Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM Empreinte vs. Louis Vuitton On The Go Tote MM: Which one is better?

The Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM Empreinte offers a soft, luxurious take on a classic tote, crafted from supple embossed leather for a refined, elegant feel. In contrast, the Louis Vuitton On The Go Tote MM is a modern, structured bag made from durable Monogram coated canvas, designed for security and everyday resilience. The choice comes down to prioritizing soft, timeless luxury (Neverfull) versus structured, practical durability (On The Go).

Here is everything you need to know to decide which Louis Vuitton tote is the right fit for your collection and lifestyle.

Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM Empreinte

The Neverfull MM Empreinte is an elevated version of the iconic Neverfull tote, swapping the traditional canvas for rich, embossed calfskin leather. It maintains the classic roomy, open-top design but provides a significantly more luxe and sophisticated aesthetic. It’s for the person who loves the Neverfull shape but wants a more refined material and a softer, more pliable feel.

• What it is: A spacious shoulder tote made from supple, embossed Empreinte leather, featuring an open top and a removable zipped pouch for valuables.
• Key features: Measures 12.6 x 11.4 x 6.7 inches, supple Empreinte construction with LV monogram embossing, includes an interior zipped pouch, adjustable side laces to create a different silhouette.
• Price: Around $2,350
• Materials/Construction: Crafted from high-quality embossed supple grained cowhide leather with microfiber lining and gold-color hardware.
• Pros: A luxurious feel and appearance compared to canvas, soft leather ages beautifully, flexible shape can accommodate bulky items, removable pouch adds versatility and organization.
• Cons: Open-top design can be less secure than a zippered bag, requires more gentle care and is more susceptible to weather than coated canvas, can become slouchy without a bag organizer.

This tote is perfect for those who value craftsmanship and a refined aesthetic over rugged practicality, making it an excellent choice for work, weekends, and elegant daily use.

Shop this product: louisvuitton.com/products/neverfull-mm-empreinte-monogram-empire

Louis Vuitton On The Go Tote MM

The On The Go Tote MM is a modern, structured carrier designed for a busy lifestyle. Made from durable Monogram canvas, it has a distinctly architectural shape that holds its form whether empty or full. With a secure zip closure, multiple interior compartments, and the option for shoulder carry, it’s a highly functional bag that meets the demands of everyday work and travel without sacrificing style.

• What it is: A structured, modern tote in durable Monogram coated canvas with a secure central zipped compartment and multiple carrying options.
• Key features: Measures 13.4 x 11.4 x 5.1 inches, rigid, boxy shape, secure zipper closure, features both top handles and longer shoulder straps for versatile wear.
• Price: Around $2,390
• Materials/Construction: Made from Louis Vuitton's iconic Monogram coated canvas, known for its extreme durability and resistance to scratches and water, complemented by cowhide leather trim.
• Pros: Extremely durable and easy to clean, a structured shape protects contents and provides excellent organization, zipper closure offers superior security, versatile carrying options with two handle lengths.
• Cons: Coated canvas doesn't offer the same luxurious feel as leather, the rigid structure can feel bulky and is less flexible for oversized items, slightly heavier than the Neverfull.

This bag is ideal for anyone who needs a reliable, secure, and stylish workhorse of a tote that can handle a daily commute, travel, and errands with ease.

Shop this product: louisvuitton.com/products/on-the-go-tote-mm

Neverfull MM Empreinte vs. On The Go Tote MM Comparison

Style & Aesthetic

The core difference between these two totes lies in their aesthetic. The Neverfull MM Empreinte speaks a language of soft, classic elegance. Its embossed leather gives it a quiet luxury that feels both timeless and sophisticated. The silhouette can be cinched for a more compact A-line shape or left open for the traditional tote look, but its overall vibe is relaxed luxury.

The On The Go Tote MM is unapologetically modern and structured. Its sharp, clean lines and boxy silhouette offer a more business-casual and contemporary feel. While still featuring the iconic Monogram, its shape and functionality align perfectly with a more active, on-the-move aesthetic. If the Neverfull is elegantly understated, the On The Go makes a confident, practical statement.

