More Bags That Fit Books

New bags, new friends, same criteria.

It’s been a little over a year since I wrote the first bags that fits books story and I wanted to revisit the concept because lots of the bags in that initial post are sold out. This time around I asked a new group of friends but the same rule applied: no schleppy totes. My thinking around this still stands—schleppy totes are ubiquitous and rarely outfit-making, convenient but often lacking the visual interest of a structured bag. Some of these recommendations are tiny—but you’d be shocked by how much room you need for a small paperback (not a lot).

Believe it or not, there’s a book in here…

My things to consider remain the same, so reiterating my guidelines from last year:

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.

Okay, onto the options!

A note: Some of these links are affiliate, so I may earn a small commission if you order via the link.

My Pick

Aritzia Barbaton Satin Access Bag, $30

The last time I wrote this article my Mansur Gavriel tote was in heavy rotation, but I haven’t worn it in at least six months. Instead I’ve been gravitating toward this satin tote from Aritzia, which has an absurd amount of space and looks great on-shoulder. I’m able to fit at least four books in here plus a laptop with room to spare. I’ve even used it to go grocery shopping. I love that I can stuff lots and lots of shit in here. I will say the satin material is a little precious (it stains easily) but it’s under $30 so I’ll probably just buy a second and keep that pristine. In using this bag I also realized I’m a hobo girl. I like a slouchy silhouette that can hang off my shoulder and is easy to schlep around.

More hobos I nearly purchased: 1. Banana Republic Slouchy Vida Bag, $260. 2. Aesther Ekme Brown Demi Lune Bag, $281. 3. &Other Stories Large Suede Bag, $189. 4. Gap Vegan Suede Slouchy Tote Bag, $70. 5. Issey Miyake Black Linear Bag, $610.

For Lots of Books

Mbiye Kasonga, podcast producer

Luar Navy Alexis Backpack, $390

MK: I like the structure of it, the rigidity. It’s like a container and holds a lot more than you think. You can hold it by the handle or you can wear it as a backpack. It still fits underneath an airplane seat and looks super chic. I recently took a flight with it and I was able to pack two books, two knitting projects, my toiletries and my laptop.

More nice-looking backpacks (left to right): 1. Cartier Vintage Leather Backpack, $224. 2. Desigual Medium Studded Backpack, $129. 3. Graf Lantz Bedford Merino Wool Backpack, $378. 4. Rains MSN Bag Mini, $95. 5. Cuyana Leather Backpack 13-inch, $478. 6. Gucci Leather Backpack, $455. 7. The Row Joe Backpack, $2320. 8. M.Gemi The Laura Convertible Backpack, $298.

Carrie Carrollo, interior designer

Vintage Prada Tote, $129 (a purple one, and navy)

CC: The hardware sold me. One handle is silver and the other is gold. It’s also a decent size! With other items, I can probably fit two books max. But if it was only holding books, at least four.

More totes with interesting details: 1. Coperni Black Bucket Swipe Bag, $672. 2. Mansur Gavriel Everyday Soft Tote, $400. 3. Madewell The Shopper Tote, $188. 4. Mango Suede Shopper Bag, $100. 5. Longchamp Le Pliage City Coated Canvas Tote, $240. 6. Artizia Idolize Tote Bag, $68.

Eliana Smith, Masters student

Prada Bonnie large leather handbag, $3250

ES: It’s my favorite for everyday. It carries two to three books but not a laptop.

More east-west totes: 1. Lou Lou Studio Black Elle Bag, $389. 2. Brandon Blackwood Leah Bag, $350. 3. Staud Red Brando Bag, $304. 4. Verafied Suede Book Tote Bag, $398. 5. By Far Black Billy Tote, $276. 6. Zara Leather Shopper, $239.

For One Book, Maybe Two

Tahirah Hairston, writer

Tory Burch Marshmallow Satchel, $495 (generally sold out but there’s one selling on Poshmark, linked here)

TH: It’s my research bag. I can fit four paperbacks or one hardcover and 1 and 1/2 paperbacks depending on width and then a Moleskine and some post-its.

More long-handled, surpisingly roomy bags: Osoi Black Boat Wide Bag, $370. 2. Coach Empire Caryall Bag 34, $450. 3. We-ar4 The Avenue 38 Suede Top-Handle Bag, $550. 4. Freja Caroline Bag, $268. 5. Staud Maude Shoulder Bag, $395. Marge Sherwood Brown Soft Boston Bag, $460.

And finally, some totes under $200

Bags have gotten expensive, but there’s still lots of worthwhile options at a more reasonable pricepoint. Those, here.

Some totes: 1. Madewell Handwoven Leather Tote, $198. 2. Everlane The Mini Studio Bag, $198. 3. Cos Mini Cloud Tote Bag, $69. 4. JW Pei Kiana Large Capacity Tote Bag Dark Olive, $129. 5. By Far Brown Suli Bag, $212. 6. Aritzia Commuter Tote, $98. 7. Zara Asymmetric Soft Suede Mini Bucket Bag, $129. 8. Zara Maxi Bucket Bag (customizable!) $60. 9. Quince Italian Suede Slouchy Bag, $130. 10. 8 Other Reasons Caryall Tote, $82. 11. Uniqlo Soft Puffy Shoulder Bag, $40.