A good handbag should have several things. It should have a style because you don’t want to carry an ugly bag around. It should carry everything that you need it to carry. This means that you find the bag in the right size for you since some people carry everything while others only need a small wallet, their phone, keys, and maybe a bottle of water.

It should also be versatile to get the most out of a bag. The ability to carry the bag in several ways can take it from an excellent bag to a great one.

For vegans, there is another consideration when choosing a handbag. What is it made of? Are there any animal products, by-products, or even animal testing?

Thankfully there are plenty of options from polyurethane “leather” and other synthetics with embossed surfaces that make it look like real leather without the animal suffering. These materials can be either matte or glossy finish.

From larger totes to small crossbody bags, there are many vegan options to choose from. The great thing about these materials is that it handles the dying process better than the real thing, so you get a wider range of color choices.

If you choose a bag for its versatility, make sure that you check the hardware so that you know the straps will always be secure whenever you make the change.

Check weight limits, especially for bags you use daily or carry heavier items. Any electronics should be in a case before being placed in a bag just for added protection.

Comparison Chart

 

Bags and Handbags	Dimensions	pockets	Material
Bromen Wome’s Handbag	9.45″ x 5.51″ x 11.81″.	6	vegan leather & silver hardware
Scarleton Handbag for Women.	15.5″ x 13″ x 5.5″	1 + coin bag	vegan leather (PU)
Scarleton Satchel Handbag for Women	15.5″x10″x4.3″	6	Faux Leather
Overbrooke	16 x 15 x 5″	1	vegan leather
Overbrooke Classic Laptop/Tote Bag	18 x 13.5 x 4.5″	plenty + laptop area	vegan leather
Fawn Design Premium Bag and Backpack	13 x 15 x 8	7	vegan leather
Nodykka Women’s Tote Bag	14*12*0.8	1	vegan leather (PU)
Dasein Women’s Handbag	17.5*13*6	4	eco-friendly vegan buffalo textured PU leather

 

Baggallini women’s Everywhere bag with RFID

The Baggallini Women’s Everywhere Bagg with RFID is perfect for holding all of your essentials and can hold all of your everyday stuff. The wallet has many different hand pockets and compartments that all busy moms love.

The versatile Baggallini Everywhere bag features an adjustable strap that allows you to design this wallet as a shoulder bag or crossbody bag. Crossbody wallets are a popular choice for working women. It offers a safer and more secure option for your stuff and essentials.

The Baggallini bag is made of durable, waterproof material built to last. The wallet features six exterior pockets and a pocket on the bag handle.

The bag also has an attachment feature on the back of the purse through which you can easily attach this bag with a rolling suitcase.

The Baggallini Everywhere bag for women comes in a wide range of different colors. These include black, beige, purple and green, etc.

The bag is also equipped with an anti-theft device that can hold your essential items: your ID card, passport, and money. Keep only the money you need throughout the day. This handbag is perfect for its price, quality, and features.

 

Pros

• Provides an excellent place for your phone
• The bag stands on its own
• Can hold a tablet
• Side pocket for water bottle
• Big enough shoulder strap

Cons

• The top zipper sticks a bit

Bromen Wome’s Handbag 

This versatile handbag can be carried in several ways :

• on the shoulder
• across the shoulder
• on the wrist because of the two adjustable straps.

The first strap is the same vegan leather as the bag, while the second is a woven strap with a multi-colored design.

The top closes with a magnetic buckle. Inside features a large open area plus three smaller compartments, one with a zipper and 2 slip pockets. All of the hardware is silver.

This bag has a fantastic array of color choices: Black, Brown, Green, Grey, Light Blue, Pink, Red, and Yellow in Matte.

The color choices in the shiny finish include Bright Black, Bright Brown, Bright Coffee, Bright Green, Bright Grey, and Bright Wine Red.

 

Pros:

• Lots of color choices in two different finishes
• Two straps to choose from with different ways to use them
• Roomy interior

Cons:

• Has a weird, chemical-like smell
• It may feel too stiff for some people. It definitely will not feel like real leather.

 

Scarleton Stylish, Reversible Tote or Handbag for Women.

This bag is made of vegan leather. This roomy tote bag can be carried in several ways and is reversible whenever you need a quick change.

Each bag also comes with a small zip-close coin pouch. The tote features gold hardware and can hold a smaller laptop computer, notepad computer, or eReader.

It comes in a good selection of colors which include: Camel/Black, Black, Black/Grey, Black/Natural, Blue/black, brown, Brown/coral pink, Burgundy/khaki, and light blue/navy.

Pros:

• Lots of color choices
• A small coin purse could hold ID and cash for quick trips to the store
• A reversible tote makes it like two bags for the price of one.

