Some people have an inexplicable fondness for bags with chain straps, and we couldn’t blame them. There’s something so glamorous about luxurious hardware slung on your shoulder, and it looks especially brilliant come evening affairs. It even elevates officewear during the daytime and makes you look extra sophisticated.
If you’re looking for a designer chain bag to invest in, start with the classics, which we’ve rounded up below. You can never go wrong with these picks!
ALSO READ: The 55 Best Designer Bags of All Time
SHOP: Designer Chain Bags That Will Never Go Out of Style
1. Chanel 2.55
2.55 Handbag, $6500 (around P314,678), CHANEL, chanel.com
This isn’t a chain bag list without mentioning the iconic Chanel 2.55, which is ingrained in everyone’s fashion memory. Created in 1955 by Gabrielle Chanel herself, it was the first bag to ever have a shoulder strap, changing the game for women everywhere who’ve been longing for a hands-free experience. Featuring the brand’s signature quilted leather, the bag is perfect for those who love old-world glamour. Aside from classic colorways like black and white, the design comes in other more contemporary variants like tweed and colorful metallic finishes.
2. Saint Laurent Sunset
Medium Sunset Satchel in Smooth Leather, $2290 (around P110,863.48), SAINT LAURENT, ysl.com
Saint Laurent has a good selection of chain bags, but if you’re looking for one that can transition you from day to night, consider this design aptly called Sunset. It’s characterized by a boxy shape and top handle that make it look very office-ready. The handle is a hybrid of leather and chain to strike a balance between functional and festive. A great choice for those who don’t like switching out purses come nighttime.
3. Louis Vuitton Felicie Pochette
Felicie Pochette, $1130 (around P54,698.78), LOUIS VUITTON, louisvuitton.com
Sure, Louis Vuitton is famous for its handy, monogrammed handbags but their smaller designs are pretty popular, too. One perfect example is the Felicie Pochette, which is great for those who want a pared down version of LV’s classic Pochette Accessoires (i.e., if you just want a pochette with a chain and no jacquard strap). Featuring an envelope flap with magnetic closure and a dainty, removable gold chain, it’s the perfect little purse for everyday jaunts.
4. Gucci Dionysus Small Shoulder Bag
Dionysus Small Shoulder Bag, $2350 (around P113,754.10), GUCCI, gucci.com
Gucci has a lot of chain bags like the cutesy Marmont and the boxy Padlock, but if you’re looking for something with a touch of whimsy and edge, we suggest getting the Dionysus. The design features a tiger head closure that has become a recognizable Gucci element. What’s so lovely about this piece is the aged metal hardware that’s perfect for those who find gold too flashy, and it’s also easy to pair with any outfit. What’s more is that you can adjust the crossbody strap to a shoulder one.
5. Chloe Drew Mini Shoulder Bag
Drew Mini Shoulder Bag, $1950 (around P94,391.70), CHLOE, chloe.com
Sure, ‘chain bags’ typically remind one of chunky gold chains and quilted leather, but there are some designs that are more discreet—great for those who have a minimalist aesthetic. Case in point, Chloe’s iconic Drew shoulder bag features a rounded body, sleek gold lock, and a thin chain strap that won’t look overwhelming when worn with a casual outfit. A solid addition to your collection of everyday crossbody bags!
6. Fendi Baguette Chain
Baguette Chain, $2790 (around P135,052.74), FENDI, fendi.com
In case you didn’t know, Fendi has a slew of designs for their iconic baguette but with chain straps! Great for those who yearn for a baguette of their own but don’t want a short shoulder strap. This design is fabulous because of its white body and black leather trims, a classic combo that’ll go with virtually any outfit—the perfect grab-and-go purse, if you will! We also love that it comes it with a top handle in case you want to clasp it by hand.
7. Prada Nylon Mini-Bag
Nylon Mini-Bag, €790 (around P44,856.99), PRADA, prada.com
If you’re someone who values functionality and fuss-free design, look no further than Prada’s Nylon Mini-Bag. Crafted with the brand’s iconic nylon material and brandished with the house’s enamel triangle logo, this small purse comes with a detachable pouch if you want to double up on space during the day. You can also remove the chain strap and transform it into a clutch come nighttime.
8. Dior Caro Bag
Medium Dior Caro Bag, $4600 (approx. P268,893), DIOR, dior.com
The Dior Caro is a tribute to Christian Dior’s younger sister, Catherine. Who, by the way, was a French Resistance fighter in World War 2 and adopted the code name "Caro" as a member of the resistance. Like Catherine, the bag is a blend of femininity, elegance, and a touch of grit, enhanced by its edgy chain detail.
9. Givenchy Moon Cut Out Bag
Moon Cut Out Bag, CA$2550 (approx. P105,132), GIVENCHY, givenchy.com
As you may have noticed, chain bags tend to come in mostly rectangular shapes. If you’re looking for a bag with a softer edge (literally), opt for a moon shaped bag like the Givenchy Moon Cut bag. Its curvaceous cut out line makes it fit perfectly under your arm as you go about your day. You can also easily switch between the leather buckle strap and its gorgeous G Cube chain.
10. Celine Chain Shoulder Bag Claude
Claude in Triomphe Canvas, P180,000, CELINE, celine.com
We’re all familiar with Celine’s Classic Triomphe bag, with its sleek, rounded-edge box design and leather buckle strap. If you ever wished it came with a chain strap instead, the Claude shoulder bag is for you. Standing in at 8 x 5 x 2 IN (20.5 x 11.5 x 4 CM) and with only one main compartment and one inner flat pocket, it makes a compact yet versatile arm candy that you can easily wear from day to night.
11. Coach Tabby Shoulder Bag
Tabby Shoulder Bag 26, SGD1200 (approx. P53,007), COACH, coach.com
A 1970s Coach design gets a revival with the Tabby Shoulder Bag. Crafted in plush nappa leather and embellished with the brand’s signature hardware with a leather chain strap, it’s a versatile arm candy that you can wear for any occasion.
12. Tory Burch Kira Shoulder Bag
Kira Chevron Small Flap Shoulder Bag, P38,950, TORY BURCH, toryburch.ph
Of all the Tory Burch’s bag collections, the Kira line is definitely a crowd favorite. The Kira shoulder bag in particular is a compact arm candy that fits snuggly under the arm. It also comes with a removable crossbody chain strap and the brand’s signature double T hardware.
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