If you're commuting on a regular basis then the best work backpacks for women are an essential for your daily needs. While they might be most associated with back-to-school vibes, they offer a smart and easy way of carrying items and we've found a luxe range of backpacks in top fabrications and designs that will take you from work to weekend in style.
While we love the best tote bags for unrivalled sartorial style, when it comes to the practicality of a day-to-day commute, sometimes we have to admit defeat and opt for one of the best work backpacks to lug our essentials around. The best work backpacks for women have a space for everything; from laptops to gym kits and even your lunch, you can team one with any of the best crossbody bags to keep your wallet, phone, and keys close by too. Backpacks also offer added health benefits as they spread the weight of what you're carrying across your back, leaving you largely hands-free. The padded straps can help prevent digs and pain too, making them all together a more ergonomic wear.
If you have always associated a backpack with school, have no fear. Some of the best designer bag brands also produce designer backpacks for women to keep you looking chic on the go. When shopping for the best backpack consider what you'll need to fit in and when you'll use it to ensure you get the right fit and style for you. According to the British brand Aspinal of London, the average woman carries 17 items in her handbag at any one time, weighing roughly the same as three bags of sugar. So getting a good fit is a must. If you're worried about trying to fit too much in, you could also look at some of the best laptop bags to help spread the load. These are our best work backpacks for women, from super stylish to waterproofed fabrics and practical fastenings.
Best work backpacks for women, as chosen by our fashion team
The best work backpacks for women should combine style and practicality. Versatile designs can also double up as the best weekend bags, with waterproof detailing making them also ideal companions for camping and adventure. The best backpacks should be roomy enough for your essentials, with plenty of practical storage solutions to help you organize your life, but without compromising on design. These are our favourites.
Sweaty Betty is responsible for some of our best leggings outfits, with clothing that takes you from workout to sidewalk with ease, but the brand's bag collection is also worth checking out for multi-use totes and water-resistant running backpacks that offer a sporty and sleek aesthetic. Lightweight and durable, this is the ideal backpack for those that go from office to gym (or vice-versa).
Browse all Sweaty Betty Backpacks from $78 / £95
Sweaty Betty backpacks: fashion editor's picks
RRP: £85 / $108 | A fantastic multi-purpose option, this backpack can be converted into a tote bag. Available in classic black, this versatile style means you can go for sleek side carry, before switching to a backpack when it gets too heavy.
RRP: £95 / $128 | Made of a lightweight water-resistant fabric, this waterproof backpack has an adjustable chest strap to stop excess movement as you run - ideal for adventure and work. Another classic black design, this neutral hue won't go out of fashion.
RRP: $108 (US only) | This backpack is one of our favourite multipurpose bags, doubling as one of the best gym bags thanks to its numerous and spacious pockets. A classic black hue, this bag will pair with almost any outfit.
Scandinavian clothing brand Fjallraven makes some of the best work backpacks for women. Lightweight and spacious, its designs span many iterations, with over 18 colours in the brand's best-seller Kanken design, there is a Fjallraven for every taste. Channel the fashion colour trends 2023 by selecting a muted neutral, or go bright and bold to turn heads. With a focus on practicality, designs are spacious and secure with lots of zipped pockets to help you organise your backpack.
Browse all Fjallraven backpacks from $55 / £60
Fjallraven backpacks: fashion editor's picks
RRP: £80 / $75 | With room for your gym gear, lunch and everything else, this has convenient top handles for easy carrying and comes in 8 different colours, there's something for everyone. The padded main compartment is designed for a laptop, while the rectangular shape makes it ideal for work files too.
RRP: £95 / $90 | Iconic for a reason, available in 51 colours (yes 51), the main zips open right down to the bottom so you don't have to empty your bag to find items. With three sizes to choose from, this best seller for the brand is ideal for work or weekend outings. We love this green backpack for an autumnal refresh.
RRP: £120 / $120 | Ideal for carrying a laptop or other office essential equipment, the Raven 28L backpack offers multiple compartments. Throw in the best wallets for women or keep your cards in the handy security pocket. Made from durable recycled materials, it is suitable for all manner of outdoor jaunts.
Cambridge Satchel Company, as the name suggests, specialises in satchels with a vintage aesthetic. Playing into the latest spring/summer handbag trends, there are lots of silhouettes available, the smaller of which are more practical for weekend use. When it comes to the best work backpacks, however, the kitsch nostalgic designs are sweet and playful, with lots of colours available from bold hues to classic neutrals and fall-ready pastels - a big autumn/winter fashion trend for 2023.
