The best purse is the one that fits what you carry and how you move through the day. This guide walks through the main types, the size questions worth asking, and the features that matter more than the logo on the front.
The main types of purse
| Type | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Tote | Work, school, travel, laptops | Open tops can be less secure; heavy when full |
| Crossbody | Hands-free travel and errands | Small capacity; strap comfort varies |
| Shoulder / hobo | Everyday carry, soft and roomy | Slouchy bags can lose shape; check strap drop |
| Satchel / top-handle | Office and polished looks | Can feel structured and heavy; check shoulder strap |
| Backpack purse | Commuting, class, long days | Larger than it looks; check the laptop size |
| Clutch / evening bag | Weddings, parties, dinners | Tiny; confirm your phone fits |
| Wallet / wristlet | Cards, cash and a phone | Card slot count and zipper quality |
Size: check the measurements, not the photo
Product photos are shot to make a bag look good, not to show scale. Find the length, height and depth in the listing, then hold those numbers up against your phone, wallet, sunglasses and, if you carry one, your laptop. A tote described for a 15.6-inch laptop should fit most 14- and 15-inch laptops, but check the interior depth if your laptop is thick or in a case.
Features that matter
- Closure. A zipper keeps things in when you’re moving or in a crowd. Magnetic snaps and open tops are quicker but less secure.
- Strap drop and adjustability. The drop is the distance from the top of the strap to the top of the bag. A longer drop fits over a coat; an adjustable strap lets you switch between shoulder and crossbody.
- Pockets. An inside zip pocket for valuables and slip pockets for your phone and keys save a lot of digging.
- Weight. Check the empty weight. A heavy bag with a laptop and a water bottle can be tiring on one shoulder.
- Feet or a structured base. A flat base keeps a tote upright on a desk or floor.
- RFID blocking. Many wallets and bags include it. It’s a reasonable extra, but treat it as a nice-to-have rather than a reason to choose one bag over another.
Budget: what to expect
Under about $30, you’ll find many well-reviewed vegan leather and canvas bags that are fine for everyday use. Between about $30 and $70, look for better hardware, lining and reinforcement at the strap joins. Above that you’re mostly paying for genuine leather, brand name or design. Reviews that mention the strap, zipper and seams after months of use are worth more than the star rating alone.
Everyday totes on Amazon
These are the best-reviewed totes we found, from budget to premium.
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Bagstellar Corduroy Tote Bag with 17 Pockets
- Soft corduroy, machine washable
- 17 pockets plus deep side pockets that fit tumblers
- 16.5" x 6" x 12"
FIORETTO Canvas Tote Bag with Zipper and Pockets
- Cotton-polyester canvas with a top zipper closure
- Individual compartments and a reinforced base
- Three sizes, with the large fitting a 15.6" laptop
HOXIS Oversize PU Leather Tote Weekender Bag
- Oversize 22" x 6.5" x 15" tote
- Soft PU leather and polyester with a magnetic snap closure
- Doubles as a weekender or carry-on bag
LOVEVOOK Laptop Tote Bag for Women (15.6 Inch)
- Fits laptops up to 15.6 inches
- Water-resistant, scratch-resistant PU leather
- 16.5" x 5.5" x 12" and about 2.1 lbs
Vera Bradley Cotton Vera Tote Bag
- Recycled cotton, 15" x 15" x 6"
- Front slip and zip pockets plus six interior slip pockets
- Zipper closure, machine washable
Frequently asked questions
What size purse should I buy?
Match the listed dimensions to what you carry: phone, wallet, keys and, if needed, a laptop. When in between, the larger size is usually more useful for work, the smaller one for evenings and travel.
Is a crossbody bag or a shoulder bag better?
A crossbody keeps your hands free and is harder to snatch, so it’s popular for travel. A shoulder bag is quicker to access and usually roomier. Many bags convert between the two with a detachable strap.
How do I tell if a purse is good quality?
Look at the stitching, hardware and zipper in photos and customer images, and read reviews that mention wear after months of use. Even stitching and a smooth zipper are good signs.
Do I need an RFID-blocking purse?
It’s an optional extra. It won’t hurt, but it shouldn’t be the main reason you choose a bag.
How many purses do I need?
Many people are happy with one everyday bag, one smaller crossbody for travel and one dressier bag for events.
Keep reading: Leather vs Vegan Leather Purses · How to Clean and Care for a Purse · Shop all purses
This page is general shopping information. Prices, sizes, colors and availability change on Amazon, so always check the listing before you buy. Last updated October 2026.