It’s no secret that mini bags have been dominating the handbag game for what seems like forever. I am so over the micro itty bitty bags, which are hopefully a passing trend rather than the way of the future, but I can’t deny the staying power of the traditional mini bag. In this digital age, I completely understand why mini bags are at peak popularity, but I just can’t seem to downsize enough to fully get on board (trust me, I’ve tried). Luckily for me and all my big bag loving friends, big bags are making their long-awaited comeback! Of all the big-sized handbag shapes, the hobo is absolutely one of my favorites.
Hobo handbags are defined by their characteristically slouchy shape, single shoulder strap, and their more often than not curved crescent shape. In addition to being wonderfully oversized, hobo style bags have a relaxed, cool aesthetic and are the perfect shape and style for everyday wear. The hobo bag is one of my favorites for many reasons, number one being the ease of wearing one. When thrown over my shoulder it naturally slouches and conforms to fit against my body, making it super comfortable to wear and easy to get in and out of. One important tip I have is to invest in a purse organizer when you purchase a hobo bag to avoid what I like to call “bottomless pit frustration”, which occurs when a large bag results in you constantly losing your loose items within the depths of the large interior.
The first hobo I ever fell in love with was the Rebecca Minkoff Nikki circa 2008, and I’ve been smitten with the shape ever since. In my current collection, I have two hobos, the Louis Vuitton Delightful in Damier Azur and Monogram prints. Both of my Delightfuls are the MM size versus the PM size because as I mentioned, I’m a fan of all things bigger when it comes to bags. I tend to wear my hobos as day bags because the shape and style are more informal. I wear mine with flowy dresses, jeans, or even leggings when running errands. The hobo works well for commuting, as I can carry a ton inside of it while still easily wearing it over my shoulder for hands-free ease, resulting in my Delightfuls coming to work with me quite a bit.
As with any shaped bag, you can go as intricate or simple as you want with the design of a hobo bag. I personally am in the market for a pebbled leather or suede hobo bag, preferably with little to no ornate detail. Because I own two Louis Vuitton hobo bags, I’d like to add a third simplistic one into the mix. I have recently had a change of heart with my handbag preferences and have been coveting all things minimalistic these days, and I want my hobo to reflect that, so much so that I am considering selling one of my Delightfuls to potentially fund my simplistic hobo endeavor.
I’ve scoured the internet and selected a few of my favorite hobos that are available right now! Not all are simplistic, but they’re definitely all on my wishlist. Side note: the Delightful is now discontinued, but the Graceful is a good alternative from Louis Vuitton if you would like Damier or Monogram prints in the hobo style.
AllSaints Mori Medium Hobo Bag ($348)
Chloé Tess Hobo Bag ($1,971)
Isabel Marant Oskan New Hobo Bag ($1,090)
Miu Miu Leather Hobo Bag ($1,950)
Gucci Linea A Large GG Supreme Canvas Hobo Bag ($1,490)
Bottega Veneta Veneta Intrecciato Large Hobo Bag ($2,750)
Tory Burch Miller Metal Slouchy Hobo Bag ($578)
Botkier Trigger Pebbled Leather Hobo ($298)
BOSS Christy Leather Hobo ($645)
The Isabel Marant is my stylel, but I can just see me fishing around the bottom where everything falls for my keys, phone, etc.
I really do like hobo bags. I didn’t find them difficult to find my items. I had a Prada that I used for years, for work, and the exterior never showed wear. I finally sold because the lining (silk, polyester?) tore badly and my coins, etc. kept falling between the bag and lining. Now, I’m in the market for a new one and these are great options!
I don’t like hobo bags, but I realized that I was trying the wrong kind of hobo. I needed a bag that didn’t give me a bohemian vibe. Found a Coach one at Plato’s Closet which I love. It doesn’t feel like my stuff is in a trash bag.
Rough & Tumble bags are all about drape, and they do hobos really well! Plus, you can design and customize your own.
They really are not attractive and are cheaply made. The linings, in many of these bags, tear easily and management does not stand behind their products. However, great attempt at promoting this product!
Love this style of bags and I have a few. The ultimate hobo bag would be the gucci jackie hobo bag. I remember it came in all kinds of mettalic colors almost ten years ago and it’s stilll one of my biggest regrets not getting it at the time.
I have never been a hobo bag girl but I’m loving the Gucci canvas one. So pretty.
Love the Gucci one. I bought a Gucci hobo a few years ago and used it constantly for nearly 2 years as a result.
I like the Marant and Chloe the best, I think, with the open tops and lack of prominent logos. I love hobos. They’re my favorite style, as I hate fussing with top closures and flaps. I also have 2 LV Delightfuls but in the PM size, in damier azur and ebene. I have fairly narrow shoulders, and too often shoulder bags (especially those with twin straps!) slide down and cause a hassle. I added a long vachetta crossbody strap to the azur and an equivalent one in ebene, and it really makes both bags much more convenient and they also keep the bag close to the body so the open tops aren’t really much of an issue for me.
I also have the LV Delightful in the PM size (in mono) and did as you have by putting a vachetta long strap on which now gives me the option of going crossbody! Literally changed the life of this bag!! I tend to grab it more often now, which is wonderful as it truly is a perfect hobo!
In my opinion, Botega Veneta is the gold standard for hobos. The leather is exquisite – soft and buttery and provides a beautiful, comfortable drape against the body. The height of luxury.