Tote Bags vs. Backpack: What Your Bag Says About You
A deep dive into fashion and function
BY Samantha Petrelli ★ october 2nd, 2026
Photo Credit: Nikol Qendro
As girls all over the country prepare for college, they wish to curate their own style. A college look can stem from one item we use every day: our school bag. While in high school it was mostly backpacks, in college, some decide to sport tote bags instead. A tote bag can add a flair to an outfit that a backpack cannot. Yet, a backpack can be easier to carry around. Every college girl is faced with the decision: do I wear a backpack or tote to class?
If you wear a tote bag to class, this says that you like to maintain your style in all aspects of your life. It enhances your outfit, like an accessory. You like to keep up with current trends and appreciate modern approaches. You like to look put together, even for those 8 am classes in the snow. Popular tote bag options include Longchamp, Coach, or any alternative from stores like Urban Outfitters or Pacsun. Even a free tote bag from a bookstore or other event can get the job done.
Tote bags offer a chic look while going from class to class. They allow for easy access to items with a top zipper without having to physically take the bag off. Totes can be less bulky than backpacks and fit more easily under seats. A tote can also elevate any look and help you feel more put together. Totes are not all sunshine and rainbows, though. The two main problems with totes are the water bottle and the dreaded winter coat. Tote bags don’t have side pockets for water bottles like backpacks do. Do I sacrifice a free hand and carry my water bottle, or do I risk the contents of my bag and hope my water doesn’t spill? When the eventual snowfall comes, some coats can cause totes to easily slip off your arm. Other tote downsides include placing all of the weight on one shoulder of your body (back pain is not cool) and limited capacity. Tote bags tend to be smaller or have fewer compartments, so choose wisely.
If you wear a backpack to class, this says that you like being prepared and enjoy being comfy. You are realistic and value functionality. Your outlook on life is likely methodical. You like having everything that you need at your side, organized in different compartments: snacks, schoolwork, other necessities. You prefer the dependable things instead of following every trend or microtrend. Popular backpacks include North Face, Lululemon, and Vera Bradley.
Backpacks present the traditional, practical approach while walking across campus. They distribute weight evenly and leave you hands-free as you stroll to class, especially with a water bottle pocket! Backpacks are more comfortable and can hold a lot more. No need to pick and choose; you can fit everything you need for a full day’s worth of classes without trekking back to your dorm. However, backpacks can be big, awkward and can seem informal. There is also the alarming “this ruins my outfit.” It’s no secret that a fully stuffed backpack can ruin any outfit, no matter how carefully curated. Another downside is that you have to take the backpack completely off if you want to grab something out of it. So, if you throw your SU ID into your backpack without thinking, good luck digging through it.
While both tote bags and backpacks have their pros and cons, it ultimately comes down to personal style, preference and lifestyle. Backpacks provide comfort and practicality, while tote bags offer a stylish way to carry your belongings.
Edited by Elena Pauletto