It’s a fashion truth: The perfect bag can make an outfit out of any old basics you have in your closet. Clutches, satchels, cross-bodies, hobos, and totes — they’re all potential outfit-makers.
That’s one reason why you can never have too many handbags. If money were no object of course. Sadly, money is an object and that’s why you’re looking for the best affordable purse brands. It’s only fun to have a new bag on hand if you didn’t empty your wallet to get it.
So here’s what’s in store. Below I’ll cover 10 tips for finding affordably priced (but not cheaply made) purses and share my seven pick for the best affordable purse brands.
How to spot a quality bag for less
When looking for less expensive bags, keep these pointers in mind:
- Stay away from logos, which draw more attention to the brand name than to the style and color.
- Decide if you can live without leather. Faux leathers are getting better and better. Real leather is still more durable, but it will also cost you more.
- If you’re looking for versatility, stick with a basic color like black or brown.
- Examine the stitching. You shouldn’t see loose threads or inconsistencies.
- Tug at the seams if you’re shopping in a store. Make sure those seams are strong.
- Another in-store tip: Evaluate the weight of the bag when it’s empty. An empty bag that’s too heavy will be miserable to carry around once you put your stuff in it.
- Inspect the straps. Check that the straps are wide enough to distribute the bag’s weight. You don’t want to feel like the strap is slicing into your shoulder. Also assess the strength of the stitching that holds the straps to the bag. A common “purse fail” is when that stitching breaks and the strap is no longer attached.
- Avoid flat metal plates and embellishments. These are easily scratched and end up looking tacky.
- Review the pocket situation. Decide how many pockets you need based on your level of organization. (Personally, I only want a bag with one zipper pocket. More than that just ends up being wasted space.)
- Know how to care for your handbags. Even if you’re buying a lower-cost item, you might as well make it last as long as possible.
Best affordable purse brands
1. Lulus
Trendy retailer Lulus is a good source for cute bags that won’t break the bank. Most of the options are embellished and youthful in style, which is mostly what you’d expect from a fast-fashion house. But you can find more classically style pieces if you’re willing to look. An example is the gray tote bag below.
The bag is big, measuring 11.25 inches wide and 8 inches tall. It’s made of a pebbled faux leather, which is hand washable. With flat bottom and gold feet, you can set this bag down without it tipping over and spilling your stuff. It also comes with a mini purse inside.
What to know about handbags from Lulus:
- Handbags are priced from $25 to 80.
- Lulus styles are trendy.
- Returns are only accepted within 30 days and you’ll pay a $4.99 return shipping fee.
2. Mango
Mango’s style aesthetic is more sophisticated than Lulus. So if you’re looking for a low-cost, all-purpose bag you can use daily until it wears out, Mango is a great starting point. The collection includes shoulder bags, bucket bags, shopper bags, woven bags, crossbody bags, and more.
My pick from Mango right now is this cute shoulder bag. I love the white design with the contrasting edge. It makes for a fun summer piece that’s still elegant. The bag measures 7 inches long by 6.7 inches tall and is made of polyurethane with a polyester lining. The downside is that you’ll have to spot clean any blemishes, since this bag is not washable.
What to know about handbags from Mango:
- Mango prices handbags from $45 to $100.
- Styles are a blend of classic and trendy.
- Returns are accepted within 30 days of purchase. You can return a bag in store or by USPS for free, if you use Mango’s return shipping label.
3. Aldo
Also has good prices, but some of the brand’s styles miss the mark. You may have to scroll, but there are some interesting styles — including the versatile black crossbody Grydith bag shown below.
The Grydith bag is normally priced at $50, and marked down right now to $40. It’s compact and sleek, but definitely not boring. The textured material and chain strap give it an edgy vibe, which makes me want to pair this bag with a floral dress and chunky shoe. Note that Grydith will hold your phone, a lip color, plus some cash and cards…and not much more.
What to know about handbags from Aldo:
- Aldo prices handbags from $55 to $75.
- Aldo’s styling isn’t as consistent as other brands on our list. You may need to scroll to find a bag you like.
- Aldo accepts returns within 60 days of purchase. You can return in-store or by mail using the shipping label included in your order.
4. Baggallini
Baggallini bags lean into practicality. The collection includes backpack bags, zipper totes, travel bags, and more — all made of a lightweight, washable, water-resistant nylon fabric. Some Baggallini bags are even antibacterial.
Baggallini’s Carryall Expandable Packable Tote demonstrates how the brand blends function with form. The patterned exterior gives an unexpectedly pretty face to a bag that’s made for lugging gear. It has a built-in travel sleeve for your laptop plus ample storage inside. There’s also a zipper around the bottom that extends the bag’s height by 6 inches.
With those features, the $60 price tag seems like a steal.
What to know about handbags at Baggalini:
- Baggallini prices bags from $60 to $150.
- Baggallini bags are practical first and stylish second.
- Baggallini accepts returns within 60 days of purchase, but does not refund shipping charges.
5. Zara
If you’re after a purse that feels high-design without the fat price tag, Zara can scratch that itch. The current season’s collection — summer 2023 — has the trendy embellishments you’d expect, from fringe accents to metallic fabrics.
My pick this season is Zara’s Croc City Bag. A fun red color with an elegant texture, this bag plays to your multifaceted personality and sense of style. It’s normally priced at $49 and on sale currently for $29.99.
What to know about handbags from Zara:
- Zara prices handbags from $30 to $120.
- Zara’s style aesthetic is fast-fashion trendy.
- You can return unwanted merchandise within 30 days of your order’s shipment date. In-store returns are free. On mailed returns, Zara will deduct $3.95 from your refund to cover the shipping costs.
6. Madewell
Madewell and my next brand pick Everlane do have higher prices than the others on my list. But I’m including them in the best affordable purse brands category for two reasons. One, the prices are still way lower than what you’d pay for a designer label. And two, you can generally trust the level of quality from these two brands.
Take Madewell’s Transport bucket bag as an example. This is a classic and clean bag, made of real leather. It features two straps, one for your shoulder and the other to wear across your body. There’s also an interior pocket and magnetic closure. You can make it yours for $168.
What to know about handbags from Madewell:
- Madewell prices handbags from $80 to $200.
- Most Madewell bags will be classically styled, though there is a nice range in terms of color.
- Madewell accepts returns within 30 days of the original purchase. If you’re a Madewell Insider, you get free shipping and free returns.
7. Everlane
Everlane is on par with Madewell in terms of pricing, quality, and style.
The Everlane bag I’m loving right now is the Cactus Leather Sling Bag for $110. It’s available in four colors, but the rich honey speaks to me. And, this is super interesting, the bag is made from prickly pear cactus — a sustainable plant that requires no watering and isn’t treated with pesticides.
Wear this bag when you’re on the go, as a chicer version of a fanny pack.
What to know about Everlane handbags:
- Everlane prices purses and bags from $85 to $250.
- Everlane styles are classic and enduring.
- Madewell accepts returns within 30 days of the ship date. Mailed returns have a $7 shipping label fee, while in-store returns are free.
So those are my picks for best affordable purse brands. Did I miss your fav? Let me know!