Browse all Cambridge Satchel Company Backpacks from £150 / $215
Cambridge Satchel Company backpacks: fashion editor's picks
RRP: £165 / $215| A slightly smaller design than many of the brand's backpacks, this muted blue design is a practical option for those heading out after work. The angular and clean lines of the bag will work well with tailoring, so try pairing it with your best blazer and slim fitted trousers.
RRP: £215 / $280 | This 13-inch backpack features two internal press studs to adjust the volume of the main compartment, so you can switch up the fit depending on the needs of the day. The black colorway ensures it will go with everything, although it does come in a stylish khaki too.
RRP: £230 / $230 | A polished backpack, this dark brown vintage style bag comes in a portrait silhouette, ideal for paperwork and laptops. With a feeling of Dark Academia, this backpack is ideal for work or weekend and adds a smart finish to tailored outfits.
French clothing brand Longchamp has some of the biggest cult bag buys around. The Le Pliage is a lightweight, foldable bag that draws inspiration from origami and is possibly the brand's biggest hit. Its high-end accessories are loved the world over and every bag can easily be filed under investment piece. Thanks to good design and classic craftmanship its brands will be ones you hold onto for years to come. While Longchamp's canvas designs are probably the most well-known, its leather interpretations are absolutely beautiful. Though they come with a higher price point, they are worth every penny. And if you buy one of these designer backpacks, check out some of the brand's designer cardholders for a complete look.
Browse all Longchamp backpacks from £95 / $140
Longchamp backpacks: fashion editor's picks
RRP: £100 / $140 | Made of lightweight recycled polyamide canvas and trimmed with leather, this backpack folds down to a fraction of its size, making an ideal extra bag when packing for a holiday. The khaki hue makes this design smart enough for the office, although it is available in seven colorways.
RRP: £415 / $560 | Though on the pricier side, we think this sophisticated backpack adds serious luxe to any outfit. Ideal for teaming with your best trench coat on your commute, or taking on a weekend outing this is an investment piece that will serve you in style and practicality.
RRP: £760 / $985 | This sportier iteration is ideal for off-duty days and morning commutes. With two handy front pockets for those items you need to grab quickly, it's available in black, tobacco or clay. A Quiet Luxury bag, we love the subtle brand stamp.
Founded in 2009, Canadian brand Herschel is an expert at creating functional backpacks with a cool edge. With a sporty, skater aesthetic, if you want to lean fully into the look at the weekend, it's the ideal bag when it comes to how to wear Vans, making it just right for weekend excursions as well as daily use. With Herschel's instantly recognisable Little America buckle design bag to the more luxe-looking Orion, there is a style for everyone and we love the backpacks preppy feel. And it isn't just winning on sartorial style points, it's practical too. With plenty of room for your laptop too, most designs feature an internal 13" sleeve and extra padding to keep it safe.
Browse all Herschel Backpacks from £45 / $40
Herschel backpacks: fashion editor's picks
RRP: £75 / $80 | One of the best work backpacks for women in terms of space and storage, the colour block is just one of 16 timeless and considered colourway options for this crowd-pleasing bag.
RRP: £75 / $100 | Great for overnight, or a commute, this bag features bottle pockets and a key clip for practicality. Roomy enough for essentials, it can hold a laptop, making it ideal for those on the go.
RRP: £150 / $155 | This backpack features a side zipper that gives access to the main compartment without having to undo the front fastening - handy if you're on the move. Upping the style-ante we love the streamlined silhouette and block colour black and grey colour palette - ideal for teaming with tailoring.
All Katie Loxton designs are created in-house by Katie and the team so expect cute details, chic colourways and high-quality craftsmanship. The backpack collection looks way more pricey than the tag suggests and many bags can be personalised, making them a fantastic gift too. Although they may not all fit your laptop in, they are big enough for the essentials and make chic day to night bags.
Browse all Katie Loxton Backpacks from $89 / £49.99
Katie Loxton backpacks: fashion editor's picks
RRP: $99 (US only) | A stylish minimalistic backpack that will slot in easily with any work outfit. The hidden clasp and gorgeous resin, and metal detailing offer an elevated feel. As the image suggests, this design can be personalised too.
