Don’t want to carry what everyone else is? We’ve got you covered. Discussions regarding the best luxury handbags often centre around a select tranche of brands — think the likes of Louis Vuitton, Bottega Venetta, Gucci, Hermès, Prada, and Dior. And while those all have their place, there’s a good chance that you’ll spot several other people carrying the same thing. Fortunately, there are several lesser known bag brands that make a visual impact without the same ubiquity as their more popular peers.
Spanning affordable to luxury (not to mention a plethora of mid-range price points in between), the best underrated bag brands are united in their commitment to crafting stylish yet practical pieces. The majority are relatively seasonless, designed to transcend trends and created with versatility and timelessness (or at the very least, longevity) in mind.
The best underrated luxury bag brands in 2024
Herewith, our 17 favourite underrated bag brands, laden with affordable gems and low-key luxury finds.
1. Mulberry
It’s said that one in every 10 women in England owns a Mulberry handbag (please don’t quote us on that stat). However across the pond, the British luxury leather house is vastly underrated. Founded by Roger Saul in Somerset, England in 1971, Mulberry handbags are beloved for their peerless leather quality and practical designs. While the house has historically leaned towards a more classic aesthetic, recent years have seen Mulberry introduce more contemporary styles while still respecting its storied heritage. The Zipped Bayswater represents a fresher take on the timeless style (and retains the iconic Postman’s Lock), while the Pimlico sees the brand’s Rider’s Lock reimagined. Mini styles also reign supreme, with the Mini Bayswater and Mini Alexa making for undeniably cute options.
Established in: 1971
Founder: Roger Saul
Location: Somerset, England
Best styles: Bayswater, Alexa
2. Wandler
Balancing elegance with eclecticism, Wandler bags boast unique silhouettes and dramatic hues; though there are ample neutral options too. Interesting silhouettes and considered details set Wandler apart from the crowd, with highlights including the geometric Oscar Trunk and the sleek Penelope Bag.
Established in: 2017
Founder: Elza Wandler
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Best styles: Oscar Trunk, Penelope, Oscar Baguette, Hortensia
3. Rylan
The brainchild of style blogger Brooke Testoni, Rylan handbags are crafted in northern Italy and are defined by their clean, pared-back design language. Despite their understated nature, Rylan bags are identifiable by their elongated east-west style and upside-down oversized buckle hardware.
Established in: 2017
Founder: Brooke Testoni
Location: Sydney, Australia
Best styles: Satchel
4. Polène
In less than a decade since its inception, Parisian label Polène has managed to garner cult status. While still under the radar compared to powerhouse bag brands, it’s one of the most popular on this list, having been sported by Kate Middleton, Emily in Emily in Paris, and a slew of Instagram and TikTok influencers. That said, it’s still relatively rare to actually spot them in the wild, making them a viable choice for those who aren’t keen on carrying something everyone else already is. Polène has become known for its intriguing minimalist styles that prove timeless design needn’t be predictable, with its Numéro Dix, Numéro Huit, and Cyme styles proving popular. The latter in particular is a viable tote option for those in need of a do-it-all work bag.
Established in: 2015
Founders: Antoine, Elsa, and Mathieu Mothay
Location: Paris, France
Best styles: Numéro Dix, Numéro Huit, Numéro Sept, Cyme
5. Mlouye
The artists and architects of the Bauhaus movement were front of mind for Meb Rure during the creation of her handbag brand Mlouye. The abstract, angular, geometric forms of the movement are evident in each Mlouye design, with the brand’s bags proving that interesting design needn’t come at the cost of functionality. With a range spanning totes to mini bags, Mlouye addresses a range of occasions and needs in its singular style, with its idiosyncratic design language and unabashed use of colour ensuring your bag won’t get lost in the crowd.
Established in: 2015
Founder: Meb Rure
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Best styles: Sera, Flex, Atlas
6. Freja New York
New York-based label Freja creates handbags in small batches, using vegan leather. While many vegan leather alternatives rely on polyurethane, Freja uses water-based non-woven ultrafiber and ultrasuede which are made with recycled microfiber and resin and boast a similar durability to conventional animal leather. The brand specialises in elevated styles in neutral tones, with the Linnea proving popular as a work tote while the Caroline makes for the ideal everyday shoulder bag.
Established in: 2020
Founder: Jenny Lei
Location: New York, United States
Best styles: Linnea, Caroline, Roma
Related: Invest In Ethical With These Sustainable, Vegan Bag Brands
7. Fauré Le Page
Preceding Louis Vuitton by well over a century, it’s hard to believe Fauré Le Page isn’t more well known. While the brand has its origins in firearm manufacture and supply, it quickly started making holsters and gun bags to accompany them before pivoting into more conventional handbags and leather goods. Today, the brand nods to its origins with the motto ‘Armed for Seduction’, while catering to a more contemporary audience. Its signature fish scale monogram appears on many of its canvas-coated bags and makes for a unique alternative to the plethora of Louis Vuitton and Goyard iterations. While the brand has a storied history (and a prestige in leather craftsmanship to match), there’s a good chance you’ll be the only one carrying a Fauré Le Page bag in most settings, making it a solid option for those who want heritage without the ubiquity. The crossbody Cartouchière 21 and Daily Battle 35 tote are failsafe options.
