PickGlobeA bag that looks perfect in a photo can turn out to be too small for your laptop, too heavy when empty, or quicker to scuff than you expected. Product photos are styled to flatter, so the measurements and material details are where the real information is.
Read the dimensions, then picture what goes in
Bag sizes are usually listed as height x width x depth, in centimetres or inches. The order isn't always the same, so check which figure is which.
- Compare with a bag you already own. Measure one you like and use it as a reference.
- Depth is easy to overlook. A bag with a narrow base may hold a laptop but not a lunch box or water bottle alongside it.
- Backpacks often list capacity in litres. It's useful for comparing backpacks, but the shape matters too: a tall, narrow pack and a wide, shallow one can share the same capacity.
- Check the empty weight. Heavy leather and lots of hardware add up before you've packed anything.
- For travel bags, check the airline's size limits yourself. They vary between airlines and between fare types, and "cabin size" on a listing isn't a promise.
Will your laptop fit?
Laptop sizes are quoted by screen size, measured diagonally. The laptop itself is wider and deeper than that figure. A sleeve or bag "for 15-inch laptops" may or may not suit yours.
- Measure your laptop's actual width, depth and thickness, or look up its dimensions.
- Compare with the internal dimensions of the laptop compartment, if the listing gives them. The bag's outer size is not the same.
- Allow for a case if you keep the laptop in one.
- Look for a padded compartment and, ideally, a raised or padded base so the laptop doesn't take the impact when you put the bag down.
Materials compared
| Material | Strengths | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|
| Full-grain leather | Durable; develops a patina with age | Heavier; needs occasional care; usually costs more |
| Top-grain leather | Smoother, more uniform finish | Slightly less durable than full-grain |
| "Genuine leather" | Real leather | Often a lower grade; the phrase alone says little about quality |
| Suede and nubuck | Soft, velvety texture | Marks and stains easily; needs protecting from rain |
| Bonded leather | Leather scraps bonded with other materials | Can peel or crack; less durable than solid leather |
| Vegan or faux leather | No animal products; often lighter and cheaper | Usually polyurethane (PU) or PVC; may crack or peel over time |
| Nylon (including ripstop and ballistic) | Light, strong, often water-resistant | Can look more casual |
| Canvas (including waxed canvas) | Sturdy and relaxed in style | Plain canvas can absorb stains and water |
"Plant-based" leathers made from things like cactus or apple waste are often blended with polyurethane. If this matters to you, look for a full material breakdown in the listing.
Water-resistant isn't the same as waterproof. Zips and seams are usually where water gets in, even on a waterproof fabric.
Check the hardware and construction
Small details tell you a lot about how long a bag will last.
- Zips: metal zips are sturdier on heavy bags; coil zips are lighter and more flexible. Look for smooth-running zips in close-up photos or reviews.
- Fittings: metal D-rings, clasps and buckles generally outlast plastic. Check whether the finish is plated, as plating can wear.
- Stitching: even, tight stitches with no loose threads, especially where straps join the body.
- Edges: on leather bags, neatly finished or painted edges suggest care in construction.
- Straps: check the strap drop (the distance from the top of the strap to the top of the bag) to see whether it will sit comfortably on your shoulder or across your body. For backpacks, look for padded, adjustable shoulder straps and a chest strap if you carry heavy loads.
A note on terms: what's a purse in the US is usually a handbag in the UK, where "purse" means a small wallet. Backpacks are often called rucksacks in the UK.
Care before and after you buy
- Leather benefits from occasional cleaning and conditioning with a product suited to the leather type. Test on a hidden area first.
- Keep the shape by stuffing the bag with paper when stored, and use a dust bag if one is supplied.
- Nylon and canvas can often be spot-cleaned; check the care label before washing.
- Avoid overloading shoulder straps and handles, which strains the seams.
Returns
Read the returns policy before ordering, especially for higher-priced bags. Many sellers require the bag to be unused, with tags attached and with original packaging and dust bags. Personalised or monogrammed bags are usually non-returnable. Try the bag at home with the things you'll actually carry before removing any tags. If something goes wrong, see our guide to refunds and chargebacks.
Designer-style bags at very low prices can be counterfeit, so check the store is legit before paying.
The short version
Use the measurements, not the photos: compare with a bag you own, and check your laptop's real dimensions against the internal compartment. Know what "genuine", "bonded" and "vegan" leather actually mean, look closely at zips, stitching and strap drop, and keep the tags on until you're sure it works for you.