Materials & Durability

Here, the trade-off is between luxury feel and everyday resilience. The Neverfull’s Empreinte leather is soft, supple, and develops a beautiful character over time. It’s a genuine luxury material that feels incredible to the touch. However, it requires more care and is more vulnerable to scratches, stains, and rain than its canvas counterpart.

The On The Go Tote is crafted from Louis Vuitton’s coated canvas, which is famous for its durability. This material is incredibly tough, wipeable, and resistant to water and scratches, making it almost carefree. It’s designed to withstand the rigors of daily use without showing significant wear, which is why it's a popular choice for work Totes.

Functionality & Security

The Neverfull MM Empreinte design prioritizes easy access. Its open top allows you to quickly grab what you need, and its large, unobstructed interior can accommodate oddly shaped or bulky items. Security is more limited, relying on a simple clip closure and the separate zipped pouch for essentials.

The On The Go Tote MM, on the other hand, is built for security and organization. Its central compartment closes with a zipper, keeping your belongings safe and private. Inside, it has a built-in zipped pocket and double flat pocket, which helps keep smaller items in place. The addition of both top handles and longer shoulder straps also makes it functionally more versatile for different carrying preferences throughout the day.

Price & Value

With only about $40 separating them, price is not a major decision factor. The On The Go Tote MM is slightly more expensive at approximately $2,390, while the Neverfull MM Empreinte sits at around $2,350. The value proposition is different for each. With the Neverfull, you are paying for the premium quality and feel of genuine embossed leather. With the On The Go, the value is in its robust construction, practicality, and secure design.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both bags are great choices from a renowned and iconic brand, but they serve two distinct purposes and style preferences.

Choose the Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM Empreinte if:

• You prefer the soft, luxurious feel and sophisticated look of genuine leather.
• You value a timeless, classic silhouette over modern, structured designs.
• You need a flexible, roomy interior for a combination of daily items, including a jacket or scarf.
• Quick access to your belongings is more important to you than a completely sealed closure.

Choose the Louis Vuitton On The Go Tote MM if:

• Your top priorities are durability, security, and low maintenance.
• You carry a laptop or documents and appreciate a structured bag that stays upright.
• You prefer a bag with a foolproof zipper to keep your contents secure.
• You want the versatility of carrying your bag by the top handles or over the shoulder.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the main difference between the Neverfull Empreinte and On The Go MM?

The primary difference is material and structure. The Neverfull is a soft, relaxed tote made of embossed leather with an open top, while the On The Go is a highly structured tote made of durable coated canvas with a zipper closure.

Which bag is bigger?

They have similar heights, but the On The Go is wider (13.4" vs 12.6") while the Neverfull is deeper (6.7" vs 5.1"). The Neverfull's flexible design allows it to hold more bulky objects, whereas the On The Go's structure is optimized for carrying flat items like laptops and folders.

Is the Empreinte leather on the Neverfull difficult to care for?

Empreinte leather is high-quality, but like all fine leathers, it requires more conscious care than coated canvas. It should be protected from prolonged exposure to water and sun, and cleaned with a gentle leather conditioner. It’s durable for a leather bag but not as indestructible as canvas.

Does the On The Go Tote MM sag over time?

No, one of the signature features of the On The Go Tote is its rigid construction. It is designed to maintain its boxy, structured shape and will not sag, even if it’s not full.

Which tote is better for work?

The On The Go Tote MM is generally considered better for work. Its structured frame protects laptops and documents, the zipper adds professional security, and the durable canvas can handle a daily commute.

Which is a better investment?

Both bags hold their value quite well, as is typical for Louis Vuitton. The Neverfull is an iconic, timeless design that has proven long-term appeal. The On The Go is a more recent but extremely popular model that fulfills modern needs for structure and security. The better investment depends on whether you prefer a classic or a trendy classic.

Can the On The Go Tote MM fit a laptop?

Yes, the MM size can comfortably fit a 13-inch laptop along with other daily essentials, making it an excellent choice for a stylish work tote.

Can the Neverfull MM Empreinte be carried on the shoulder?

Absolutely. The handle drop on the Neverfull MM is designed for comfortable shoulder carry, even over a coat.