RRP: £79.99 / $ |
RRP: £69.99 | This olive shade is the perfect color for spring and will match with anything in your wardrobe. We love the sleek and minimalistic design that will work beautifully with both casual items such as jeans and t-shirts, to pairing with tailoring.
Knomo is all about quality. From full-grain leathers, premium fabrics, and custom-made hardware, each bag is packed with functional pockets to help you get organized and sectioned spaces for laptops, to keep your tech safe. Sleek and discreet, this is the backpack for those women who can't believe that backpacks can be given a grown-up polish.
Browse all Knomo Backpacks from £89 / $122
Knomo backpacks: fashion editor's picks
RRP: £129 / $168 | From work to the weekend, the Cromwell backpack is super versatile. With a padded compartment for your laptop and an organized interior, you can rest easy that your items are safe from the rain with its thermoplastic waterproof fabric.
RRP: £129 / $168 | A sleek laptop backpack, this style will fit up to a 15-inch laptop, making it the ideal commuter piece. With two front pockets, for easy organization, this lightweight, professional bag has a bright lining for an added flash of fun.
RRP: £199 / $259 | In the classic Knomo silhouette but with an added chic leather trim and Prince of Wales check, this is a stylish and slimline design with pockets and sections to make organization easy. It also comes with a trolley sleeve making it an ideal bag for those who travel for work.
American clothing brand, Michael Kors is a staple amongst the fashion crowd and his handbag line can be spotted on arms across all the major fashion cities and beyond. Creator of some of the best designer sunglasses, Kors has bags to suit all tastes and needs, with the brand's backpacks both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Definitely among the best designer bags for work, you can be sure of quality and style. Focused largely on the monogram trend, these bags aren't discreet but they are certainly stylish.
Browse all Michael Kors Backpacks from £270 / $258
Michael Kors backpacks: fashion editor's picks
RRP: £350 (UK only) | The monogram trend was a big hit in this season's fashion trends, injected into the best Gucci bags as well as, Michael Kors utilizing logos to up-style accessories. With an upper and lower compartment for easy organization, the gold hardware adds a touch of luxe.
RRP: £549 / $598 | If monogram isn't really your thing but you still want a backpack with some designer edge, look no further. In a timeless tan hue, that feels instantly polished, this work-ready design will help you to master how to dress simple but stylish, whilst the leather ensures a bag that will wear well. We love the metal hardware for a sportier look.
RRP: $378 (US only) | Made with 100% leather, this stylish, backpack is great all year through, but will look sleek with those autumn outfit ideas. With numerous zipped and sectioned compartments, you can easily organize the items you need for the day.
We're big fans of Australian clothing brands and the best Australian swimwear brands, so it's no surprise we've fallen for Aussie-based brand Bellroy too. making some of the best backpacks, alongside a host of other well-thought-out bag silhouettes, the brand marries sleek design and practicality with ease. A certified B Corp – Bellroy makes products that last and have a positive impact on the planet, using fabrics from recycled plastic bottles and plant-based technologies for accessories that are sustainable too. In fact Bellroy is so sure of its quality, bags have 3 year warranties too (check specifics before purchasing).
Browse all Bellroy backpacks from £89 / $95
Bellroy Backpacks: fashion editor's picks
RRP: £89 / $159 | Sleek and compact, this 18L backpack can fit a surprising amount inside. With pockets for a 15-inch laptop, notebook, and chargers, plus inside compartments for valuables, this is the ultimate everyday bag. That will make organizing belongings a breeze. The light grey color keeps this bag versatile for all seasons. Plus, it is water-resistant and leather-free - what's not to love?
RRP: £175 / $149 | Featuring internal pockets for easy organization there are two pop pockets for a water bottle, umbrella, and spare shoes, as well as a padded laptop sleeve for devices up to 15-inches. With padded shoulder straps (that tuck away flat) the bag has a top handle so you can use it as a tote too. Made from 100% recycled, water-resistant woven fabric.
RRP: £89 / $99 | With the ability to be folded or rolled, this bag is ideal for the concrete jungle and beyond. With an internal document sleeve, water bottle pocket, and a raised sunglasses pocket with water-resistant zip, this lightweight bag is made from durable ripstop, created from 100% recycled PET plastic bottles. Incredibly light (hence the name), it's designed for work and play.