Choosing which bag to buy for your first big splurge can be nerve-wracking given the plethora of options in the market. Especially given the many contemporary brands at relatively pocket-friendly price points (emphasis on relative). But one designer brand that’s surprisingly not as expensive as people might think—and not as expensive as its contemporaries—is Longchamp. People know the brand for its iconic Le Pliage but the French fashion house offers much more than that. What makes Longchamp a great choice is its storied heritage (it’s been operating since 1948), focus on craftsmanship (leather is its expertise), and extremely wearable designs that combine form and function.
Interested? Here are 10 best Longchamp bags to consider for your first big purchase:
1. Le Pliage
Fun fact: Longchamp created the first bags made of nylon. It started in the 1970s when Philippe Cassegrain, scion of the brand’s founder, designed bags made out of khaki nylon and leather to serve as lightweight alternatives to heavy suitcases. Later on, a bag of the same make was also invented. Called the Xtra-Bag, it could be folded to a quarter of its size. That would soon become the predecessor of the Le Pliage, which was created in 1993.
Literally French for “folding,” the Le Pliage is the ideal everyday bag: It’s lightweight, spacious, and the leather shoulder straps are so comfortable. It’s also a great travel bag since you could fold it away in your luggage. The Le Pliage is available in Small, Medium, and Large, with top handle options and shoulder strap options.
Le Pliage Original, $145 (approximately P6,995), LONGCHAMP, longchamp.com
2. Brioche
If something compact is what you’re looking for, then consider the Brioche bag. Aptly named as such due to its rounded edges and buttery soft lambskin leather, this flap bag features an adjustable strap that allows you to wear it on your shoulder or crossbody (or anyway you want to, really). It’s the purse made for hopping around town.
Brioche Crossbody Bag, $895 (approximately P43,174), LONGCHAMP, longchamp.com
3. Mademoiselle Longchamp
The Mademoiselle Longchamp collection embodies the brand’s free-spiritedness, as seen in this particular design. It’s equipped with a wide shoulder strap (so you could wear it short) and a detachable strap (so you could wear it long). It’s got generous space, plus it’s secured with a striking silver-tone clasp. Great for daily affairs or catching up with friends.
Mademoiselle Longchamp Crossbody Bag, $985 (approximately P47,516), LONGCHAMP, longchamp.com
4. Le Pliage Cuir
Sure, the Le Pliage’s nylon canvas and brown leather handles are loved for its function and durability, but if you want something with a bit more oomph, then the Le Pliage Cuir is for you. Crafted in crocodile-style calfskin in a range of très francais neutrals (black, nude, red), it’s an elegant everyday piece that will upgrade any look.
Le Pliage Cuir Top Handle Bag S, $640 (approximately P30,874), LONGCHAMP, longchamp.com
5. Mailbox
The Mailbox was romantically inspired by the shape of, well, a mailbox (and the letters one receives), but it looked like it came to the brand’s advantage: The result is a streamlined trapezium shape made functional with a front compartment and twin top handles—oh, and in the most Longchamp way, there’s also a detachable shoulder strap for good measure. It’s the kind of bag that will look great in the office or on casual occasions, with lots of wiggle room for when you want to take it for travels.
Mailbox Medium, $830 (approximately P40,039), LONGCHAMP, longchamp.com
6. Le Pliage Neo
Perhaps the most contemporary take on the Longchamp (that will satisfy those who love monochrome) is the Le Pliage Neo. It’s the same familiar shape but rendered in satin-finish nylon outfitted with tonal leather and straps. It comes in lots of wearable shades like navy, taupe, marsala. Consider it your sophisticated everyday companion.
Le Pliage Neo S, $225 (approximately P10,854), LONGCHAMP, longchamp.com
7. Roseau
Aside from the Le Pliage, Longchamp is also known for its Roseau, a top handle bag characterized by its rounded edges, exaggerated handles, and iconic bamboo clasp. Like other Longchamp designs, it’s delightfully minimalist. What’s so great about the Roseau though is that it’s a unique yet discreet design. Plus, with the bag’s easygoing vibe, it’d go well with any outfit.
Roseau Top Handle Bag Medium, $595 (approximately P28,703), LONGCHAMP, longchamp.com
8. Le Foulonné Backpack
Lots of brands do backpacks but none do it quite like Longchamp, which always seems to inject a touch of quiet sophistication. Longchamp has a range of backpacks, with many featuring the iconic logo-debossed flap. This Le Foulonné backpack is spacious, lightweight, and incredibly stylish, thanks to its grained cowhide. It’s a great piece for commuting and travelling.
Le Foulonné Backpack, $630 (approximatelyP30,391), LONGCHAMP, longchamp.com
9. Cavalcade Crossbody Bag
Inspired by saddlery spirit befitting of the brand’s leather expertise, the Cavalcade bag isn’t your ordinary crossbody piece: It’s round with generous width, and it’s accented by a swivel closure and sleek hardware. Simple yet refined. Great for those who want an understated piece they could wear over and over again.
Cavalcade Crossbody Bag, $590 (approximately P28,461), LONGCHAMP, longchamp.com
10. Roseau Hobo Bag
The Roseau line also includes a hobo bag for those who love a slouchy purse they could slip on and off whenever, wherever. It’s uncomplicated yet practical. It’s got a wide shoulder strap and the bamboo clasp to close the top. Perfect for those who are always on the go.
Roseau Hobo Bag, $595 (approximately P28,703), LONGCHAMP, longchamp.com
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