 

Cons:

• The bag is very heavy even when empty
• The surface may crack and peel
• The bag is not durable

 

Vera Bradley Women’s Twill Vera Tote

Every mom needs a good tote, so the Vera Bradley Women’s Twill Tote is one of the best tote bags on the list of best handbags for working moms.

The tote inside has lots of little slip pockets to hold coupons, receipts, or anything else. It also has two outside pockets (one with a zipper) and a “hidden” pocket perfect for keys. The straps are long enough to keep the bag on your shoulder.

It’s big enough to hold all your stuff, including a large Vera wallet, toiletry bag, two eyeglass cases, a tablet, a laptop, and more.

I’m glad I chose it for you. It’s a perfect size. There is a front pocket for your phone and a nice pocket that doesn’t open from the back, safe for car keys or phone keys.

This type of tote bag is so versatile. I think everyone should own one. It works great for errands and gathering kid essentials (even diapers, towels, toys, snacks, changing clothes, and anything else you can imagine).

If you want to read reviews on regular women’s backpacks, check out one of the best articles based on the best women’s backpacks for everyday use with pros and cons and obviously with key features.

Pros

• Sturdy tote with a solid bottom
• Straps are long enough
• Plenty of space
• Durable interior pocket with zipper
• Very lightweight

Cons

• No protective slot for a laptop
• Seems expensive but worth it

 

Scarleton Satchel, Handbag for Women in Ultra Soft-Washed Vegan Leather

A removable shoulder strap allows you to carry this as a crossbody purse or handbag.

The exterior is vegan leather, treated as soft as the real thing. Inside is a full fabric lining with 2 large pockets, 1 cell phone pocket, and another small zipped pocket.

There is additional storage space with the double snap closure pocket.

The top of this purse zips closed for security.

The satchel is available in several colors: Mint, Ash, Black, Brown, Coffee, and Plum.

Pros:

• Good range of color choices, although not as many as other brands
• Large, fabric-lined interior with pockets for organization
• The removable shoulder strap allows you to choose how you carry the bag.

Cons:

• Color may rub off or fade on the surface, especially in the darker colors
• The zippers are lower quality and prone to catching or breaking

 

 

Vera Bradley Signature Cotton Glenna Purse

The Vera Bradley Signature Cotton Glenna Satchel Purse is beautiful; it’s high quality and features comfortable interior and exterior pockets that come in at number two in the best handbags for working moms.

The side gathers, along with the blue/white striped lining. Add this design to a boho bag and make it easy to find your essentials.

The deep exterior pockets to hold your phone, with easy access, without worrying about “whatever” in those pockets. There’s a thoughtful place for everything in this spacious bag.

This handbag has the same pockets inside and large exterior pockets for your cell phone. The rails are nicer to look at and more durable due to the handle change.

It also added a fully functional pull chain and gave the bag a fresh and fun silhouette if you enjoy it.

Pros

• Great straps
• Durable vinyl shoulder strap
• Lightweight and fully-functional
• Well-made design
• Convenient pockets
• Very spacious

Cons

• The straps are a bit short
• Small size

 

 

Overbrooke Large Vegan Leather Tote, Women’s Slouchy Shoulder Bag with Open Top

One of the largest totes included in this review, this one has a suede feel interior with an open design and 1 small inner pocket. It is roomy enough to be used in several ways, including as a gym tote, school bag, or laptop bag.

It is available in three colors, tan, black and deep red.

Pros:

• Extra large size
• Open design

Cons:

• No pockets for organization inside
• Straps are fixed and may feel awkward to most people.
• The bag is pretty heavy and, once filled with stuff, may be difficult to manage
• This is not a durable bag and is probably not safe for the average laptop computer.

 

Lily & Drew Carry On Shoulder Bag

The Lily & Drew Carry On Weekender Shoulder Bag is perfect and stylish for working moms. It has plenty of space and many separate storage compartments to organize your essentials.

The padded shoulder strap is removable and includes thick padding to protect your shoulder while working. If you have a rolling suitcase or other rotating luggage, reduce the load and slide the built-in luggage wrap over the handle of your luggage for stable, comfortable transport.

The exterior of the bag is made of durable polyester fabric. Your contents are protected, along with your essentials, in this spacious weekend bag.

It contains numerous pockets to organize your items with a separate compartment so you can access individual items (laptop, keys) without having to search for all the other stuff.

The pack is filled with zippered pockets and heavy fabric, which means the pack is built to last. There is room for many things, and they are well designed so you can easily find what you need! I feel like a Mary Poppins bag that can hold everything. Recommended a handbag for working moms.

Pros

• Tons of durable pockets
• Perfect maximum size for personal items
• Extremely useful side pockets
• Quality material
• Zippers are great
• The side pocket can hold a water bottle

Cons

• The handle may have frayed due to rough use.

