Cuyana Easy Tote Review: Going Places Has Never Been Easier

Life can get complicated, but it can also be pretty easy—like toting around the Cuyana Easy Tote. With its fewer, better philosophy, Cuyana might as well have written the book on de-complicating life. Meaning ‘to love’ in Quechuan (an indigenous Andean language), to shop Cuyana is to fall in love over and over again. 

Like me, take the Cuyana Easy Zipper Tote shopping and swoon over its impossibly lightweight leather (it’s easily the lightest everyday tote I own.) Accompany it traveling and rave about the organizational add-ons. Carry it to the office and take note of how the designer work bag pulls double duty. Or take it to that yogi retreat and meditate on the fact that the multifaceted everyday tote is made from sustainable materials. 

The Cuyana Easy Zipper Tote is available in two styles (zip or no zip) and three sizes (classic, tall, and small.) For this review, I tested the Classic Easy Zipper Tote in Cappuccino. 

Here’s everything you need to know…

Pssst, we’ve also reviewed (and still love) the Cuyana System Tote. New to the brand? Learn more about Cuyana.

Why you can trust Luxe Digital? As fashion editors and handbag connoisseurs, we’ve seen a lot of bags here at Luxe Digital over the years. Crossbodies, travel totes, backpacks—you name it, we’ve reviewed it. So, when we tell you we love a bag, you know it’s a keeper. With rigorous real-world testing (I filled my Cuyana Easy Tote to the brim for both far-flung adventures and daily commutes) and a keen eye for detail, my insights are reliable and relevant.

For more on how we test products in general, see our  HAPPY philosophy for buying luxuries.

Cuyana Easy Zipper Tote review: Pebbled, pared-back, and practical

Materials & craftsmanship: Flawless and featherlight

Made in Turkey, the Cuyana Easy Zipper Tote is meticulously crafted from buttery-soft Italian pebbled leather that is LWG-certified (meaning the brand adheres to rigorous environmental standards throughout the manufacturing process). Sourced as a byproduct of the meat industry, the brand ensures that no part of the animal goes to waste. While it may not be vegan-friendly, I appreciate Cuyana’s commitment to ethically sourced leather. 

Another big differentiation between Cuyana’s leather and traditional leather is how it is tanned. While leather is traditionally tanned with extremely harmful chemicals, the brand’s leather is tanned using natural dyes only.

Besides the accessory’s sustainable properties, the sumptuous Italian leather is also incredibly soft to the touch, lightweight, and malleable—so much so that the tote actually arrives folded inside a dustbag. 

Aesthetic & design: The ultimate timeless tote

The modern minimalist Cuyana Tote is a timeless addition to my capsule collection. Defined by subtle branding—featuring only a small, delicate gold logo at the front bottom—the elegant accessory encapsulates quiet luxury and understated sophistication. 

The bag’s unstructured silhouette and unlined interior, complemented by a single slip pocket, speaks to its effortless versatility and customizability. While the non-restrictive silhouette isn’t naturally the most organized, I love that I can customize it with the brand’s optional smart system of snap-on accessories and straps.

I’ve added the structured insert—with side slips, pockets, and elastic holders—for added structure and organization. Still, I appreciate that it can be removed to accommodate larger or less conventional items. 

Accents of gold hardware add a polished poise. The impeccable stitching throughout the bag is instantly recognizable as the highest-quality craftsmanship.

Colors & variants: Shades of neutrals

The Cuyana Easy Zipper Tote is available in a range of neutrals and three different sizes (Small, Classic, and Tall) to suit every preference. Personally, I opted for the classic zipper style in Cappuccino, but the bag also comes in a no-zipper style for those who prefer to have their belongings instantly available at all times. Similarly, many minimalists prefer the smaller size for minimal bulk, while those who carry around a large laptop may prefer the vertical tote. 

When it comes to picking a color, versatile hues like Cappuccino, Black, and Stone are failsafe. Although limited edition hues, such as Biscuit, Sage, and Terracotta, are a sophisticated way to spice up your look. I already have my eye on a second bag in one of these shades. 

Functionality: Your bag, your way

A true Cuyana classic, the Easy Zipper Tote is a marvel of functionality, marrying a spacious interior with a featherlight, unstructured design. The classic version is roomy enough to handle all my daily essentials—laptop, diary, and water bottle included—with remaining capacity for any last-minute additions (read: snacks). It also doubles as the perfect overnight bag for stylish escapes.

Despite the enormous interior, the leather accessory is surprisingly light, making it easy to tote from boardroom to bar. Of course, if you fill yours with bricks, you may struggle, but the leather is some of the lightest I’ve experienced. 

Like the exterior, the unlined interior is relatively unstructured but for a nifty hanging wall pocket on the side. However, if, like me, you appreciate a little more structure, the everyday bag is customizable. For me, the Easy Tote Insert provides all the organization I need. 

