Searching for the dream handbag can feel like a herculean task. As it happens, affordable bag brands must meet quality, style, and durability criteria to earn a spot in your rotation.
But I’ve got you covered. Writing the now oh so popular quiet luxury bags guide gave me the foundation I needed to compile this list for you,
Read on to explore established brands and hidden handbag gems.
Sustainable Affordable Bag Brands
Any exploration of the best handbag brands should include sustainable options. Scroll on for beautiful, ethically made purses.
Cuyana
Cuyana is driven by its “fewer, better” philosophy, promoting the idea that less is more regarding fashion. Cuyana’s commitment to ethical production practices ensures that each bag is made responsibly (and styles elegantly).
Best For: Timeless, sustainably made leather bags
Price Range: $100 – $550
Reformation
Known for its dreamy dresses, Reformation extends its eco-conscious ethos to its accessories, including bags. The brand uses recycled and low-impact materials, such as sustainably sourced leather and plant-based fabrics, to create those “where’s your bag from?” pieces.
Best For: Effortlessly chic shoulder bags and totes
Price Range: $200 – $500
Reformation clothes are cute too; shoppers love this helpful sizing guide.
Everlane
Everlane’s commitment to radical transparency means you know exactly where your bag comes from and what it costs to make. They offer a range of sleek, minimalist bags made from renewable materails, often at surprisingly accessible prices.
Price Range: $50 – $300
Best For: Simple and affordable “go with everything” bags
Love Everlane? You need to know about these similar brands.
Dagne Dover
Dagne Dover brings you versatile and functional bags, made with sustainability in mind. You’ll spot materials such as organic cotton and vegan leather in their stylish bags. Your work capsule wardrobe is sure to love a Dagne Dover tote.
Best For: Sleek backpacks and totes for errands, work, and travel
Price Range: $100 – $300
Demellier London
Demellier London is among those affordable luxury bag brands that strike a balance between classic and contemporary. They use high-quality leathers while supporting meaningful causes through their “A Bag, A Life” initiative, which funds life-saving vaccines for children in need with every bag sold.
Best For: Sophisticated, handcrafted bags made to empower women
Price Range: $300 – $800
High-End Affordable Luxury Bag Brands
Now for some affordable designer handbag brands. If you perused my quiet luxury purse guide, some of these labels will look familiar.
Polène
Polène is a Paris-based brand that offers beautiful, sculptural designs with a focus on attention to detail. Known for their use of high-quality leather and unique silhouettes, Polène bags bring an elevated, luxurious feel at mid range price points.
Best For: Work of art bags that won’t break the bank
Price Range: $460 – $700
Strathberry
Strathberry is a Scottish brand known for its luxury craftsmanship and signature metal bar closures. Browse affordable luxury handbags bags with clean lines and structured shapes, often seen on the arms of celebrities and royals.
Best For: Structured silhouettes and signature bar closure designs.
Price Range: $300 – $900
Mulberry
Mulberry is a British heritage brand known for its classic leather goods. Offering timeless styles, Mulberry bags are crafted from the highest quality leather, making them an excellent investment in both style and durability.
Best For: Timeless British craftsmanship with a luxury edge.
Price Range: $500 – $1,200
Mansur Gavriel
Mansur Gavriel has carved out a niche in the fashion world for its minimalist aesthetic and clean, sophisticated designs. Known for its iconic bucket bags and sleek totes, MG emphasizes high-quality materials, from vegetable-tanned leather to sumptuous suede.
Good news- The site has a preloved section you cans browse for affordable designer bags.
Best For: Minimalists who want a no-fuss handbag that pairs effortlessly with any outfit.
Price Range: $200 – $700
Trendy Affordable Bag Brands
For striking shoulder candy, you know where to look. Find affordable designer handbag brands below.
Staud
Staud offers playful, modern designs that bring a unique edge to any outfit. The brand is known for its creative use of colors and textures, often blending vintage-inspired styles with a contemporary twist. Affordable luxury bags abound.
Best For: Trendy designs with a vintage-inspired touch
Price Range: $200 – $600
Songmont
Songmont brings a blend of minimalist design and sustainable practices to the table, offering high-quality leather bags that are ethically crafted. Their pieces are carefully designed to stand the test of time both in style and durability.
Best For: Artisanal craftsmanship and thoughtful design
Price Range: $200 – $600
Senreve
Senreve combines fashion and function, offering bags that are both chic and practical. Known for their convertible designs, Senreve bags can be worn in multiple ways, making them ideal if you’re on the go.
New chic addition to a travel capsule wardrobe, anyone?
Best For: Functional luxury that fits seamlessly into your lifestyle
Price Range: $300 – $900
Classic and Versatile Handbag Brands
File these bags under “plays well with others”. A selection of no-fuss affordable bag brands coming right up.
Quince
Quince offers a range of well-reviewed bags at fair prices and has been spotted on my list of affordable quality brands. The retailer focuses on luxury essentials made accessible.
Best For: Simple, affordable luxury bags
Price Range: $50 – $150
Madewell
Madewell is celebrated for its casual, laid-back aesthetic, which extends to its range of bags. Known for practicality and durability, their leather bags are perfect for everyday use while still maintaining a sense of style.
Best For: Casual, everyday bags with a laid-back aesthetic
Price Range: $100 – $350
Longchamp
Longchamp is best known for its Le Pliage tote, a lightweight and durable bag that’s been around for decades and has become a staple in wardrobes worldwide. The brand offers a range of both nylon and leather bags, combining practicality with style.
Best For: Lightweight, everyday bags constructed to last.
Price Range: $100 – $1200
Coach
Coach has a long history of creating high-quality leather goods, with a reputation for combining craftsmanship and innovative design. The brand’s bags range from classic to contemporary, so you can find affordable luxury bags to suit your style.
Price Range: $150 – $800
Best For: Classic styles, quality leather, and versatility
ABLE
Known for its laid-back leather pieces, ABLE offers reliable basics you’ll reach for on repeat. Personally, the Mamuye tote holds a place in my bag rotation.
Also noteworthy- ABLE works to create jobs and end generational poverty by employing and empowering women in developing countries.
Best For: Ethically-made pieces that empower women.
Price Range: $150 – $300
A.P.C.
A.P.C. is a French brand known for its minimalist and durable designs. The brand’s bags are typically crafted from recycled materials and high-quality leather and are designed to be both practical and chic.
French fashion lovers will enjoy these brands like Sezane.
Best For: Polished, understated leather bags
Price Range: $300 – $190
How I Chose These Affordable Luxury Bag Brands
The search for the best handbag brand is admittedly subjective. But I strive to bring you well-rounded takes on emerging and established labels.
Here’s how:
Informed Research
To compile this list, I scoured a range of sources for insights on the best affordable bag brands. From in-depth fashion reviews on YouTube by luxury aficionados to candid discussions on Reddit, I got to know which brands are capturing attention and why. Fashion editors and writers also played a key role, offering professional insights into what makes a bag both trendy and timeless.
Authentic Reviews
I dove deep into customer reviews and industry buzz to identify which affordable luxury bags are repeatedly praised for quality, style, and value. I focused on brands that consistently receive positive feedback from both casual buyers and seasoned fashionistas. Because who wants a bag that only lasts a season?
Mindful Budgeting
I understand we’re each working with unique budgets.My goal was to find bags that deliver a luxury feel without the luxury price tag. Some are considered affordable designer bag brands while others are simply high-quality bags. From mid-range options under $500 to true budget-friendly finds, I included brands that allow anyone to invest in a high-quality bag.
Helpful Handbag FAQs
Keep these in mind as you find yourself among an array of affordable designer bag brands.
If you’re looking for affordable designer handbags that don’t compromise on quality or style, think beyond the typical luxury names. Brands like Cuyana and Senreve are hitting all the right notes with their minimalist designs and fine craftsmanship. Demellier London is another rising star, offering bags that are both chic and functional.
Absolutely! If you’re searching for affordable vegan bags, there are plenty of options that don’t skimp on quality. Dagne Dover makes sleek, functional bags from sustainable materials that are perfect for everyday use. Senreve is another fantastic brand that offers vegan bag options. Lastly, check out JW Pei—their bags are budget-friendly, trendy, and crafted from recycled materials.
Affordable luxury bags are within reach if you know where to look. Online platforms like The RealReal and Vestiaire Collective are gold mines for pre-loved pieces from high-end brands like Mulberry or Céline without the full retail price tag. Don’t forget to keep an eye on sales at Saks Off 5th for great deals on mid-luxury brands.