 

Overbrooke Classic Laptop/Tote Bag in Vegan Leather

This classically designed bag will hold the average laptop computer up to 15.6 inches.

The exterior is soft vegan leather with a pebbled pattern, while the interior is nylon.

It is available in several colors: deep red, black, premium black, brown, dark blue, dark brown, light beige, red, and tan.

 

Pros:

• Lots of color choices
• Good sized bag
• It can be used as a larger purse, a tote, or a laptop bag

Cons:

• The zippers are prone to failure in this bag
• The straps are thin and are not adjustable, making this a less than a comfortable choice for some people

 

Fawn Design Premium Vegan Leather Diaper Bag and Backpack

Fawn Design created this bag to be used in various ways, including as a diaper bag, a backpack, or an everyday purse.

The updated design of the bag can be carried in one of three ways, including using the top handle to carry it as a briefcase or handbag.

The long shoulder strap is adjustable and removable. One of its best features is the variety of pockets you will find inside and out.

There are 12 pockets, six on the interior and six on the exterior.

Pockets include zipped pockets and open pockets. Because it was designed to be used as a diaper bag, which has the potential for messes, it is easy to clean with a damp cloth.

Color choices for this bag include Black, Blush, Gray, Honey, Navy, and Wine. Blush is also available in the older style, which does not have the top strap.

 

Pros:

• Lots of colors
• Lots of pockets
• Variety of ways to carry it depending on your needs and the situation
• Easy to clean

Cons:

• This is not a durable bag
• Fawn Design’s customer service is poor at best and reportedly deletes negative-sounding questions or comments on social media.
• This is a costly bag.

 

Nodykka Women’s Tote Bag

This tote bag is made of polyurethane leather with embossed pebbling only available in dark blue.

The top closes with a magnetic snap closure. The lined interior has 1 slip pocket.

The thin straps are not adjustable or removable. This bag includes a tassel accessory.

Pros:

• Nice size bag with a reasonable price

Cons:

• Straps are thin, stiff, and uncomfortable to carry
• The bag is not durable
• No choice of color

 

Dasein Women’s Handbag

This bag is created from buffalo texture vegan leather with gold hardware. This bag features a side zipper for quick access, a top zipper for easier access, and a full fabric lining.

Inside the bag, you will find several pockets, including one with a zipper.

It is finished with a decorative padlock plus a decorative medallion with the company’s logo. Available in a very extensive list of colors, some will come with a wallet, some will come with a small clutch that can be used on its own, and some will come with neither.

Color choices without wallet or clutch: Solid black, pink, purple, brown, camel, grey, navy, and red.

Color choices with the matching clutch include Dasein print/beige and Dasein print in black. Color choices with the matching wallet: Pink/White, Black/Pewter, Black/White, Brown/Beige, Gold/Black Flower Print, Purple/Black, Silver/White Flower Print, Brown/Fuschia Flower Print, Coffee/Brown, Blue/Grey, and Orange/Brown.

 

Pros:

• Lots of color choices
• Choices include a small clutch or a matching wallet
• Stylish design

Cons:

• Not durable

 

Buyer’s Guide

Choosing a purse is almost like buying any other article of clothing. It has to “fit” correctly. It is not so difficult in bags with adjustable, removable, or interchangeable straps, but in bags with fixed straps, it is essential to read the measurements and understand the terminology.

Drop refers to the measure from the underside of the strap to the top of the bag. For people with larger arms or people who tend to carry bulkier items, this number should be higher than for people who tend to carry fewer items and have smaller arms.

You may also want to consider how much stuff you carry, especially in an everyday bag. Higher weights put stress on the seams as well as the straps of a bag.

If you find that you are stuffing more and more stuff in your purse, upgrade to a tote with a smaller bag for the items you will need for quick errands. It is better to use 2 bags even if one is in the car most of the time than to try to make do with one and end up with everything on the ground when your overloaded bag.

You will want to ensure that you get the excellent value of the bag you choose. You must understand that vegan leather is good but will not feel like the real thing. Some items come close, and improvements are always being made, but you will give up some of the supple quality of real leather. In return, the trade-off is no animal cruelty, you typically pay far less for a similar bag, and you may have a wider range of colors to choose from.

As with any bag of any material, care and storage are also essential considerations. Vegan materials, mainly polyurethane, can crack or split if not cared for properly. Wipe them with a soft, damp cloth when soiled, and watch for signs of cracking or peeling. This can be repaired if caught early unless it is in the seams or over a large area.

To store, use an airtight tote, and do not pile items on top of them. You can also hang the bag in a closet and empty it before doing so.

If you are concerned that the bag could develop odors during storage, add a fabric softener sheet that will keep the bag smelling fresh until you are reading to use it once.