Coach Bags: How an American Classic Perfected the Balance Between Heritage and Modern Style

When it comes to American handbag brands, Coach will always have a special place in our hearts. It’s up there with Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren as one of the most recognizable American brands in the world.

Coach carved out a space as a classic brand with a preppy look at an affordable price point. While Coach has undergone several rebrands over the years, it’s remained true to its heritage.

Coach handbags displayed in-store highlight the brand’s signature craftsmanship, quality leather, and timeless American design (Credit: Sorbis / Shutterstock)

After several years of being confined to department stores and outlet malls, Coach has returned to the forefront of the fashion industry.

The brand now counts Jennifer Lopez and Megan Thee Stallion amongst its ambassadors. If you’re looking for high-quality designer bags at an affordable price point, Coach is the ideal choice.

Coach was founded in 1941 in New York City under the name Manhattan Leather Bags, later evolving into one of America’s most iconic luxury brands (Credit: Jon Kraft / Shutterstock)

We’re sharing a little about the history of Coach and why you should invest in their bags. Read on to find our list of the best Coach bags and purses to buy right now. Trust us. They’re the ultimate investment in your closet – without breaking the bank.

Rediscovering Coach’s Timeless Appeal in Today’s Fashion Landscape

We want to thank the Y2K trend for making us fall back in love with Coach. For several years, the brand was often found at outlet malls. While Coach was popular during the ‘90s, it quietly disappeared from the front page of fashion magazines in the early 2000s.

It was the revival of early 2000s fashion that prompted Coach to rebrand itself and target the Millennial and Gen Z demographics.

Coach handbags featuring the signature Horse and Carriage motif — a timeless emblem of the brand’s New York heritage (Credit: Sorbis / Shutterstock)

In recent seasons, Coach has earned an “it bag” status with the launch of its Pillow Tabby bag. The bag went viral in 2021, partly as a more affordable alternative to the luxury Bottega Veneta bags.

It was quickly named “Bag of the Year” by InStyle Magazine and appeared in virtually every major fashion publication.

The Enduring Value of Coach Bags: A Blend of Quality, Craft, and Affordability

The main selling point for Coach is its quality. It’s the perfect alternative to luxury brands for those who don’t want to pay a four-figure price tag. Coach is also an ideal brand for ‘trendy’ bags you want to wear for a few seasons.

Although it’s at a more accessible price point, the leather used in Coach’s bags excels in its market placement. It’s comparable in price to brands like Tory Burch and Kate Spade. The difference is that Coach now offers a younger and more streetwear-ready look than its competitors.

The illuminated Coach flagship store at the corner of 54th Street in New York City is a must-see destination for fashion lovers and tourists alike (Credit: Ritu Manoj Jethani / Shutterstock)

Since Coach’s rebrand in recent years, it has expanded its product range to offer something for every woman.

Whether you’re looking for a tote bag for work or a mini bag, Coach is guaranteed to have something for you. You’ll find one on this list if you want to invest in a leather bag. The following handbags are available at Nordstrom, Coach, Zappos, and Farfetch.

1. Pillow Tabby Shoulder Bag 26: The Viral “It Bag” Reinventing Coach Classics

Meet Coach’s ‘it bag’ – the Pillow Tabby. It reimagines a classic structured silhouette from the brand’s 1970s archives. The bag features a distinctive, plush, and ultra-soft leather, emphasizing the wrapped signature hardware.

The Pillow Tabby reimagines the structured silhouette of an archival 1970s Coach design with plush, ultra-soft leather and wrapped Signature hardware

The 26 bag has two detachable straps that allow you to carry it by hand, as a shoulder bag, or crossbody. The Pillow Tabby 26 shoulder bag is available in seven colors, ranging from muted neutrals to bright pastels.

2. Field Tote With Garden Embroidery: A Playful Take on Logo Totes

Coach’s ‘Field’ tote is one of its most contemporary designs. This bag has a similar aesthetic to other logo tote bags from Marc Jacobs, Saint Laurent, and Loewe.

Garden-themed embroidery offers a pretty refresh on a timelessly structured shape with this leather-trimmed canvas Field tote

If you want to try the trend without committing to a hefty price tag, check out this style by Coach.

3. Madison Shoulder Bag 16: Signature Canvas Meets Modern Detailing

One of Coach’s most recognizable designs is the Madison. This timeless bag features a contemporary twist with its leather and metal chains.

Crafted of refined leather and the brand’s signature canvas, the compact 16 is finished with polished rivets, an exterior pocket for easy access to essentials, and a Tea Rose turn-lock closure

The Madison is the bag that you can take with you everywhere. It features Coach’s classic canvas and is crafted using refined calf leather. The small 16 size is the perfect companion for a mini bag, featuring polished rivets and a Tea Rose turn-lock closure.

