While they may flit in and out of fashion, there’s a persistent appeal to slouchy bags. But we’re not talking completely soft, unstructured hobo bags that mould themselves to the contents you put in it; no, these slouchy bags retain some semblance of structure. The best slouchy yet structured bags convey a sense of louche insouciance without being all-out rebellious. In short, if a slouchy hobo bag is an unemployed free spirit travelling the world, a structured yet slouchy bag is a lackadaisical intellectual who retains regular employment but approaches it with a decidedly laissez-faire attitude.
Our favourite structured yet slouchy bags aren’t completely posturally inept; they tend to have a sturdy, structured base that holds the bag’s shape well, complemented by a satisfyingly slouchy curved upper that only gets better (read: more relaxed) with time. The best slouchy but structured bags are typically shoulder bags or smaller totes; capacious enough to hold all your daily essentials.
Pairing the practicality of a structured bag with the effortless cool of a slouchy silhouette, these are our favourite offerings on the market.
1. Toteme T Lock Top Handle
A decidedly elevated offering, we love the subtle T Lock branding (also available in silver) and structured curvature of the top. There’s also a clutch variant for those who like to keep their bags extra close.
Price: $2150AUD
Material: leather
2. Songmont Drippy Roof Bag
Satisfyingly louche and laidback, the Songmont Drippy Roof Bag is one of our favourite takes on the structured yet slouchy trend. Equipped with both a top handle and shoulder strap for dual carrying options, it’s inspired by the architecture of traditional Chinese buildings, putting an classical eastern spin on contemporary aesthetics.
Price: $785AUD
Material: leather
3. Yuzefi Gyoza
From plate to shoulder. The Yuzefi Gyoza draws aesthetic inspiration from the Chinese dumping, resulting in this refined style. Crafted from sturdy leather or suede, it gets slouchier over time as its broken in.
Price: $906AUD
Material: leather or suede
4. Verafied Hobo Bag
For those looking to evoke quiet luxury on a budget, the Verafied Hobo Bag is the way to go. The style is more curvilinear than slouchy, with the slightly stiff upper part needing to be ‘pushed’ in to achieve the slouchy effect in the photos above. We love the lock and key hardware details, which further elevates the style.
Price: $431AUD
Material: leather or suede
5. Neous Scorpius
Neous prides itself on the superior quality of its leathers, with this sculptural elongated silhouette showcasing its soft, supple form.
Price: $1600AUD
Material: leather or suede
6. Wandler Marli Tote
While previous styles have gravitated to elongated baguette-adjacent styles, Wandler showcases its slouchy prowess through the humble tote. A veritable workhorse, the Wandler Marli Tote looks slouchier when carried. Throw all your daily essentials in; the heavier it is, the slouchier it gets.
Price: from €725 (approx. $1165AUD)
Material: leather or suede
7. Manu Atelier Gala
Now here’s a bag that’s watching the clock for 5pm. Erring on the hobo side of things, the Manu Atelier Gala has just enough structure at the bottom to make this list.
Price: $610USD (approx. $915AUD)
Material: leather or suede
8. Smaak Kim
Amsterdam-based brand Smaak is absolutely nailing the slouchy yet structured style, with several bags that fit the bill. The Smaak Cliff gives off Hermès Lindy energy while the Ben nails the medium-sized slouchy tote. However, we like the Smaak Kim for something a little different; it almost looks like a vanity bag thanks to the structured oval-shaped bottom, while the top half has that oh-so-necessary slouch. Carrying it by the top handle helps it get every slouchier over time. Don’t call a chiropractor.
Price: €179 (approx. $288AUD)
Material: leather
9. JW Anderson Corner Bag
The Loewe Puzzle is often touted as a good structured yet slouchy bag, however we think its signature geometric pattern means it doesn’t quite nail the unstudied essence central to the style. So, bypass it altogether and opt for the JW Anderson Corner Bag. Designed by the man behind the Puzzle—Jonathan Anderson—its eponymous corner hardware makes for a striking touch. That said, its slouchy status is somewhat tenuous; overstuff it and it becomes a quotidian rectangular carryall (i.e. no fun). To maintain the slouch, avoid filling it to the brim and ideally pop some heavy objects (might we suggest this Tiffany & Co. glass apple paperweight?) towards the bottom middle section to encourage bad posture.
Price: $1590AUD
Material: leather or leather and canvas
10. Balenciaga Rodeo Bag
Ah, now we’re talking. A bag that needs no encouragement to relax its position, enfant terrible Balenciaga absolutely nails the slouchy yet structured bag. Just look at that opening! Even empty, the lip of the handbag practically gapes over, with the flap looking good tucked in or folded over. Wear it open for that sexy devil may care, idgaf if I get robbed energy.
Price: $5100AUD (small; pictured here), $6500AUD (medium)
Material: leather
11. Aesther Ekme Soft Baguette
Let’s take it back to something more simple. The rounded edges of the fold-over flap echoes the curvilinear shape of the upper, while the decidedly structured lower half is quite literally the dictionary definition of a shoulder bag in its purest form. She’s composed, she’s in control, but let it be known: she’s not boring.
Price: €510 (approx. $820AUD)
Material: leather
12. Aspinal of London Aspinal Hobo Bag
Rich girl cosplaying as a tortured starving artist. But we’re here for it. Could also see noughties Sienna Miller wearing this.
Price: from $420AUD
Material: leather
12. Celine Romy
Of course Celine has a take on the structured yet slouchy style. The Romy is more elongated than it looks, catering to lovers of east-west bags too.
Price: $4500AUD
Material: leather
13. Mansur Gavriel Candy Hobo
Carefree yet function, the Mansur Gavriel Candy Hobo is capacious yet not ludicrously so (read: fits a 13″ laptop). For a smaller everyday slouchy yet structured bag, the Hera Shoulder Bag also fits the bill.
Price: $1145AUD
Material: leather
14. Advene Age Bag
A decidedly different take on the style, the geometric Advene Age bag sees a triangular pouch unfold into a surprisingly spacious bucket bag. Viewed from the side, it has a dramatic slouchhhhh while its structured base keeps things organised.
Price: from $1005AUD
Material: leather or suede
15. Opelle Baby Ballet
Veering into boho hobo bag territory, the Opelle Baby Ballet is a different kind of structured yet slouchy. Eschewing the flat base of the other bags on this list, the slouch is built into the bottom yet structure is retained through the sturdy leather. Exposed zippers and raw finishes on the straps contribute to the relaxed aesthetic.
Price: $545USD (approx. $817AUD)
Material: leather
16. Givenchy Voyou
A slouchy yet structured bag with an attitude problem? Say no more.
Price: from $3950AUD (medium)
Material: leather
Words by T. Angel and Esmé Duggan
