Bags That Fit Books

Recommendations from me and other stylish bibliophiles.

Feb 14, 2024

An early (and rare) Wednesday dispatch because I couldn’t get it together in time yesterday (I can’t resist a lazy snow day!). Two things before we dive in. First—happy Valentine’s Day! V-Day is one of my favorite days of the year because I love love, whether platonic, romantic, or otherwise. It’s an excuse to tell my people I love them, and I’m always happy to do that. I also wrote a fun romance book guide for The Strategist. I talked to the booksellers at The Ripped Bodice, an all-romance indie bookstore, and they gave me a bunch of reading recommendations, which was very fun. Second, the next post, my second book date (read the first one here), will be exclusive to paid subscribers. I mentioned that in the first installment, but I wanted to let everyone know before I put it out. I deeply appreciate anyone who has already chosen to support the newsletter financially, and I hope those who can upgrade will consider it. I spend a lot of time putting Extracurricular together and by supporting it, you’re helping the newsletter evolve and grow. With that said, I’m grateful to everyone who subscribes. I love talking about books and book-adjacent things with all of you and am thankful you let me take up space in your inbox once a week.

Okay! For today’s post, the topic is bags that fit books. I actually pitched this story in an edit test for The Strategist five years ago and it never saw the light of the day. Which is to say, never give up on your dreams (or edit test pitches). I bring my books everywhere, even in circumstances I know I won’t be able to read, like the back of an Uber or the grocery store. Knowing that I can reach for my book if necessary gives me psychological safety. This has led me only to buy bags that fit books. I take this very seriously. So much so that at a recent fragrance event at the Loewe store in Soho, I attempted to shove the novel I was reading inside a Hammock bag just to see. It didn’t really fit. Not that I was going to buy the bag right there on the spot (or ever), but the fact that it didn’t fit my book immediately banished it from my wish list. The same goes for the YSL Mombasa I found for $200 at a boutique in Accra1. It, too, was subjected to the book test, and thankfully it passed.

I figured I wasn’t alone in this, so when I seriously considered doing a newsletter, I also asked some of my stylish, bookish friends about the bags they used to carry their books. There was only one condition: no schleppy totes. I wanted to know about the nonobvious, surprisingly roomy, fashion-y bags because while there’s nothing wrong with a tote you got for free from a press thing or an LL Bean Boat and Tote (I use and abuse both), sometimes you want to carry one very cute bag.

A few things to consider if you’re on your own hunt:

Book size. If you’re a hardcover person like me, you need to plan for at least 6x9 inches of space, but you’ll also want to account for the thickness of a book. For example, Our Share of Night takes up much more space than The Furrows. Paperback people have a little more flexibility. A standard paperback is 5x8, but sizes can vary there too.

Sturdiness. Books are heavy! While my criteria for a book bag is that it fits one book, I’m indecisive and like to cram a few in there if possible. That means flimsy bags won’t do. This doesn’t completely rule out thin straps or cheap construction and materials, but carrying heavy stuff is a sure way to run them into the ground.

Onto the bags!

First, my own picks (with pics!).

Mansur Gavriel Tulipano Leather Tote Bag, $695

My most worn bag is, by far, this one from Mansur Gavriel. It holds much more than you think and looks great in hand. I own two—cobalt blue and cream— which I bought on super sale. It’s not a cheap bag, but it looks good with everything and can fit my hardcover, a notebook, and anything else I shove in there. I’m also not precious with it and I can say that it looks just as good as when I first brought it home.

Poppy Lissman Lio Tote, $165

Next up after that is this bag from Poppy Lissman. My good friend Madison got it for me for a birthday (it was $125 then), and it quickly became my go-to bag. With this bag, I often carry two or three hardcovers at a time, my laptop, and God knows what else. While this is definitely a tote, it isn’t schleppy for a few reasons. First, leather handles. They’re incredibly sturdy, and no matter how much stuff I cram in this bag, they haven’t frayed and don’t look worn out. Second, the bag maintains its shape. The bottom doesn’t sag, and the slightly flared silhouette gives it a little personality. I’d also like to note that I’m not at all careful with this bag, and it has held up remarkably despite my best efforts to stuff it to the brim. I also like that this bag is primarily made of canvas because I can toss it around or carry it in the rain without feeling like I’m committing a sin.

