The Difference Between a Tote Bag and a Shopper

Having a functional and fashionable bag is something many working women look for when shopping for a new handbag. But which bag is the best?

In our changing and modernized society, female employment is at an all-time high, with around 50.4% of American jobs being held by women. It’s no secret that professional working women need a handbag that is dependable, stylish, and built to carry everything they need when they need it.

The most popular handbags for working women tend to be the tote bag and the shopper bag. This is due to their functionality, practicality, and beautiful sleek exterior. They make a great addition to your handbag collection and look fantastic with just about any outfit! Whether you’re wearing a business casual outfit to an office job, a cardigan and dress to an elementary school, or dark jeans and striped tee while running between gigs, you can wear a tote bag or shopper with just about any look.

But what’s the difference between a tote bag and a shopper?

History of the Tote Bag

The tote bag is a highly functional handbag that is big enough to use as a carry-on for your next flight, lug around your laptop, carry backup accessories, and more. Tote bags are incredibly versatile and come in a variety of styles and prints for any occasion.

How Did Tote Bags Get Their Start?

Tote bags have an interesting history. The word “tote” has been around since the 17th century, and was originally used as a verb to mean “carrying or transporting items in a bag.” Over time, the word “tote” became used as a noun, and the “tote bag” that we know today came about in the 1940s in the United States.

Initially, outdoor brands created the “ice bag” in 1944 which was a boxy bag made from heavy canvas and used to transport ice from the car to the freezer. It grew in popularity as people realized its usefulness, versatility, and durability. It wasn’t until the 1960s that tote bags became a fashion statement, with new looks and colors being introduced throughout the decade. Since then, the tote bag has been a staple in the fashion world, printed with different designs and made with different materials to provide a functional style for everyone. 

How Are Tote Bags Different From Shopper Bags?

Shopper bags are a type of tote bag. The difference is that shopper bags are considered “open totes” where you can fit just about anything you need and take it with you on the go. You can even fit a smaller bag inside if you’re pinched for time and in a rush to get out the door.

Shopper bags often have pockets, zippers, and multiple compartments that help working women get through their day. Whether you need to make a shoe change, have easy access to your keys, touch up your makeup, carry your laptop with you, or find a snug place to stow your reusable water bottle, the shopper bag is a fantastic handbag for style and functionality.

Both the tote bag and shopper bag are great options that come with many useful qualities and benefits, including:

• Durability

• Style

• Work for any occasion

• Great for on-the-go

• Versatility

• Can carry anything from laptops to diapers, to notes, makeup, and even extra shoes 

Functionality in Style

More and more women in the workforce are looking for bags that offer functionality while also maintaining a sleek, put-together look at an affordable price. Our Koltov tote bags and shopper bags come in feminine and classic styles, with all the practicality of a run-of-the-mill tote. 

Koltov Tote Bags

Our tote bags typically come in a wider and more elongated fashion, and in beautiful spring colors and patterns, such as blooming blossoms, coral, and turquoise for the season.

• For a sleek and put-together look, our Lexi Tote is a fantastic choice. With six different pockets and tailor-made double straps, we take comfort and practicality seriously.

• Our Emily Tote is another popular option for a more casual but pretty look. Boasting beautiful butterfly, floral, and neutral colors, there is an Emily Tote style for everyone.

No matter what occasion you need a handbag for, totes are a great way to keep everything together, with enough space to bring what you need.

Koltov Shopper Bags

When it comes to the Koltov shopper bag selection, there are quite a few stylish handbags to choose from at great value. Here are our top picks:

• We’ve practically sold out of the Gemma Shopper Koltov Handbag! And for good reason… These beautiful and versatile bags are perfect for the working woman, for an evening out, or for a casual brunch!

• Our Camille Large Shopper Koltov Handbag boasts chic, neutral shades for the fashionista who needs a fabulous shopper bag that will go with just about anything.

• The Fiona Large Shopper Bag is one of our most functional shopper bags yet! In five different shades, there’s a look for everyone. Its approachable, casual style works for a quick shopping trip or a day with friends, but its full-bodied style allows you to take whatever you need with you wherever you go!

• Our Laila Large Shopper Bag comes in beautiful mulberry and olive colors, and with an extra-large body, multiple zipper pockets, and compartments, it’s perfect for women on-the-go!

You don’t have to sacrifice style for practicality. With the Koltov tote bags, shopper bags, crossbody bags, and satchels, you can have the best of both worlds with beautiful styles and great value bags.

At Koltov, we are dedicated to providing working women with beautiful handbags that meet their everyday needs. With over 20 years of producing top-quality Koltov handbags for great value, we strive to help women with their busy lives by providing efficient handbags in fabulous styles.