Move over black leather, it’s all about brown suede this season. Brown suede handbags never really went out of style, but rather flit in and out of the collective consciousness with the seasons. As the brown suede handbag trend focuses on a material rather than a specific style, it lends itself to various design codes. Both timeless and timely, brown suede nods to the free-spirited bohemian era of the 1970s through fringed designs (very Chloe), while lending itself to the quiet luxury aesthetic that doesn’t seem to be leaving anytime soon. For the latter, think structured sleek carry-alls and unstructured hobo-style bags devoid of overt branding in sumptuous rich chocolate tones.
Part and parcel of the allure of brown suede is its perennial stylishness; it mightn’t always be in fashion, but it will always be in style. Timeless in the literal sense, brown suede never really looks new — whether it’s a slouchy chocolate brown suede handbag, a pair of tan brown suede boots, or a structured camel suede jacket, brown suede pieces look like they could be heirlooms passed down through generations.
Brown suede handbags have received endorsements from the luxury fashion houses like Prada, Miu Miu, and Saint Laurent, as well as mid-luxury favourite Coach and quiet luxury darling The Row. Meanwhile, Bella Hadid’s nod of approval has aided the ascent of the Coach Brooklyn to a future cult classic, while JLo has superscribed the Bottega Veneta Andiamo in brown suede.
That said, many of the best brown suede handbags aren’t made by luxury conglomerates. Our favourites of the bunch come from smaller independent handbag brands; think the likes of Manu Atelier, Verified, DeMellier, Sézane, and Mlouye. The benefit to copping a style from one of these brands is that you’re unlikely to be carrying the same thing as everyone else. And, we also have styles that cater to those wishing to explore the brown suede handbag trend without handing over four figures, with budget friendly options from the likes of Madewell, JW Pei, and Reformation also on offer.
Related: These Are The Best Anti-Trend Underrated Luxury Bag Brands
The best brown suede handbags to carry in 2024
Here, we share our favourite brown suede handbags to carry this season and beyond.
1. Manu Atelier Tote du Jour
Founded by sisters Beste and Merve Manastır, Turkish brand Manu Atelier has been steadily rising as one of this IYKYK brands among the fashion set, with the Manu Atelier Tote du Jour one of our favourite styles of the year. Belted bags are a key micro trend this season and when executed in deep brown suede they’re *chefs kiss*.
Price: approx. $985AUD ($645USD)
2. Sézane Gabin Maxi Bag
Simple and slouchy, the Sézane Gabin Maxi Bag is an unstructred style that looks even better with age. Its generous proportions make it a true carry all, with ample room to fit a laptop, books, and the kitchen sink. When not stuffed to the brim, the edges can be folded in to switch up the silhouette.
Price: $720AUD
Related: The 21 Most Covetable French Handbag Brands For Chic Everyday Carry
3. Verafied Gold Espresso Suede Hobo Bag
The chocolate (or espresso!) brown hue of the Verafied Gold Espresso Suede Hobo Bag works particularly well with this structured yet slouchy style. The lock hardware and contemporary silhouette create tension against the retro, anti-trend nature of brown suede, making for a style that’s both classic and striking.
Price: $464AUD
Related: Warning, Poor Posture Ahead; The Best Slouchy Yet Structured Bags
4. Russell & Bromley Everyday
Trust a heritage British brand to make a good timeless brown suede handbag. The Russell & Bromley Everyday is true to its name, with the slouchy hobo style perfect for effortless, practical daily wear. It fits a laptop and even comes with a little detachable pouch for storing your keys and cards.
Price: approx. $580AUD (£295)
5. DeMellier The Large Tokyo
You’ve likely seen London-based brand DeMellier’s The New York tote carried on the cook of influencers’ arms the world over. However, we’re partial to the understated minimalism of the DeMellier The Large Tokyo, with the streamlined silhouette and arrow-shaped magnetic closure juxtaposed against the usually laidback material and paired with smooth leather lend it a new dimension.
Price: $800AUD
6. Reformation Simona Cylinder Bag
For those strictly essentials only days, might we suggest the Reformation Simona Cylinder Bag? A little ’90s minimalism, a little Jil Sander-esque, very cute.