4. Willow Tote in Signature Canvas: The Everyday Carry-All

Everyone needs their own Mary Poppins bag. The Willow tote is the ideal size to hold all your essentials without weighing you down. It’s the carry-all tote that will carry you from a gym session to a day at the office.

Crafted of Coach’s signature canvas and refined leather, the Willow tote features two open pockets, a secure center zip compartment, and slender shoulder straps

The bag features Coach’s signature canvas and is finished with its classic turn-lock closure. The Willow tote will fit up to a 13” laptop, making it an excellent choice for a college or work bag.

5. Bethany Belt Bag: Coach’s Chic Answer to the Bum Bag Trend

It’s easy to think that Coach is just minimalist tote bags or classic flap bags. The Bethany shows that even leather brands can have an athleisure feel. The Bethany belt bag is Coach’s interpretation of the bum bag trend.

The ultra-convenient Bethany belt bag keeps hands free and essentials organized

This street-ready style is crafted from refined leather and features the brand’s signature canvas. You can wear it around your waist, draped as a crossbody, or over your shoulder. It’s the best Coach bag to invest in for spring/summer.

6. Studio Shoulder Bag With Quilting: Quiet Luxury With an Edge

When it comes to new designs, the ‘Studio’ is one of our favorites from Coach. It rivals classic flap-over bags from brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Celine.

The black Studio bag with Coach’s iconic push-lock closure is a modern take on the brand’s archival clasp

This classic bag features a contemporary twist on one of the brand’s archival clasps and has a push-lock closure. It’s the new signature bag you’ll carry with you everywhere you go.

Coach’s new Studio collection comes with a more expensive price point, from $450 to $495

Coach describes their Studio design as being the ‘see and be-seen bag’. This classic silhouette incorporates the brand’s signature ‘C’ push-lock closure and is a modern interpretation of their archival clasp.

The bag is designed with versatility in mind, featuring a take-everywhere style made from soft quilted nappa leather or canvas. The Coach Studio bags are available in various quilted and textured leather options alongside the brand’s traditional signature canvas. The Studio bag offers a more elevated and minimalistic design than what we typically see from Coach.

The silhouette is inspired by the classic Parisian satchel bags found in brands like Celine and Hermès.

Euphoria star Barbie Ferreira and her Sphynx cat appear in Coach’s Give A Little Love holiday campaign, celebrating individuality and warmth (Credit: Coach / Mega / WENN)

The reasoning for the more expensive Studio bags is tenfold. Their more expensive price point is designed to attract new customers in the Chinese market, particularly as the silhouette was designed with these customers in mind.

Asia has emerged as one of the most influential markets in the fashion industry, and is a demographic that Coach is keen to break into. Coach believes that the brand’s ethos, quality, and marketing will allow it to pivot to a higher price point without losing its customer base.

“Because our quality, our value, the brand heat is there — our consumer is giving us a way to be more fulsome in our pricing,” Coach’s chief executive and brand president, Todd Kahn, told The Business of Fashion. Is this higher price point likely to work? Perhaps.

Kiko Mizuhara models a Coach Studio bag in Glovetanned Chalk Leather for the brand’s Give A Little Love holiday campaign (Credit: Coach / Mega / WENN)

With its Studio bags, Coach is taking its first steps toward becoming a more sought-after brand.

Coach’s more expensive price point is designed to attract new customers in the Asian market

Don’t want to splurge on a Chanel flap? Try the Studio by Coach instead.

7. Swinger 20 Shoulder Bag: Coach’s Y2K Revival Hero

Coach is making a comeback thanks to Y2K trends – so it’s no surprise that the Swinger bag has made its way onto this list. The Swinger is Coach’s answer to the pochette craze of the late ‘90s, which was started with the Fendi Baguette bag.

This black zip-top short-strap shoulder bag sits just beneath the underarm for hands-free convenience and includes a detachable strap to wear crossbody

This understated bag celebrates the brand’s New York heritage, featuring its iconic turnlock closure. You can carry it as a clutch or under your arm like a baguette.

8. Willow Bucket Bag: Affordable Luxury With Colorblock Charm

What we love about Coach is that their bags give you the look and quality of luxury brands without the price tag. The Willow Bucket Bag is a more affordable alternative to Louis Vuitton’s iconic Noe bag.

Crafted of colorblock polished pebble leather, the Willow bucket bag has an organized interior with one zip compartment, two open compartments, and a pocket for small necessities

It’s the perfect size for everyday wear, featuring a colorblock design with polished pebble leather. You can carry it by hand, on the shoulder, or as a crossbody bag for ultimate versatility.

9. Willow Camera Bag: Compact, Polished, and Perfectly Practical

A camera bag is a silhouette everyone needs in their collection. It’s the perfect size for taking your essentials on the go, offering a hands-free option for days of exploring the city.

Designed with an inside multifunction pocket, the Willow camera bag from Coach is made from polished pebble leather

The colorblock polished pebble leather adds a sophisticated feel to this understated bag.

