Honest Madewell Medium Transport Tote Review (Plus Size Perspective)

Today’s post is a completely honest Madewell Medium Transport Tote Review from my perspective as a plus size woman (and mom). You’ll find all the details about the bag along with the things I love and things I would change. If you’re considering getting this bag, this post will have everything you need to know PLUS anothe bag option you might like even better if Madewell isn’t for you.

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As a plus size woman, Madewell hasn’t been on my radar for very long. Even when they did offer limited plus sizes, they didn’t offer my size so I had never shopped there until recently. They’ve now expanded their size range to include sizes 14-28 and 1X-4X. Because of this, I wanted to support the brand and try some products.

I have always heard really good things about the quality of Madewell bags from my thinner friends. Although I can now actually wear their clothes too, I decided to start by trying a new bag.

I ordered two different styles, but today’s post is all about the Madewell Zip-Top Medium Transport Tote.

Madewell Medium Transport Tote Review | What You Should Know About The Bag

1. SIZES – The bag is available in a number of sizes – this review is about the medium size which is a great in-between for everyday. You can shop all Transport Totes here to see the other sizes available. The medium is 11″x5.5″x12.25″ with an 8.25″ handle drop.
2. SHOULDER STRAP – The tote includes a removable shoulder strap that can be adjusted from a 14-19″ drop.
3. ZIP vs. NO ZIP – You can choose between the zip top version of the bag and a non-zip option. Because I’m always tossing my bag around, I went with the zip option.
4. COLOR OPTIONS – There are four color options available: Black, Cognac, True Black Brown (Black bag with brown handles and strap), and Dark Cabernet. I went with black but also love cognac if you’re looking for a great brown bag.
5. PRICING – The current pricing of the zipper option is $188 and the non-zip option is $168.
6. MONOGRAMMING – As a southern girl, I have to mention that Madewell offers monogramming. It’s only $10 for non-insiders and is free if you’re an insider. Madewell Insider is their loyalty program and is free to join. I honestly didn’t monogram mine because I just wasn’t sure I was going to love it enough to keep it. Now that I (spoiler alert) am keeping it, I wish I would have done it!

Madewell Medium Transport Tote Review | What I Love

1. The bags are made from vegetable tanned leather and are made to look even better with age and wear.
2. The medium size is perfect for everyday life – large enough to carry everything I need (even a change of clothes and couple of diapers for my daughter) but not so large that I feel like I’m carrying an overnight bag.
3. I love the versatility of wearing it as either a shoulder bag or using the handles.
4. Madewell offers fun crossbody and shoulder straps for purchase to change up the look and functionality of your bag.
5. The bag seems to be great quality. Based on the reviews of friends, it sounds as though they last forever.
6. The bag is a classic style that will work with nearly any outfit.

Madewell Medium Transport Tote Review | What I’d Change

1. I wish the removable strap that with the bag were longer. This was my own oversight when ordering but I prefer a bag that can be worn as a crossbody when needed. As someone who is always on the go (and usually chasing a toddler around), I don’t feel like a shoulder bag is quite “hands free” enough for me since they always seem to fall off my shoulder.
2. Due to the issue in #1, I wish that the standard leather crossbody straps (like those that come with the Ziptop Transport Crossbody) were available for purchase like some other straps are. Only the more decorative crossbody straps appear to be sold separately at this time.
3. The handle drop is 3.5″ and I wish it were longer so I could slide it up onto my arm further instead of carrying it with my hands.

Final Thoughts

I really do love the Madewell Medium Transport Tote, and I am keeping it. I think it will be a great addition to my collection and will be worn frequently. If you’re looking for a nicely sized everyday bag, I think you’ll enjoy it too! If you prefer a crossbody strap to a shoulder strap, you might want to consider purchasing one of these instead.

I also ordered a Madewell Transport Shoulder Crossbody at the same time. Because it comes with a longer strap, I’ll be using that with both bags instead of the shoulder strap that came with the tote.

I own a brown tote from another similarly priced brand, and I honestly prefer it to this Madewell bag. It has longer handles and you can choose between a shoulder strap, crossbody strap, or both. I definitely recommend you also check out this bag from In Blue Handmade. Compare the two and see which best fits your needs!

If In Blue Handmade offered a true black leather option, I’d buy that instead of this Madewell version I got. If you want black I definitely think this Madewell option is the way to go, but if you want brown or another color, compare the two options to see which you like best.

Shop all Madewell bags here.

Shop In Blue Handmade bags here.

I hope you’ve found this Madewell Zip-Top Medium Transport Review helpful! Curious about how any other bags or accessories fit a plus size body? Drop a request in the comments and we’ll review them!