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 designer bags for work 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 organise your life, but without compromising on design. These are our favourites.
RRP: £85 | A fantastic multi-purpose option, this backpack can be converted into a tote bag if you like to transition between looks. 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: £105 | Made of lightweight recycled polyamide canvas and trimmed with leather, this backpack folds down to a fraction of its size, making it 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 colourways.
RRP: £69.99 | 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. This design can be personalised too, so it would make a gorgeous gift.
RRP: £199 | 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 organisation easy. It also comes with a trolley sleeve making it an ideal bag for those who travel for work.
RRP: £108 | 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, and we've spotted similar designer styles for a lot more.
RRP: £230 | A polished backpack, this oxblood 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.
RRP: £129 | From work to the weekend, the Cromwell backpack is super versatile. With a padded compartment for your laptop and an organised interior, you can rest easy that your items are safe from the rain with its thermoplastic waterproof fabric. Roll tops are also increasingly popular this year, making it a trendy pick.
RRP: £549 | 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: £95 | 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.
RRP: £760 | 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.
RRP: £215 | 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 colourway ensures it will go with everything, although it does come in a stylish check too.
RRP: £80 | With room for your gym gear, lunch, and everything else, this has convenient top handles for easy carrying and comes in 8 different colours - so 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: £129 | 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 organisation, this lightweight, professional bag has a bright lining for an added flash of fun.
RRP: £75 | 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: £350 | The monogram trend was a big hit in this season's fashion trends, injected into the best Gucci bags as well as, Michael Kors utilising logos to up-style accessories. With an upper and lower compartment for easy organisation, the gold hardware adds a touch of luxe.
RRP: £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.
RRP: £149 | 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 organising belongings a breeze. The light grey colour keeps this bag versatile for all seasons. Plus, it is water-resistant and leather-free - what's not to love?
RRP: £1,790 | If you have a slightly bigger budget and want to invest in a truly luxurious and timeless staple, you can't do much better than a Prada backpack. Made from nylon canvas and a saffiano leather trim, it is the perfect size for all your essentials. The detachable zip pouches and outer pockets also mean that you won't lose smaller items like keys or your work pass deep inside the bag.
What backpacks are in style right now?
The beauty of a good backpack is that it will never go out of style. However, if you want a bag that you can rely on to always look trendy and chic, we recommend sticking to classic black, cream, camel, or grey. However, you can take inspiration from the spring/summer fashion colour trends 2024 if you want to go for something a little more daring for the season ahead.
In terms of shape, you can't really go wrong no matter what you pick. But this year, backpacks with a roll top are becoming increasingly popular, as are styles with flaps at the top. As long as your backpack of choice can comfortably hold everything you need and fits in with your personal wardrobe, it's a winner.
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