They always come back.
No, we’re not talking about the guy who ghosted you only to view your Instagram stories until the end of time. We’re talking about denim bags.
Denim bags have transcended the trend cycle to become a true warm-weather staple, returning to rotation each spring and summer. A closet staple, our favorite brands release lust-worthy iterations of their icons dressed in full-on denim each year.
The return of denim’s ubiquity to the handbag world can largely be attributed to the return of all things Y2K fashion. Fashion continues to be obsessed with nostalgia, and denim bags were a huge part of the early aughts. Whether it’s Louis Vuitton’s Monogram denim, Coach’s iconic denim Cs, or Gucci’s GG Supreme, each year there are a myriad of fun options to pick from at a variety of price points.
A Hint of Nostalgia
Defined as “sentimentality for the past, typically for a particular period or place,” nostalgia is often omnipresent in uncertain times or times of change. We first saw this during the earl 2020s, when the nostalgia boom hit a peak, coinciding with COVID times, which were some of the most tumultous years in recent history after the post-9/11 era.
Economists believe that the current probability of a recession remains at about 60%. It’s that exact economic uncertainty that is a breeding ground for nostalgia. That said, fashion’s love for the archives is here to stay, and yes, that includes denim bags.
Each year, I marvel at the new crop of denim bags, and while it’s hard to argue a case against them, as they pop up season after season, I still find myself toying with the idea. A brand classic like the Chanel Flap in denim can give off both trendiness and timeless—a hard balance to strike—but admittedly, spending thousands on a fabric bag is something I haven’t been able to commit to.
Still, the heart wants what it wants, and year after year, I return to the idea once again, and this year I’ve got a few on my radar. Do you own a denim bag?
Let’s talk!
Our Pick of 6 Lust-Worthy Denim Bags
Featured image via Vogue Runway
Denim bags are the best
I wasn’t buying into the denim bag trend until I saw Gisele Bündchen with a denim Chanel Reissue Camera bag and I fell in love. It has been one of my best bags. It is extremely light, extremely durable, and fits a ton of crap for such a small bag. I love it!
I love my Chanel and LV denim bags. I carry my Chanel denim CF on rainy days because there’s no leather to worry about getting wet. Plus the softer material allows extra room without looking misshapen.
It was featured on Vogue “what’s in my bag?” and saw pictures of her wearing it many times.
Chanel does denim better than any other brands.
The YSL small denim puffer is an amazing bag…I get so many compliments when I carry it and it’s light and spacious.
I have a coach tote from 2007 (still kept the receipt haha). I cant get myself to sell it. The only coach bag left.
I had a really pretty denim bag. Gave it away after the denim color transferred on my white T-shirt. Now, I’m hesitant to purchase another. I really want one!
If you get another wear it only with darker clothing. I don’t carry lighter colored bags with dark colors that could transfer.
I LOVE a denim bag. I have Chanel flap and a denim Baguette–they go with everything, just like your favorite pair of jeans!
I have the LV Speedy Bandouliere 25 in denim from 2024 and a denim Telfar medium. Love them both. I recall in my adolescence that I had a much cheaper American Eagle denim crossbody, and a denim tote in my 20s, so seems I always want to have one in my collection.