Handbags are the final accessory that pulls an outfit together. The clothes can be beautiful, the shoes can be on point, and the jewelry can be eye-catching, but the right bag takes any outfit to the next level.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or you want to add to your collection, it’s essential to do some research beforehand. We understand that you might not have enough time to scour different stores or try each brand before you find the right one. This is why we’ve done the research for you and found the best handbag brands.
1. ALDO Greenwald Crossbody Bag
The crossbody bag is the mark of elegance and style, and the beautiful black color fits in with almost any outfit. The quilted style is reminiscent of vintage Chanel and beautiful 90s two-pieces. This stunning bag looks great dressed-up or dressed-down. It’s the perfect option for anyone looking for an everyday bag that they can also carry on a night out.
The bag is made from imported faux leather. You get the leather look without worrying about where the leather came from. Specifically made for the environmentally conscious, this is a great bag for nature lovers everywhere. Who says refusing to wear leather also means not looking stylish?
This bag is an affordable version of YSL’s more expensive sling bag. You can get an elegant look without breaking the bank. ALDO’s Greenwald Crossbody bag is proof that you don’t have to spend beyond your means to look fashionable.
Specifications
- Product dimensions: : 9.06 x 6.69 x 3.15 inches
- Weight: 2.44 pounds
- Item ASIN: B07TLVNZG8
- Manufacturer: ALDO
Pros
- The black color fits in with almost any outfit. Black is easy to blend in with any outfit color, making the bag quite versatile.
- The quilted style gives it a vintage look. This is an ideal choice for anyone who loves classic styles.
- It’s big enough to fit all of the essentials without overwhelming the rest of the outfit.
- It has separate inner pockets that make it easy for you to organize your handbag.
- The chain strap is stylish.
- It’s one of the most affordable options in our buying guide.
- The chain has a strap where it sits on your shoulder, so you don’t have to worry about any shoulder chafing.
- It is heavy enough to give you the feeling that it can compete with more luxurious options.
- The bag is spacious. An Amazon customer reported that they managed to fit their cell phone, pen, and notebook in the bag.
Cons
- You can’t adjust the chain strap. The strap is longer than average, so it might bother you if you’re short.
- Some customers noted that the chain was too heavy for them.
2. Vera Bradley Signature Tote Bag
The cotton bag comes in a variety of over ten different colors. Whatever outfit you have in mind, there is a Vera Bradley tote that is perfect for it. The bag is made out of quilted cotton, which makes it so much easier to clean. As a result, it is easier to handle than other bags like the ALDO Crossbody made from faux leather.
The bag has an exterior pocket where you can keep all of the essentials. The pocket has a zip, so your valuables will be safe. We suggest using the zip to carry your keys, access cards, and credit cards. The signature tote also has six interior pockets for easy storage. It’s much easier to organize your belongings if you can dedicate a section to each of them.
This bag makes it on our list because of how lightweight it is. While most designer bags feel heavy, the tote is quite lightweight. You don’t want anything slowing you down on a busy day, and this 100% cotton tote makes it easy for you to carry.
Specifications
- Product dimensions: 11 x 12 x 4 inches
- Weight: 12 ounces
- Item ASIN: B0883DXT4B
- Manufacturer: Vera Bradley
Pros
- It is 100% vegan cotton. There’s no leather on the tag or anywhere else on the bag.
- The tote is available in a variety of patterns.
- It’s lightweight and easy to carry around.
- Because it’s 100% cotton, you can throw it in the washing machine and hang it out to dry.
- Boasts multiple pockets to make it easy for you to organize and keep track of your belongings.
- Features outer pockets for you to store the essentials in an accessible place.
- It can be repurposed to fit any purpose.
- The inside is spacious enough to fit all of your accessories.
- The bag is made from soft material, so the handle won’t chafe against your skin while you’re carrying it.
Cons
- The tote bag is classified as small, so it is much smaller than other tote bags in this guide.
- You can only buy it in various colored patterns; there are no solid colors available. This is not the right tote bag for you if you’re looking for something more subdued.
3. COACH Signature PVC Double Corner
The wristlet is made from the highest quality pebbled leather with a polished finish. Also, it is covered with the famous COACH emblem. The emblem is one of the most recognizable logos in the world, and the world will know that you’re a person of good taste and style.
