DESIGN
Bags That Will Fit Your Current Book Read
Channel your inner bookworm in style.
- Reading is in style; the bag you carry your book in should be, too
- The best bags for carrying books combine both fashion and utility
It’s official: reading is at the top of the season’s style list, whether you’re a writer, bookworm or simply someone who enjoys occasionally diving into a juicy plotline. And toting your current favourite book around throughout the day deserves to be an equally stylish occasion, too. No matter how long your to-be-read list is, you’ll want a handbag with longevity that also doubles as a fashionable counterpart. Whether you’re heading to class, don’t have time to stop home before dinner or want to commute in style, the right bag for your books can make all the difference in your day.
Read on to discover some of the best bags to carry your book in.
What types of handbags are best for carrying a book in?
High-Capacity Carryalls
Carryalls and totes are likely the first type of bag that comes to mind when envisioning carrying a book or two across campus or about town—and with good reason. As the name suggests, carryalls are roomy, versatile and designed for easy everyday wear. They can typically fit a paperback, hardcover book or notebook along with a water bottle and other necessities without feeling cramped.
Look For: Carryalls crafted of leather will look put together and polished, even when designed in a slouchier silhouette. Totes made of canvas or jacquard will provide a more casual style along with a lightweight feel.
Style Picks: Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 39, Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 34, Soft Empire Carryall Bag 40, Soft Empire Carryall Bag 28
Roomy Shoulder Bags
If you’re looking for a handbag that’s a bit more compact yet still spacious enough to carry a book, medium to large shoulder bags are your best bet. And when crafted in a contemporary silhouette with high-shine hardware or quilting, a shoulder (book) bag will double as your go-to for nights out with friends or days spent walking around the city. Adorn it with bag charms or jewellery-like detachable straps for an extra dose of style.
Look For: Shoulder bags with a wider base, a soft or semi-structured shape and enough depth for your book to fit comfortably.
Style Picks: Tabby Shoulder Bag 36, Chain Tabby Shoulder Bag 35, Chelsea Shoulder Bag 36
Large Crossbody Bags
Are you someone who is constantly on the move or simply prefers to be hands-free as much as possible? Then an oversized crossbody may be the book bag for you. While there are many crossbody styles too compact to fit a book, larger versions can often fit slimmer paperback and hardcover books along with your essentials. Bonus: a crossbody will help distribute the weight of heavier items more comfortably.
Look For: Dimensions with enough height and width to fit the size of your book easily.
Style Picks: Chain Tabby Shoulder Bag 30
Carryalls and totes are likely the first type of bag that comes to mind when envisioning carrying a book or two across campus or about town—and with good reason. As the name suggests, carryalls are roomy, versatile and designed for easy everyday wear. They can typically fit a paperback, hardcover book or notebook along with a water bottle and other necessities without feeling cramped.
Look For: Carryalls crafted of leather will look put together and polished, even when designed in a slouchier silhouette. Totes made of canvas or jacquard will provide a more casual style along with a lightweight feel.
Style Picks: Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 39, Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 34, Soft Empire Carryall Bag 40, Soft Empire Carryall Bag 28
Roomy Shoulder Bags
If you’re looking for a handbag that’s a bit more compact yet still spacious enough to carry a book, medium to large shoulder bags are your best bet. And when crafted in a contemporary silhouette with high-shine hardware or quilting, a shoulder (book) bag will double as your go-to for nights out with friends or days spent walking around the city. Adorn it with bag charms or jewellery-like detachable straps for an extra dose of style.
Look For: Shoulder bags with a wider base, a soft or semi-structured shape and enough depth for your book to fit comfortably.
Style Picks: Tabby Shoulder Bag 36, Chain Tabby Shoulder Bag 35, Chelsea Shoulder Bag 36
Large Crossbody Bags
Are you someone who is constantly on the move or simply prefers to be hands-free as much as possible? Then an oversized crossbody may be the book bag for you. While there are many crossbody styles too compact to fit a book, larger versions can often fit slimmer paperback and hardcover books along with your essentials. Bonus: a crossbody will help distribute the weight of heavier items more comfortably.
Look For: Dimensions with enough height and width to fit the size of your book easily.
Style Picks: Chain Tabby Shoulder Bag 30
What should I look for when choosing a bag for my books?
The best bags for carrying your book should combine both style and functionality. Take note—a few features can make a noticeable difference.
Spacious Interior
Your bag should have enough room to store your book(s), plus your everyday essentials like keys, cards, and whatever else you can’t live without when you’re on the go. Choosing an interior that’s slightly roomier than your typical handbag will ensure that it does not look overstuffed once you add your book to the equation.
Comfortable Straps
Depending on their size and whether they’re paperback or hardcover, books can add on a decent amount of weight to carry. Comfortable straps are essential; and if your book is extra heavy, consider a style that distributes weight as evenly as possible across your shoulders and back.
