Four years of MARAI – time to look back and forward. A leather bag guide for inspiration. And maybe the moment you find your new favorite companion?

There are two questions I really don't like: “What's your favorite color?” and “Which is your favorite MARAI bag?”. Both feel like asking me about my favorite child. Impossible to answer – because every bag has its moment, and every story has its perfect bag.

That's exactly what this guide is about: When to reach for the classic Tote Bag, when for the Minimal Tote, when for the Simple Tote, the Shopper or the Special Edition Re:Piece Tote?

Simple Tote - my companion for every day

You can't go wrong with our Simple Tote Bag. Timeless elegance meets functionality.

The Simple Tote is a total favorite, and for good reason! Made from soft Swiss goat leather, it features clean lines and plenty of space for all your everyday essentials. Whether you're strolling through the city, meeting friends, or doing a little shopping, it effortlessly goes with you and keeps everything important within easy reach. Its understated design makes it a leather tote bag that always looks great, no matter what you're wearing. The Simple Tote is available in black or natural and is my absolute must-have.

"For me, the Simple Tote is the perfect mix of style and practicality. It's light, practical, and always looks elegant." – Elena K., Lucerne

Minimal Tote – stripped down to the essentials. It's our bestseller!

A classic and a bestseller all in one: Reduced to the essentials. Minimal Tote made from Swiss cowhide leather.

Our Minimal Tote is the Simple Tote's sister – even more streamlined and with an even cleaner design. It has no lining, no inside pockets, just high-quality Swiss cowhide leather that gets softer over time. (I love the patina! Especially on the natural cowhide leather.) If you love minimalism, you'll find it's the perfect everyday bag, bringing calm and clarity without sacrificing elegance. It always sells out quickly in black, but it looks great in natural too.

“I chose the Minimal Tote because I could never find the right bag. I like it simple and timeless, and I need a bag that isn't loud. I finally found what I was looking for at MARAI!” – Lisa M., Lucerne

MARAI Shopper – spacious, practical, and a real eye-catcher

Everything fits perfectly in the MARAI Shopper. It's your all-rounder made from Swiss goatskin leather.

The Shopper is our spacious wonder: generous, practical, and elegant all in one. It's perfect for market trips, long workdays, or outings where you want to take everything with you – there's even room for a small laptop. Despite its size, the bag never feels bulky, but always stylish and elegant. A true everyday hero that accompanies you on all occasions.

"My shopper is my everyday companion. It's big enough for everything I need, and it always looks great.” – Nina

Leather Tote Bag – clean lines, timeless elegance

A timeless tote bag made from Swiss goatskin leather – simple design, minimalist style.

The classic Tote Bag stands out with its clean lines and minimalist elegance – a bag perfect for work, everyday life, or spontaneous city strolls. It offers plenty of space for your notebook or other essentials, and a zipper ensures nothing falls out. A timeless leather Tote Bag made from Swiss leather, perfectly combining order, style, and practicality.

Re:Piece Tote: More than just a bag

A special tote bag made from high-quality leftover leather – each piece is unique.

The Re:Piece Tote Bag is my personal reminder that everything deserves a second chance. We've used high-quality leather scraps to create unique, one-of-a-kind pieces in Black, Natural, or Mixed. Each bag is a little work of art that combines sustainability, style, and personality. You can read more about the idea behind the Re:Piece Tote here.

The mixed version really catches everyone's eye! The combination makes it a real head-turner, and I get comments about it all the time when I'm out and about. It's not just practical and spacious, but also a statement that beautiful things can be created from what's left over.

Which Tote Bag will you choose?

I hope this little guide has given you some direction and shown you which tote bag best suits your everyday life, your style and your needs. Whether it's the Simple Tote for every day, the Minimal Tote for essentials, the Shopper for everything that needs a lot of space, the classic Tote Bag for timeless elegance or the Re:Piece Tote as a sustainable unique item - each bag tells its own story and is waiting to become a part of yours.

If you're keen to discover more about bags that make your daily life easier and inspire you, check out our blog post on everyday heroes like belt bags, phone bags and mini bags.

Happy Birthday MARAI - My guide to favorite bags made of Swiss leather