Aside from backpacks, tote bags are also a great buy for teachers. With a growing number of styles and models, tote bags are just as functional. Surely both have their own pros and cons and most people still prefer backpacks as their go-to bags for anything. Fret not, tote lovers! We’re here to reveal the best tote bags for teachers and also the best work bags for teachers. From high-end materials to the ones that best suit your budget, there’s something for everyone!
How to Choose the Best Tote Bags for Teachers
With so many choices and models of tote bags available in the market, picking the right one can be a tricky task. So, what are the things you should consider before choosing the best bags for teachers? Here’s your guide below and make sure that all three features align with your needs best!
Looking for other best work bags for teachers? Check out our list of the best women’s backpack for work. You may like one of these lightweight women’s laptop backpacks too.
Material and Size
Your tote’s material can determine comfort and durability. Most of the best tote bags for teachers are made of canvas. The thicker the canvas, the higher the chance of it being durable. If you decide to shop online, make sure to do a thorough reading of the reviews and check the item’s details. It’ll save you from so much trouble in the future. As for the size, this can be a very subjective matter. Try to find one that at least fits your laptop. That means it’s good enough to fit plenty of more things.
Practicality
These days, you can easily find convertible tote bags as you window shop online. They’re usually equipped with a handle or longer strap to be worn criss-cross your shoulder. This makes it easier to use since wearing a tote in one shoulder for the whole day can really be bad for you. Another additional feature that you’ll love is the zippered compartment. This provides safe storage for your items as you commute.
Price
Tote bags price ranges from just under 20 USD to above 150 USD. You may think that’s a lot of money to spend on a bag. But hey, spending a little dough for a bag that can last longer is a great investment. It’s much better than buying a 20 USD-worth bag every year. So if you have the means, don’t hesitate to buy the bag you really want.
Are tote bags good for school?
While backpacks are generally more practical, tote bags for school is not a bad idea. But we suggest that you use them only for the days when you don’t need to bring heavy textbooks. Or else, it will be a nightmare for your shoulder since the weight is not evenly distributed. Take your totes for a light day where you don’t have many classes, it’ll be the perfect companion.
What is the best material to make a tote bag?
Manufacturers tend to use sturdy fabrics for making tote bags. The fabrics include canvas, denim, nylon, faux leather, and twill. These types of fabrics provide lightweight yet durable final results. You’ll find the best bags for teachers listed below are made of these materials.
What is the best size for a tote bag?
Tote bag sizes vary from 11-inches to 19-inch. But the average size of tote bags is about 13 x 15-inches. When deciding the right size for a tote bag, it should depend on your needs and what you’re going to use it for.
Volganik Rock Tote Bag
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Since Volganik Rock Tote Bag is made of nylon, you won’t have a hard time cleaning this roomy bag. And that’s one of the top reasons why it’s one of the best tote bags for teachers. Available in both neutral and fun color choices, you’ll find one that suits your preference.
You’ll appreciate the deep exterior pockets in this bag. The pockets allow you to keep your phone, wallets, and other important items safely. They’re also equipped with Velcro for extra security, especially if you commute every day. Anyone who needs a big, durable, and love to keep their things organized will absolutely love Volganik Rock Tote Bag.
What We Love
It’s lightweight and easy to clean. Perfect for anyone who loves being practical at all times.
Pros:
- Unisex style, suitable for everyone
- Deep exterior pockets, equipped with Velcro
- Adjustable strap
- Easy to clean material
- Well-padded interior
Cons:
- Misleading measurement details
BRA1NST0RM Genuine Leather Messenger Bag
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This is the right bag if you’ve been looking for the best messenger bags for teachers. You’ll appreciate how the leather material gives off a premium and neat finish. Something you don’t usually get from a decent-priced leather bag. Not to mention how it’s hand-made! Beyond the looks and quality, people love how the interior is enough to store anything you need as your office on the go.
BRA1NST0RM Genuine Leather Messenger Bag fits a 14” notebook comfortably. So that makes an A4 carrying folder fit just perfectly on this bag. This lightweight messenger bag also makes a superb gift for anyone you know. For easy carry, the bag is also equipped with handles and a separate compartment for laptops or tablets. All in all, BRA1NST0RM Genuine Leather Messenger Bag does not disappoint!
What We Love
A handsome, lightweight messenger bag that does the job well!
Pros:
- Roomy pocket and interior
- Well-made
- Great customer service
- Hand-made
- Lightweight
Cons:
- No shoulder padding on the straps
- No padding on the bottom part for the laptop
YALUXE Leather Tote Bag
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Don’t you love it when you can take a nice-looking bag that holds a lot? YALUXE Leather Tote Bag is the answer for that. Whether it’s a back-to-school day or busy finals week, you can rely on this bag for sure.
The bag provides small inner pockets where you can put your wallet, lip balm, and any odds and ends you always bring with you. People also love the fact that it holds both an iPad and 13-inch Macbook Air. If you bring a lot of things every day and love to keep them organized at all times, you’ve found your best work bags for teachers!
What We Love
Don’t be fooled by the price, this bag is constantly exceeding everyone’s expectations!
Pros:
- Fits both 13” laptop and iPad
- Equipped with small inner pockets
- Nice quality leather
- Great size, holds a lot
Cons:
- Durability issues
Brooke & Jess Designs Large Zippered Tote
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Get ready to have all heads turning to your bag! Brooke & Jess Designs Large Zippered Tote is as attractive as it is highly functional. With three compartments inside, organizing your daily items can happen in a breeze. You’ll also appreciate the exterior pockets, including the practical pen pocket and two side pockets for your water bottles.
The handle is long enough for a comfortable carry. Whether you’re grabbing it with your hand or throw it over your shoulder; both are convenient. Not to mention how the main compartment comes in the perfect size. It’s highly suitable for your busiest days and weeks. If you always bring art supplies and other teaching materials, this bag is perfect for you.
What We Love
Highly-functional bag for busy teachers!
Pros:
- Equipped with sufficient outer pockets
- Sturdy and durable
- Perfect size for teachers
Cons:
- Durability issues
Plambag Women’s Laptop Tote Bag
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People love Plambag Women’s Laptop Tote Bag for several good reasons. And for those reasons, we think the bag qualifies as one of the best tote bags for teachers! The bag holds a lot of things and provides enough compartments as well as pockets to keep your items. People particularly love the separate laptop compartment in the middle. And the way this tote bag is finished off with charming two-toned colors.
The issue with faux leather bags is that sometimes the straps are uncomfortable and they dig into your shoulder. But don’t worry, that won’t be the case with the Plambag Women’s Laptop Tote Bag. Users are glad that they don’t find such a problem with this bag.
As you receive the bag, you may be welcomed with an unpleasant smell. Which is common to be found in faux leather items. But this shouldn’t go for long and you can help to reduce it by letting the air out and use fabric softener sheets to do the trick.
What We Love
Highly functional tote bag without missing the mark when it comes to style.
Pros:
- Well-organized compartments
- Separate laptop compartment
- Sturdy strap
- Fits under the airplane seat
Cons:
- Not for heavy loads
- Doesn’t stand upright
Estarer Computer Messenger Bag
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For what it’s worth, Estarer Computer Messenger Bag has everything it takes to be one of the best messenger bags for teachers. The first thing that will catch your attention is the gray denim look with the contrast brown straps, handles, and zipper. They really stand out and give the bag a super nice vintage look that never goes out of style.
You’ll be happy once you find out the attractive look is balanced with the qualities. The bag is made of water-resistant canvas which you don’t always find in other best bags for teachers. It holds a large capacity and you can fit from a 15-inch laptop, binders, notebooks, to anything else that you usually take with you. With all those items stored, you still have a room for your lunch inside too!
What We Love
All these spaces and features are wrapped in an affordable price. Truly one of the best messenger bags for teachers!
Pros:
- Water-resistant
- Large capacity
- Both interior and exterior material is durable
- Equipped with a side pocket
- Well-built
Cons:
- The laptop compartment is not padded
- Poor quality Velcro
KEHO XXL Ultimate Teacher Tote
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The name says it all! KEHO XXL Ultimate Teacher Tote is undoubtedly one of the best tote bags for teachers. The bag seems to be specifically made for teachers who always carry all kinds of teaching materials for the class. With all those things inside, it will literally hold a ton and still has room for your lunch and beverage!
Another feature that people appreciate from KEHO XXL Ultimate Teacher Tote is the thick and sturdy handle. You can now say goodbye to sore shoulders after a long day relying on them. Also, organizing your items will also be a lot easier since the bag is equipped with plenty of inner and outer pockets. The zippered main compartment is a fantastic finishing touch you’ll need in the best bags for teachers!
What We Love
Teachers have vouched for this bag: a must-have for every teacher!
Pros:
- Very thick handles
- Durable
- Perfect size for any day
- Comfortable straps
- Equipped with side pocket
Cons:
- No cons found so far
OIWAS Messenger Bag
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As we’re closing in on our top 5, it’s getting harder to decide which bags deserve to be listed as the best messenger bags for teachers. But OIWA Messenger Bag deserves a place not only because of its hundreds of reviews online. But it offers what other best bags for teachers above don’t. Let’s take a look at its features.
You don’t always find a messenger bag that sits comfortably on your shoulder. There’s always an issue with the strap somehow. And although that can be a very subjective matter, OIWAS Messenger Bag doesn’t have such an issue. The strap seems to be well-padded and long enough to suit every one of different heights which is another plus of its own.
The bag is also made of waterproof material, which makes it absolutely perfect for rainy days. Another thing you’ll appreciate from this bag is its well-compartmentalized interior. Organizing your items inside is now fun and easy!
What We Love
It has everything you need in the best work bags for teachers without breaking the bank.
Pros:
- Sits comfortably on the shoulder
- Great quality construction
- Adjustable strap length, suitable for everyone
- Made of waterproof material
- Well-compartmentalized
Cons:
- Nothing significant
Pursetti Teacher Tote
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Available in eight fun patterns and colors, Pursetti Teacher Tote seems to be some people’s best tote bags for teachers, mostly because of how well-made and sturdy the bag is. Not to mention it has an abundance of highly functional pockets. You can find five pockets inside and eight pockets on the outside of the bag. When other best bags for teachers provide enough pockets, Pursettu Teacher Tote offers more. That’s pretty much the rule here.
With so many pockets inside, organizing in the morning can happen in a breeze for you now. Some users mentioned how the bag is a little more expensive and smaller than another similar item. But the durable material and more attractive design outweigh those concerns instantly.
What We Love
The perfect bag for teachers who always bring plenty of stuff to school.
Pros:
- Well-made and sturdy
- Plenty of pockets both on the outside and inside the bag
- Very spacious
- Zippered main compartment
Cons:
- It’s a tad too small
Heyrtz Laptop Tote Purse Large
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Topping previous best bags for teachers, Heyrtz Laptop Tote Purse Large offers something for anyone who always brings their “office on the go.” Equipped with a USB charging port, this bag will ensure you never run on a low battery on a super hectic day. Make sure to keep your portable charger inside and connected to the available port.
If you never had your luck looking for the best work bags for teachers, your quest may stop here. Heyrtz Laptop Tote Purse is lightweight and spacious, as well as equipped with a handy strap for a more comfortable carry. As if there aren’t any more features this bag can offer, it’s made of waterproof material. The available laptop compartment is also equipped with Velcro for more secure storage.
What We Love
The super-sleek design and highly functional features. This bag is suitable for everyone!
Pros:
- Lightweight and spacious
- Handy strap
- Waterproof
- Equipped with a USB charging port
- Laptop compartment equipped with velcro
Cons:
- Not enough padding on its laptop compartment
- Poor quality zipper
Vera Bradley Signature Tote
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If you’ve been hunting for the best work bags for teachers, this may be the perfect tote for you. Available in an extensive choice of colors, Vera Bradley Signature Tote is cute to boot without compromising on its functions. The spacious interior provides all the room you need to pack your daily necessities. Some of the best tote bags for teachers are still too small for some people, but we can assure you Vera Bradley Signature Tote isn’t one of them.
The bag is 15” wide at the bottom and 19” wide at the top. To put it into perspective, a 15.5” laptop is a snug fit inside the bag. And even if you have your laptop inside, the bag still has enough room for your spare clothes, notebooks, and so many more. All in all, its roomy interior is going to be very reliable on your busiest days.
What We Love
This is when fashion meets function, the best of both worlds!
Pros:
- Quality material
- Equipped with a large, open middle section
- Fits a 15.5” laptop
- Lightweight
- Multi-functional
Cons:
- It may be too big for some people
NEWHEY Men’s Messenger Bag
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Ready to rock on your Indiana Jones look? NEWHEY Men’s Messenger Bag is here to save the day. This messenger bag is just as nice as it could be: it’s well-made, comes in a very friendly price tag, as well is water-resistant.
You’ll appreciate how it comes with a separate laptop compartment. And unlike some other best bags for teachers, this one is well-padded. Providing you extra comfort and security in case your bag hits a hard surface. Apart from your laptop, the bag can still hold an iPad, notepad, a couple of books, and more. Not only this bag was made durable, but it’s also meant to hold a ton of things. We shouldn’t miss it as one of the best messenger bags for teachers.
What We Love
If you can spend on a decent leather bag for less than 50 USD, don’t skip on it!
Pros:
- Water-resistant
- Well-made
- Affordable
- Durable
- Sufficient padding on the laptop compartment
Cons:
- Flimsy base
MONSTINA Laptop Tote Bag
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MONSTINA Laptop Tote Bag garners so many fans online because of how it allows you to be well-organized, even during the days that feel the longest! It’s spacious and equipped with plenty of pockets where you can keep all your things and quickly access them. Another feature that you’ll appreciate is the USB port which provides practical use of your power bank, It’s one of the best bags for teachers for these two main reasons. And there are more!
While most of the best tote bags for teachers are big enough to fit a 15” laptop, this particular bag fits up to a 17” laptop. It’s not every day that you find a bag with such quality and still has a professional look to it. All in all, MONSTINA Laptop Tote Bag is a great choice if you need a stylish bag that allows you to pack a ton every day.
What We Love
This bag is one of the best choices for professional teachers out there.
Pros:
- Easily adjustable handle
- Lightweight
- Equipped with so many pockets
- Made of waterproof nylon material
- Equipped with USB port
Cons:
- Some users complained about the bag doesn’t stand up on its own