for something. Hands down, the best feature is the exterior zippered pocket. It’s almost undetectable to the eye but is large enough to fit a phone and wallet. That way, when my hands are full, I can easily grab my essentials without opening the whole bag. It also earns major bonus points for the personalization options. Who doesn’t love a good monogram?

LoveVook Laptop Tote Bag

If you want an inexpensive work bag, this Amazon find will do the trick. With 30 colors to choose from, you are sure to find the perfect fit for your wardrobe (and with all colors under $40, you can stock up on as many hues as you like). It fits a 15-inch laptop in a separate, padded pocket, and is equipped with enough slip pockets and zippered compartments to neatly stow everything else you need.

DoubleMoonCo Suede Tote Bag

After seeing this Etsy find all over my TikTok For You Page, I knew I had to check it out. It’s a dupe for the insanely in-demand Row Margaux bag, but doesn’t come with a price tag of over $5,000. The reviews were convincing, but the price tag even more so. You can get the look for a lot less while also taking advantage of the fact that suede is having a major moment this fall.

Bostanten Vegan Leather Bucket Bag

If you’re looking for a super practical bag for fall, why not try this Amazon bucket bag? The adjustable shoulder strap caught my eye since we all know there is nothing more annoying than having to readjust your bag constantly when you’re on the go. It comes in all the classic neutral shades and a rich hunter green that just screams fall — it’s also usually $40 or less.

Freja New York Paloma Tote

Whenever possible, I love to support vegan leather brands and no one does it better than Freja. I’m a proud owner of many of its smaller handbags, but this perfect work tote caught my eye. There’s nothing that makes me feel more frazzled than digging through my work bag in front of clients, so I appreciate how many separate compartments there are. The ultrafiber material is lightweight but still feels more luxe than many real leather bags.

J.Crew Edie Bucket Bag

In 2020, Olympia Gayot became the creative director of J.Crew and since then, the brand’s bucket bags have been a staple amongst the fashion crowd every fall. You can choose from a variety of styles and materials, but I’m pretty smitten with this luxe black version.

Floral Linen Tote Bag

This large fabric tote bag is my ultimate travel secret. It folds down flat, so you can easily slide it in your suitcase without taking up any extra room. Then, when you get to your destination you can pop it open and use it as a beach bag, gym bag, grocery tote, or purse. It’s also machine washable, which is a nice perk after it inevitably gets filled with sand.

Able Jackee Shoulder Bag

The Able Alem Backpack is my go-to travel bag when I need to be hands-free (like when traveling with my little one), so I have full confidence the Jackee shoulder bag won’t disappoint. I adore a bag you don’t have to be too precious with and like my backpack, I know this bag will look even better over time as it becomes a bit distressed. It’s the perfect bag for throwing in everything you need. 

GM Likkie Shoulder Tote Bag

Get the Longchamp look for a whole lot less with this sneaky Amazon find. It looks just like the popular Le Pliage tote and offers the same practical lightweight material. It fits a 13-inch laptop, and because the machine-washable nylon fabric isn’t heavy, you’ll give your shoulders a nice break.

H&M Strap-Detail Shopper

If you’re looking for a large work bag that isn’t designed to hold a laptop, this structured shopper is the perfect fit. Luxe hardware and stitching details elevate this classic style and the structured look makes it feel professional. You can order it and pick it up at your local H&M if you want to see the bag in person before fully committing to it.

How to Make a Big Bag Work For You

There’s a reason so many of us turned away from big bags: they can become a big hassle without a little organization. To make the most of your big bag, without it turning into a jumbled mess, these tips can help.

Add a mini purse. I came up with this hack pre-pandemic when my weekdays consisted of a lot of happy hours after work. I was sick and tired of schlepping my giant work bag into restaurants and started keeping essentials like my keys and wallet in a mini bag. That way, I could ditch my big bag in the car whenever I needed to. I do the same thing now with the Leatherology Park Satchel, keeping the brand’s incredibly chic Maddie Micro Crossbody in it at all times. That way when baby isn’t in toe, I can just grab this smaller bag without having to unpack and repack the Satchel. 

Get a bag organizer. If you do like to switch out your bags frequently, this bag organizer is a must-have. Put all your essentials in the organizer and pop the whole thing in and out of whatever bag you choose. Another Better Report writer also uses mesh bags for easily seeing what’s where (it’s especially easy if they’re color-coded).

Don’t overstuff it. As tempting as it is to fill your big bag to the brim, restraint is best. A big bag is great for stashing a rolled-up cardigan to beat office air conditioning or a paperback for your commute. However, that doesn’t mean everything in your bag needs to be hefty. For example, why are most wallets so thick? Go with something slim instead, like the Minor History The Oyster Wallet, so you can’t overstuff it.

Double check dimensions. If you want to keep a laptop in your purse, double-check the dimensions before ordering to ensure the bag fits. You will also want to read reviews to get an idea of how sturdy the straps are so they don’t snap while holding such a valuable possession.

Feature Image Credit: bagstory/ Shutterstock

If you told us there was a day fanny packs would make a ferocious and fashionable comeback, we’d have bet our lives against it. Many 90s trends have come back in style, but the compact, snap-enforced bag was harshly judged, and relegated to the backseat of the fashion world for far too long. Today, they’re back and better than ever with plentiful features and designer touches. The modern-day fanny pack takes on many names: sling bags, hip bags, belt bags, but let’s be real, they’re all fanny packs with a fresh face and radical redesign and we’re celebrating their comeback with a newfound appreciation. 

On the hunt for a hands-free life hack that brings sanity, security, organization, and style to the table no matter how you wear it, whether that’s across the chest, over the shoulder, or clipped across your waist? Look no further than these versatile, easy-to-transport bags that honor the enduring fanny pack legacy and elevate your everyday adventures with ease and flair.  