Established in: 1717
Founder: Louis Pigny
Location: Paris, France
Best styles: Cartouchière, Daily Battle, Parade
8. Chylak
Polish brand Chylak is one that punches well above its price point, with contemporary takes on elegant styles that stand out from the crowd while still remaining relatively trendless. Chylak’s gold embossed branding is subtle, however the sculptural seal hardware on select styles makes for a distinct style statement, as does the silhouette-driven Shell Bag.
Established in: 2014
Founder: Zofia Chylak
Location: Warsaw, Poland
Best styles: Shoulder Bag, Saddle Bag, Shell Bag, Dumpling Clasp Bag
9. Danse Lente
Unbound by convention, London-based brand Danse Lente experiments with unique shapes and lines. Its sculptural and geometric silhouettes make a style statement without compromising on functionality, with standout pieces including the Duo Pocket and Johnny Bucket bags.
Established in: 2017
Founder: Youngwon Kim
Location: London, England
Best styles: Johnny Bucket Bag, Lola Top Handle Bag, Duo Pocket Shoulder Bag
10. Moreau
Another woefully underrated storied Parisian luxury handbag brand, Moreau was founded by master cabinetmaker Louis Moreau Sr. in 1882. The brand’s signature motif is a pattern inspired by basketry and drawings of wicker trunks braids, which remains a staple on its handbags to this day. While its origins are in trunks, today Moreau focuses on handbags and small leather goods, with colourful styles in classic silhouettes. Several of the Parisian label’s tote bags are reversible, with its signature monogram coated canvas on one side and smooth leather on the other—a veritable two-for-one deal! Other notable styles include the Brégançon, a structured top handle or crossbody bag; and the La Pon Pm, a micro bucket bag.
Established in: 1882
Founder: Louis Moreau Sr.
Location: Paris, France
Best styles: Vincennes Reversible, La Pon Pm, Brégançon
11. See By Chloé
While boho chic pioneer Chloé is an undoubtedly well known brand, its diffusion brand See By Chloé doesn’t get as much love as it should. Designed to cater to a slightly younger consumer than the core line, See By Chloé bags put a fun, fresh spin on Chloé signatures—think crossbody galore, the recognisable ring hardware—by reimagining them in new shades and slightly altered silhouettes.
Established in: 1952
Founder: Gaby Aghion
Location: Paris, France
Best styles: Joan, Hana
12. Boyy
Founded by husband-and-wife duo Jesse Dorsey and Wannasiri Kongman, Boyy designs were a welcome shakeup to the handbag industry upon its launch in 2006. The brand is best known for its iconic oversized buckle bag that has made it a hit with celebrities and influencers alike, however its statement-making prowess continues across the entirety of its collection, with sculptural styles like the Takeaway and Scrunchy Satchel also proving popular.
Established in: 2006
Founders: Jesse Dorsey and Wannasiri Kongman
Location: New York, United States
Best styles: Bobby, Takeaway, Scrunchy Soft
13. Strathberry
Scottish brand Strathberry focuses on clean lines and minimalist design cues, executed with impeccable craftsmanship. Crafted in Spain, each Strathberry bag is made with high-quality leather (there’s also a new vegan-friendly grape leather line) and is recognisable to those in the know by its signature bar hardware. The brand does structured silhouettes best, with styles like the East/West, Crescent, and Nano Tote representing timeless choices.
Established in: 2013
Founders: Guy and Leeanne Hundleby
Location: Edinburgh, Scotland
Best styles: East/West, Crescent
14. Mansur Gavriel
Upon its launch in 2013, Mansur Gavriel debuted with two styles: a bucket and tote. Today the brand’s collection is expansive, however its bucket bags are still one of its go-to styles. Available in both animal and apple leather, the Bucket Bag comes in a plethora of shades like candy apple red and seaweed green. Its freethinking takes on the classic tote, like the Candy Hobo and Everyday Cabas, also make for funky yet functional work bags.
Established in: 2013
Founders: Rachel Mansur and Floriana Gavriel
Location: New York, United States
Best styles: Bucket, Tulipano, Candy Hobo
15. Advene
Placing an emphasis on slow fashion and sustainable craftsmanship, New York City-based label Advene releases designs one at a time and is committed to only using traceable, food byproduct leather—even its dust bags are made from deadstock fabric. In line with its thoughtful approach to releasing new styles, the brand’s range is tightly curated (with just three core styles at the time of writing) with the triangular Age silhouette a favourite for the Albert Review team.
Established in: 2019
Founders: Zi Xuan and Yijia Wang
Location: New York, United States
Best styles: Age
16. Songmont
Chinese brand Songmont proudly infuses eastern and oriental aesthetics into the design of its handbags, resulting in sculptural pieces that have proved a hit with the Instagram crowd, while its entry level price point (with most styles under $350USD) makes it accessible to most consumers. The Luna bag (inspired by the moon) and Song bag are undeniably cute choices.
Established in: 2013
Founder: Song Fu
Location: Beijing, China
Best styles: Luna, Chocolate, Song
17. Savette
Inspired by contemporary and Renaissance art, Savette bags are made in Florence, Italy using traditional leather crafting techniques. Designed to be passed down through generations, Savette bags are fashion-forward yet timeless, with sleek silhouettes that prioritise purity of form. Taking a less is more approach, each piece is devoid of logos and only recognisable by the brand’s hardware, making it an IYKYK piece. The Slim Symmetry Pochette and Tondo are among our favourite styles.
Established in: 2020
Founder: Amy Zurek
Location: New York, United States
Best styles: Slim Symmetry Pochette, Tondo, Tondo Crescent
Words by T. Angel
