Saddle Bags Are Back: 23 Pouches You Will Want To Carry All Day Long
An iconic Dior saddle is a girl's best friend.
What's in a saddle bag and what makes it so special? A cultural touchstone, the saddle bag has been embraced by dozens of celebrities across several decades, from Paris Hilton to Sarah Jessica Parker. As its name suggests, the bag's shape is equestrian-inspired - but Dior changed the game with a shrunken, brand-detailed version. Today, the bag comes in all sorts of shapes and sizes, with nearly every kind of strap length possible, in nearly any style you can imagine.
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But why the sudden renewed interest in the saddle bag? For one, you can consider it part of the overarching Y2K trend which has taken over everything from the way we wear our jeans to the makeup looks we choose (thanks Euphoria!). There's also the fact that the accessory truly is timeless. Below, we list 23 of the most iconic saddle bags you'll want to invest in now.
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Mini Saddle Bag with Strap, $5,100, Dior
An update to the classic '00s bag, the mini shape features the same saddle flap, 'D' magnetic stirrup clasp and metal 'CD' strap detailing. Wear either over the shoulder with the short strap, hand carry or use the longer crossbody strap for a plethora of versatile ways to sport yours.
Dimensions: 8.5" x 7" x 2" with 33-40" strap length
Colorways: Black, black ultra matte, latte and blue Dior oblique jacquard
Marcie Small Saddle Bag, $1,830, Chloé
Introduced in 2010, the Marcie bag was designed during Hannah McGibbon's Creative Director tenure for the house. It has continued to hold its fashion status symbol over the years, having been introduced in various shapes, sizes, fabrications and colors. The simple round, crossbody design on the small interpretation with horseshoe inspired stitching has a slight western flair that truly feels like a saddle.
Dimensions: 6.5"H x 7"W x 3.5"D with 44"-52" shoulder strap
Colorways: Deep denim and pure brown suede
Gate Dual Mini Leather Shoulder Bag, $2,404, Loewe
Loewe's spin on the saddle bag is entirely modern. The brand's signature knotted strap trim and embossed logo stand out on the two-tone front flap. The beige tones pop with everything in your closet, making it for the ideal everyday bag.
Dimensions: 5.1"H x 7.5"W x 3.5"D with 30.3-55.5" strap length
Colorways: Beige
Banner Recycled Leather Saddle Bag, $375, Ganni
For a current twist, reach for Ganni's compact bag fits all the essentials and then some. Rather than the traditional nondescript design, this one has a large embossed logo front and center, white contrast top stitching and silver metal strap loops. The best part? It's made from recycled leather.
Dimensions: 4"W x 6 1/52"H x 3 1/4"D with 4" strap drop and 13"-18" shoulder strap drop
Colorways: Black
Hana Mini Saddle Bag, $430, See by Chloé
It's all in the details when it comes to See by Chloé's saddle bag interpretation. This one has a braided O-ring with twinkling charms on the front flap, giving a feminine twist to the simple crossbody style. The mini bag size fits just what you need and nothing more.
Dimensions: 5"H x 7"L x 1.5"D with 21.25" strap drop
Colorways: Reddish brown, carmello, motty grey and cement beige
Restored Saddle 24 Bag, Coach
Every bag deserves a second life. Coach's (Re)loved program allows you to find the best-loved classics (like the simple saddle shape) and more, restored to original condition by the Coach Repair Workshop. Get yours before they're gone.
Dimensions: 10 1/4"L x 7"H x 3 1/4"W with 22" strap drop
Colorways: Pewter/Barley
Mini Shoulder Bag with Interlocking G, $2,250, Gucci
Gucci's heritage Interlocking G logo pattern dons the classic canvas the brand is world renown. Trimmed in leather with an equestrian-inspired buckle closure, this bag won't loose its stylish appeal and will wear well over the years.
Dimensions: 7.9"W x 6.7"H x 3.1"D with 21.3" shoulder strap drop
Colorways: Beige and ebony, beige and white
Botsy Saddle Crossbody Bag, $813, Isabel Marant
Isabel Marant's Botsy bag plays with extreme texture, resulting in a winning product. A cream woven body is contrasted with cognac brown leather trim and finished off with brass details. The western-inspired front flap closure provides another element of inspiration direct from a horse saddle design.
Dimensions: 7.9"H x 8.7"W x 2.8"D with 20.5" strap
Colorways: Beige
Saddle Shoulder Bag, $555, A.P.C.
Simple and chic, you can't go wrong with a no-frills bag that can take you from work to weekend. This saddle-inspired style has the crossbody strap and rounded bag design, with a shorter flap and lightly embossed logo center front.
Dimensions: 5.1"H x 7.1"W x 2.6"D with 22" strap
Colorways: Black
Vintage Diorissimo Canvas Saddle Bag, around $2,053, Dior
Whether you are a vintage aficionado or simple love a deal, a gently worn style is never a bad idea. This canvas logo print style is sure to add a little pizzazz to any outfit, whether you are a looking to lean into the current Y2K era trend, or minimalist dresser alike.
Dimensions: 10"W x 7"H x 3"D with 7" handle drop and 6.5" strap drop
Colorways: Brown
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The Transport Saddlebag, $250, Madewell
This simple but sleek design is large enough to fit a tablet, but easy enough to still carry hands free. It comes with two crossbody straps, one matching leather and one webbed, to switch up the look when you want. The smooth leather is also sourced from a tannery that achieved a Gold Rating from the Leather Working Group (LWG), an organization that works to promote sustainable environmental practices in the leather industry. Make it your own with the customizable monogram offerings, as well.
What customers are saying: "This bag is the perfect size for everyday use and the leather is so soft. I love the thicker cotton strap-it's very comfortable. My dog put a few scratches in in but I applied some mink oil paste all over and the scratches are gone! The color got a little darker (which I like). I bought the black as well!"
