The Fendi 2Jours, the Hermès Birkin, the Lady Dior, and the Saint Laurent Sac de Jour all have one thing in common: No. Top. Zipper. And if that doesn’t make your anxiety soar, I’m not sure what will.
In the past few years, dozens of the world’s most recognized designers have unveiled purses of all shapes, styles, and kinds (Crossbodys! Shoulder bags! Totes! Minis!)—and unfortunately, many of them have left out the crucial component of a top zipper.
You may be wondering why this is such a big deal to me. Well, the reality is, when you’re about to spend a couple hundred (or thousand!) dollars on designer wear, shouldn’t it be practical? If you can’t get your money’s worth, what’s the point? Correct me if I’m wrong, but I just can’t fathom the functionality behind a bag that doesn’t close at the top, even if it includes some sort of clasp or button (which most of the time doesn’t do a whole lot anyways).
I’m not necessarily worried someone will reach inside and take one of my valuables, but a bag without proper closure just seems like a disaster waiting to happen. Think about it: Someone accidentally knocks into you on the street and you’re adorable Sac de Jour flips around, and boom! Your phone and wallet go flying! I understand this doesn’t happen as often with larger totes, such as the Louis Vuitton Neverfull or the Fendi Canvas Shopper, but this scenario seems quite likely for a smaller bag without top closure.
[sc_ic_ad1]One of the first (and so far, only) designer bags I purchased on a whim and without much research was in Italy. I came across a heavily discounted (more than 50 percent off!) Fendi 2Jours in baby blue. I couldn’t help myself; I had to have it. To this day, it’s one of my most gorgeous purses in my collection, and I don’t regret the purchase for a second. But, if I’m being honest, it doesn’t get the kind of usage it deserves. Why? No. Top. Zipper! It’s seriously that simple. I’ve taken it out here and there, but I find myself clutching it tightly toward my body in an almost unnatural and uncomfortable way. Because the crossbody strap is slightly long, it’s easy for the bag to swing from side to side, moving my keys, credit cards, and other essentials up, down, and all around. Has anyone else felt the same sensation?
I guess the real questions is: Should style sacrifice comfort? Are these bags not meant to be used on an everyday basis? Regardless, I still wonder why some brands default to leaving the top of a bag wide open instead of finding unique ways to add just a bit more security. Clearly they don’t have a problem innovating new styles, so why not incorporate this, too?
Maybe top zippers are seen as less attractive? There are tons of bags that pull it off though, like the Givenchy Antigona, the Prada Promenade, and virtually every camera case out on the market right now. What do you think? Would you still purchase a top-zipper-less bag?
original illustration by Kat J. Weiss
True! I do not buy unless there is a top zipper or secured flap like on a Chanel. All I have to do is stop the car quickly or make a turn and my bag goes flying to the floor, emptying things in its wake. There are pick pockets around and why give them an opportunity?
I have a couple of bags without any type of top closure and I agree that they are a pain. I don’t regret buying any of them but like the writer, I use the bags less often. I am often in areas with a lot of pick pockets and these bags are an invitation to pickpockets. I have a LV Artsy that I got in 2011 that does not zip across the top and once while on a trip, I found a pickpocket deep in my bag. I mean I literally my husband grabbed her hand while she was in my bag. She put everything back. Lesson learned — pay more attention (I was distracted getting my toddler on the train) and buy a bag that closes across the top if I am going to ride the Paris metro.
Oh, my word. Yes, location is definitely an important consideration. I’m not in a crowded metropolitan area with a lot of pickpockets, so I can be more casual about the issue. I definitely reach for more secure bags when I go into NYC. Unfortunately, though, a secure closure doesn’t always deter a determined criminal. When I was a student in Rome, a guy on a moped cut the shoulder strap of my purse with a large knife while I was walking down the Via del Corso and then sped away. I saw the knife blade in the corner of my eye and completely froze. I was paralyzed and couldn’t react for several moments, and by then he was long gone.
Hmmm not sure if I totally agree with you on this one. All of my Balenciaga bags have a zipper but I seriously never ever zip my bag closed. I leave it open at all times.I have two Coach Rogue bags and honestly I never use the zipper for those either. I guess I’m just not paranoid enough? LOL!
The absence of a secured flap or top zipper is the main reason I’ve stopped myself from buying the Sac de Jour. It’s got a great structure and design but that’s all for nothing if I’m easily pick pocketed or my items could fall out.
I think some Lady Diors come with a top zipper now! Not sure.
I personally am fine without a top zipper in my hometown. I have only had a one or two times where my bag has been knocked over and stuff has fallen out.
For traveling, I much prefer a zipper though, and I agree it would be nice if you could buy a bag you can use in any city.
– The mini Lady Dior and small My Lady Dior come with flaps.
– The medium Lady Dior comes with a zipper (and always has).
– The supple medium Lady Dior has a flap (possibly this is where confusion has crept in?).
– The large Lady Dior usually comes with a zipper but there is a new version which comes with a flap.
I was thinking the same thing!
Thanks for the breakdown!!
I did a bunch of research on it before I bought mine (which I love love love!). It is a bit confusing!
Great Post. I just spent the weekend in LV, Chanel, Gucci, YSL, Saks, etc etc looking for a great bag that would hold my computer AND had a zip closure. Not easy to find!
One of my biggest “dohs!” is having my bag with a zipper (but unzipped) sitting on the passenger seat of my car and it falling and all of my stuff flying out. It doesn’t happen often, and only if I’m in a hurry and didn’t zip the bag, and then I have to pull over and claw around under the seat, feeling for the escaped stuff. I do prefer bags with zippers, just gotta use that darn zipper!
I like the turnlock closure on my Mulberry bags, those bags are pretty secure.
I have very few bags that have no top zipper (or flap with proper closure). I think my selection is limited to a Superdry tote, DvF tote and a LC LP Cabas. I really like my Mulberry bags with the postman’s lock, probably even better than a top zipper.
I’m clumsy and my bag has tipped over on the floor/ground/bottom of a car so many times it’s not even funny anymore.
Also security comes to question – I don’t want to be in a situation where I’m going to be in a very crowded place or in an environment where I can’t completely trust there aren’t any pickpockets around and have an open top bag.
Agree. I have bags that I absolutely love but don’t get used often because it’s simply not practical without a zipper. Beautiful but less functional.
I don’t think the Lady Dior really belongs on this list as they do have a top zipper and if not, they have a flap.
Yeah – the medium Lady Dior’s zipper is so secure that I can turn my bag upside down with the zip unzipped and my stuff still stays in, because the shape of the bag keeps the zip together. Extremely secure!
Excellent post. I would not buy a designer bag, or any bag for that matter, without a top zipper.
Not really a fan of zippers or closures. If there isn’t one, no big deal. I find them to be a pain in the butt. I guess that I’ve been lucky so far as to not be pickpocketed. Truth be told, I’m not even bothered if my bag tilts over and the stuff falls out in the car. It takes me less than a minute to get it all put back in.
For me, a bag without a top zipper or a secure flap closure, is actually impossible to use- I will drop or lose half the contents in no time!!
I do wish The Row would take this account and put zippers on all their bags!!!
You have raised a very essential point about bags in general on PB, Clarissa.
Top zips are a major requirement for me, if no top zip then I need a big inner zip pocket to hold my wallet. I NEVER leave my wallet out. Always zipped away.
I would never get a bag without a top zipper or a flap unless it is something ultra-gorgeous. I recently got myself a Graceful PM and it is pretty much open with a small magnetic closure. I get anxious whenever my bag topples over. I have to look around to make sure nothing has fallen out.
Top zippers are a must for me when it rains, snows or depending in which city I am, Paris = top zipper!
Oh, yes, you’re right about Paris! Lol.
I have a small Saint Laurent sac de jour and I have to admit I didn’t think about the practicality when I first bought it. I fell in love with design and it was the perfect size for my needs, but after wearing it a few times I felt the security aspect was lacking, especially living in a city like Paris where pickpocketing is rife. However, four years later it’s one of my most used bags and I’ve never had security issue thankfully! I often make sure it hangs in front of me and keep my hand over the opening when in the metro or crowded places and I’ve never had a problem. I agree with Clarissa that a top zip would be great but for me personally it wouldn’t stop me purchasing a bag if it didn’t have one 🙂
I havent bought and/or dont buy a bag without the zipper.
The luxury company has to have smooth zippers. Gucci’s zippers stick and aren’t smooth. LV and Hermès have good zippers.
I need a closure of some sort, if for no other reason that I live in rain-central(Seattle). I’m okay with flaps if they don’t take five minutes to open and close(Looking at you, Hermes…)
I’m too lazy to close my huge purses! So, of course, they would always spill out… So, I invented and patented the Car Cache to store my handbag in the car so it is accessible, clean, and out of passengers’ way. Amazon’s Choice for car purse storage – problem solved!?
In addition, another reason I created this product is because when I was in DC at a stop sign – I asked a nice young man for directions – I saw him look at my purse laying on the passenger seat – he then grabbed it and ran off! Big lesson learned! If it was in the Car Cache the odds of that happening are almost zero.
I decided against the Chanel shopper and sold my sac du jour for this exact reason. I do not own any bag that doesn’t have a flap, zipper or a secure enough clasp.
And to you point, my sister’s wallet was stolen right out of her Fendi 2 jour. He just dipped his hand in, wallet was sitting and the top and he was gone.
I find myself using my Speedy Bandouliere infrequently because it actually does have a top zipper. I wanted something I could wear cross-body and that was sturdy enough to be abused as a daily bag, but also classic enough that I wouldn’t feel compelled to buy another in a year or two (I do my best to avoid trendy bags because I used to spend too much on my seasonal bag whims). Unfortunately, the zipper just makes getting into the bag too cumbersome, and it annoys me when I scratch my hand on the zipper teeth. The bag I bought for daily use therefore ends up spending most of its time in my closet! When I use open totes, I find a way with bag organizers, pockets and pouches to keep my things in order and reasonably secure (for instance, I keep my wallet and phone in the zip pocket of my Neverfull, and I make use of the pochette for smaller things). My weekend and “going out” bags are Chanel flaps, but I often find myself reaching for a tote during the week. Anything with a zipper is just too difficult to get into for me. (I do have a Birkin, but I close the flap and sangles rather than letting it flop open, so I find it quite secure on the infrequent occasions that I use it.)
Nope, won’t but the sac du jour (even tho I love it) because of this exact reason
I tend to keep everything in my purse in tiny bags (most people would call them SLGs, but I’m pretty cheap so I use Ipsy bags!) that way if I have a bag with no top zipper/clasp/other closure I know that if anything were to happen and bag goes flying I don’t have to chase 2 dozen random items…they are all enclosed in about 1-3 Ipsy bags (depends on how big the purse is).
I call them my bag bags haha so useful if you want move between bags can just grab the relevant bag bag! I still largely avoid purses / bags with no top zipper though for all the reasons others have noted, especially security.
Pickpockets are an issue in my city so zippers are a must!
It depends on what you are intending to use the bag for and the individual. For some people, they will use the bag for a evening out for the look, or they use the bag for work in which they can carry everything. For me, I have to have some form of zipper or secure closure (e.g. a flap over with turnlock). I don’t like the thought of having everything on display or easy to fall out, and when I am in a busy area, I want to keep the bag secure from thieves. I like the idea of the LV Neverfull, but as it doesn’t have a zip, it would definitely put me off purchasing one in the future.
Agree completely. I do not buy bags that do not fully close via zipper or secured flap. Not ever. Especially as I commute on the subway.
It always seems to me designers target an audience of people who only spend time in cars.
I’d love to hear more about this. What makes you say this?
Several things come to mind. Massively oversized bags that no one could possibly manage on the train, subway etc. No outside secure pocket for tickets. Amazingly complex or weird closures, or lack thereof that someone in the comfort of their own vehicle wouldn’t have to worry about. This whole transparent thing. Sure lets show everyone on the train what we have in here. Shapes that don’t sit neatly on a lap in a tight seating arrangement on the bus. Not having feet so if you do have to put the bag between your feet or under the seat, the bottom then gets disgusting. Then there’s the weird strap arrangements, and/or lack of ajustability. Walking from the car to dinner or to a shop is very different than being on foot and in crowds or is public transit and in crowds. straps are not one size fits all if you have to carry a bag vs have it on the seat next to you when you are driving.
This is a great rundown! Thanks so much! In your opinion, what bags have nailed it? Are there any you own, or would like to own, that have hit all the marks?
Also, you mention an outside secure pocket for tickets. I ride in cars and rarely in trains, so I like an outside unsecure (but fairly deep) pocket to put my phone in. That way it’s easy to grab if I need it. How big of an outside pocket do you like and how would you want it to be secured?
Thanks so much for your time!
The outside pocket on the Chanel classic flap is great for train tickets. (Originally Chanel designed it to carry tips in… haha times have changed.) Because it sits tightly against the side of the bag, it holds the ticket in well, and it’s short enough that I don’t have to scrabble around in it to find my ticket.
I thought the narrow zipper compartment on the inside of the flap was designed by Coco to carry her billets & tips.
No, the pocket inside the flap is for your secret love letters!
Yes, now I do remember. Thanks for clearing that up! ?I wasn’t sure if the open slit pocket in the front (under the flap) wasn’t for Coco’s love letters. I do know that one of the 2 inside pockets was for her °5 parfume.
Thank you very much! This is the kind of pocket I like for my phone, as well. Do you keep your phone in this pocket with your tickets, or does that make it too easy to pickpocket?
I like to keep my phone inside my bag, so I’m probably not the best person to ask.
These are very excellent points! Plus, many bags are very heavy, & tire you, while lugging them around a city, on foot, or by train. At least with this current obsession with compact small bags, things should be much lighter. But you are so right about the multiple dangling straps, & funky puzzle like closures! Dangling straps would be very dangerous around subways, right?
Fully agree about the outside pocket for your train ticket!
Hey, this is a GREAT article and discussion! I’m a fledgling bag designer just starting my own company, and it’s super helpful to learn about what elements of a bag are turn ons and turn offs for wearers. I would love to see more articles and discussions like this. Thanks so much!
I felt in love with the Sac de Jour and could not resist buying it, although I knew that its lack of zipper or lock made it the sort of bag unpractical to use in the big city I live in. And of course I finally hardly use it! That’s my only bag without a top zipper, a flap with a lock, or other kind of closure. Apart from the fear of pick pockets, I am always worrying about the weather as I fear the rain might ruin what I carry inside the bag. I only use it on sunny days and never feel carefree as I have to remember all the time to carry it close to my body. Not a very nice experience when I normally enjoy so much wearing my bags! That’s the only bag of this type I own and it will stay the only one.
If I’m in a city I use a crossbody. My issue with hand carried bags is not whether or not they have a zipper closure, but rather whether or not they have feet. Hate to place designer bags down if they do not have feet.
I just sold my Runaway bag on Real Real because I couldn’t get past the fact that it only had a tab magnet closure…one of those things that you don’t realize bothers you until you take the plunge, buy the bag, and then take it out for a spin. Riding crowded NYC subways and NJ Transit trains made the bag impractical. My best bag, especially for travel, is my Fendi Lei because it goes cross body, and because it has a top zipper…
Depending on where I would wear said purse. For example I have two Goyard St. Louis, and those are open-top. While I use the biggest one for travel (with everything securely stowed in pouches), I wouldn’t wear the purse in for example, Buenos Aires or an insecure city.
That said, I wear my smaller St Louis with no issues in PDX. I use the same system, pouch everything.
Personally, I hate zippers, & especially loathe that flap closure (that is in place of a zipper). It can be a deal breaker, for me. However – I have only lived in suburban areas, where I drive everywhere. If I lived in a big city, I would be much more careful, opting to carry cross bodies or totes with zippers. Still, my most beloved bags have a clean, open entrance (or a zipper I can keep open, that doesn’t scrape my hand). I also loathe all those zipper compartments they put inside some bags. I want a clean, open space inside my bag. I then have a small cosmetic bag, to store small items in, & a sunglasses & glasses case, plus my cellphone, which I put in a wallet type case, that carries my credit card & i.d.! This makes for ease when switching out bags. I’d like to point out, that a Birken bag does have one of the most secure closures you could ever have, if you need it! Most of the time, though, I wear it open. I love how clean it is inside, too! But that’s just me!?
When I went shopping for a work bag that had to have a zipper, I didn’t have many options. One of the bags that satisfy all of my requirements was Celine ring bag.
Great article, really enjoying the read. I own small business producing bags and I must say whilst I always aim for zipper closure, it indeed prompts a lot more of thinking behind a design. It adds more cost, can sacrifice the intended final shape (imagine neverfull with a zip, it’ll become similar to lena) and i.e. I feel it can be seen as less casual vibe and the biggest issue, at least from my end as a teeny tiny business, is quality as they’re considerably troublesome when not placed/sewed in properly. It gets stuck, crooked, and breaks (argh the nightmare!) which diminishes the value of the bag and considered a faulty item which is significant cost to business.
http://www.epitomi.com.au
I honestly never zip up any of my bags. I never have and probably never will lol. I don’t like the whole “put together” or “proper” look on bags. I like my bags to look kind of undone and carefree. Even if I have a bag with a flap or a flap with a turn lock I keep the flap open on those bags. It’s just the look I go for I guess. Nobody would dare steal from my bag I would make such a scene ?
Agree that a top zipper would be great but I have the Sac du Jour & love it. Must be because I don’t live in the city & don’t worry about pick pockets on a day to day