The bag has two credit card slots. You have easy access to your cards and you won’t have to dig through your bag when you need to use them. The wristlet is a great organizational tool because it has two separate pockets. You can use one pocket to store your cash and keys, and the other to keep your cell phone.
COACH’s signature wristlet has a strap for easy handling. You can use it as a small wallet on its own or you can hang it off a bigger bag. You can also throw it into your tote bag if that’s more convenient for you.
Specifications
- Product dimensions: 16cm (L) x 9.5cm (H)
- Weight: 9.59 ounces
- Item ASIN: B076HCNXNX
- Manufacturer: COACH
Pros
- It has a fabric lining so it won’t scratch any of your belongings.
- The two credit card slots make it easier for you to organize your cards.
- The wristlet is big enough for a cell phone.
- You’ll get an official store receipt if you buy it from this Amazon store.
- It’s made from quality pebbled leather.
- The bag has the official COACH monogram.
- The double fabric protects your cell phone from the rest of your belongings.
- The wrist strap makes it easier to carry around.
Cons
- Unlike other bags on this list, the wristlet is the size of a small wallet. You can’t really use it on it’s own. It’s better to buy it as part of a set.
- It’s made from leather, so it’s not vegan-friendly.
- Some Amazon customers reported that they didn’t receive their authentication receipts with the bag.
4. Fossil Rachel Satchel
The handbag has a fashionable shape and size. The square-ish shape is not usually popular amongst luxury handbags, and yet the satchel makes it work. You’d think that the shape would make it appear boxy and classless, but the bag is elegant. It looks as great with office wear as it would with jeans and a t-shirt.
The Rachel bag comes with a detachable leather strap. The strap gives you the chance to choose how to carry the bag. You can hold it by the dual straps for a more elegant look or hang it off the extra strap for a more laid-back look. It’s not every day that a brand gives you the best of both style and practicality.
Though this is a medium-sized bag, it can fit a lot. Don’t let the small size fool you. The bag is deep enough to carry larger items and has interior pockets to make it easier for you to keep track of your belongings.
Specifications
- Product dimensions: 10 x 5.75 x 7.99 inches
- Weight: 1.1 pounds
- Item ASIN: B07DLMS5Z8
- Manufacturer: Fossil
Pros
- The bag has both exterior and interior pockets for extra storage.
- A verified Amazon buyer confirms that it has a great carrying capacity. They were surprised by the purse’s depth after misjudging the small size.
- It has a wide opening that makes it easy for you to put things inside and take them out.
- The bag comes in eight colors (and a pattern option as well), so the choice is up to you.
- It’s made out of faux leather, perfect for those who avoid animal products.
- It has a classic shape, so it matches outfits for different occasions.
- The extra strap gives you more than one way to carry the bag.
- The straps may not be leather, but they are quite sturdy.
Cons
- You can’t adjust the strap, so it might be useless if it’s too long for you.
- Some Amazon customers made reports that the bags were damaged/torn by the time they arrived.
5. Travelon Women’s Crossbody Clutch
The Crossbody Clutch has anti-theft mechanisms. All of the compartments lock once they are closed, and the strap is almost impossible to slash. You won’t have to worry about getting your belongings stolen if they’re in this clutch. Obviously, you’ll still have to remain aware while walking in public, but you can have better peace of mind.
The clutch has pockets in the interior and on the exterior. This is an attractive feature for anyone who is interested in extra storage. All of the pockets are protected by elite locking mechanisms and nothing will fall out. The clutch also has a wallet-like interior, so there’s no need to carry an extra wallet. It might be the all-in-one storage solution you’ve been waiting for.
The days of shuffling through your bag looking for things in your wallet are over. The bag has a key clip that you can easily hang your keys on, so your keys won’t get lost at the bottom of your bag anymore. Plus, there’s a built-in LED light to help you find things in the dark.
It might not be the most stylish bag in our guide, but it is by far the most practical option. Finding the best handbag brands means considering more than just looks but focusing on usability as well.
Specifications
- Product dimensions: 2 x 9 x 6.25 inches
- Weight: 9.1 ounces
- Item ASIN: B06XC3MZJD
- Manufacturer: Travelon
Pros
- The straps and the body are slash-resistant.
