A 15.6-inch laptop is the most common size for work laptops, and it is also the size that rules out most handbags. If you want one bag that carries your laptop to the office and still looks like a handbag, not a backpack, a 15.6-inch laptop tote is the answer. But what actually fits inside one, and how do you know a tote is big enough before you buy it? This guide explains the measurements, what you can realistically carry, and how to pack a tote so it stays neat all day.
How big is a 15.6-inch laptop?
The 15.6 inches is the diagonal of the screen, not the size of the laptop. Most 15.6-inch laptops measure roughly 36 cm wide, 24 to 25 cm deep and 2 cm thick. Gaming and older models can be wider or thicker, and some slim models are a little smaller. Before you choose a bag, measure your own laptop with a tape measure, and if you keep it in a padded sleeve, measure the sleeve instead: a sleeve can add 1 to 2 cm in each direction.
As a simple rule, a tote that fits a 15.6-inch laptop should be at least 40 cm wide at the opening and around 28 cm tall. Anything smaller and the laptop will either not go in or will stick out of the top.
The Maxima: a tote made to fit a 15.6-inch laptop
Our Maxima Croco Tote measures 48 × 30 × 14 cm and fits a 15.6-inch laptop. The croc-embossed Italian leather is structured, so the bag stands up on its own under a desk, and the suede lining is soft against the laptop lid. There is a magnetic closure at the top and a zip pocket inside for keys, cards and anything you do not want to lose at the bottom of the bag. Two shoulder straps with a drop of about 26 cm are long enough to wear over a winter coat.
If you prefer smooth leather, the Maxima Tote has the same shape and the same 15.6-inch fit. For a smaller 13-inch laptop or tablet, the Viviene Tote is the lighter choice. You can compare them all in our Italian leather laptop and work bags.
What fits in a 15.6-inch laptop tote: a realistic list
A 48 cm wide tote with a 14 cm base has more room than most people expect. On a normal office day, you can comfortably carry:
- A 15.6-inch laptop, with or without a slim sleeve
- A laptop charger or a compact USB-C charger
- An A4 notebook or a thin folder of documents (A4 is 29.7 × 21 cm, so it slides in upright)
- A 500 ml water bottle or a reusable coffee cup
- A small make-up pouch and a hand cream
- A wallet, phone, keys and sunglasses
- A compact umbrella or a light scarf
On days when you go to the gym or travel, you can add a thin cardigan or a lunch box, but at that point the tote will be full. A good tote is designed to carry what you need for the day, not everything you own, and a bag that is packed to its limit every day will lose its shape faster.
What does not fit (or should not)
Some things are better left out. A 17-inch laptop will not fit a 15.6-inch tote. A bulky laptop bag inside a tote defeats the point. Wet umbrellas and gym kit should go in a separate pouch so the lining stays clean. Very heavy loads, such as two laptops or a stack of books, put strain on the straps of any leather bag; if you regularly carry that much, split it between two bags.
How to pack a laptop tote so it stays neat
A structured tote looks its best when the weight is organised. Put the laptop in first, against the side of the bag that sits closest to your body when you carry it. This keeps the weight close to you, which is more comfortable on the shoulder, and it protects the screen from keys and pens. Slide your notebook or documents next to the laptop so they act as a second layer.
Use the zip pocket for small valuables: keys, cards and earbuds. Put loose items such as the charger, make-up and snacks into one or two small pouches. Pouches make it easy to move everything from one bag to another, and they stop the bottom of the tote from turning into a jumble.
Finally, keep the bottle upright and closed in a corner, ideally in its own pouch. Leather does not like long contact with water, so this small step is worth it.
Comfort: how to carry a laptop all day
A laptop and charger together can weigh 2 to 2.5 kg. Wear the tote on the shoulder rather than in the crook of your arm, and switch shoulders now and then. If you commute on foot or by train, choose straps that are long enough to sit on your shoulder over a coat; the Maxima's 26 cm drop is designed for that.
Looking after your laptop tote
A work bag is used every day, so a little care goes a long way. Wipe the leather with a soft, dry cloth every week or two, and use a leather conditioner a few times a year. Do not overfill the bag, and when you are not using it, store it stuffed with paper in its dust bag so it keeps its shape. Croc-embossed leather is especially forgiving because the texture hides small marks. Read our full guide on how to care for a leather handbag.
Which colour works best for work?
Black and camel are the easiest colours for the office: they go with navy, grey and black suits as well as denim. Grey is a softer neutral that looks modern with knitwear. If your wardrobe is mostly neutral, a red Maxima Croco adds colour without looking out of place in a meeting. Read more about the texture in the croc-embossed bag trend for autumn 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Will a 15.6-inch laptop fit in a 40 cm tote?
Usually yes, if the tote is at least 40 cm wide at the opening and about 28 cm tall. Always compare the outer size of your laptop, or its sleeve, with the bag's measurements.
Do I need a laptop sleeve inside a leather tote?
Not if the tote has a soft lining, like the suede lining in the Maxima. A slim sleeve adds protection if you travel a lot, but it also takes up space.
How long does delivery take?
Delivery to Europe, the UK and the USA is free. Delivery takes 1–3 business days in Europe, 2–5 in the UK and 3–7 in the USA.
Ready to choose? Shop the Maxima Croco Tote, which fits a 15.6-inch laptop, or browse all Italian leather laptop and work bags.
Related reading: our UK guide to Italian leather bags under £200 and what "Made in Italy" means on a leather bag. Or meet our three bestsellers, the Maxima Croco Tote, the Navona Classic and the Alita, all designed in Florence and made in Italy.