It's True: Stylish Women Everywhere Are Swapping Their Classic Leather Tote for This More Elegant Style
Step aside, leather, it's now all about suede. Scroll on to see the best suede handbags for every budget, according to a fashion editor.
While the runway may provide ample early inspiration for trends and colour pairings, it’s social media where you’ll find what people are actually wearing. By following a carefully curated selection of accounts—the kind whose style you can genuinely picture in your own wardrobe—it quickly becomes clear which pieces are worth the investment. Right now? All signs point to suede bags. Scroll through your feed and you’re almost guaranteed to spot one subtly tucked beneath a coat-clad arm, peeking out from an otherwise understated look.
Offering a softer, more lived-in alternative to classic leather, suede toes the line between polished and perfectly undone. It brings an ease to even the most considered outfit—the kind that suggests you didn’t try too hard, even if you absolutely did.
And whether it’s a slouchy shoulder bag in a rich chocolate brown, a deep burgundy bowling style or a trending jet black East–West silhouette you have your eye on, there's a suede bag to suit every style and occasion. Each boasting an innate ability to make everyday dressing feel that little bit more elevated.
Plus, they're endlessly versatile when it comes to styling. These suede bags work just as well with tailored trousers and crisp shirts as they do with denim, knitwear and dresses.
Simply choose the right shape for the occasion you're after—a generous tote for the office, a sleek shoulder style for everyday wear, or a crossbody for hands-free styling—and you'll wonder why you didn't invest in suede sooner. Scroll on to discover the best suede bags to shop in 2026, according to me, a fashion editor.
Shop the Best Suede Bags Below:
The Best Suede Bags Under £200:
Measuring 38 by 45cm, this Cos tote can carry all of your office essentials and more. Plus, anything valuable—cards, keys, cash—can all be housed in the zipped pouch inside.
After a fuss-free suede crossbody? Look to Sézanes Lou bag in a taupe shade that will pair just perfectly with jeans, cream knits, and black coats.
This deep, dark brown suede shade could pass for black in some lights, lending it easy styling capabilities. It's also large enough to hold more than only the essentials—think, a pair of gloves or an umbrella—while nestling nicely under the arm.
Remember the high street shoulder bag that took over in 2024? Well, consider this an elevated alternative, crafted from recycled suede with adjustable straps.
Measuring an 45cm at its widest point, this Zara suede tote is a particularly chic option for work. A laptop, waterbottle, snacks, and even a spare pair of shoes all fit neatly inside.
The Best Suede Bags Under £550:
I've been eyeing this up for a while.
DeMellier bags are one of the most recognisable styles within the mid-luxury category with The New York being one of the most popular. It's just large enough to hold a laptop, water bottle, extra jumper and notebook, and there's ten other shades to choose from.
Strathberry's chocolate brown suede bag is sitting right at the top of my wish list right now.
Another Reformation style I can't stop thinking about.
I love this khaki hue.
The Best Suede Bags Under £1000:
Boho fashion fans will need little reminding of Isabel Marant's key bag style the Oskan. Crafted from supple suede with gold-tone studs and both a top handle and shoulder strap, it's a more relaxed take on the classic half moon style.
When thinking of The Row bags, the Margaux, Marlo and tote may first come to mind, but the Bindle offers a much more laidback look—perfect for any off-duty outfit.
Many a minimalist fashion fan owns a Toteme T-Lock, and this suede version is particularly sleek. With an adjustable long strap that can be worn over the shoulder or across the body—or tucked inside to create a clutch—it's an easy to wear staple for almost any occasion.
Chances are you've already seen plenty of influencers carrying this bag and for good reason. It's roomy, chic and, as designer bags go, not going to break the bank.
The gold detail is just stunning.
The Best Suede Bags Over £1000:
If I were to invest in one luxury suede bag, it would be this one. Effortlessly cool with a slouchy shape that's just large enough to squeeze a (small) laptop inside, it's both practical and polished.
Now, if it’s a true fashion find you’re after, look no further than Alaïa’s Le Click bag. Its classic East–West silhouette is instantly recognisable, while the signature snap closure keeps your belongings securely in place—and, in this generously sized iteration, there’s room for more than just the essentials.
Simple yet chic, Savette bags offer an elevated option for any occasion. With a crossbody strap, this style works just as well in the day as it would for an evening dinner.
If you love a logo just as much as you love packing your bag with every notebook, spare knit, snack and stray receipt, consider this Saint Laurent pouch a particularly chic solution.
Jimmy Choo's Cinch bags have become synonymous with cool girl style, and this navy suede is no exception. It also comes with a longer shoulder strap for easy carrying.