Price: $690AUD
7. Mlouye Isla Tote
We’ve long been fans of Mlouye’s architecturally inspired colourful geometric designs, but the Mlouye Isla Tote proves the Turkish brand can also nail the classics. The Isla Tote offers a luxurious take on a utilitarian style, with the boxy tote rendered in supple suede and secured with a turn-lock closure. The capacious style accommodates up to a 16″ laptop and has two dedicated main compartments as well as a zippered section for storing valuables.
Price: $1155AUD
8. Veronica Beard Suede Dash Bag
A structured style, the Veronica Beard Suede Dash Bag is the perfect mid-size everyday bag. Crafted from soft Italian suede and featuring a chic belted detail, it can be carried by hand or worn crossbody using the detachable shoulder strap.
Price: $1150AUD
9. Aesther Ekme Sac Supple
She doesn’t say much but she says just enough. The Aesther Ekme Sac Supple is a slouchy take on a north-south tote bag, with the minimalist style placing attention squarely on quality craftsmanship and materials.
Price: approx. $1070AUD (€650)
10. Toteme T-Lock Suede Shoulder Bag
Distinguishable by its T-lock closure, the Toteme T-Lock Suede Shoulder Bag is one of those IYKYK styles the quiet luxury crowd is always frothing over. Here, the ultra-deep brown suede fabrication gives the style more casual feel.
Price: $2150AUD
11. JW Pei Hana Faux Suede Tote Bag
One for the girlies who prefer animal-free styles, the JW Pei Hana Faux Suede Tote Bag takes on a sculptural silhouette with an exaggerated wide opening and belted detail that contribute to its elevated aesthetic.
Price: $201AUD
12. Flattered Lesley Tote Bag Suede Bourbon
This oversized brown suede handbag by Swedish leather goods brand Flattered has that heirloom feel, resembling something that’s been passed down through generations rather than a new tote. The Flattered Lesley Tote Bag Suede Bourbon is capacious enough to be used as a weekender, yet not too heavy to be used as an everyday carry all.
Price: $815AUD (€495)
13. Madewell The Essential Bucket Tote
Madewell never fails to deliver on styles that don’t break the bank but are, well…made well. The Madewell The Essential Bucket Tote fits the bill, with the laidback style crafted from supple dark brown suede and accented with gold buckle hardware on the strap.
Price: approx. $272AUD ($178USD)
14. Ralph Lauren Polo ID Suede-Leather Small Shoulder Bag
Ralph Lauren puts its signature equestrian chic spin on the brown suede handbag trend with this saddle-shaped shoulder bag crafted from tawny brown suede and finished with leather corners with exposed stitching.
Price: $799AUD
How do you care for suede handbags?
Suede has a reputation for being delicate and prone to damage, however, when taken care of correctly they will last for years—even decades—to come. Prior to first using your suede handbag, spray it with a dedicated suede protector (note: suede protectants are different to leather protectants, so don’t use the same formula interchangeably) such as Oakwood Premium Suede Protector, Kiwi Care Suede & Nubuck Waterproofer Spray, or Wild Wood Suede Protector Spray and allow to dry naturally for at least a day. These suede protectants work by lightly coating the suede and protecting against water and stains. That said, it’s still worth avoiding carrying your suede bags in rainy weather, as colour transfer onto lighter fabrics may occur.
For regular maintenance, dirt and dust can be lightly brushed away using a suede brush (or any other soft-bristled brush).
When not in use, treat your suede bags to another application of a suede protectant spray. After allowing them to dry, store your suede bags in a dustbag and place them in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight, as prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause suede to fade.
Can you wear suede in summer?
Suede is often thought of as a material reserved for autumn and winter. From a practical standpoint, that may ring true for clothing and footwear, with suede boots, coats, and jackets feeling too heavy and warm to wear in spring and summer. However, suede handbags needn’t be restricted to the cooler months, with the luxurious material providing the ideal contrast to spring and summer outfits. The classic aesthetic and hefty nature of a suede handbag anchors gauzier, lighter fabrics such as chiffon, poplin, muslin, and linen, while feeling soft and comfortable against the skin.
Words by Esmé Duggan
