Depending on your preference, what I’m about to say might come as a shock: I’m in love with nylon bags, just as much (or maybe even a little more) than leather. Hey, don’t judge me just yet.
If done right, I am a firm believer that a nylon bag can be just as stylish as a leather counterpart. Not only that, the material is infinitely more durable and simple to clean. Depending on the style, nylon bags can fit much more than other purses, and they’re also incredibly easy to maneuver. (We all know the feeling of wrestling with a stiff leather bag just to get our wallet out.) Another important factor: for obvious reasons (i.e. no leather), they’re usually more affordable.
[sc_ic_ad1]To me, the worst thing about buying a bag is watching it sit on a shelf for who knows how long because of silly (?) reasons like color transfer or the risk of a rainstorm, which in turn would result in unfortunate watermarks all over your precious Fendi or Chanel. (As someone who lives in Miami, I regretfully report that this has happened to me one too many times.) Yep, no need to worry when you’re grabbing your tried and true nylon bag for a night on the town. (Even Megs has discussed her love for nylon!)
If you’re wondering whether or not a nylon bag has the potential to be stylish enough for a fancy dinner or a professional event, allow me give you a crash course in today’s chicest bags that’ll make you wonder why you ever bought leather. (Ok… maybe that’s a stretch, but let’s just go with it.) Either way, I think it’s a must to have at least one nylon bag in your collection.
Behold, my favorite nylon bags at the moment. I’ve got my eye on a few of the Pradas. (In my opinion, they’re the best nylon bag-maker on the market right now.) What’s your opinion on Nylon? If you were in the market for one, which one would you choose? I’d love to know!
Prada Black Nylon Bucket Bag with Studding ($1,200)
Givenchy Pandora Small Crossbody Bag in Speckled Nylon ($1,590)
Longchamp Le Pliage Medium Shoulder Tote Bag ($125)
Alexander Wang Ryan Mini Crystal Bucket Bag ($695)
AllSaints Sid East West Nylon Tote ($298)
Tory Sport Sport T Crossbody Bag ($148)
Prada Black Nylon Shoulder Bag with Studding Silver ($1,420)
Isabel Marant Noomi Shell Belt Bag ($445)
Givenchy Men’s UT3 Nylon Tote Bag ($1,750)
Prada Small Studded Tessuto Etiquette Bag ($1,590)
These Givenchy bags are such trash!
Well I must admit that I don’t find either of these specific ones to be particularly stylish as an every day bag (except for the Longchamp one!), but I could indeed see myself buying one of them as a gym bag (If I was one of those girls who actually visited to the gym once in a while) or as a safe and reliable travel bag. Out of these I found the mens Givenchy bag or the Tory Burch one to be the most interesting. I could see myself stuffing them full with gym clothes, a towel and a pair of sweaty shoes and bringing that to the gym! Yeah. Maybe I should get myself a gym membership just to have a reason for buying myself a cool nylon bag?! Thanks for the inspo!
And while it might not be my favourite design of all time, I could definitely see myself using the Longchamp one for travel, and for rainy/snowy days, it’s such a neutral classic that you just can’t go wrong with it. My boyfriend calls it “the New York bag” because literally everyone and their mothers was carrying one the first time we went there together (December 5 years ago).
And I believe you forgot to mention the biggest pro (in my opinion) with nylon bags, the light weight! 🙂
Technically the Alexander Wang bag is satin. Nylon has no place in a formal environment. I think every house should have a few lower priced nylon bags in their classic styles. They would do well for people that want a stylish bag but either don’t want leather or the occasion the bag is gonna be used for doesn’t call for a formal bag but they still want something stylish. As is the case for the Hermès her bag. Kelly style with casual canvas. Looks good but is a lot cheaper than an actual Kelly.
No need of plastic monstrosities for me, thanks. I have cotton-canvas bags for summer and more casual outings.
Like Highlander, when it comes to nylon bags, there can be only one: the Longchamp Pliage. Thousands (at least!) of women around the world have at least one, from students on a budget to billionaires. It’s the great equalizer of bags. One of these days, PB should do an entire column on this bag: its invention, its evolution, its undeniable iconic status.
Passerine, I so agree.
Yes! would love that. I own both their nylon (for travel) and cuir (for work) pliages and love the carefree, lightweight goodness these bags promise (and deliver!)
Yes! would love that. I own both their nylon (for travel) and cuir (for work) pliages and love the carefree, lightweight goodness these bags promise (and deliver!)
MZ Wallace has the best nylon bags (with leather handles or accents) that can be dressed up or down. They are so light and practical and great quality.
Too true. I’m surprised that they are not on this list, considering what did make it.
I have a nylon Prada for 10 years now and it still looks new. Not a trace of wear on the fabric. One of the best bag investments I made.
I like the AW bag but I worry that the rhinestones would catch/snag on the fancy fabrics of the outfit!
Longchamp Le Piliage for the win! I have a pretty old large black tote. I prefer to use this old one with slightly frayed corners over getting a newer one because it has the long handles. I’ve used it for the beach, as an overnight bag, a carry on… Def one of the bags that paid for itself.
I don’t like nylon bags that much. I do have one though. It is Longchamp Le Piliage Club large grey tote bag. I bought it as a carry-on bag. Sometimes, I use it when I travel.
Longchamp for this one. I own four of them. Had to have them in a few different colors. Most of them are medium but I have one that’s extra large for overnight. I love them. ?
Lorrie, do you use them as an occasional tote? Every day purse? Other?
I’m trying to decide if I “need” one!
I used to wear mine almost every day. It’s perfect. I also have a backpack, travel bag and several toiletry bags. They are great for travelling as they are lightweight and waterproof. The size of the large tote is great.
Thx
I like the longevity of nylon bags, but don’t like the feel of the material so would never buy them.
I like how carefree nylon bags are. I’m on my third tumi Voyageur nylon crossbody and they can’t be beat for travel and everyday (btw their 20% sale ending 3/31/19). I also like Lancaster, a French brand that is not ubiquitous like Longchamp.
Longchamp shoppers are classic, and perfect for sporting and outdoor events since they are light, durable, and weather resistant. I also love them for antique shows, when you don’t want a bulky, stiff leather bag that may bump and knock something over. I am collecting the medium Le Pliage in my favorite colors, use a larger one as a tote, and have gone through a couple of the cosmetic bags (my dog ate the handle on one).
Have any of you tried LuLu Lemon’s All Night Festival Bag? A variety of colors, wipes clean, well designed, beautifully made. It joins my closet of LV’s, Hermes, Celine’s, Chanel’s, and Carolina Herreras. It’s all about good design and fabric. Be your own trend setter and not a follower just because it!s the latest. Check out Consuela for fun and color. If you love bags, you’ll see some creative pieces you never knew about. And I concur with the person liking MzWallace. They’re fabulous too.
And the winner is….always Longchamp!
Absolutely love nylon bags- I have started carrying a Prada nylon crossbody bag since a year – it’s absolutely the best everyday bag! and of course Longchamp for travel/everyday. Great post!
Longchamp Le Pliage takes the trophy for me. Light, tough and attractive.
PB should check out the brand Freitag too, wonderfully thoughtful bags made for women and men from recycled truck tarp. Love ’em.
For the price, you can’t beat Longchamp. Durable and practical. However, Prada makes the Rolls Royce of nylon bags. Cool designs and material that lasts.