When you see a handbag selling for $445, you usually expect it to come from an established brand — like Coach, founded in 1941, or Michael Kors, launched in 1981.
It’s typically a name you recognize from your social media feed or through celebrity associations with stars like Taylor Swift and Meghan Markle.
So when a lesser-known brand sets a $445 price tag, it naturally raises the question: what makes it worth the investment, especially without a globally recognized name? Enter Hammitt, an American luxury brand that is now preparing to open its third flagship store in La Jolla.
Hammitt is an American luxury handbag and accessories brand from Los Angeles
This LA-based handbag brand first came onto our radar after Mary Fitzgerald from ‘Selling Sunset’ collaborated with Hammitt on ‘The Sunset Collection.’
We’re deep-diving into this American accessories brand to determine whether it’s worth the luxury price point.
What Is Hammitt? Inside the Story of This American Luxury Brand
Recognizing the potential of Hammitt in 2008, Tony Drockton partnered with Co-Founder Stephenie Hammitt and soon assumed control and majority ownership of Hammitt Los Angeles. Thanks to Tony’s sharp business acumen and the brand’s exceptional design and craftsmanship, Hammitt quickly grew from a regional boutique label into an international luxury phenomenon.
The fusion of Tony’s creative vision and management expertise created a rare and powerful synergy, forming the foundation of his extraordinary leadership and insight.
Hammitt’s mission revolves around the harmonious fusion of premium materials and practical designs, all underpinned by an enduring commitment to lifelong repairs.
Hammitt is known for its buttery soft leathers, signature rivets, and red interior lining
You’ll recognize Hammitt bags for their signature rivets and red interior lining. The brand has been steadily building a community with over 200,000 followers on Instagram.
It has built a reputation for its buttery-soft leathers and currently sells to over 800 retailers, in addition to its e-commerce website and standalone stores. Online stores carrying the brand include Macy’s, Amazon, and Zappos.
Hammitt’s Lifetime Promise: Why Their Bags Are Built to Last
Part of Hammitt’s appeal is the brand’s lifetime promise on its signature hardware and smooth-gliding zippers. While you can spend $445 on a bag from other brands, very few will offer a warranty beyond the first year.
Hammitt’s lifetime promise is at the heart of its client-focused approach. They’ll handle any qualifying repairs free of charge. This lifetime promise applies to all the hardware on Hammitt bags, including strap clasps, zippers, and D-rings.
While the bags are designed to last a lifetime, the Hammitt care team is there to step in when your pieces need a little TLC.
Hammitt’s Lifetime Promise includes free repairs of hardware, including strap clasps, zippers, and D-rings (Credit: Hammitt)
All repairs happen in Hermosa Beach, California. The Hammitt team will keep you informed throughout the repair process, letting you know as soon as your bag is on its way back home.
How Hammitt’s ‘Try for Free’ Program Works: Shop Risk-Free at Home
The brand’s client-focused approach doesn’t end with its lifetime repair promise. Its innovative ‘Try for Free’ program allows you to recreate the shopping experience at home by trying up to 3 items in the comfort of your home without being charged.
This program offers a 10-day trial period starting from the date your items are delivered. You won’t be charged for the items when they’re dispatched, but your card will be authorized at checkout. This process will set aside funds for the full value of your order in your bank account, but you won’t be charged until the end of your trial.
With Hammitt’s “Try for Free” program, you can test out up to three items for ten days in the comfort of your own home (Credit: Hammitt)
The ‘Try for Free’ program allows you to get hands-on with your potential purchases and see how they would fit into your closet. You can decide to keep your items or send them back before the end of your trial.
The authorization will be released from your account within a few days, depending on your bank’s processing time, and you’ll only be charged for any of the items you decide to keep.
Hammitt will track when your parcel arrives at your address, starting the 10-day trial process from that date. They’ll inspect the condition of your items upon return and update your order status for any returned items to remove the charge.
It’s worth treating your trial items with a bit of extra care, as you’ll be charged for any items that are not in resellable condition.
Where Are Hammitt Bags Made? (And Why It Matters)
Although Hammitt promotes itself as an American accessories brand, its handbags and accessories are made in Asia. The brand sources its leather from around the world, primarily in Europe, and finalizes everything in Hermosa Beach, California.
Despite being an American brand, Hammitt produces its bags and accessories in Asia using leather from all over the world, primarily from Europe
The 6 Best-Selling Hammitt Bags: Must-Have Styles for Your Collection
Hammitt has dozens of handbag styles to choose from. Each silhouette features its iconic rivets and red interior. Here are six of Hammitt’s best-selling handbags to add to your wish list.
1. Tony SML Crossbody: A Compact Bag Perfect for Stadium Events
Concertgoers and sports enthusiasts face a common problem – stadium bag requirements.
The Tony SML ticks all the boxes as a clear, stadium-approved bag available in seven color options. The gunmetal hardware is guaranteed for life with Hammitt’s lifetime promise.
The Tony SML is available in a variety of materials, including clear PVC, leather, and soft nubuck, and features a classic crossbody silhouette with an adjustable strap
2. VIP MED Clutch: Hammitt’s Best-Selling Everyday Bag
The VIP MED is Hammitt’s all-time best-selling style. It’s crafted from buttery leather, featuring an optional strap and brushed gold rivets for an elevated look.
The signature red Hammitt’s lining peeks out through the bag’s back seam for a quirky twist. It features an exterior cell phone pocket with an interior credit card slot.