The zipper is sturdy and operates smoothly.

Internal snaps are ready for smart add-ons, such as the System Zipper Pouch or the System Flap Bag. And the D-rings are designed for attaching adjustable straps (also sold separately) for a new look, multi-carry options, or even for dangling cute charms. That being said, I find that the smaller size performs better as a “crossbody”—to call the classic size that would be a bit of a stretch. 

Spacious and versatile, this travel-friendly tote is all about jet-setting in style. Although it’s good to note the unlined interior and relaxed silhouette mean your tech might miss out on a little TLC. In which case, I recommend a separate laptop pouch or tech organizer. 

Care & maintenance

Caring for your Cuyana tote is pretty straightforward. For routine upkeep, a quick wipe with a soft, dry, or slightly damp cloth every other day does wonders. To retain its shape and prevent wrinkles, store the tote stuffed upright. Otherwise Cuyana suggests a deep clean once or twice annually to tackle any accumulated dirt. 

Price

The tote comes across as much more expensive than it actually is. The “Zipper” version ranges from $278 (for the small size) to $298 (for classic and tall sizes.) While the “No Zipper” version is slightly more affordable, ranging from $248 to $268. I also added the Easy Tote Insert to mine for optimal organization, sold separately for $98. 

By cutting out the middleman, the conscious label is able to provide designer quality for a lot less. You don’t pay for the brand name and location costs. You pay for premium materials, longevity and a more sustainable option.

Who is it best for

The Cuyana Easy tote is perfect for those who covet everyday elegance with a dash of star quality. Adored by celebrities like Angelina Jolie, Jessica Alba, and Meghan Markle, it’s the ideal daily companion for anyone aspiring to a blend of practicality and sophistication. The unstructured silhouette is great for larger items or travel. While the optional insert provides all the organization you need for more structured office days. 

Final thoughts

As one of the most versatile and timeless totes in my everyday arsenal, this is a love affair that never grows old.

The Cuyana Easy Zipper Tote is a statement of mindful luxury. I love that it’s made from quality sustainable materials, that it’s lightweight yet spacious, and that the versatile tote can be fully customized to suit my unique everyday needs. 

Where to buy Cuyana Easy Tote?

Discover the full range of Cuyana’s core essentials on the brand’s official website, including the coveted Easy Zipper Tote and exclusive sale items. For those new to the brand, a warm welcome awaits with a $20 discount on your first order of $150 or more when signing up for their newsletter and SMS.

You can also check Cuyana Revive for an eco-conscious collection of pre-loved Cuyana items, further blending luxury with sustainability.

Cuyana Easy Zipper Tote alternatives

Mansur Gavriel Everyday Soft Tote

Made in Italy from premium leather, the Mansur Gavriel Everyday Soft Tote is a great alternative to the Cuyana Easy Zipper Tote, especially for those seeking a minimalist, functional everyday handbag. 

Like the Easy Zipper Tote, the soft leather bag is relatively unstructured with the capacity to fit almost anything of any shape inside. Although it has few pockets, the spacious bag comes with a removable matching pouch, perfect for cash, cards, a phone and other knick knacks. While not LWG-certified, Mansur Gavriel’s leather is also ethically sourced. 

Unlike the Cuyana Easy Tote, the Mansur Gavriel Everyday Tote doesn’t come in a Zipper version, although it does have leather tie to keep it slightly closed. The Mansur Gavriel Everyday Soft Tote is also quite a bit more expensive than Cuyana’s. 

Senreve Cadence Tote

As one of our best travel tote bags, the Senreve Cadence Tote is a slightly more structured alternative to the Cuyana Easy Zipper Tote. 

Featuring six internal slip pockets, an internal zip pocket, and an external pocket, the highly organized accessory is perfect for those who prefer everything compartmentalized and easy to find. That being said, it isn’t as spacious, although it does still fit a 15” laptop. 

Made in Italy from scratch, stain, and water-resistant leather, the quality bag is equally durable and designed to last. The magnetic closure is both secure and easily accessible. And the luggage handle is perfect for frequent travel. 

When it comes to price, the Senreve Cadence is more than double, although we still consider it great value for how much we use it for travel.

The Row Tote

While the Row Tote is similar in style and function, the price tag says otherwise. This is only a good alternative for those looking to spend a lot more on a cult-favorite classic. 

Like the Easy Zipper, the Row Tote is unstructured and slouchy, made from the softest, textured Italian leather. And while pockets are few, the bag comes with a handy detachable pouch. 

Although heavier than the Cuyana version, the bag is still relatively lightweight for its spacious size, with the uncanny ability to fit anything and everything inside. 

If you’re looking for a more affordable unstructured leather tote with zipper, you’ll want to stick to the Cuyana Easy Tote. However, if you’re open to splurging on an “it-bag”, the Row Tote won’t disappoint. 

Frequently asked questions about Cuyana