- The bag has RIFD technology that prevents hackers from accessing your data by using electronic card readers.
- A detachable strap allows you to choose whether you want to wear it as a crossbody or hold it like a clutch or wristlet.
- Unlike the other bags in our guide, you can adjust the leather strap to your taste.
- The plain and elegant design is easy to style.
- The bag has a 5-point anti-theft system. It’s perfect for traveling over long distances or carrying valuables around.
- It’s small enough to be compact but not too small for the essentials.
Cons
- It’s smaller than the other bags on this list. You can’t carry anything larger than a notebook.
- Some customers complained about the bag hanging upside down when they tried to carry it.
6. Michael Kors Jet Set Crossbody
If you’re a sucker for quality, then this is the perfect brand for you. The Jet Set is the only bag on our list that is made from genuine leather. Michael Kors prides itself on using only the best saffiano leather.
Despite its small size, the bag has a divider inside. Most small bags don’t have any partitions and only have one large open compartment. The Jet Set crossbody is different because it makes organization easier. The divider is also an easy way to separate your cell phone from other belongings that could scratch the screen.
Unlike the ALDO Greenwald crossbody, you can adjust the chain strap on the bag. The bag is proof that just because a bag has a chain doesn’t mean that you can’t adjust it. It’s a worthy investment because it’s an exception to the rule.
Specifications
- Product dimensions: 10 x 6 x 2 inches
- Weight: 15.52 ounces
- Item ASIN: B07Y2BP7F2
- Manufacturer: Michael Kors
Pros
- The bag can comfortably fit a cell phone and other personal belongings.
- It comes as part of the set so you can buy the other bags if you have the finances to do so.
- Most Amazon customers report that it makes a great gift. Every recipient absolutely loved their gift and were thoroughly impressed.
- Another verified Amazon buyer confirmed that the bag came in its original packaging.
- The chain strap is adjustable.
- The interior partition makes it easier for you to find your belongings.
Cons
- The zip often gets stuck making it difficult to open and close.
- Some customers report that the bag stains too easily. However, you can clean saffiano leather with a wet wipe so this problem is easy to overcome.
7. Michael Kors Jet Set Tote
This purse has double leather and chain straps. The chain part starts at the bag and stops just before the shoulder. The leather part is for your shoulders so that the chain doesn’t chafe your shoulders. This is such a considerate feature because chain straps can be extremely harmful, and they can scratch and irritate bare skin.
The tote comes in a variety of colors. You’re not limited to the black model – you can also pick a monogrammed version or a fun blossom color. Just because the rest of the set is available in solid colors doesn’t mean the tote is also boring. The tote is for someone adventurous who isn’t scared of pushing boundaries.
Even though this is a small tote compared to the Vera Bradley one, it’s still a great size for someone who doesn’t have too many belongings. It’s a great in-between option if a crossbody bag is too small but other totes are too big.
Specifications
- Product dimensions: 8 x 5 x 3 inches
- Weight: 1 pound
- Item ASIN: B07KVLV8SB
- Manufacturer: Michael Kors
Pros
- The purse is made from saffiano leather that is easy to clean.
- It’s stiff so it won’t lose shape anytime soon.
- Perfect medium size for someone who isn’t ready to commit to a large tote yet.
- Boasts a variety of colors for you to choose from.
- The purse comes with receipts for authentication purposes.
- It has beautiful silver and gold accents.
- It’s affordable for a quality tote bag.
- The purse has side and interior pockets.
Cons
- Some customers complained about the zip. They had trouble closing the bag once it was full.
- A verified Amazon buyer said that their bag was creased when it arrived.
Wrap-Up
Sometimes the best handbag brands are not from big fashion houses. We know that you expected to see names like Bottega Veneta, Chanel, and YSL. We didn’t judge brands according to luxury fashion but our decisions were based on high-quality handbags that are easily accessible and affordable.
Our list is a balance of designer handbag brands and affordable everyday brands. We also diversified between classic totes, beautiful wristlets, and reliable crossbody bags. We made a buying guide that has something for everyone. It’s up to you to pick the option that works best according to your needs.
If you’re interested in learning more about handbags feel free to explore the rest of our site.