Finding the right school bag is all about balancing function, comfort and personal style. Whether you’re carrying a laptop, books or basics there are plenty of great options to choose from.
How to choose the right bag
Member of the Vault at the University of Wisconsin Abigail DeHaven spoke with The Badger Herald regarding recommendations and insights for finding the best bag for heading back to school.
DeHaven recommends that students find a bag that has broader straps.
“If you have the pleather or the fake leather and you have a puffer jacket, it’s going to slip off,” DeHaven said. “Anything that doesn’t have that natural grip to it, in a sense, is going to slip off. Especially the thinner the strap, the more it’s going to dig into your shoulder. So [look] for something with a very thick strap — even if you have to tie one of those twillys around it, or a scarf, for extra comfort or extra stability.”
She also shared how divider inserts for tote bags are a valuable addition, as it may be difficult to keep track of items inside one.
What’s trending
Glamour highlights various bag trends for Fall 2025, some including suede in natural, earthy tones, relaxed work totes, preppy canvas style totes and bags featuring boho-inspired studs in their recent article. Offering another perspective, Marie Claire notes that some designers have embraced puffed silhouettes with quilted and graphic leather handbags in their recent designs for Fall 2025 in their recent article.
A popular choice among students includes a variety of tote bags. DeHaven shared how she is commonly seen the classic Goyard tote bag in addition to the large Longchamp tote bag. For Longchamp, she enjoys seeing different colors such as pink, burnt orange and military green.
There is also a fair share of students who have been prioritizing sustainability in various ways. DeHaven has increasingly observed how many of her peers do bag-searching through thrifting and eBay, making it easier to be more sustainable.
Despite how tempting it may be to buy cheaper trendy bags, DeHaven says finding one that is designed to last provides more value and recommends purchasing one that can be used throughout your college career and future endeavors.
Bag recommendations
Casual Backpacks
Backpacks can be a convenient and spacious choice for carrying your school-day essentials
Northface Borealis Backpack – $99.00
Made for everyday use, this eco-conscious backpack offers breathable back support, reflective accents for visibility and multiple interior compartments to keep your items organized. There are also two padded sleeves, offering storage for both 15-inch and 16-inch laptops or tablets. Pockets are also featured for water bottles or smaller items like a phone.
L.L. Bean Super Deluxe Bookpack, 38L – $69.95
This backpack is designed for teens and adults and made from durable, weather-resistant ripstop nylon and recycled polyester — sturdy enough to handle busy school days. Improved features include side-access laptop storage, a fleece-lined pocket for small items and simpler internal organization. It also has comfortable padded straps, a cushioned back panel for back support and a side pocket for a water bottle.
Wearable crossbody bags
Crossbody bags offer an easy-to-carry option while holding your everyday essentials.
Baggu Large Nylon Crescent Bag- $62.00
This bag offers enough space to carry a laptop and the essentials. The interior features a pocket that can hold smaller items, in addition to a built-in key leash — so you never lose your keys. The bag is held together with sturdy recycled nylon and features an adjustable strap. It’s also machine washable, making it easy to keep clean.
KALIDI Crossbody Canvas Bag – $26.99
This more affordable crossbody bag, available on Amazon, is made from durable canvas and designed to carry heavy items without wearing the bag out. It features an adjustable wide shoulder strap prioritizing comfort for everyday wear and offers spacious storage with multiple pockets — including a large zippered compartment, front flap pockets and side pockets. Laptops, tablets and books can easily fit, which is ideal for a student.
Durable totes that are actually trendy
For those who want to make a fashion statement while staying organized and trendy, durable totes may be a go-to pick.
Mark & Graham Soho Suede Tote – $129.00
Mark & Graham, as recommended by DeHaven for their customizable totes, offers this spacious tote. This bag is made from Italian suede and features a slouchy design. It comes with leather shoulder straps and for a personal touch, you can add a foil-stamped monogram. This tote is 16.5 inches wide, 13 inches high and 5 inches deep.
Bagsmart- The Bubble 20L Puffy 15.6 inch Laptop Work Tote – $34.99
For a budget-friendly, functional tote, the BagSmart 20 L Puffy Tote bag stands out. Made from lightweight, water-resistant Taslan fabric, it features a padded laptop compartment (fits up to 15.6 inches), spacious main zippered section, multiple pockets for organization and quick-access front and side pockets.
L.L. Bean’s Boat and Tote, Zip-Top Tote Bag (Size Large with Long Handles) – $49.95
DeHaven recommended a classic L.L. Bean tote bag that is also customizable as a sturdy school bag option. The Boat and Tote Zip-Top is made from thick cotton canvas for long-term durability, with a sturdy layered base and reinforced stitching throughout. The handles are tested to carry substantial weight, and the seams are securely sewn with nylon thread to prevent damage over time. You can also personalize it with a monogram.
DeHaven recommends a variety of places to get back-to-school bags, from higher-end picks like Anthropologie, Reformation, Tory Burch and Who What Wear, to more affordable options such as ASOS, Urban Outfitters, Zara and Depop.
Choosing the right school bag that combines style, comfort and functionality can support your daily routine for the better. Find one that fits your personal style and keeps you organized for the school year ahead!