Dimensions: 10"H x 9 3/4"W at top, 10 1/2"W at base x 2 1/4"D with 21 1/2" crossbody drop
Colorways: English saddle
Frayme Shoulder Bag, $1767, Stella McCartney
You can count on Stella McCartney to deliver a stylish bag, without harm to animals. This earth-friendly option is made from smooth vegetarian leather, with signature chain detailing and a medallion charm. Wear with the short shoulder strap or even as a clutch, by simply tucking the strap inside.
Dimensions: 6.5"W x 5"H x 2"D
Colorways: Pure white
Saddle Bag, $5,800, Dior
The classic Saddle was known for its unique fabrications and patterns, many which were limited runs. Today's fabrications are just as great, like this cornely-effect embroidery, inspired by Andalusian baroque. The full size shape offers a little more room than the mini, but still has the convertible straps for multiple ways to wear. Available in a bevy of color ways and fabrications, it will be hard to choose just one.
Dimensions: 10" x 8" x 3"
Colorways: Black/White, Black/Beige Ornamental Cornely-Effect Embroidery, Beige Multicolor Mizza Embroidery, Blue Toile de Jouy Embroidery, Metallic Pink Dior Brocart Embroidery, Dior Jardin d'Hiver Cornely-Effect Embroidery with Gold-Tone Metallic Thread
Pebble Mini Bag, around $258, Little Liffner
Little Lifner's riff on the saddle bag is a small but sweet interpretation, that is so slim, you won't even realize you are carrying a bag. A great option for concerts or festival season, when you don't need to carry much, but still want to keep your personals close to you.
Dimensions: 6"H x 7.75"L x .75"D with 17.25" strap drop
Colorways: Roast Tomato and dark brown
Le Papa Medium Leather Shoulder Bag, $3,017, Alaïa
Alaïa's luxurious take on the saddle features geometric detailing, rather than the classic rounded shapes. A pointed bottom mimics the angular hardware clasp, that opens to reveal an accordion design with three separate compartments, ensuring your belongings will be well organized.
Dimensions: 5.5"H x 8.7"W x 4.7"D with 45.3-5E+1" strap length
Colorways: Black, white and burgundy
Tara Mini Cross-Body Bag, $2,273, Tom Ford
Tom Ford's understated style doesn't skimp on luxury. Made in Italy, the grained leather design is made even more desirable thanks to the minimal inverted 'T' closure adorning the front. The canvas carrying strap won't dig into the skin either, thanks to its wider cut thickness.
Dimensions: 7.5"L x 7.9"W x 3.2"D with 26.4" strap drop length
Colorways: Beige
Annika Leather Crossbody Bag, $1,160.69, Yvonne Koné
This boxier take on the saddle bag represents minimalism at its best. Free from noticeable hardware and logos, the simple design lets the supple, high-quality leather do the talking. Clean, classic and well-made. What more can you ask for?
Dimensions: 8"W x 7 1/2"H x 3 1/2"D with 11"-20" strap drop
Colorways: Bosco and black
Le Patou Leather Shoulder Bag, $1,394, Patou
This contemporary take on the saddle offers a cool, geometric flap design that is unlike any other. Play with the strap's length adjustability, allowing the wearer to hold high on the shoulder or crossbody comfortably. Bonus points: this style is made from deadstock leather, so is only offered in limited quantities, making it even more special.
Dimensions: 6.3"H x 11.4"W x 4.3"D with 37.8-75.6" shoulder strap and 10.6" handle drop
Colorways: Tan, pink and off-white
Turnlock Louis Bag, $576, Clare V.
You can't go wrong with an everyday option in just the right size. Don't sleep on the brand's extensive strap collection, either. Thanks to the clip-on design, you can mix, match and play with a bundle of adjustable straps, from braided to chain link and more, for a unique spin.
Dimensions: 8 1/2"W x 7 1/4"H x 3 1/2"D with 19 1/4- 32 3/4" strap
Colorways: Black pebble and tan pebble
Desiree Leather Saddle Bag, $5,378.79, Bottega Veneta
You know Bottega Veneta for their Intreccio woven styles, but have you checked out some of the other desirable designs as well? This reworked saddle style has clean lines and finishes, luxe gold hardware and a surprise detail, a wrapped leather cord topping the side strap.
Dimensions: 10.25"W x 7.75"H x 2.5"D
Colorways: Taupe brass and chalk brass
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Alloro Saddle Crossbody Bag, around $530, Il Bisonte
Simple luxury is where it's at when it comes to the classics. Il Bisonte's vegetable-tanned Vacchetta leather is made in Italy with plenty of craft and care, making it a great option in the contemporary handbag market. Wear yours with jeans on the weekend for a relaxed look for brunch, errands and more.
Dimensions: 5.1"H x 7.5"W x 2.8"D
Colorways: Brown, beige and white
Vancouver Flap Leather Shoulder Bag, $686, DeMellier
DeMellier's core mission is to create handbags that make women feel empowered, while being ethically manufactured. The Vancouver shape is a core style for the brand, that plays upon a saddle bag's unique shape, while adding a bit of interest from standout hardware and topstitching details.
Dimensions: 7.5"H x 9"W x 2.7"D
Colorways: Tan small grain and black grain
Oath Shoulder Bag, $2,105.20, Oscar de la Renta
Oscar de la Renta’s signature glossy gold 'O' is front and center on the Oath bag, a design that feels luxurious yet relaxed. If the almond color way is not quite your thing, take a peek at the other winning shades, from French blue to cranberry red.
Dimensions: 7.5" x 5.7" x 3.5" with 21" strap drop
Colorways: Almond/gold, blush, French blue, cranberry, red tonal and taupe