Working as a realtor, I’ve come to realize how important our bags are to the job.
Laptop, contracts, power bank, makeup, wipes, keys—our bags are home to our essentials as an ultra-busy agent.
However, bags are not merely for work functionality. For some agents, the bags have become a status symbol. It comes in handy—literally—when you dress up to impress a big client and make them want to think “you’ve made it” in the job.
That said, regardless of brand, the most important thing to remember when buying the bag you wear to work is that it should serve your best interests.
What to Keep in Mind When Buying a Work Bag
To help you make the right choice, we’ve put together this buying guide to show you what types of bags are available and which ones will work best for your needs. There are several things to consider before making a purchase.
• Size
The size of your bag is key. It needs to be big enough to hold everything you need but not too big that it becomes cumbersome and heavy, especially if you’re going on long commutes or walking around all day.
Not all big work bags are heavy though as some are made of lightweight material. Instead, test the weight of the bag when it’s filled with notebooks, pens, water bottles, and more. Keeping this in mind when choosing a work bag will help prevent back pain later on (no one wants that!)
• Quality
The craftsmanship and the materials from which the work bag is made are important. That’s because it will directly impact how comfortable it is for you.
No matter how striking they may be, comfort and durability should come first.
If the bag doesn’t fit your things properly and gets in the way of your work, then there’s no point in buying it at all! The overall quality should be your top priority when buying a work bag so remember to carefully read the item description especially if you shop around online.
• Budget
The price point of work bags falls in a wide range. You can find a reliable piece without breaking the bank and without sacrificing your personal style.
What’s important is to look at the overall value in terms of how you expect the bag to last.
• Style
Every person has their own unique style. So don’t be afraid to show your personality in your work bag because you will be carrying this with you often!
You can decide if you want to limit your bag style to classic neutrals that you can easily incorporate into your minimalist wardrobe. Or, treat yourself with a modern, statement work bag that turns heads wherever you go.
It’s important to find a bag that fits your style and personality so that when people see it, they’ll think “That’s exactly who they are”.
Types of Work Bags for Realtors
There are many types of work bags that real estate agents love to use. The most popular are tote bags, backpacks, messenger bags, and handbags.
Choosing the right type of bag for your needs can make a difference in how you feel about going to work on a daily basis. This is why apart from your choice of bag material, there are other criteria we like to consider when buying for the refined and poised look we hope to achieve such as 1) subtle or hidden brand placements, 2) precise stitching and hardware (i.e. zipper), and 3) functional design.
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Tote Bag
The large tote is a great bag to carry around for any real estate professional. It’s useful for carrying items such as your laptop, documents, and grooming kit, or even your lunch and a change of clothes. A tote has ample space for work essentials; you won’t have to worry about leaving anything behind at home.
- Stella McCartney Frayme Brown Faux Leather Tote in Camel (YOOX)
- COACH Everyday Pebble Leather Tote Bag in Chalk (Neiman Marcus)
- Mansur Gavriel Small East-West Zip Leather Tote in Black (Neiman Marcus)
Messenger Bag
The messenger bag is a classic style that is a popular work bag for realtors, worn over one shoulder or cross-body, and can also be carried by hand. For a more formal look, upgrade to a briefcase that’s versatile and with easy access to your belongings inside. Work-appropriate messenger bags and briefcases are usually made of leather with simple designs yet secure elements of closing such as clasps, buckles, or zippers.
- VALEXTRA Men’s Iside Leather Briefcase (Bergdorf Goodman)
- Frye Logan Flap Messenger Bag (Neiman Marcus)
- Tumi Harrison Sycamore Slim Brief (Amazon)
Handbag
The handbag is an excellent choice for female real estate agents. It’s stylish and easy to carry singlehandedly and can have plenty of storage space inside. A good handbag to use for work uses material of fine quality such as leather, durable enough to hold work tools and personal items.
- Gigi New York Hudson Python-Embossed Top-Handle Bag (Neiman Marcus)
- Ferragamo The Studio Leather Top Handle Bag (Neiman Marcus)
- Furla Eye S Top Handle Bag in Light Grey (YOOX)
Backpack
The backpack is a useful bag for the busy agent. It gives you hands-free comfort since it’s strapped on both shoulders. With a good backpack, you can carry lots of paperwork or gadgets and can still look comfortable touring properties on foot all day long.
