Madewell Transport Tote vs. Zip Top: Which one should you buy?

The Madewell Transport Tote and the Madewell Zip Top are two of the brand's most popular bags, but they serve very different purposes. The Transport Tote is a large, open-top workhorse with a classic, minimalist feel, designed to carry everything from a laptop to daily essentials. The Zip Top is a significantly more compact, structured bag with a secure zipper closure, prioritizing security and a polished look over sheer capacity.

Here’s everything you need to know to choose the right Madewell bag for your lifestyle.

Madewell Transport Tote

The Transport Tote is Madewell's iconic, best-selling bag known for its spacious interior and simple, timeless design. Crafted from high-quality leather that develops a unique patina over time, this tote is built for heavy daily use. Its large, open-concept design and sturdy handles make it a go-to choice for work, travel, and errands when you need to carry a lot without sacrificing style.

• What it is: A large, unstructured leather tote with an open top, designed for maximum capacity and easy access.
• Key features: Measures approximately 14" W x 11" H x 5" D. Features sturdy top handles, one interior zip pocket, and an unstructured body that fits laptops and more.
• Price: Around $198–$248, depending on the specific leather finish.
• Materials/Construction: Typically made from durable full-grain or top-grain leather with reinforced stitching to handle daily wear and tear.
• Pros: Excellent capacity fits most laptops, notebooks, and other essentials comfortably. Minimalist style is incredibly versatile. Easy access to contents. Durable leather ages beautifully.
• Cons: Open-top design offers minimal security for valuables. Can get heavy when fully loaded. Limited internal organization beyond a single pocket.

This tote is a perfect choice for anyone who needs to carry a lot for work or daily life and values effortless style and easy access over zippered security.

Shop this product: madewell.com/transport-tote

Madewell Zip Top Tote

The Madewell Zip Top is a more compact, structured, and secure alternative to its larger sibling. Designed for those who carry a more curated selection of essentials, this bag's main draw is its full zip closure, providing peace of mind during commutes or crowded outings. Its smaller footprint and polished silhouette make it a versatile option that transitions easily from a daytime purse to an evening accessory.

• What it is: A medium-sized, organized leather bag with a flat base, a secure full-zip closure, and an adjustable strap.
• Key features: Measures around 10" W x 8" H x 4" D. Features a top zip closure, interior organizational pockets, a flat base to keep it upright, and often an adjustable shoulder strap for crossbody wear.
• Price: Typically priced between $128–$168.
• Materials/Construction: Crafted from high-quality, structured leather with a focus on clean lines and a reliable, smooth zipper.
• Pros: Secure zip closure protects belongings. Compact size is lightweight and manageable. More structured shape holds its form and looks polished. Adjustable strap offers multiple ways to carry.
• Cons: Limited capacity - will not fit a standard laptop. Smaller opening can make it slightly harder to see and grab items inside.

Ideal for users who prioritize security and a more petite, organized silhouette for carrying just the daily essentials like a wallet, phone, and keys.

Shop this product: madewell.com/zip-top

Madewell Transport Tote vs. Zip Top Comparison

Capacity & Size

The difference in size is the most defining characteristic between these two bags. The Transport Tote is undeniably a large bag, with dimensions around 14" x 11", making it spacious enough to easily accommodate a 13-inch or even some 15-inch laptops, a planner, a water bottle, and more. It’s designed for those who need to carry their life with them.

In contrast, the Zip Top is a medium handbag, measuring about 10" x 8". It holds the daily essentials: a wallet, phone, keys, sunglasses, and a small cosmetic pouch. While it can fit a small tablet or an e-reader, it is not built for a laptop or bulky items, making it better for lighter, more focused outings.

Functionality & Security

Functionally, the two bags cater to opposite priorities. The Transport Tote's open top is both its biggest strength and weakness. It offers immediate, unrestricted access to your belongings, which is perfect for grabbing things on the go. However, that openness provides little to no protection against theft or spills in a crowded environment.

The Zip Top, as the name implies, offers superior security with its full zipper. This makes it a much better choice for public transportation, travel, or any situation where keeping your items securely contained is paramount. Inside, it often has more dedicated pockets for better organization, while the original Transport Tote typically relies on a single zip pocket.

Style & Versatility

Aesthetically, both bags embody Madewell’s classic, understated style, but they project different vibes. The Transport Tote has a relaxed, utilitarian feel that works perfectly for casual office days, weekends, and as a personal item for flights. Its simplicity is its strength, pairing well with almost any outfit.

The Zip Top has a more structured and polished appearance. Its clean lines and compact size make it feel more like a traditional purse, capable of transitioning from day to a casual dinner. The addition of a crossbody strap on many versions also adds a layer of practical versatility that the shoulder-only Transport Tote lacks.

Price & Value

The Transport Tote is the more significant investment, starting around $198. For the price, you get a large, high-quality leather bag that can function as a work tote, mom bag, or travel carryall for years. Its durability offers excellent long-term value for someone who needs the space.

The Zip Top is more accessibly priced, usually under $170. Its value lies in providing a secure, stylish, and high-quality leather purse for daily use. If you don't need to carry a laptop, it offers the same great Madewell construction and style for a lower price point.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both are excellent bags, but your choice comes down to what you carry every day and what level of security you require.

Choose the Madewell Transport Tote if:

• You regularly carry a laptop, notebooks, or other bulky items.
• You need a go-to bag for work, school, or travel.
• You prioritize quick and easy access to your belongings over a zippered closure.
• You appreciate a bag that can hold an unexpected purchase or an extra layer of clothing.
• You want a single, versatile workhorse bag that does it all.

Choose the Madewell Zip Top if:

• You prioritize securing your belongings with a zipper.
• You prefer carrying a lighter bag with just the essentials.
• You need a versatile bag that can be worn on the shoulder or crossbody.
• You want a more structured, polished look for your everyday purse.
• You use public transit or frequently find yourself in crowded places.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between the Madewell Transport Tote and the Zip Top?

The primary difference is size and closure. The Transport Tote is a large, open-top bag designed for maximum capacity. The Zip Top is a smaller, secure handbag with a full zipper closure, designed for carrying just the essentials.

Can the Madewell Transport Tote fit a laptop?

Yes, the classic Transport Tote can comfortably fit most 13-inch laptops and many 15-inch models. It's a popular choice for a work or school bag for this reason.

Can the Madewell Zip Top fit a laptop?

No, the Zip Top is too small for a standard laptop. It’s better suited for a small tablet, such as an iPad Mini, or an e-reader.

Which Madewell tote is more secure?

The Zip Top is significantly more secure due to its complete zipper closure, which protects your belongings from falling out or being easily accessed by others.

Which bag is better for work?

This depends on your profession. If you need to carry a laptop, files, and other large items, the Transport Tote is the better choice. If you only carry small items and value security on your commute, the Zip Top is an excellent option.

Do these bags get heavy?

Leather is naturally a heavier material. The Transport Tote can become quite heavy when loaded up due to its larger size and capacity. The Zip Top remains relatively lightweight because its smaller size prevents you from overpacking it.

How do you care for Madewell leather bags?

Madewell recommends using a leather conditioner periodically to keep the material supple and protected. Avoid prolonged exposure to water and direct sunlight. The leather is designed to develop a natural patina over time, which adds to its character.

Does the leather scratch easily?

Like all natural materials, the vegetable-tanned leather used by Madewell will show signs of wear, including minor scuffs and scratches. Most owners find that these marks blend into the leather over time, contributing to a rich patina that is unique to the bag.