Buy bags: the 24 best online addresses and brands for handbags
I keep saying it: buying bags is an art in itself. Hardly any other accessory gives me as much headache before buying as a handbag. As Carry Bradshaw once said, “It may be just a small bag, but without it we feel vulnerable in public.”
Choosing the right handbag is essential. It is a loyal companion in life, but can be a real drag if it doesn't fit your lifestyle. In addition, the right handbag is an effective way to reinvent and enhance otherwise boring outfits. As a chronic online shopper, I started looking for the best brands and shops.
Where can you buy bags? The 24 best online shops and brands
I have listed my 24 favorite addresses and brands for buying bags here. From inexpensive to luxury, from eccentric to timeless or from practical to elegant – shopping for bags is made easy.
H&M is now not just a brand. Theincludes a wide range of brands in various price ranges. Favorites like Arket, Cos and Co. offer a wide range of handbag styles for every occasion. In addition to hero pieces like the tassel bag from Cos, there are trendy models at reasonable prices. There are also plenty of timeless bags made of high-quality leather here.
Mango combines playful high fashion styles with value for money and is strongly oriented towards current trends. The shop is my personal favorite when I want my bag to make a statement. So if you're looking for the right accessory for your next dinner date, you'll definitely find it here.
Velvet bag with ball detail
Iconic shoulder bags are no longer a secret, but they definitely shouldn't be missing from this list. Not only do they cost less than 15 euros, but they are the perfect companion for everyday life. The nylon material makes them particularly easy to care for and weather-resistant.
Massimo Dutti is the “high street” address when it comes togoes. I particularly recommend the large tote bags. For anyone who often commutes between home office or office, Massimo Dutti's shoppers offer enough space for a laptop and essentials. The leather bags made of smooth or suede leather are stylish all-rounders that adapt to any office look.
Large tote bag made of suede leather
Probably the most popular tote bag of all - and for good reason. Longchamp's “Le Pliage” series has managed to combine practicality with chic. The synthetic material of the bag makes it easy to care for and long lasting. The leather details, on the other hand, give a high-quality look. The French label is available both through its online shop and through multi-brand stores such as Breuninger.
Large “Le Pliage” shopper from Longchamp
The JW Pei label always has an eye on which silhouettes go viral on social media. It pieces are available here in all sorts of colors and sizes. Most of the bags here are in the low mid-price segment. JW Pei also relies on imitation leather and is therefore a great alternative for anyone who wants to do without leather.
Handbag made of imitation suede
Polène has taken the world by storm with its bags. The fold-out “Cyme” shopper can be expanded for additional space and has established itself as one of the it bags thanks to its excellent workmanship and classic design. Even leather experts praise Polène’s excellent value for money. Pro tip: Thanks to its popularity, the bag can also be found in large numbers on reseller sites like Vestiaire Collective.
Polène leather shopper bag
The Telfar label was founded by the Liberian-American designer Telfar Clemens. The concept behind the brand is to make luxury more accessible. The shape of the bags is inspired by the shopping bags of the luxury store “Bloomingdale's” and was affectionately nicknamed “Bushwick Birkin”, named after a neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York City. The bag is adored by stars and fans alike, which is why it's pretty hard to get your hands on your own dream Telfar. It's worth browsing through reseller sites to find your favorite variant.
Small logo handbag from Telfar
Osoi is a South Korean label that reissues alternative and trendy designs. The handbags are made from high-quality leather and play with silhouettes, colors and accessories. Especially those who are not into run-of-the-mill accessories will love Osoi. For the German market, the handbags are available through multi-brand stores such as Ssense.
Tote bag with leather keychain from Osoi
Coach is a real heritage brand. The American company was founded in 1941, which doesn't make its designs old-fashioned. About a decade ago, Coach reinvented itself, focused on both playful shapes and classic silhouettes and became the. By the way, the coach bags are also very well received by leather experts due to their quality.
"Tabby" shoulder bag with monogram print
By Far is an up-and-coming Bulgarian fashion label that has made a name for itself through its modern designs. The leather bags have a high-fashion touch and impress with chic, but always well-thought-out designs. By Far is available both through its own online shop and through multi-brand stores such as About You.
Shoulder bag made of smooth leather from By Far
Ganni is a Danish label known for its playful aesthetic. The accessories in particular are characterized by eye-catching designs, unexpected colors and a touch of luxury for everyday life. The handbags are not just oneEssential, but also a great one thanks to the brand's numerous environmental protection initiatives.
If you want to say goodbye to your washed-out jute bag and upgrade it, you should definitely take a look at APC. The label is known for its large logo shoppers, which range from denim and cotton to imitation leather.
Shopper with logo print from APC
Acne Studios is a Swedish fashion house that impresses with its avant-garde designs. The handbags combine high-quality materials with thoughtful details, such as the bows and the used look of the “Multipocket” bag. What makes Acne Studios so unique is its creative way of playing with the look and finish of the leather. The handbags are available in numerous sizes and designs both through our own online shop and through retailers such as Mytheresa.
Leather bow shoulder bag from Acne Studios
Looking for something completely new? Then the Berlin label Ottolinger is the right address. The avant-garde bags have an almost “melted” look, but are made of hardened plastic – a real statement piece that’s fashion week-worthy.