For Lots Of Books

Cortne Bonilla, Fashion editor @ The Cut

Demellier London The New York Bag in Black Croc Effect, $695

CB: The last frontier of adulthood was indulging in a commuter bag that wasn’t made of cotton canvas. Not only is it elegant with its croc-embossed glossy leather, it’s also insanely spacious and holds up to four books, a water bottle and other daily essentials.

Why it’s great for books: This is a true tote. It’s 22 inches wide and 9 inches tall, meaning this could fit lots of books and a laptop too. The bag can also be worn on the shoulder, which increases its versatility.

Other similar-sized totes (left to right): 1. Poléne Cyme Bag, $530. 2. Brandon Blackwood Everyday Tote, from $285. 3. Everlane The Luxe Medium Italian Leather Tote, $125 (final sale!). 4. Longchamp Le Pliage tote, $155 (a classic!). 5. Quince Italian Leather Small Handwoven Tote, $130.

Alex Williams, Creative Director at TikTok

Bottega Veneta Arco Tote, $2276 (hers is vintage, so I’m linking a similar one here)

AW: My really pretty bags are too small—I felt like the only time I ever got to have all my things is when I was utilizing a chunky oversized tote that’s big and fun but doesn’t speak to me fashionably. I saw this bag in Paris and got it because I can duck in and out of airports with it and have all my things—computer, iPad, 2+ books, a planner, all my lip glosses, keys, chargers, and pads in case it’s the time of the month—without feeling adolescent in my aesthetic.

Why it’s great for books: The Bottega Veneta Arco feels Boat and Tote adjacent (similar low profile), except it’s a billion times the price and made from woven leather. The key here is the short handles that *could* fit over the shoulder but also look nice in hand.

Other similar-ish totes (left to right): 1. Dragon Diffusion Japan woven-leather tote bag, $406. 2. St. Agni Woven Mini Tote, $295. 3. Hermes Toile Officier Foure-Tout MM, $315 at TRR (there’s a bunch of these and I’ve seen some as cheap as $144 if you’re willing to get one in okay condition). 4. Dragon Diffusion Grace Small Basket Bag, $365. 5. Naterra Moroccan Basket Bag, $125. 6. (not pictured) Mango Leather shopping bag, $250.

For One Book, Maybe Two

Rania Bolton, Brand marketing consultant

Gucci Jackie Bag, $385 (hers is vintage but I linked a similar one here)

RB: I love the classic style. It goes with everything and I can throw it over my shoulder without thinking.

Why it’s great for books: At 13 inches wide and 9 inches tall, this is ideal for a single book. It’s great for going out to dinner or running errands and sits nicely on the shoulder. The suede also gives it a slouchy-but-still-structured feel.

Other slouchy-but-still-structured shoulder bags: 1. Reformation Medium Vittoria Tote Bag, $498. 2. Coach Lana Shoulder Bag, $495. 3. Aupen Lover Bag, $260. 4. Staud Winona Bag, $325. 5. &Other Stories Classic Leather Tote, $139. 6. (not pictured) Baggu Nylon Shoulder Bag, $54.

Siraad Dirshe, Producer and director

The Row Slouchy Banana Large Leather Crossbody Bag, $2550

SD: One of the reasons I reach for this bag so often is because it actually does fit a book. Like a legit hardcover book. Easily a favorite.

Why it’s great for books: A crossbody that’s big enough for books is ideal for commuting readers who want to be hands-free.

Other large-sized crossbody bags (left to right): Kassl Crossbody, $423. COS Crescent Crossbody, $175. Spitzelein IDA XXL Bum Bag, $111. Free People Slouchy Carryall, $78.

Rae Moxley, Digital marketing @ Mielle

Marge Sherwood Crinkled Leather Shoulder Bag, $430

SM: Soft-leather lined, the potential to patina, and the perfect depth for a hardcover (or two). It has the intrigue of Coperni’s ubiquitous Swipe bag, but is far enough removed.

Why it’s great for books: Sometimes you want a bag that makes you feel put together, like a bad bitch. A structured tote will do that. The Marge Sherwood bag comes in at 7 inches tall and 18 inches wide—very triangular—and has an architectural energy that jazzes up any outfit.