10. Soft Tabby Shoulder Bag: Retro ’70s Spirit With Modern Ease

Do you like the pillow tabby but wish it were a little bigger? Try the Soft Tabby shoulder bag.

Colorblocked details enliven luxurious, smooth leather Coach’s versatile Tabby shoulder bag

It’s a classic bohemian style that harkens back to the 1970s. The slouchy, relaxed style is easy to dress up or down, thanks to its colorblock, smooth leather, and signature hardware.

11. Soft Tabby Hobo: Eco-Conscious Craft in Signature Jacquard

Another bag in the Tabby family is the hobo. It’s another archival 1970s style that the brand has brought back as part of the collection. This bag is crafted using Coach’s environmentally conscious signature jacquard, made from organic cotton.

Add a little pizzazz to your wardrobe with this structured Tabby hobo bag, styled with a detachable strap and multifunction pockets

It’s a more affordable alternative to designer hobo bags by brands like Prada, Loewe, and Bottega Veneta.

12. Studio Shoulder Bag 19: Quilted Elegance, Reinvented

The ‘Studio’ bag deserves to be featured more than once on this list. As one of the brand’s best-selling styles. The Studio is also available in a quilted version.

From the Studio Collection. Coach’s shoulder bag is crafted of soft quilted leather adorned with the archival C-logo clasp closure

It’s a modern take on the archival style, made from soft, quilted nappa leather. What makes this bag unique is that you can swap out the interchangeable leather-covered chain link strap for a Rockstar chic look.

13. Field Tote With Quilting: Sporty, Plush, and Effortlessly Cool

A tote bag is a style that will never fail you. The ‘Field’ tote is one of Coach’s best-selling bags, with this style offering a sporty alternative to the other versions in this collection.

Finished with the American brand’s iconic badge, this versatile sporty carryall is crafted of plush quilted ultra-soft leather

It’s made from plush, quilted, ultra-soft leather and is embossed with the brand’s badge, accompanied by a contrasting luggage tag. If your signature accessory is a puffer coat, you want to check out this Coach bag.

14. Rogue Top Handle: A Statement Bag for Free Spirits

Do you want a classic bag with a contemporary twist? Meet the Rouge top handle. It’s the bag for the rebel with a cause. This petite size is the perfect choice to take with you on the go when you need an elevated look.

Inspired by free spirits, rebels, and dreamers, the aptly named Rogue is a go-anywhere bag

It features four compartments and is constructed from versatile colorblock leather, secured with a push-lock closure. The long detachable link strap adds a streetwear feel to this understated bag.

15. Tyler Carryall: Understated Style for Everyday Versatility

Not everyone wants a bag covered in a brand’s signature monogram. The Tyler carryall is one of the most understated Coach bags, yet it offers the most versatility.

The stylish-meets-practical Tyler carryall carries you through the day with its effortless, 24/7 style

This streamlined design is effortlessly chic and will keep you perfectly organized on the go. It features the brand’s leather hand tag, adorned with its ‘C’ initial charm, for a subtle touch of branding.

16. Courier Carryall: Archival Equestrian Roots, Modern Utility

Every handbag collection needs a stand-out tote bag. The ‘Courier’ is the bag that you can carry to work, a day out with your girlfriends, or even as a travel bag.

Based on a popular Coach silhouette from 1972, this equestrian-inspired Courier Carryall is crafted of buttery soft glove-tanned leather

The silhouette comes from Coach’s 1972 archive and is equestrian-inspired. It’s made from buttery-soft leather and features an adjustable strap for added versatility.

17. Kip Crossbody: A Refined Nod to Coach’s New York Heritage

Are you a fan of the Louis Vuitton Pochette Metis but cringe at the ever-rising price tag? Check out the Kip turnlock crossbody by Coach.

Crafted of Coach’s easily recognizable canvas and refined leather, carry the versatile bag by the top handle or wear crossbody with the detachable strap

This classic satchel bag is part of ‘The Coach Originals’ collection that pays homage to the brand’s legacy and New York heritage. It features all of Coach’s classic motifs – from its turn-lock closure to its Signature canvas and refined leather.

18. Field Tote 22: Horse-and-Carriage Print Meets Modern Icon Status

One of the standout pieces from Coach’s latest collection is its ‘Field’ tote, available for purchase at Zappos. Its iconic Horse and Carriage motif pays homage to the brand’s heritage.

Coach Field Tote 22 in Signature canvas with pink leather trim and Horse-and-Carriage logo, styled crossbody with the detachable strap

This bag takes center stage in the recent campaign with Jennifer Lopez and is a throwback to the early 2000s fashion trends. Which of these Coach bags will you be adding to your closet?

Coach shoppers browse handbags and accessories at Macy’s Herald Square in New York City, where the brand remains a favorite for accessible luxury (Credit: Rblfmr / Shutterstock)