It's True—Every Fashion Editor Owns a Classic, High-Quality Bag From This Brand

Whilst teamBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing is forever highlighting designer drops and investment It-bags, "quiet luxury" is much more our speed than glossy logo-adorned accessories. Few labels nail this understated aesthetic as masterfully as Coach, a name you've likely heard of but may have overlooked in the sea of statement handbags that make a splash each season. In truth, simplicity and timelessness are what this American-born brand does best, known for crafting unfussy bags that stand out in a subtler fashion. Those with an eye for clever design and tasteful colour palettes will most likely be drawn to Coach's collections.

Crucially, these handbags are also significantly more affordable than many designer items. Where you might spend your whole life dreaming of owning a Gucci Marmont (at the time of writing this, the small size comes in at a whopping £1800), the TikTok-famous Coach Pillow Tabby is within reach at just £495. Still not cheap, but considering the quality and longevity, we're grateful it doesn't cost an arm and a leg.

Coach feels like the kind of label that's always been around, the New York fashion house stitched together its first handbag and released it to the public in 1941. Initially a team of six artisans, by the '60s Coach had evolved to include its first lead designer, Bonnie Cashin, who applied her affinity for colour and shape to the creative process.

Six decades on, the original spirit of this authentic American company is still intact, but its understanding of modern tastes has helped it grow into a global name-to-know. Under the guidance of award-winning creative director Stuart Vevers, Coach takes its longstanding designs and lifts them with a 21st-century understanding of form and function, blending classic structures and palettes with nods to contemporary trends. For example, the current offering includes hints of wicker and crochet, two popular fabrications in 2025.

Most of the bags feature the signature 'C' logo—small on some, a key component on others—and touches of metal hardware. You can take your pick from dozens of models, but if you're in the market for a high-quality creation that will stand the test of time, there are five in particular we think you should consider. Scroll on to learn more about the handbags in question, and if you happen to fall in love, we've linked the different variations below. Without further ado...

OUR GUIDE TO THE BEST COACH BAGS

1. The Tabby Shoulder Bag

Perhaps the brand's most recognisable bag, the Tabby has reached icon status in recent seasons. This is particularly impressive considering it was only released in 2019, an updated take on an archival 1970s design. The general consensus seems to be that it's the ultimate everyday accessory, loved for its compact shape and versatility (you can wear Wholesale Replica Bag iterations over the shoulder or cross-body with the longer strap). 2021's plush Pillow Tabby has been endorsed by Jennifer Lopez and the hashtag #coachpillowtabby has amassed over half a million views on TikTok. If that's not iconic, I don't know what is.

Shop the Tabby:

2. The Brooklyn Shoulder Bag

In the market for a new work bag? Look no further than The Brooklyn. Released in 2024, this slouchy yet structured silhouette instantly became a fan favourite. A new bag with a vintage feel, The Brooklyn solidified itself as an It bag when it was seen in a variety of colours on the shoulder of Bella Hadid. Its minimalist silhouette ticks all the boxes: spacious enough to fit everything you’ll ever need—including a 15-inch laptop—a design that transitions from day to night seamlessly and a reasonable price-per-wear (the most expensive iteration is £500). What more could you want?

Shop the Brooklyn:

3. The Empire Carryall

The Empire is the brand's take on the east-west silhouette. The style has quickly become a viral sensation, having been sold out for most of 2024 (likely due to some 9 million TikTok users searching "How to buy a Coach Empire Carryall 48". It comes in four sizes (26, 34, 40 and 48), with the largest coined Coach’s alternative to The Row's Margaux. No matter the size you go for, this bag is built to be worn, tossed and overstuffed whilst remaining perfectly intact. With a deep interior and soft natural grain leather, it'll grow with you.

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4. The Cassie Crossbody

Fans of crossbody bags, look this way. The Cassie 19 is smaller than the original version, but still the perfect size to fit your day-to-day essentials—wallet, phone, keys and a lippy—and will slot neatly into every outfit. It's fitted with multiple compartments and features the signature turn-lock closure for easy access. Pick from pebble leather, smooth calfskin and canvas finishes, each complete with a top-handle and longer strap so you can swiftly tailor the accessory to your needs.

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5. The Gramercy Tote

If you're guilty of treating your bag like a Mary Poppins-esque carry-all, Coach's Gramercy is the roomy style you've been searching for. It doubles as a weekend essential and a smart work tote, designed to fit a 13-inch laptop. There's also a zipped inner compartment for bits and bobs you want to keep safe, as well as two open pockets. But the detail I'm most obsessed with is that the strap has been measured to fit comfortably over coats. That's the kind of thoughtful design I appreciate.

Shop the Gramercy: