by Avalon Afriyie.
There are many things to consider when travelling and travel handbags are becoming equally if not more important than deciding on a comfortable travel outfit. It’s where fashion and functionality meet at an intersection but that doesn’t mean there’s no fun to be had — it’s quite the opposite. Deciding which travel handbag to use for a carry-on is certainly not an effortless pursuit. Instead, there are many things to consider, depending on what type of traveller you are but we can all appreciate ample space and luxurious accessories and particularly the marrying of both elements. When it comes to travel luggage, one thing is paramount — the practicality factor. I’ve learned this from personal experiences and faux pas. Ensuring enough capacity for spillover, secure concealed compartments, comfort and easy access to travel documents are just a few things to consider, in addition to the style of the handbag. From hardwearing tote bags to spacious weekend holdalls and supple woven leather handbags, there are plenty of styles to suit all. Ascertaining which travel handbags to use for a carry-on has never been easier as I’ve shortlisted nine chic and functional handbags from which to take your pick. It’s an investment that will pay dividends in your travel journey.
Monos UK
Metro Weekender
Monos’ arsenal comprises a capsule of hard shell hold and cabin luggage and alongside, they have a select few holdalls that have been expertly curated with seasoned and discerning travellers in mind. Amongst this is the Metro Weekender, which is ideal for travellers with excess luggage or use as an overnight bag. It’s sleek, boasts a structural shaping element and more importantly, a spacious interior compartment, proving you needn’t compromise on aesthetic designs regarding functionality. The underside features a flat zip compartment that provides adequate storage for a few pairs of shoes (depending on size).
Louis Vuitton
Keepall Bandoulière 55 Damier Ebene Canvas
You’ll likely spot a swarm of Louis Vuitton’s monogram on your next visit to the airport. Decades since its initial release, Louis Vuitton’s travel handbags remain one of the most coveted designer travel handbags among travellers. From the Neverfull to the Keepall collection, Louis Vuitton’s canvas totes and holdalls have become synonymous with travel and add an undeniable touch of luxury to travel. The Keepall Bandoulière 55 is a worthy contender as it boasts a vintage lilt. It also features a roomy cylindrical shape with a long strap (which presents an option to wear it cross-body) and a top handle. It’s available in four additional colourways, including a graphite canvas for a subtle take branding.
Longchamp
Le Pliage Original S Travel Bag Black
Longchamp was founded in Paris in 1948 and the release of Le Pliage followed circa ‘90s, which was a significant moment for travel handbags. Longchamp’s innovation was heavily inspired by Jean Cassegrain’s visit to Japan and his affinity with origami. It was then, that the concept of a foldable, flat-pack bag was conceived. Longchamp’s Le Pliage has since become a steadfast item in many handbag capsules, particularly in its birthplace of France, where men and women are frequently seen frequenting airports and markets with Le Pliage in tow. To date, the collection has expanded to include woven raffia bags and leather, in keeping with modern preferences.
The Row
George Leather & Cotton-Canvas Tote
The Row is one of a handful of brands that have spearheaded the term quiet Luxury. It’s been coined the brand for Sartorialists, who are minimalist inclined and its refined, clean and timeless bags are on par with its aspirational apparel. Although the brand doesn’t claim to be an expert on functional travel accessories, its newly launched totes make the ideal travel companion. The popularity of The Row’s Margaux is following in the footsteps of Hermes’ Kelly Bag and proving to be a recurring sell-out across all luxury retailers, however, its George Leather and Cotton Canvas Tote is equally as chic and more spacious. It’s high luxury, yet unassuming, expansive enough for a 13-inch laptop (and more) and classic in shape. The part canvas, part leather style references the androgynous colour pallet and shaping of a men’s toiletry bag.
Nanushka
The Origami Tote Large
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more directional and practical travel bag than Nanushka’s Nappa tote. The boxy silhouette is offset by Nanushka’s signature imitation leather and this particular style is offered in a contemporary beige hue. The design features creased indentations which allow the wearer to customise the design. Upon completion of wear, the bag is entirely collapsible into the rectangular squared base. The innovative design will allow spaciousness and save space when packing.
Marc Jacobs
The Tote Bag
Marc Jacobs‘s “The Tote Bag” bridges the gap between flimsy tote bags and shoppers. They expertly crafted a hardwearing, structural tote, substantial enough to house all travel necessities. Although tote bags are typically functional, the non-structural element and compact sizing don’t loan itself well to travel, however, Marc Jacob’s iteration encompasses the laid-back effect of a tote, in a hardwearing cotton canvas and enhanced size. The Tote Bag features two slip pockets, an enclosed compartment and a zip fastening for security. It’s available in myriad colourways, spanning black and neutral tones to saturated hues. There’s something to suit all tastes.
Polène
Cyme Bag
French accessory brand Polène is renowned for crafting quality accessories in myriad colourways and the collections are expanding to suit the demand of its customer base. Its longstanding popularity and features on Netflix’s hit Emily in Paris, have seen tourists frequent its flagship stores in Paris, hence the demand for new stores. Polène’s leather goods are exclusively made in Ubrique, Spain — a village renowned for manufacturing luxury leather goods. Polène has also received acclaim from leather expert, Tanner Leatherstein, who likens the brand’s bags to that of luxury fashion houses. Its competitive pricing and directional designs make it one of the most aspirational mid-priced bags on the market. Polène’s Cyme handbag is becoming one of the brand’s most esteemed styles, and the size makes it suitable for travel. It comprises an open sack, an angular basket silhouette (that can be modified to construct a curved shape) an attachable pouch and two handles for ease of wear. The branding is discreetly placed towards the outer front edge.
Milaner
The Travel Elena
Milaner is becoming my worst-kept secret. It’s a brand I foresee gaining well-deserved acclaim in years to come. Milaner is driven by craftsmanship and collaboration with French and Italian artisans, to create an exclusive collection of woven leather bags and accessories. There’s a timelessness about woven leather totes and its foray into airport wear is sure to appease lovers of basket bags, particularly those looking for a streamlined alternative. A woven leather handbag will also prove useful on holiday as its relaxed shape will suit beach ensembles, whilst providing easy access for beach essentials. The Elena was constructed with travel at the forefront. It features a cotton lining, magnetic top closure, concealed interior pockets and a 22 x 16-inch dimension.
Katie Loxton
Kensington Weekend Bag
Since 2023, the pop culture reference “ludicrously capacious bag” (courtesy of Succession) has inspired the resurgence of oversized bags. There’s been a gradual shift from streamlined shoulder bags (the baguette bag, for example) to oversized tote bags, which are almost on par with holdalls. Katie Loxton’s Kensington Weekend Bag is in good company with The Row and Khaite. Not only does it boast a sleek leather-look exterior but it also has a spacious interior compartment, making it suitable for overnight stays. The Kensington Weekend bag comprises a textured surface, one single pocket, a supple silhouette, gold adornments and a luggage tag. It’s available in black and three additional muted colourways, with options for personalisation — with either embroidered or monogrammed initials.
Check Out “Selecting Stylish Travel Bag Companions“