Hammitt’s VIP MED clutch features an optional strap, subtle embossed rivets, and an exterior phone pocket for easy organization
3. Daniel MED Satchel: Your Go-To Work and Travel Companion
The Daniel satchel is a classic workwear bag with a double-zippered pocket, additional rivets, and reinforced hardware.
It’s an updated and revamped version of one of Hammitt’s best-selling styles, designed to go with you everywhere. This Hammitt bag is ideal for travel and can fit up to a 13” laptop with a removable, adjustable crossbody strap.
A classic satchel bag, the Daniel MED is made of soft leather with rivets, a double-zippered pocket, three interior drop pockets, and reinforced hardware
4. VIP LRG Oversized Clutch: A Spacious, Stylish Day-to-Night Bag
The best-selling VIP bag is also available in a larger size, featuring a silhouette reminiscent of an oversized clutch with an adjustable cross-body strap.
It’s designed for those who want to live large with two large capacity zippered compartments and an external cell phone pocket. This bag transitions effortlessly from day to night with its brushed gold hardware.
Hammitt’s best-selling VIP bag also comes in a larger size with a dedicated external cellphone pocket, embossed red suede lining, adjustable cross-body strap, and two roomy zippered compartments
5. 110 North Folding Wallet: Sleek Organization On the Go
The ‘110 North’ takes its name from the freeway in downtown LA. It’s the perfect folding wallet for those who like to stay organized, with 10 credit card slots, zippered pockets, a clear ID pocket, and two cash pockets.
The wallet is crafted from buttery black leather and features gunmetal hardware, complemented by a secure magnetic closure.
Named after the Los Angeles freeway, the 110 North is a folding wallet with 10 credit card slots, a clear ID pocket, a zippered pocket, and two drop pockets for your cash
6. LEVY Crossbody Clutch: A Wallet, Clutch, and Crossbody in One
The Levy is a style that converts from a wallet to a clutch and a crossbody with its removable, adjustable strap. It’s the ideal bag for a capsule closet and a travel staple.
The bag features all the organizational features of a wallet with four credit card slots, a clear ID slot, and a pocket for your cell phone.
Hammitt’s Levy easily converts from a wallet to a clutch with its removable crossbody strap
Shop Hammitt’s best-selling handbags and accessories through its official website.
Brands Like Hammitt: Understated Luxury with Timeless Appeal
If you love Hammitt’s blend of minimalism, craftsmanship, and practical luxury, you might also appreciate other designer brands that offer a similar balance of style and function. Here’s a look at a few alternatives worth exploring:
Cuyana: “Fewer, Better” Philosophy
- Style: Known for its minimalist silhouettes and sustainability focus, Cuyana emphasizes thoughtful design and premium materials.
- Celebrity Fans: Stars like Jessica Alba have showcased their love for Cuyana’s simple elegance, often pairing pieces like their classic totes with casual-chic outfits. See how Jessica Alba styled her navy Cuyana tote alongside her favorite summer sandals.
Polène: Sculptural Elegance from Paris
- Style: Polène handbags are recognized for their modern, sculptural designs and supple European leathers, creating an effortlessly chic aesthetic.
- Trending Now: Minimalist handbag trends in 2024 highlight pieces like Polène’s Cyme tote, celebrated for its distinctive curves and craftsmanship in this roundup of 2024’s best handbag trends.
DeMellier: Ethical Luxury with British Flair
- Style: DeMellier blends structured designs with a commitment to social responsibility, donating proceeds from each sale to children’s health initiatives.
- Celebrity Style: Actress Kerry Washington elevated her red carpet look with a sleek white DeMellier clutch, highlighted in our coverage of her Thicker Than Water premiere outfit.
Mansur Gavriel: Pioneers of Minimalist It-Bags
- Style: Known for its cult-favorite bucket bags, Mansur Gavriel helped define the minimalist handbag trend with clean lines and vibrant interiors.
- On the Red Carpet: See how Alicia Vikander paired Mansur Gavriel sandals with her sleek Louis Vuitton dress in our Louis Vuitton fashion feature.
Fossil: Vintage Charm Meets Modern Design
- Style: Fossil’s collections merge vintage-inspired silhouettes with durable craftsmanship, offering stylish yet affordable leather bags and watches.
- More to Love: Discover why Fossil’s handbags and backpacks remain timeless staples in our guide to Fossil’s most popular accessories.
Kate Spade: Playful Designs with a Chic Twist
- Style: Infusing classic forms with vibrant colors and whimsical motifs, Kate Spade accessories bring joyful sophistication to everyday fashion.
- Editor’s Picks: Explore some of Kate Spade’s standout clutches and purses featured in our curated Kate Spade clutch roundup.
Tory Burch: Boho-Preppy Luxury
- Style: Blending East Coast prep with bohemian spirit, Tory Burch bags and shoes offer versatile style that works from brunches to boardrooms.
- Discover More: Dive into Tory Burch’s distinctive design legacy through our spotlight on the brand’s must-have pieces.
Dooney & Bourke: Classic American Craftsmanship
- Style: Known for its durable leather bags and iconic logo prints, Dooney & Bourke delivers timeless designs perfect for everyday use.
- Why It’s Worth It: Learn why Dooney & Bourke remains a beloved name in affordable designer fashion in our guide to the best affordable designer handbags.
Whether you’re searching for sustainably made accessories, iconic minimalist bags, or colorful statement pieces, these brands offer luxurious alternatives to Hammitt, each with their own unique twist on timeless style.