- Hugo Boss Faux Leather Backpack Black (Hugo Boss)
- Frye Holden backpack (Amazon)
- TUMI William Backpack in Graphite (Neiman Marcus)
Whatever style of bag you choose for your real estate profession, it is essential that it fits well with your body type and makes you feel confident when carrying it.
When choosing a work bag consider:
– Do you need lots of space for your laptop and legal-size documents?
– Do you need a bag with a zipper to store your valuable items?
– Is it important that the bag is comfortable enough to carry all day with no strain on your shoulders or hands?
– What type of professional image do you want to project?
How to Look Polished with a Work Bag
When you’re out and about, do you make it a goal to project an image that you’re a realtor who’s got it together in the hopes of winning more business?
If yes, then one of the key aspects of your appearance is what you choose as the right style for the job. Here are some tips on how you can look polished and professional with a work bag:
1. Invest in a good leather bag.
Leather bags are perfect for office or business meetings. Its material is well-known for durability and resistance which as a busy realtor should be your main priority. You want a bag that will protect your belongings with you, especially during client appointments or property showings.
Of course, the sense of elegance and sophistication the leather bag exudes should also be high on the list. When you carry a top-grain leather satchel, be it in brown, navy blue, or classic black color, you’ll feel like the most classy person in the room. Or say, for example, a leather backpack made with fine leather that you use during your daily commute—the sleek and timeless look is something you simply wouldn’t get in other types of material.
While real high-quality leather can last you a lifetime, there are other sustainable alternatives you can choose like vegan leather. Go for the leather product that suits your lifestyle, but remember to choose one for the benefits that we mentioned above.
2. Match with your outfits.
When it comes to choosing a work bag, versatility is key. Hence, a classic style and color is the top choice for many professionals including realtors.
A classic, minimalist design bag is a simple yet chic pairing with the basics in your wardrobe, whereas it can give a good contrast to some of your more contemporary pieces. Opting for darker shades like black, taupe, or burgundy is a smart use of your bag than lighter colors like yellow or pink as it will serve you no matter the occasion or the season of the year.
If you want to elevate an outfit, consider incorporating a structured bag into your wardrobe. Most of us have at least one pair of mules or go-to pantsuit we can be mistaken for running errands; a structured bag will help fill out the ensemble and make you look more professional.
3. Carry your bag with confidence.
The idea that you need to shell out a lot of money in order to look polished is a myth. You most certainly can look expensive on a budget and on the other hand, still run the risk of looking sloppy despite sporting a $2000 purse.
Instead, the not-so-secret to looking classy and refined in a work bag is not what you wear, it’s how you wear it. So take pride in yourself and the things you have accomplished as a real estate agent—and allow your style to speak volumes.
Want more tips? Download a free copy of our How to Look Professional Classy Cheat Sheet!
Brands to Look Out For
If you’re looking for an investment piece that will last you a long time, consider these brands:
- Saint Laurent
- Fendi
- Bottega Veneta
- Louis Vuitton
- Valentino
- Prada
- Salvatore Ferragamo
- Tory Burch
Now, we all know these bags can be quite a fraction of your agent commission. But it’s worth considering that investing in a durable bag can save you money in the long run by eliminating the need to replace it frequently.
You can find some deals on second-hand luxury goods sites like Vestiaire Collective or TheRealReal. By shopping around these sites, you can get your hands on an authentic piece for less than half the price of what you’d pay for it at retail.
Final Note on Buying a Work Bag
As we know, the work bag is an integral part of the daily grind of a realtor. So make sure to take the time to consider your needs, and don’t overbuy.
In general, there are tons of great work bag options out there and it can be hard to pick just one. Therefore, keep in mind the tips we’ve shared here today and you’ll feel more prepared to purchase the perfect one for yourself. The best bags for real estate agents are ones that are both comfortable and spacious enough for work essentials—but still, look stylish and professional at the same time!
Finally, having the right bag can make a huge difference in the way you present yourself. With a high-quality bag that complements your personal style, you can project a confident version of yourself that can attract more business and opportunities to your life.
READ MORE: Best Elegant Dresses to Wear for Work
How many work bags do you use and which brands did you like the most? Tag us your looks on Instagram!
