What are the best leather handbags?
Leather is one of the most durable and beautiful materials used to make handbags. There are so many different styles, textures and patterns of leather handbags available that it can be hard to pick just one. Whether you’re looking for an everyday tote, a satchel for work or a clutch for a night out on the town, you won’t want to miss these stunning leather handbags.
Types of handbags
Cross-body handbags
Exactly as the title suggests, these bags are designed to be worn over one shoulder across the body, with the bag resting near the hip. They can be wallet-sized or as big as a normal purse or tote. Cross-body bags don’t require either arm to keep it on your shoulder. These bags are great for people who are on the go constantly and need their hands to be free.
Hobo handbags
Hobo bags are similar to totes but slouchy and slightly crescent-shaped. They are much less structured than a tote. When you set them down, the entire bag slumps over. They come with a supportive shoulder strap to evenly distribute the weight of the contents of the bag.
Tote bags
Tote bags, also referred to as shoppers, are large, square or rectangular-shaped bags with handles. They generally don’t fasten and the wearer carries it open. It can hold a wide variety of items, and the wider shoulder straps can accommodate more weight than other styles of handbags.
Clutch purses and wristlets
Clutch purses are small bags, designed to hold not much more than a cell phone, some credit cards and maybe a lip gloss or two. They generally do not have any handles, thus forcing you to “clutch” them. On occasion, a small strap is included. Wristlets are clutches with a short handle specifically designed to be worn on the wrist.
Satchels
These bags are great for work or as a laptop bag. Generally large enough to fit a laptop or at least a tablet, these bags often have extra pockets and designated spaces for office supplies, chargers, pens, etc. Satchels are often worn on one shoulder with the bag resting at the hip, but cross-body satchels are also an alternative.
Backpacks
Leather backpacks come in a variety of sizes, from mini to extra large. They come with two straps for the shoulders and a front-closure zipper or cinch. They generally have one larger pocket inside and a smaller pocket in front.
How to take care of your leather handbag
Do not handle the bag with greasy or dirty hands
Conduct regular cleaning with a leather cleaner
Repair early and often to avoid future damage
Store in a dust bag
Stand on the shelf, don’t hang by the handles or set on its side
Don’t store in direct sunlight or you’ll experience fading or drying/cracking
Leather handbag cost
Leather handbags aren’t cheap. To get a high-quality, real-leather bag, you’ll need to spend at least $75-$100. A bag from a high-end brand, or one that’s bigger or more intricately designed, may range anywhere from the low hundreds to thousands of dollars.
Best leather handbags
Best of the best leather handbag
DKNY Jaye Leather Clutch: available at Macy’s
Our take: Sleek and sophisticated cow-leather clutch with multiple pockets, perfect for day or night.
What we like: Measuring 9.75 inches wide, 6.25 inches tall and 2.25 inches deep, this bag comes in three gorgeous colors, each accentuated by the silver-tone hardware of the zipper and strap. The interior features a secure zippered pocket and another open pocket.
What we dislike: This clutch must be professionally cleaned.
Best bang for your buck leather handbag
TheLeatherExpert Small Leather Crossbody Purse: available at Etsy
Our take: With nine stunning colors like wine and caramel and an option to personalize, this cross-body handbag is the sleekest on the market.
What we like: Striking-yet-simple leather cross-body handbag with magnetic closure and a soft suede liner. Standing at 6 inches high, 7.25 inches wide and 2 inches deep, it has two strong magnetic locks and a secure zippered pocket inside. Additional rear pockets can accommodate extra items.
What we dislike: These pieces are handmade, so you may need to order yours in advance of when you need it.
Best leather satchel
Fossil Ryder Leather Medium Satchel: available at Macy’s
Our take: Glowing glazed-leather satchel featuring a structured bottom, three spacious compartments and expandable gussets perfect for holding everything you need to get you through the day.
What we like: This medium-sized bag measures 12 inches wide, 10 inches high and 5.5 inches deep and comes with two handles and an adjustable and detachable strap. Brass hardware accentuates the timeless black leather.
What we dislike: The satchel can fit a tablet but not a standard-sized laptop computer.
Best leather backpack
LifetimeLeatherCo Small Leather Backpack: available at Etsy
Our take: Unisex handmade leather backpack in authentic full-grain leather, perfectly sized for a day trip or everyday use.
What we like: These beautifully-made leather backpacks are available in 10 colors and include a lifetime warranty. The bag measures 9 inches long, 10.5 inches high and 4 inches wide. It includes adjustable straps measuring 35 inches, a front pocket, a riveted mini tassel, raw leather interior and an additional side pocket for smaller items.
What we dislike: The zipper color is not a customizable choice.
Best leather tote
Lauren Ralph Lauren Bennington Leather Tote: available at Macy’s
Our take: Bold and beautiful extra large red-leather tote with two side pockets and one secure interior pocket, perfect for holding anything that comes to mind.
What we like: This bag is quite large, measuring 16 inches wide, 10 inches tall and 5.75 inches deep. Made of Saffiano leather with a polyester lining, it has three pockets and two 9-inch handles.
What we dislike: The tote is only offered in one color.
Stefanie Hammond is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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