Madewell Transport Tote Medium vs. Large: Which size is right for you?

The Medium Transport Tote is a streamlined, lighter bag perfect for everyday essentials, while the Large Transport Tote offers significantly more space, easily fitting a laptop and more for work or travel. The main trade-offs are capacity versus portability and a roughly $30 price difference between the two iconic Madewell bags.

Here's everything you need to know to decide which Transport Tote size is the right investment for you.

Madewell Medium Transport Tote

The Medium Transport Tote is a polished, practical choice for those who need a reliable daily bag without the bulk of an oversized tote. It strikes a balance between being compact and spacious, offering enough room for essentials like a wallet, phone, keys, tablet, and a book, while maintaining a sleek, manageable profile.

• What it is: A mid-sized version of Madewell's signature leather tote, designed for core daily carry.
• Key features: Dimensions are approximately 13"W x 11"H x 4.75"D. It includes a sturdy handle drop and an interior pocket for organization.
• Price: Around $150 USD.
• Materials/Construction: Crafted from high-quality, full-grain leather sourced from eco-conscious tanneries certified by the Leather Working Group. The leather is known to develop a unique patina over time.
• Sizing/Fit: Its smaller profile makes it lighter and more comfortable for all-day wear without feeling cumbersome, and it looks particularly proportional on petite frames.
• Pros: Lighter weight and more manageable for daily use. Chic, smaller-scale look. Less likely to be overpacked and become heavy. Perfect size for errands and casual outings.
• Cons: Generally too small to comfortably fit standard 13" or 15" laptops. Limited capacity if you need to carry extra items like a change of clothes or bulky files.

This tote is perfect for daily commuters or anyone seeking a polished, manageable bag for their everyday essentials.

Shop this product: madewell.com/transport-tote

Madewell Large Transport Tote

The Large Transport Tote is the original workhorse of the collection, designed to handle everything your day throws at you. With its generous capacity, it seamlessly transitions from a work bag to a weekend carryall, easily fitting a laptop, chargers, notebooks, a water bottle, and even a sweater with room to spare.

• What it is: A full-sized, high-capacity leather tote built for work, school, or travel.
• Key features: Measures approximately 16"W x 12"H x 5.75"D. Shares the same minimalist design and interior pocket as the medium version but offers substantially more space.
• Price: Around $180 USD.
• Materials/Construction: Made from the same durable, full-grain leather as the medium, designed to age beautifully and withstand heavy use.
• Sizing/Fit: Has a more substantial presence and is noticeably heavier, especially when full. The oversized look works well as a statement piece or a functional carry-on.
• Pros: Can easily fit laptops up to 15", making it an ideal work or school bag. Extremely versatile for travel or as a do-it-all tote. Its large capacity handles almost anything you need to carry.
• Cons: Can become quite heavy when filled. The larger size may feel bulky or overwhelming, especially on smaller frames. Its open space can become disorganized without internal pouches.

This is the ideal choice for students, professionals, or anyone who needs a reliable, spacious bag to carry a computer and other large items.

Shop this product: madewell.com/transport-tote

Madewell Medium Transport Tote vs. Large Transport Tote Comparison

Size & Capacity

The most significant difference is the physical size. The Large Tote's dimensions (16" x 12" x 5.75") provide a noticeable increase in volume compared to the Medium (13" x 11" x 4.75"). This translates directly to what you can carry. The Medium Tote is perfect for the basics: your phone, wallet, a small book or tablet, a cosmetic bag, and keys.

In contrast, the Large Tote can hold all of that plus a 13" or 15" laptop, its charger, a full-size water bottle, a notebook, and even a light sweater or pair of shoes. For anyone who packs for the whole day - from the office to the gym to dinner - the Large offers unmatched space.

Style & Everyday Use

The aesthetics reflect their function. The Medium Tote gives a more put-together, purse-like appearance. It's chic and proportional, making it an easy companion for brunch, shopping, or a day when you want to feel unburdened. It enhances an outfit without dominating it.

The Large Tote carries a more functional, utilitarian vibe. It's a statement piece that says you're prepared. While stylish, its primary appeal is its capacity. It's perfect for commuting on public transport or days when you need your mobile office with you. The trade-off is its potential to look and feel cumbersome if you only carry a few small items inside.

Materials & Durability

In terms of quality, you aren't compromising with either size. Both the Medium and Large Transport Totes are crafted from the same beautiful, long-lasting full-grain leather. Madewell is known for leather that wears in, not out, developing a soft, supple feel and a rich patina over time. Both feature sturdy straps and a simple, unlined interior with one hanging pocket, ensuring equal durability regardless of size.

Price & Value

With only about a ~$30 difference, the Large Tote offers significantly more space for its price bump, representing great value if you actually need the extra capacity. It can serve multiple functions - work bag, travel bag, daily tote - making that additional cost easy to justify. However, if that extra space will go unused, the value is lost. In that case, the Medium Tote is a smarter investment. It provides the same high-end look and quality construction for daily needs at a more accessible price point.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both bag options are excellent, but your lifestyle and day-to-day requirements will determine the best fit for your needs.

Choose the Medium Transport Tote if:

• You don't need to carry a laptop on a regular basis.
• You prefer a lighter weight purse that doesn't weigh you down throughout the day.
• You have a petite build and want a tote that appears proportional to your frame.
• You primarily require a fashionable bag for essentials during weekend and casual outings.

Choose the Large Transport Tote if:

• You routinely carry a 13" or 15" laptop for work or school.
• You value having ample capacity for items like a water bottle, lunch, notebook, sweater, and other items.
• You want a versatile bag that functions well for travel or as an overnight carryall.
• You appreciate the look of an oversized tote and don't mind managing a larger bag.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between the Madewell Medium and Large Transport Totes?

The primary differences are size, capacity, and price. The Large tote is about 3 inches wider and 1 inch taller, allowing it to comfortably fit a laptop and more. The Medium is better suited for daily essentials and comes at a slightly lower price point.

Can the Medium Transport Tote fit a laptop?

The Medium Tote generally cannot comfortably fit most standard 13" laptops because its width is around 13" at its widest point. An iPad or smaller tablet is a better fit.

Do the Transport Totes have zippers?

The classic Madewell Transport Tote has an open-top design. However, Madewell often releases variations, including versions with full zip closures. It's best to check the product description to confirm if the specific model has a zipper.

Does the leather scratch easily?

The tote is made from tough full-grain leather that is designed to develop a patina with age. This means it will show scuffs and scratches over time, which actually enhances the natural character and vibe of the bag.

Which size is more popular?

The Large Transport Tote is often considered the original classic size and is highly popular as a work and school bag. However, the Medium Tote's sleek profile has made it increasingly popular for everyday use.

How do you care for a Madewell leather bag?

Madewell sells its own leather conditioner, which is recommended to protect and condition the bag. It's best to avoid heavy rain and test any cleaning products on a small, inconspicuous area first.

Are the straps long enough for comfortable shoulder carry?

Yes, both sizes have sturdy straps that are long enough for comfortable shoulder carry. Note that when the Madewell Transport Tote is heavily filled, the straps may slightly increase pressure on the shoulder.

Is the Madewell Transport Tote worth it?

Yes, if it fits your style. Its durable construction, timeless design, and high-quality leather make it a good investment that will last. The choice between sizes ensures that there's a perfect tote for anyone's needs.