_{Prices are accurate as of October 24, 2024. Subject to change.}

Rothy’s The Belt Bag

Style meets sustainability in this easy-to-wear Rothy’s belt bag. Made from recycled ocean plastic that’s transformed into a soft, pliable knit, the eco-friendly bag can be worn in a variety of ways, including across the body, around the waist, or even as a clutch. This is my favorite among an embarrassingly extensive fanny pack collection. Don’t let its petite size fool you either; though the machine-washable, magnetic-enforced bag looks compact, there’s plenty of room for all those daily essentials like your wallet, cell, keys, and lipstick. Rothy’s also takes back its items once they’re thoroughly worn (which will take a while) to be recycled again and you get a $20 credit.

Baboon to the Moon Fanny Pack

Rarely do we find a fanny pack we’d prefer to carry over a designer handbag, but Baboon to the Moon manages to curry our favor. The undeniably whimsical, wondrous bag is made with a water-repellent fabric that’s ideal for outdoor adventures, from concerts to long hikes, where you want to stow and protect your trusty treasures. The bag’s equal measure of organization and prismatic, punchy colors make it a gender-neutral accessory that’s designed to please — that means it also makes a great gift; who would hate a bag like this? 

Carhartt Hip Pack

Rugged meets reliability with this classic Carhartt fanny pack. The outdoorsy brand has an enduring fashion legacy beyond its signature jackets and warm-weather essentials, which is why we can’t pass up this pack. Made with weather-resistant polyester, this built-to-last accessory withstands the unpredictable, unrelenting elements carrying your everyday needs. Featuring plenty of compartments in the main body and front zippered pocket, you can keep your belongings organized and at the ready living life in classic Carhartt style. 

Everlane The Renew Transit Fanny Pack

When it comes to wearable accessories, sometimes less is more. That’s why a straightforward, monochromatic fanny pack is a go-to option for anyone looking for a frills-free way to keep their life organized and chaos-free. Everlane’s Renew Transit Fanny Pack is designed with two external zip pockets and a main compartment featuring an internal divider, making it easy to locate what you need in a flash so you don’t hold up the morning coffee line. The practical bag is also eco-friendly — made from 100% recycled polyester from plastic bottles — so you can look good and feel good about reducing your environmental footprint. 

Quince Italian Suede Sling Bag

Quince is renowned for making coveted and affordable luxury accessories, which means you get more bang for your buck without sacrificing fashion along the way. The brand’s chic and compact Italian suede sling bag is undoubtedly one of their finest accessories, made with sumptuous 100% Italian calf suede that is less than half the cost of other brands. I shamelessly own this bag in three colors! The roomy interior is lined with an easy-to-clean cotton and the gold-hued hardware only adds to the bag’s elevated finish. Buy one for yourself and a friend this holiday season. 

Vera Bradley Recycled Mini Sling Backpack

If you’re concerned a fanny pack can’t handle your bulky belongings, all uncertainties will be alleviated with this Vera Bradley option. The easy-to-organize bag features ample space and abundant pockets, including two front zip pockets, pen slips, a phone slip, and a hidden zip pocket on the back; in other words, you can pack extra if you feel inclined. Made with a lightweight, water-repellent fabric that’s soft to the touch and easy to clean, you can wear the sling with confidence across the chest or the waist whether you’re heading to the office or exploring new experiences.

Sol and Selene Neoprene Sling Bag

Neoprene has cornered much of the market for fanny pack material, but this Sol and Selene bag puts a twist on the coveted, weather-resistant fabric using an eye-catching woven design. The hands-free bag features generous zip compartments and pockets a plenty to fit all your belongings with room to spare. Whether you want to use this travel-friendly companion for an upcoming flight or give your shoulder a rest from carrying a weighty handbag, you’ll find functionality and fashion whenever you wear this pretty piece.

Dagne Dover Jax Large Fanny Pack

Sol and Selene’s woven technique almost hides the neoprene, but Dagne Dover celebrates the classic fabric with the recently debuted Jax Large Fanny Pack. The wearable bag is a modern, gender-neutral belt bag that pairs with anything from athleisure wear to evening attire. Like the brand’s other neoprene bags, it’s lightweight, water-resistant, and ridiculously easy to clean. I spilled coffee on mine and couldn’t even locate a stain afterward. You won’t find a ton of bells and whistles in the overall presentation of the practical, everyday bag, and that’s perhaps why we like it so much. The minimalist design matched with high-quality materials and extra cargo room makes it a signature wardrobe staple you’ll struggle to surrender. It’s a piece that matches your evolving personal style — whatever that may be. 

Cass Leather Sling Bag

Elevate your style with this sleek and refined sling bag, perfect for those seeking a touch of sophistication with a dollop of eclectic. Made with buttery soft leather, antique brass hardware, and a two-tone cotton strap, the designer details are where this luxe, bohemian-style bag shines the most. You can fit your daily needs all within reach in the roomy pockets, making it the ideal accessory for your next adventure, whether that’s a night out on the town or a getaway to unexplored territories.

Igloo Retro Fanny Pack

The bags on this list are mostly modern and elevated, but what’s better than retro? Short of thrifting an actual old pack in great condition, Igloo’s fanny pack is the best option — and it’s only about $20. The two-compartment polyester bag is just what you need for those endless weekend errands, amusement park adventures, and much-needed vacation getaways, whether you want to transport basic necessities like keys and cash or tote frosty, fizzy beverages to keep the party going. No judgment here. Igloo’s retro fanny pack looks like a blast from the past with equal parts levity and functionality we simply can’t resist. 

Featured Image Credit: Lia Kos/ iStock