An Introduction to The Louis Vuitton OnTheGo Tote Bag

History of the Louis Vuitton OnTheGo Tote Bag

Louis Vuitton celebrates the summer and the reopening of its resorts in the most beautiful Italian holiday destinations with a new and exclusive limited edition of the famous OnTheGo tote bag. The OnTheGo is inspired by Louis Vuitton’s historic Sac Plat document bag, an iconic model designed in 1968, much loved by celebrities and reinterpreted several times by the Maison’s artists and designers.

The Louis Vuitton OnTheGo tote bag doesn’t have a long legacy like the Neverfull or Speedy bag, as it was originally introduced as a new style to Louis Vuitton’s armory of bag styles in 2019. The first Louis Vuitton OnTheGo tote bag was the giant monogram reverse monogram colorway in the GM size made from coated canvas.

The bag was an instant hit with Louis Vuitton fans, constantly being sold-out and hard to get, however, it soon became clear the GM version of the tote bag was very large. Whilst the OnTheGo GM tote bag is perfect for carrying everything, literally everything, its size makes it feel more like a weekend bag and incredibly large for every day if you don’t need to carry large items all the time. There’s no doubt that the OnTheGo tote bag is a favourite designer bag to take to work, and it featured as one of the top picks from our top designer bags for work.

Since the launch of the OnTheGo tote bag, it has been included in nearly all of the limited edition seasonal collections from Louis Vuitton and has been created in many fun, limited edition prints. The OnTheGo bag is now also available in embossed leather at a higher price point than it’s canvas counterparts.

OnTheGo Size Comparison

Louis Vuitton’s OnTheGo tote comes in three sizes: BB, PM, MM and GM. Each size comes in a wide selection of colors and materials to choose from!

OnTheGo BB

Dimensions 7.1 x 5.9 x 3.3 inches, this tiny tote boasts all details of the full-size model – including the distinctive handle mounts and riveted leather tabs on the corners – and can fit a smartphone and compact wallet. A removable and adjustable strap enables shoulder carry.

OnTheGo PM

Dimensions 9.8 x 7.5 x 4.5 inches, this size of the OnTheGo is perfect for those who don’t carry too much but still want the same look as the MM and GM! Compared to the two other sizes, the PM does not have shoulder straps, but it has an adjustable removable strap, perfect for crossbody lovers! FYI, according to the Louis Vuitton site, the PM can even fit an iPad Mini. Score!

OnTheGo MM

Dimensions 13.8 x 10.6 x 5.5 inches, similar size to the Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM, the MM size of the OnTheGo is the perfect tote for everyday use. Oh, and this is also perfect for working gals as it can fit a 13” laptop! Unlike the PM, it comes with the two top handles and two shoulder straps for versatility. It also has an inner zip pocket and inner double pocket where you can secure your more valuable belongings.

OnTheGo GM

Dimensions 16.1 x 13.4 x 7.5 inches, with the most generous capacity of them all, the GM is perfect if you carry more than just the essentials. It can even be used for a short weekend trip! Because it can carry so much, it does become a very heavy bag but can be incredibly practical and stylish if you need to carry a lot. It will hold a laptop, books, a diary, and a purse with total ease whilst boasting plenty more room.

OnTheGo Bag Materials

The LV OnTheGo tote bag is now available in giant monogram canvas, as well as some limited edition canvas prints, embossed leather and EPI leather.

Depending on how you plan to use your Louis Vuitton OnTheGo tote bag, there may be some colorways and canvas prints that are preferable to others.

The Giant Monogram reverse canvas version is a good in-between and the most popular, the canvas is a dark brown on one side and a reverse brighter toffee colour on the other. This makes the bag great for working with multiple outfits.

The Empreinte leather versions of the bag are also a great choice for heavy-duty use, in darker colors. Due to the logo being embossed into the leather rather than being printed on, the bag is a little less ‘in your face’ with its branding, but it still very clearly a Louis Vuitton handbag. If you tend to wear more solid colour bags, the Empreinte version of the OnTheGo may be the better option as it comes in a full block colour such as black.

Louis Vuitton generally releases two limited-edition collections every year for spring/summer and autumn/winter. Most limited edition collections feature the OnTheGo bag re-worked with the new, limited edition print.

Often, only one size of the OnTheGo bag will be re-worked with the limited edition print and they often fetch higher than retail value, as they sell out and become rare collector’s items. Sadly, to date (July 2020) the GM is the only size of the OnTheGo tote bag that has been worked with a limited edition print – we can’t wait to see the MM size included in one of the collections.

Is it worth it?

Yes! If you’re looking for a casual piece perfect for everyday use that can fit all your essentials, then you should really consider the OnTheGo. Louis Vuitton’s newest take on a carryall will undoubtedly become your next grab-and-go bag! This arm candy will allow you to easily access your essentials since it does not come with a zip closure but it will still keep your items secure with its clasp closure. What's more, it comes in a wide array of colors and prints that makes it easy for the bag to easily fit right in your wardrobe—guaranteeing maximum cost per wear.