Sign up to our free weekly newsletter for insider tips and product reviews from our shopping experts Sign up for our free IndyBest email
A roomy tote is just the thing for lugging your stuff about every day, and savvy shoppers know it's worth investing in a leather version that will see them from season to season, rather than a cheap imitation that will look tatty quickly.
Here's our pick our the best - from Topshop's good-value, unstructured chartreuse number (£38) up to Sophie Hulme's much-lusted-after textured leather tote (£620).
Click on the gallery to see the IndyBest buys
8 best leather tote bags Show all 8 1 /88 best leather tote bags 8 best leather tote bags Collection Weekend by John Lewis Morgan Leather Tote Bag If you can’t stretch to a designer price tag, this butter-soft, unstructured bag from John Lewis is a good compromise. There's no fastening but there is a small zipped pocket inside where you can stash your valuables. It comes in four colours - our pick for summer is this vibrant turquoise.
£69, johnlewis.com
8 best leather tote bags Mulberry Tessie Tote There’s nothing that will date about this smart leather tote from the luxury brand. Mulberry has a cult following for good reason: their bags are classic and made to last. The main compartment on this one is secured with a tab. Available in four colours, this brown will work with everything all year round.
£595, selfridges.com
8 best leather tote bags Orla Kiely Patent Tote Want to take a tote away with you but have other bags to lug too? This bright yellow patent shopper, punched with the Irish designer's iconic sixties stem pattern, buttons down to be really compact so you can slip it into your suitcase.
£149.26,amazoon.co.uk
8 best leather tote bags Perforated Tote If you prefer your bags understated, this white perforated number from the cool Swedish brand is a subtle way to work the sports luxe trend - and instantly make your outfit look summer-ready.
£125, stories.com
8 best leather tote bags Radley Finsbury Tote Bag Here's a dusty pink shopper from the British company known for their quality affordable leather bags. This zips right up so you don't need to worry about exposing your valuables and there are internal pockets too. Also comes in teal and duck egg versions.
£149, radley.co.uk
8 best leather tote bags Sophie Hulme Textured Leather Tote Sophie Hulme's paired-down, structured leather bags in colour-popping brights have earned her a lot of fans over the last few years. This roomy tote featuring gold-plated hardware, lined with grey suede and worn with an optional shoulder strap is a classic example of her designs. The bright blue is an online exclusive for Net-a-Porter - we're crossing our fingers it will match the sky this summer.
£620, net-a-porter.com
8 best leather tote bags Stella and Dot The Switch With a cool twist on a classic black tote, this from the American brand that's made direct-selling cool, has snake canvas inserts. Inside, there's a bright bird-print lining and three pockets to stash your bits and bobs. The main compartment closes with a magnetic fastening.
£250, stelladot.co.uk
8 best leather tote bags Topshop Embossed Snake Leather Shopper Like your totes unstructured? Then this one’s a good bet for under £40. The contrasting black straps give it a bit of an edge. Comes in three colours. Our choice? This fresh greeny yellow.
£38, topshop.com
Verdict
If you're in a position to splurge and want a bag that will still look good in 10 years, you can't go wrong with a Mulberry Tessie. If brown's too conservative, plump for the 'Oxblood'. For anyone on more of a budget, John Lewis's Morgan bag is a quality piece for under £70.
Buy now
1. Collection Weekend by John Lewis Morgan Leather Tote Bag, £69
2. Mulberry Tessie Tote, £595
3. Orla Kiely Patent Tote, £149.26
4. & Other Stories Perforated Tote, £125
5. Radley Finsbury Tote Bag, £149
6. Sophie Hulme Textured Leather Tote, £620
7. Stella and Dot The Switch, £250
8. Embossed Snake Leather Shopper, £38
Read more:
10 best beach bags
10 best cross-body bags