Of all the adornments and finishes a bag can have, chain straps are one of the more controversial when it comes to our readers. Some of you love the look, but many of you complain that the straps are uncomfortable, snag your hair or leave marks on your shoulders. For the latter group, we have some bad news that you might have already picked up on: chain-strap flap bags are everywhere this season.
If you’re in the first group of people, though, you’re going to want to go grab your wallets before you dive in below. Perhaps motivated by Chanel’s long-running success with its many, varied chain-strap flap bags, brands have started turning them out in droves, and the results are pretty good-looking. Chain straps take up less visual space than solid leather does, and they often feel a little bit like jewelry, which makes the overall design feel more delicate. On the other hand, a chunkier chain strap can telegraph toughness, and either way, they provide a good opportunity to add personality to an otherwise classic bag design.
Below, we’ve assembled over two dozen of the season’s best options, for those of you who remain chain strap-inclined.
Balenciaga Leather Chain Wallet
$1,335 via Neiman Marcus
Bottega Veneta Olimpia Intrecciato Shoulder Bag
$2,470 via Net-a-Porter
Chanel Boy Bag
Price on Request via Chanel
Chloé Drew Bag
$1,850 via Nordstrom
Coach 1941 Dinky Calf Hair Crossbody Bag
$595 via Coach
Dolce & Gabbana Rosalia Bag
$1,995 via mytheresa.com
Fendi Double Baguette Shoulder Bag
$1,650 via Net-a-Porter
Furla Candy Metropolis Shoulder Bag
$178 via Shopbop
Gucci Padlock Shoulder Bag
$2,190 via Gucci
Hill & Friends Happy Chain Shoulder Bag
$1,025 via Net-a-Porter
Jimmy Choo Lockett Shoulder Bag
$1,450 via Nordstrom
Lanvin Jiji Shoulder Bag
$2,090 via Net-a-Porter
Luana Anais Shoulder Bag
$298 via Saks
Mackage Zed Mini Bag
$295 via Shopbop
MCM Diamond Disco Shoulder Bag
$965 via Nordstrom
Mulberry Lily Woven Shoulder Bag
$1,450 via Net-a-Porter
Nancy Gonzalez Floral Applique Crocodile Crossbody Bag
$3,150 via Net-a-Porter
Prada Woven Madras Shoulder Bag
$2,850 via Bergdorf Goodman
Proenza Schouler Hava Chain Bag
$1,850 via Proenza Schouler
Saint Laurent Large Monogramme Shoulder Bag
$2,690 via Nordstrom
Stella McCartney Soft Beckett Shoulder Bag
$1,335 via Net-a-Porter
Tom Ford Natalia Shoulder Bag
$2,990 via Neiman Marcus
Tory Burch Robinson Crosshatch Shoulder Bag
$475 via Tory Burch
Valentino Lock Bag
$4,245 via Net-a-Porter
Versace Medusa Shoulder Bag
$2,175 via Net-a-Porter
Just got the LV Twist (MM size in Epi leather) and I’m loving it! Never had any problem with my hair getting caught in any chains on any of my flap bags, and it’s so freeing just bringing out less crap than I normally like to lug around with me, and it just goes with every outfit!
I have a very specific issue with chain bags; if the metal chain touches my skin for too long, I break out in a rash! I can’t wear costume jewelry or watches for this reason either. Does this happen to anyone else?
Sounds like contact dermatitis i.e. you’re allergic to the metal. You could try painting the chain in clear nail polish? (Obviously test a small area first in case it looks awful)
Are you allergic to Nickel?
Yes I am! It’s the worst. 🙁
I don’t mind the chain so much as long as it has a leather tab in the middle where it meets my shoulder. I have a bony one, so yep, it hurts when the chain rubs against my bone 🙁
Speaking of bags, the Tory Burch color scheme and patterns seem very sweet.
The Hills & Friends bag seems very… I don’t know. It looks like something you can get off dodgy sellers on ebay or dubious online shopping for 10$.
I received a MK chained shoulder bag (black leather), really nice but so heavy. I changed the chain and now it looks better than before 🙂
I love the look of a chain strap so much that I’m willing to carry fewer things with me in order to carry one. It’s just an elegant and sophisticated look.
I have an YSL small monogramme chain bag and the chain doesn’t hurt my shoulder at all. It’s so light and easy to carry. Not to mention beautiful and iconic.
It is my holy grail bag!
That Nancy Gonzalez bag cross body is too much…it looks like an overdone birthday cake. I’m digging the Mulberry Lily Woven and the Prada Woven Madras. They look like great spring/summer bags for me!
If anyone here fancies a cheap high street dupe of the Mulberry Lily (or, even moreso, the Coach Crosstown), check out the Maria Ann crossbody bag by shoe retailer Clarks. It’s only £30.
I’m loving the Prada woven bag. Furla has done a really nice job with their bags lately and without being quite as pricy if you’re someone who isn’t willing to spend as much. I’ve always loved the Medusa head for Versace, so might end up with that or Prada woven one since so many people have the YSL.