I Wore the Coach It Bag That's Become a Classic for 48 Hours—This Is My Honest Review

At the height of the slouchy-leather-bag trend in the summer of 2024, Coach released a bag that would coincide with the brand’s new modern era: The Brooklyn Shoulder Bag.

I knew it would be an It bag when supermodel Bella Hadid was spotted wearing it multiple times. Well, it went viral after that, as predicted. Coach is a brand that’s been flexible with each generation since its launch in 1941. Throughout the decades, we’ve seen the brand stay true to its roots while adjusting to the ever-changing fashion zeitgeist. Coach was a mainstay in my household, as my mother would always grab her monogrammed hobo bag from Coach before she left the house. Now, the label has stayed in step with the current trends seamlessly, and the Brooklyn Shoulder Bag is a testament to that.

I’m a quintessential stylish NYC Gen Zer. I carry practically my entire life in my bags: laptop, phone, book, notebook, disposable camera, makeup pouch, sometimes shoes, etc. I love a capacious bag. In 2022, my first year in the city, it was all about the tote bag, but honestly, it was neither chic nor comfortable to lug all my things in a tote. The Brooklyn Shoulder Bag appealed to me when it was first introduced, but it’s really piqued my interest, as I’m looking for a new everyday bag to purchase.

Coach is known for being a middle-range luxury brand, making pieces that are expensive-looking while also accessible, and the Brooklyn Shoulder Bag retails for under $500. I was curious about the quality and how it would blend in with my style. So I asked the Coach team if I could take a Brooklyn Shoulder bag for a spin. I chose the Merlot colorway in size 39 to get out of my black-bag comfort zone and test out the spaciousness. Is it a viral-worthy bag? Is it worth the price? My honest review answers those questions.

The Stats

Brand: Coach

Model: Brooklyn Shoulder Bag

Materials: Leather

Color: Merlot

Hardware: Brushed gold hardware

Measurements: 15.25in x 17.0in x 4.75in

My Coach Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 39 Review

The leather of this bag is durable and structured with a flat bottom as opposed to the usual soft leather and shapelessness of other bags. It also feels lightweight, mainly because of the thick, wide strap and flat bottom. I’m used to the shoulder pains from other bags, so when I put the Brooklyn bag on my shoulder with all my belongings in it, I was pleasantly surprised.

My walks to the train didn’t leave me sweating in the NYC heat, because the weight distribution of my things in this bag was even. I even went to meet some friends for a yap session, and we ended up taking a long walk. Usually, if I have my laptop with me, I would drop a bag off at home before an outing. The lightweight feeling, despite my heavier things, was persisting. We walked and talked for about an hour and a half, and I still didn’t break an uncomfortable sweat.

There is a magnet closure that might not be everyone’s favorite for safety measures, especially living in a big city, but I find it easier than a zipper closure. I like to have my things within reach as quickly and efficiently as possible because NYC moves fast. I kept all my smaller items: deodorant, my cards, hand sanitizer, chargers, etc., in the pouch on the inside of the bag, which has a gold hardware button as its closure. That came in handy for grabbing my metro card for the subway or my lip gloss for an occasional application. What’s nice about the pouch is that it’s also roomy, so I don’t have to dig and dig for my things.

Riding the train with a large, structured bag isn’t so bad when I’m standing, but don’t expect someone to let your bag have a seat next to you. On my lap, the bag is a little awkward to sit with, only because I’m very petite. Speaking of, if you’re petite (5’4” and under), it might look a little big on you. Trust me—I’m 5’, but I’m willing to compromise the look a little bit for comfort and convenience.

Pros: Spacious, elegant, and modern design, durable material, fair price

Cons: Might be too big for petite shoppers

My Final Thoughts

Other than being maybe too big for my proportions as a petite fashion person, I think this is the right bag for someone on the go or who works in a city and has to commute. The bag does come in a smaller size, 28. However, after testing size 39, which fits everything I need to take with me daily, I don’t think the 28 would be big enough as an everyday bag for someone who works in a city. The stiffer, durable leather makes it easier to schlep throughout the city with no shoulder pain, which was the main positive for me.

I understand why this bag went viral last year; the quality-to-price ratio is impeccable. The shape of the bag is modern, expensive-looking, and elegant yet casual enough for everyday use. I can tell this is a bag that will last for years by the quality of the leather, if you treat it right. That’s another point for the price. Overall, I would recommend this bag to someone who needs a spacious, functional bag that doesn’t compromise on style.

Shop the Coach Brooklyn Shoulder Bag

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