Today I’m sharing my Madewell Essential Bucket Tote review.
Heading into fall, I had been searching high and low for the perfect chocolate brown bag that wouldn’t break the bank. Originally, I had my heart set on suede–I even did a little roundup of them here.
BUT THEN, I stumbled upon this gorgeous brown leather bucket bag in my local Madewell. I gasped when I saw this bag. It was the perfect size, color, and included in their Labor Day sale event. I took it as a sign and bought it on the spot.
SALE ALERT: The Medium Essential Bucket Tote is included in Madewell’s Black Friday event which means this gorgeous bag is 40% off with code MADEBETTER. That brings the total from $168 to *checks notes* down to $100! The original large Essential Bucket Tote and the cutie Micro are also included in the sale.
My Madewell Essential Bucket Tote Review
I’ve now been carrying this bag all month and love it even more than the day I bought it. It is simple, chic, and the perfect mom-on-the-go size. It is so beautiful and elevates even the most straightforward of outfits, in my opinion.
In today’s Madewell Essential Bucket Tote review, I’ll share some details and specs about the bag, my full review, and a few outfit examples.
The Madewell Essential Medium Bucket Tote Review
Design details
With its dramatic U shape and chic shoulder strap buckle, the Madewell Essential Bucket Tote drapes effortlessly and holds SO much. This bag is so simple but still makes a statement.
Straps + compartments
The bag is made with a single shoulder strap that is attached on one side and secured with a big gold belt-style buckle on the other. The strap is adjustable and can be worn at several different lengths.
This bag is extremely comfortable to carry compared to other tote bags. I think this is because the strap is so thick and doesn’t dig into my shoulder, even when my bag is full to the brim.
The Madewell Essential Medium Bucket Tote has one large compartment and one interior open pocket near the top of the bag. The bag does not have a top zipper enclosure, but it does have a pair of magnetic clasps covered in leather that keep the top mostly closed.
One thing I’ll say is that since the bag is by nature a “bucket,” it isn’t super easy to get organized or find things in a rush. I do keep my phone, keys, and AirPods in the top pocket which helps a lot. I think I will try to find a purse organizer that works with this tote, so I’ll update this post once I do find one.
Size
The Madewell Essential Medium Bucket Tote (the size I have) measures 11 2/3″H x 8 2/5″W x 5″D. The original Madewell Essential Bucket Tote is bigger and measures 14″H x 10″W x 6″D.
After comparing the sizes in store, I decided to go with the Medium version because it was closer to a purse than a tote which is what I was looking for.
The medium bucket tote fits all of my daily essentials (wallet, lip products, keys, phone, AirPods, snacks) plus a book and/or journal. I could also probably fit a small water bottle in addition to all of that. It really is quite spacious.
The original, larger tote is a great size for work or if you intend to use it as a diaper bag. The larger size fits up to a 15” laptop.
Madewell also carries a mini crossbody version of the bucket tote. So cute!
Color
The Madewell Essential Medium Bucket Tote currently comes in four colors: True Black leather (gold hardware), Chocolate Raisin leather (gold hardware), Deep Merlot suede (gold hardware), and True Black Multi leather (silver hardware + studs along the entire strap).
I have the medium tote in Chocolate Raisin. It is a rich chocolate brown that has just a tinge of plum. The color is gorgeous, and the leather is so soft and smooth.
The original, larger size of the Madewell Essential Bucket Tote comes in a total of eight colors: Dark Carob suede (I LOVE THIS ONE TOO), Shaded Olive suede, Tawny Khaki suede, True Black leather, Warm Cinnamon leather, Chocolate Raisin leather, Amber Brown leather, and Burnt Olive leather. All eight colors come with gold hardware.
Material
The Madewell Essential Bucket Tote is crafted of 100% leather in Cambodia.
Madewell is a member of the Leather Working Group, a community committed to building a sustainable future with responsible leather. You can read more about Madewell’s quality, sustainability, and sourcing efforts here.
As with a lot of smooth leather products, I can see that it will likely scratch with wear. I don’t mind a worn-in look at all, but it’s something to note. I will likely use a leather conditioner from time to time if needed.
Price
The Madewell Essential Medium Bucket Tote costs $168. The True Black Multi version with the stud detail costs $188.
The original size of the Madewell Essential Bucket tote costs $178.
How much can the Madewell Essential Bucket Tote hold?
As you can probably tell even from this photo, the medium sized tote holds a lot more than what I have laid out here. I have carried it with all of this plus a sweater in it a few times already too.
Overall Thoughts + Outfit Inspo
I wholeheartedly recommend this bag. For the quality of the leather, the deep, rich color, and functionality, I think it’s a great price. I love that it is versatile, practical, and chic. If you’re looking for a simple, spacious, beautiful bag for fall, this is a great option. And you can see below that it really does go with everything.
Where to buy the Madewell Essential Bucket Tote
You can purchase the Madewell Essential Bucket Tote on Madewell’s website.
Nordstrom carries a handful of colorways in both sizes (Full-sized in Dark Carobs here and True Black and Chocolate Raisin here, Medium in Deep Merlot here and True Black with studs here).
Shopbop doesn’t carry the medium size that I have, but they do have the full-sized version in the Chocolate Raisin here and Warm Cinnamon here.
Thanks for checking out my Madewell Essential Bucket Tote review!
More Madewell picks
On that note…
Fall capsule wardrobe + packing list
