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

From the cult-favourite Tabby to the new Brooklyn bag, these are the Coach bags making the rounds right now.

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(Image credit: Getty/@jordanrisa/@thechichio)

It's funny how some fashion brands become part of your life story without you realising. Coach, for me, is one of them. My first "real" handbag—back when I still wore skinny jeans and spent hours on Tumblr—was a chocolate-brown Coach shoulder bag with brass hardware that felt impossibly grown-up.

I couldn't tell you what happened to it (my guess is it's in my mum's loft with a pile of Abercrombie tees), but I still remember how that bag made me feel: pulled together, cool and in-the-know. And that's something Coach has always been quietly brilliant at. Whilst its logo may be discreet and its shapes simple, there's something about Coach bags that makes them feel like a rite of passage for every fashion-obsessed teen. But unlike some other designer bags, they stand the test of time. And right now, the best Coach bags are making their way back into the fashion conversation in a big way.

If you're a millennial who came of age in the early 2000s, chances are you have a Coach memory too. The brand's signature canvas was everywhere, on baguette bags, backpacks and mini purses you could barely squeeze a flip phone into. Then, somewhere along the way, we got distracted by other labels. But Coach never disappeared; it just evolved. Under the creative direction of Stuart Vevers (who's been at the helm since 2013), the American house has quietly gone through a slow and steady transformation, leaning into its heritage whilst subtly aligning with the newer generation of style arbiters.

If you've paid attention over the past couple of years, you'll have seen the ripple effect. Suddenly, TikTok's Gen Z fashion crowd were unboxing Tabby bags with reverence. Bella Hadid wore hers with a low-rise miniskirt and tank top, and it felt like 2003 again—just with better tailoring and stronger eyebrows.

Coach bags: Bella Hadid with black Brooklyn hobo

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We are currently living through what I can only describe as a Tabby epidemic, and I mean that in the best possible way. The pillow-soft version is the one you'll see everywhere (and I do mean everywhere), but the original 1970s silhouette it's based on is still one of my favourites. It's structured, nostalgic and—importantly—it doesn't feel too precious to actually use. I've seen it on the arms of friends, stylists and even my editor colleagues. Whether you're into the oversized squish or the clean-lined classic, the Tabby is the bag that's put Coach very deservedly back in the spotlight.

But it's not all about the Tabby. From the slouchy Brooklyn to the surprisingly roomy Jonie, the best Coach bags now span a range of moods. I spotted the understated Brook on the shoulder of a London-based stylist at London Fashion Week, and the Lana bag has become a quiet favourite on the street style circuit. What's interesting is that whilst each bag feels different in vibe, they all share that same Coach sensibility: considered without being too conceptual, elevated but never intimidating.

And there's runway relevance too. Coach's spring/summer 2025 show featured bags in worn leathers and softened shapes that mirrored the soft femininity and '70s-inspired styling we also saw at labels like Miu Miu and Loewe. Styled with belted micro-shorts, sheer knits and chunky sandals, the bags felt lived-in, loved and real.

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(Image credit: @thechichio)

Of course, there are the pop-culture moments too. I don't need to remind anyone of Carrie Bradshaw's Kisslock moment in And Just Like That, causing the bag to sell out immediately before it was even released. But even without such an iconic endorsement, Coach bags have always worked their way into wardrobes quietly, which is probably why they've stuck around so long.

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(Image credit: @jordanrisa)

Ahead, I've rounded up the best Coach bags of the moment, all with staying power and genuine style appeal. Whether you're team Tabby or looking for something a little less obvious, these are the five to know right now.

Shop Our Favourite Coach Bags:

1. Tabby Bag

Style Notes: Arguably the star of Coach's modern-day resurgence, the Tabby has become a generational favourite. Originally inspired by an archival 1970s silhouette, the modern version comes in everything from soft, pillowy leather to structured top-handle shapes. What makes the Tabby so wearable is its versatility; it works equally well for an office day, dinner or even paired with a hoodie and track pants.

The Pillow Tabby is particularly good if you're after that statement factor (and something tactile—it's genuinely squishy), whilst the more structured leather versions feel more timeless. I've seen fashion editors wear theirs with suiting and ballet flats, and I've even spotted it styled with a sheer midi skirt and football jersey, proving it really does work with everything.

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2. Brooklyn Bag

Style Notes: A newer addition to the Coach line-up, the Brooklyn is roomy, slouchy and has that effortlessly undone quality that's proving popular with Gen Z right now. It looks particularly good with a low-rise midi skirt and a white vest—see the S/S 25 Coach runway for proof. There's a relaxed luxury to this style; it's the kind of bag you carry on days you want to feel like you’ve made an effort without actually doing much. Think weekend coffee runs, museum days or a casual date.

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3. Lana Bag

Style Notes: One for the minimalists, the Lana has a sleek '90s-inspired silhouette that feels right on the money. If the Tabby's soft and sweet, the Lana is its older, more sophisticated sister. It's streamlined, compact and feels very now. I've seen it styled with long tailored coats and low heels, but it's also the perfect accompaniment to a tank top and pleated trousers. It looks a lot more expensive than it is.

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4. Brook Bag

Style Notes: Another heritage-inspired piece that's having a low-key revival, the Brook is functional, easy to wear and has that sloped-shoulder silhouette that nods to early-2000s favourites. It's giving subtle vintage energy in the best way. Spotted on fashion insiders who tend to favour pared-back looks—think monochrome outfits, leather ballet flats and oversized shades—it's one of those styles that doesn't shout, but still gets compliments.

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5. Jonie Bag

Style Notes: One of the most functional styles on this list, the Jonie is deceptively spacious and has a sort of off-duty, running-late charm. It's been spotted on several New York editors recently, paired with slouchy trousers and no-makeup makeup. If you're looking for something for every day, not just for outfit pics, this is your best bet. It holds its shape well and looks good when it's slightly full, which is surprisingly rare.

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Junior Branded Content Editor

Humaa is the Junior Branded Content Editor at Who What Wear UK, where she specialises in paid-for and affiliate content across beauty and fashion. She holds a BA Hons in English Literature and has previously held editor positions at British Vogue and Marie Claire US. Before joining Who What Wear UK, she was part of the US Branded Content team, bringing her expertise back home to help grow the UK division. With years of experience testing and reviewing fashion and beauty products, she writes trend-driven and commerce-focused stories. When she's not shopping for work, she's making her way through her Kindle TBR list—spoiler: it's a long one. Follow her on Instagram at @Humaa.Hussain