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