Durable Material
Not all materials are created equal when it comes to carrying heavier items for extended periods of time—you’ll want to choose a bag that will hold up to the task of protecting your belongings without falling apart. Leather is always an excellent choice in this department.
Reinforced Details
Look for reinforced stitching where straps attach to the bag; when carrying a heavier book, you’ll want to make sure your handbag is not held together flimsily. You may also want to consider zip closures or snap pockets for additional security and protection.
Spacious Interior
Your bag should have enough room to store your book(s), plus your everyday essentials like keys, cards, and whatever else you can’t live without when you’re on the go. Choosing an interior that’s slightly roomier than your typical handbag will ensure that it does not look overstuffed once you add your book to the equation.
Comfortable Straps
Depending on their size and whether they’re paperback or hardcover, books can add on a decent amount of weight to carry. Comfortable straps are essential; and if your book is extra heavy, consider a style that distributes weight as evenly as possible across your shoulders and back.
Durable Material
Not all materials are created equal when it comes to carrying heavier items for extended periods of time—you’ll want to choose a bag that will hold up to the task of protecting your belongings without falling apart. Leather is always an excellent choice in this department.
Reinforced Details
Look for reinforced stitching where straps attach to the bag; when carrying a heavier book, you’ll want to make sure your handbag is not held together flimsily. You may also want to consider zip closures or snap pockets for additional security and protection.
How can I personalise my book bag?
Make your handbag feel even more like an extension of your personality with styling and accessories that add just the right amount of flair. Two of the best ways to customise your book-friendly bag are with detachable bag charms and interchangeable straps.
Add Bag Charms
Bag charms are one of the easiest and quickest ways to give your handbag more character. They’ll make a minimalist carryall feel more expressive, a structured shoulder bag feel more playful, and any bag a bit more you.
Does your style lean more classic and polished? Try charms or keychains in timeless leather designs or featuring signature details.
Style Picks: Loop Bag Charm, Heritage Bag Charm, Braided Bag Charm
Are you looking to make your favourite hobbies or unique style clear without saying a word? Try bag charms shaped like your favourite animal, snack food, sport or city.
Style Picks: Crystal Cherry Bag Charm, Deer Bag Charm, Small Tennis Racket Bag Charm
If you want to go all in on bookish style or support your favourite author, opt for one of our new book bag charms that are mini replicas of the originals.
Style Picks: Untamed by Glennon Doyle Book Bag Charm, Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen Book Bag Charm
Swap Out or Add Straps
Interchangeable straps are another way to personalise your bag while also switching up its functionality. On days when you’re going to forego carrying your favourite book, try swapping in a strap with jewellery-like embellishments, such as sparkling crystals, pearls, or chain-link designs.
Style Picks: Short Pearl Strap, Signature Link Chain Strap, Short Jewelry Chain Strap
Add Bag Charms
Bag charms are one of the easiest and quickest ways to give your handbag more character. They’ll make a minimalist carryall feel more expressive, a structured shoulder bag feel more playful, and any bag a bit more you.
Does your style lean more classic and polished? Try charms or keychains in timeless leather designs or featuring signature details.
Style Picks: Loop Bag Charm, Heritage Bag Charm, Braided Bag Charm
Are you looking to make your favourite hobbies or unique style clear without saying a word? Try bag charms shaped like your favourite animal, snack food, sport or city.
Style Picks: Crystal Cherry Bag Charm, Deer Bag Charm, Small Tennis Racket Bag Charm
If you want to go all in on bookish style or support your favourite author, opt for one of our new book bag charms that are mini replicas of the originals.
Style Picks: Untamed by Glennon Doyle Book Bag Charm, Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen Book Bag Charm
Swap Out or Add Straps
Interchangeable straps are another way to personalise your bag while also switching up its functionality. On days when you’re going to forego carrying your favourite book, try swapping in a strap with jewellery-like embellishments, such as sparkling crystals, pearls, or chain-link designs.
Style Picks: Short Pearl Strap, Signature Link Chain Strap, Short Jewelry Chain Strap
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FAQs: You asked. We’ve answered.
What type of bag is best for carrying books?
What type of bag is best for carrying books?
Carryalls and tote bags are typically the best type of handbags to carry your books because they offer the most space and versatility. Roomy shoulder bags, large crossbodies, satchels and slouchy hobo bags are also optimal picks.
Can a shoulder bag fit a book?
Can a shoulder bag fit a book?
Yes, many shoulder bag styles can fit a book—especially those with a wider base and deeper interior. Medium to large shoulder bags will typically be able to carry a paperback book in addition to your daily essentials.
What should I look for in a handbag if I carry books often?
What should I look for in a handbag if I carry books often?
Look for a bag with enough interior space, a wide opening, and a shape that makes packing for the day effortless. A secure closure and some structure will also help protect your book while keeping the contents of your bag organised.