Dagne Dover 15" Tote Review (Legend Tote Predecessor)

Let's begin with a little backstory on the discontinued 15" Totes (taken from my "Tote Size Guide")!

The 15" Tote was Dagne Dover's staple piece along with the original clutch wallet until the introduction of the Mini Tote in Spring 2014. It is named not necessarily for its overall width (approximately 18.5" inches at the widest point), but for the maximum laptop size the interior laptop sleeve can accommodate (15"). The key difference visually between the 13" Tote and the 15" tote is that the 13" Tote's handles can be easily folded down, whereas the 15" Tote's handles are rigid and stand straight up. The Tote was re-designed early on to be lighter and to fix various issues that arose with the handles. The most recent re-designed version, now called the Legend Tote, has slightly different dimensions than the Totes of this size that were released prior to March 2nd, 2017.

• 15" Tote Specs: 15" L (at smallest point) x 12" H x 7" W, 8" handle drop, 3.4lb weight

• Legend Tote Specs: 14 ¾" L x 11 ½" H x 7" W, 9" handle drop, 2.9lb weight

While I usually prefer Dagne Dover’s leather items over their larger coated canvas totes, I’ve found myself using my 15" Tote often this year. My parents live a few hours away, and it seems to be the perfect size for the car trip and an overnight stay with them. Although a Large Allyn or Landon could also work for this purpose, the Landons don’t have as much laptop padding (I take my 15” work laptop with me), and I’ve found the Large Allyn is too large and has a tendency to slouch/tip over.

Pictured with XS Landon, S Hunter, Accordion Travel Wallet, and S/L Scout Pouches

One great thing about the 15" Tote is that you can fit a smaller purse inside with room to spare. I usually pack either a Small Andra or an XS Landon along with my 15” laptop, a thin folder, a Small Hunter full of toiletries, and a couple of Scout pouches for chargers and other odds and ends (plus an extra shirt or pair of leggings if needed). The fact that the main compartment zips up is also a plus.

• Although it hasn't happened to me yet with these bags, I have heard from numerous people that the larger coated canvas bags tend to develop a slouch over time—sometimes, it's severe. I suspect it's happening to the re-designed Legends in particular, which contain less coated canvas material in the interior. Stuffing the bag with lightweight filler material while not in use could potentially help the bag retain its shape.

Color comparison: Lola/Slim Wallet in Graphite, 15" Tote in Steel Gray (I think!), Large Allyn in Slate, Ava in Steel Gray

I purchased this bag second-hand with minimal information, so I had trouble correctly identifying its color for the longest time. I assumed it was Graphite at first, but I later bought a Graphite Slim Wallet and realized that definitely wasn't right! I then figured it must be Slate due to its slight blue tint, but it turns out I was wrong about that too. The closest color match is actually Steel Gray—and after comparing the interior materials to my 15" Tote in Linen, I discovered my assumption that this was a Legend tote was also inaccurate! (Steel Gray came out a season or two before the coated canvas bags were rebranded/redesigned.) Oof.

Pictured with the Large Ryan Laptop Bag in Clay Red (SS19)

The only downside I’ve found is that because the bag is so boxy and rigid, it makes it a bit awkward to lug around in stores—it juts out so much that I worry I’ll knock over or break something! I recently ordered a Large Ryan Laptop Bag to try out in place of the 15" Tote, and although the compartments are great and it's a wonderfully functional bag, I'm going to sell the Ryan because the silhouette/aesthetic is not for me. (The newly-released large Wade diaper bag might do the trick; the width is more substantial and the structured silhouette appeals to me as well!)

• Large Ryan Dimensions: 16” L  x 12.25” H x 2.5” W
• Large Wade Dimensions (not pictured): 16.25” L x 12” H x  6” W

Fun fact: my very first Dagne Dover bag was a 15” Tote in Linen.  I'll admit I haven’t used it in years, but I won't part with it anytime soon—it’s too special to me. I’ll never forget how awe-struck I felt when I saw it in person for the first time. Based on the state of my Dagne-filled house right now, I'd say it clearly made an impression. 🙈

Did this post help you choose a 15" Tote or Legend Tote? Let me know what color you got! Leave me a comment here or on Instagram (@totesdagne).

Please let me know if you have any questions or requests for additional comparison photos—I'll do my best to help. If you decide to make a first-time purchase through Dagne Dover, please consider clicking this link for $20 off your first $100+ purchase! (If you make a qualifying purchase, Dagne Dover will gift me $20 in spending credit as part of their new Dagne Rewards program!) The link will take you to Dagne Dover's home page, where a unique $20 off code should pop up after a few seconds. 

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