Abstract handbag from Ottolinger
At the heart of the French luxury label Lemaire is a passion for detail. While the bags appear simple and minimalist at first glance, there is sophisticated craftsmanship and sophistication in every manufacturing process. The brand’s hero piece is definitely the “Croissant” bag, whose shape gives it its name. It is available in several sizes in both leather and coated cotton. In Germany they are available through the Lemaire online shop or multi-brand stores such as Farfetch.
Medium Croissant crossbody bag from Lemaire
The great Chloé renaissance has been in full bloom since last year at the latest. The Chloé handbag was already a staple in the late noughties and early 2010s. With the return of the boho aesthetic, we don't want to miss it in 2025 either. Romantic, playful and yet elegantA touch of “Je ne sais quoi” to every outfit. Chloé is available through numerous retailers and also through its own online shop.
“Marcie” leather handbag by Chloé
Loewe was considered one of the most successful luxury labels in 2024 and has also made its mark in the bag world. The logo raffia bag is an absolute fashion influencer favorite. The “Puzzle” bag is a must-have for collectors. Creative director JW Anderson is constantly reinventing the in-house classics, most recently with a collaboration with ceramic artist duo Suna Fujita. It's therefore worth checking out reseller sites like Vestiaire Collective for special features.
Handbag "Puzzle" from Loewe
Fendi screams pure Italian glamour. The fashion house is not only one of Carry Bradshaw's favorite brands on “Sex and the City”, but also has a long history with numerous influences from different creative directors. If you want to treat yourself to a dynamic office bag with playful details, the best thing to do is take a look at the label's online shop. However, if you are looking for a vintage piece, you can take a look at Farfetch's “Pre-owned” category.
Vintage monogram print bag from Fendi
Balenciaga is best known for its controversial social media campaigns. The Spanish brand moves somewhere between irony and luxury and is a breath of fresh air in the otherwise serious fashion world. Over the years, handbags in particular have achieved cult status. The “City” bag has conquered the streets in recent years. Now the “Rodeo” shopper is making the rounds among fashionistas. The selection of trend models is almost endless - whether in the brand's own online shop or through reseller boutiques such as Vestiaire Collective.
Balenciaga “City” handbag
Bottega Veneta is characterized by its signature intrecciato leather in its leather goods. The interwoven leather is a trademark of the traditional house, as is its workmanship. If you value craftsmanship above all else when it comes to luxury, you should definitely browse Bottega Veneta's online shop. My savings trick here is to look for well-preserved vintage models on reseller sites. Thanks to the timeless design, numerous models are still real eye-catchers.
Shopper aus Intrecciato-Leder from Bottega Veneta
Ferragamo is a traditional Italian house that combines first-class materials with classic design. What is particularly outstanding is the high-quality workmanship of the bags and an eye for detail such as the brand's own Gancini logo or the subtle double buckles. Due to their quality, Ferragamo bags are an investment that, with the right care, will pay off for a long time (with a lot of joy).
Tote bag made of smooth leather from Ferragamo
Similar to Fendi, the Italian cult label hasexperienced by a large number of creative directors. From Tom Ford in the 90s to Alessandro Michele and since 2023 Sabato De Sarno - everyone has reinterpreted Gucci for themselves. What has always remained the same? Absolute it bag status.
Medium “Gucci B” shoulder bag in brown suede
The one, the true one, the legend – when we look atthink, let's think of Chanel. The tassel design with the CC buckle is a cross-generational favorite. If there's one thing that never goes out of style, it's a Chanel bag. Since Chanel doesn't sell bags online, the best way to grab a pre-loved model is through certified resellers like Hardly Ever Worn on Amazon.
Vintage leather handbag in tassel design from Chanel
Where is the best place to buy vintage bags online?
There are two ways to buy vintage bags online: either you are looking for an inexpensive favorite item or you are on the hunt for a designer piece. The former is best found on sites likeEbay,ClassifiedsorVinted.
The latter, however, you should definitely buy from sellers with an authentication process or from already reputable shops. My personal favorites are hereandFarfetch Pre-Owned. You can find a list of other second-hand online shops here:
Buy bags online: The most important questions answered
Before you decide to buy a new bag, you should definitely pay attention to these points:
What should you consider before buying?
1. Material:The material composition of the bag must always be included in the product description. Look at these carefully. On the one hand, this helps to assess the price-performance ratio. On the other hand, the material should meet your needs. For example, if you travel a lot on buses, trains, etc., you should avoid sensitive smooth leather versions. If you want a particularly easy-care bag, choose nylon.
2. Dimensions:It's better to check the dimensions again before buying, or if in doubt, even at home with a tape measure. I've had quite a few moments of surprise when I received a mini bag instead of a shopper and vice versa - lesson learned.
3. Authenticity:This doesn’t just apply to luxury resellers. Before you enter any data or make payments, always check that the URL has no typos, that the site is known and that there is an imprint.
How many pockets should you have?
Of course, there is no general answer here. Personally, I think three is a good number to start with. Aor a tote for the office, a smaller, comfortable crossbody or shoulder bag for celebrations, festivals or when you just need to do something quickly, and a statement bag whose design breathes extra life into any outfit.
You can find more inspiration for your bag purchase here:
