Cuyana's bags are the benchmark for quiet luxury — here's why they're worth the investment

We've tested a lot of bags over the years — like, a lot. Between work bags, travel satchels, carry-all totes, and the occasional trendy impulse buy, I'd estimate our team has put close to a hundred totes (if not more) through their paces. We've stuffed them with laptops and gym clothes, wedged them under airplane seats, spilled coffee in them, and carried them through just about every kind of daily chaos. So when we say we genuinely love Cuyana, it's not a casual endorsement — it's coming from experience.

Cuyana has built its reputation on thoughtfully designed, functional bags made from high-quality leather, and in our testing, that reputation holds up. The leather is supple right out of the box, but still substantial enough to feel structured and durable. It softens beautifully over time without collapsing into a puddle at the bottom of your closet — which, if you've owned enough leather totes, you know is a real risk. Even after years of regular use, ours have maintained their shape and developed that subtle, lived-in patina that makes a bag feel even better with age.

One feature we especially appreciate is the brand's snap-in bag organizers, which are sold separately and designed to fit perfectly inside many of its totes and satchels. If you've ever lost your keys in a cavernous bag, you'll understand the appeal. The organizers add compartments without making the bag feel bulky, and they make it easy to switch between a more minimalist open-tote vibe and a fully structured interior.

The biggest drawback? Price. Most Cuyana bags retail for $300 and up, which undeniably puts them in splurge territory. But if your budget allows, we think they're worth the investment. These aren't bags you'll replace next season. Ours have held up year after year — no unraveling stitches, no warped handles, no peeling edges — and they still look polished enough for the office or a nice dinner out. In a market flooded with fast-fashion options that start to show wear after a few months, Cuyana feels like a buy-once, carry-forever kind of brand.

Classic Easy Tote

woman carrying beige tote bag next to interior shot of the tote bag

Who it's perfect for: People who want a soft leather tote bag that's versatile enough for work, travel, and general schlepping.

Who should skip it: Those who prefer their totes to have structure.

Cuyana's Classic Easy Tote is our top pick for the best tote bag because it's chic, durable, flexible, but not floppy, and can fit a huge amount of stuff. And though it looks like a basic tote at first glance, there are actually a ton of thoughtful details that went into the bag's design. Two sets of straps mean you can carry the tote like a handbag, or you can use the longer set of straps to throw it over your shoulder. Internally, there is a small pocket for things you need to grab frequently, and there's a tie you can use to close the bag up a little more if you want.

Cuyana also makes several accessories, like the Classic Tote Insert, for organizing the interior of your bag. These are great if you like a bit more structure or interior protection since the soft Italian leather is unlined inside. I've had my bag for about four years now and I've taken it on every vacation, flight, weekend trip, and long car ride in that time. It fits an unbelievable amount of stuff, but it also doesn't look floppy or silly if I just put a few things in it.

On a usual vacation, this bag will hold two pairs of shoes, my giant Dyson blow dryer, a hair brush, my toiletry and makeup bags, a scarf or sweater, and a couple of snacks. I use the interior tie to keep it closed when I have to shove it under my seat on a plane, but they also make a zippered version of the Easy Tote if you prefer the added security. Just note that you may not be able to shove quite as much stuff in it if you wanted to zip it closed. —Sally Kaplan, executive editor, Insider Reviews.

Other versions of the Easy Tote

The Classic Easy Zipper Tote has been updated with a top zipper for security and internal snaps that are compatible with Cuyana's bag organizers, such as pouches and laptop sleeves (the original does not have the snaps). We think this is one of the best travel totes because the zipper keeps all your belongings secure, even when you have to put your bag under the seat in front of you. But just be warned that this version only has the long set of straps.
Small Easy Tote, which is a little less bulky but still fits a 14-inch laptop.
Tall Easy Tote, which is longer vertically than horizontally.

System Tote

Who it's perfect for: People who want custom organizational features, like the option to pick between an internal zippered pouch or a flap pouch, and the ability to snap in or remove a laptop sleeve.

Who should skip it: Those who want a lightweight tote, since the leather's heft and organizational snap-ins make it pretty weighty.

The Cuyana 13-inch System Tote is easily one of the most versatile totes out there. The bag itself is relatively simple in design, with seamless top handles that fit tightly around your shoulder and a small internal pocket. But it also comes with internal D-rings that let you attach a crossbody strap, and you can snap in one of Cuyana's tote organizers for extra customization.

The leather is extremely supple, and it softens over time with use, so don't expect this to be a super structured bag. If you're deciding between the 13-inch and 16-inch options, I would go with the larger style. I've tested the smaller one, and my only complaint has been that I wish it were roomier. The brand introduced the larger one later on to solve that problem! — Sally Kaplan, executive editor, Insider Reviews.

You can also get other versions of the System Tote, like:

The 16-inch System Tote, which is large enough to fit a 16-inch laptop.
The System Zippered Tote, which has all the same features but comes with a top zipper for added security.

Double Loop Satchel

image of brown tote next to image of the interior of that tote

Who it's perfect for: Stylish corporate folks who want a work tote that looks like a chic (and very trendy for fall) hobo bag.

Who should skip it: People who want their tote to double as a carry-on, since the top doesn't zip.

Equal parts stylish and functional, Cuyana's Double Loop Satchel is a splurge, but I believe it's worth every penny.

It has an elegant, unique silhouette that resembles an oversized shoulder bag more so than a traditional tote bag. If you're going right from work to happy hour, this is a perfect way to look professional but not stuffy.

Plus, the interior and exterior pockets are relatively minimalist. There are two exterior magnetic pockets on either side that are perfect for stashing small go-tos like a packet of tissues or my iPhone. The inside of the bag is pretty simple in design: there's an open laptop pocket that can hold a computer up to 14 inches (a 16-inch laptop can fit in the main compartment) plus one zippered pocket.

You can also add more compartments. If you prefer some more organizational features (like I do), you can snap on a System Flap Bag (sold separately) to add another magnetic interior pocket. Though it's an extra cost, I feel it's worth it since the System Flap Bag can be detached and used as a clutch — or you can purchase a strap for it to turn it into a small crossbody tote. — Talia Ergas, freelance style writer.

Forma Satchel

Who it's perfect for: People who need a larger bag for all their work essentials, since it fits a 16-inch laptop with tons of room to spare.

Who should skip it: People who want a lightweight tote that they can sling over their shoulder.

The sophisticated Forma Satchel from Cuyana is crafted from materials that would impress any leather nerd. The full-grain, Italian pebbled leather is luxe and touchable. We've been testing Cuyana for years, so we know firsthand that the brand's leather ages beautifully. And besides, the material just looks expensive.

I also love the option to transform this oversized tote into a chic purse-like shape. The collapsible sides make it a versatile work travel tote since they can be folded out for plane rides and in for client meetings.

As always, Cuyana has delivered a bag with tons of sophistication on the outside and heaps of practicality on the inside. The bag can snap in the same pouches and zippered pockets as the System Tote, but it also has a built-in divider and three internal pockets.

One issue I have with this tote is its weight. The Forma Satchel weighs 3.6 pounds, which is definitely on the heftier side. I've tested dozens of totes for my article on the best work bags for women, and I've preferred bags that are 2.5 pounds or under. Much of this extra weight is due to the bag's thick, high-quality leather — but it still feels a little too heavy at times.

The other issue I've encountered is the length of the handles. Beware that this is not a bag that you can easily sling over your shoulder. The handles are top handles, so you carry it on your forearm or in your hands, which is sometimes awkward and difficult with a bag this large. You can buy an adjustable shoulder or crossbody strap, but it will be an extra cost. — Samatha Crozier, style editor, Insider Reviews.

Mila Satchel

Who it's perfect for: People who travel a lot for work and need a professional-looking bag that can double as a work tote and a functional carry-on. It would be especially great for those who frequently take day or overnight trips for their jobs since it's just big enough for your work essentials and an extra outfit.

Who should skip it: People looking for a compact tote that just fits their laptop and some essentials. Also, people on a budget, since this is one of the more expensive picks.

This bag is bigger than a typical tote but smaller than a weekender. It has many work bag features, like a laptop slot that fits a computer up to 14 inches and a place to snap in Cuyana's signature organizational inserts. But it also has travel features, like a luggage sleeve with a bottom zipper that lets you turn it into an outer pocket.

With its sleek look, functional pockets, and travel-friendly details, this would make a great work-travel companion. It can easily double as a functional carry-on and a professional work satchel.

The Mila Satchel comes with a long strap so you can sling it over your shoulder. The strap is adjustable and thick enough that it won't dig in. I use this strap a lot since it can be awkward to carry such a large bag with just the top handles. Sometimes, I wish the top handles were longer so that I could carry the bag on my shoulders without having to use the long strap. —Samatha Crozier, style editor, Insider Reviews.

Travel Case Set

original picture of the red cuyana travel set

Who it's perfect for: People who travel a lot and want an elevated way to pack their makeup and accessories.

Who should skip it: Anyone who wants more of a toiletry bag, since these aren't waterproof, won't protect against spills, and can't be taken into the shower.

This travel case duo is a beautifully elevated way to tote your makeup and accessories. Both cases have a large opening, so you won't have to go digging for a lip liner — but despite the large opening, they both have a slim profile and a sleek look.

When I went to Greece, I had planned to use the larger case as a makeup bag. But once I started filling it, I realized that even I (with my habit of bringing at least five lip colors to match all my outfits) couldn't fill it. I switched to the smaller case for makeup and was amazed that it could fit everything I needed.

So I turned the larger case into a plane pouch for my carry-on and loved it. It fit a pill box, an eye mask, a tube of moisturizer, a contact case, compression socks, and everything else I needed for the flight. I loved carrying everything in a chic leather pouch, and I'm definitely going to keep using it as a catch-all for car rides and plane trips in the future.

The only things I wouldn't use the Travel Case Set for are liquids like shampoo and soap. The leather is beautiful, but not leakproof or water-resistant. Stick with less-fancy nylon and plastic pouches for anything that leaks. —Samatha Crozier, style editor, Insider Reviews.

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