Madewell is a fashion brand that went from being a defunct workwear manufacturer to this generation’s Levi’s jeans. The brand, considered the ‘younger sister’ of J. Crew, is designed to appeal to the “modern city girl who has that easy tomboy chic” style.
Madewell has consistently outperformed J. Crew in recent years, becoming the go-to fashion brand for minimalist millennials and Gen Z who appreciate high-quality pieces at an attainable price point.
While Madewell is known for its denim collection, the New Bedford-based label also offers bags that are popular among celebrities
But are Madewell bags still worth the splurge? While the brand is famous for its denim, its leather handbags often fall under the radar. We’re delving into the brand’s history, its sustainability efforts, and the most popular Madewell bags that are worth the investment.
The Rise of Madewell: From Workwear to Millennial Favorite
J. Crew purchased the rights to the brand “Madewell” in 2006, a defunct workwear manufacturer that had been founded in 1937. It launched Madewell in 2006 as a “modern-day interpretation” of the original brand, targeting a younger demographic than the main J. Crew line.
It carries much of the same ethos as J. Crew, focusing on great style and timeless silhouettes with elevated designs. Celebrities like Rachel Bilson and Kate Bosworth have come to personify the ‘Madewell Girl.’
In 2004, the American multi-brand retailer J. Crew acquired the rights to Madewell (Credit: Eddies Images / Shutterstock)
Although Madewell is roughly a third of the size of J. Crew, the brand has performed significantly better thanks to its bolder retail strategy and ability to capitalize on changing consumer behavior.
Madewell’s sales have continued to grow as customers switch to more casual clothing. A switch to casual fashion means wardrobes built around denim, Madewell’s primary product category.
Madewell describes its approach in five words: effortless, refined, unexpected, timeless, and confident.
It’s worth addressing Madewell’s complex origin story. A BuzzFeed essay explored the story of the original Madewell brand, which existed from 1937 to the 1980s. The Madewell owned by J. Crew may claim to be the same brand, but only the name and trademark are the same.
Madewell has seen sales increase as consumers shift their preferences towards casual clothing, resulting in demand for denim-centric wardrobes (Credit: Michael Berlfein / Shutterstock)
Madewell’s Sustainability Goals and Inclusive Fashion Approach
Sustainability and inclusivity are integral to Madewell’s efforts to attract a younger demographic than J. Crew. The brand is committed to expanding the sizes it offers online and in-store to become more inclusive of various sizes.
It’s also committed to the ‘Fifteen Percent Pledge’, dedicating 15% of its Labels We Love program to Black-owned companies. Madewell also has a dedicated shopping spot for its favorite AAPI-owned brands.
Madewell offers size-inclusive clothing as well as packaging made from sustainably sourced materials while supporting Black and AAPI-owned businesses
The brand’s environmental efforts include transitioning to 100% sustainable packaging, free from non-recycled plastics, by 2025. It also plans to have carbon-neutral operations by 2030.
Is Madewell Considered a Luxury Brand? Price Point and Quality Explained
Madewell sits at a mid-tier price point, offering high-quality designs and fabrics at a market price that is attainable. While it’s not a luxury brand in the same sense as designers like Burberry or Gucci, it’s at the top end of high-street brands.
Madewell is currently revamping its branding with new creative direction, styling, and store designs following its aborted IPO attempt in March 2020.
The J. Crew Group had attempted to take the brand public in 2020 but suspended its IPO after the pandemic struck, and the group subsequently filed for bankruptcy. Madewell has picked up the slack of J. Crew’s declining sales as the ‘preppy’ aesthetic has fallen out of style.
With high-quality designs and materials, Madewell sits at a mid-tier price point, ranking at the top of high-street brands
Although Madewell isn’t a luxury brand in the traditional sense, it’s a fashion label on the rise and one that offers investment-worthy pieces that won’t break the bank.
Is Madewell Still Cool? How the Brand Stays Relevant with Gen Z
While Madewell remains popular among millennials, the brand is becoming increasingly relevant to younger audiences, with TikTok campaigns attracting Gen Z customers.
@madewell Our collab with superstylist Molly Dickson is inspired by some of the coolest people around, AKA the ones she dresses (hey there, @camila mendes). #madewell #everydaymadewell #madewellxmollydickson ♬ original sound – madewell
Although Madewell has evolved since its launch almost twenty years ago, the brand still designs with the same ‘muse’ in mind. The Madewell muse is fashion-oriented but not driven by trends. They’re stylish but remain authentically themselves with a ‘downtown mindset.’
Best Madewell Bags to Buy Now: Stylish Totes and Crossbody Favorites
Although denim is what Madewell is most famous for, its bags are increasingly becoming best-sellers. Whether you’re looking for a new work tote or a weekend purse, these are the most popular Madewell bags worth splurging on.
1. The Essential Bucket Tote
The newest leather bag in the Madewell collection is modern and described as ‘quietly luxe.’ It’s designed to hold up to a 15” laptop, making it the ideal everyday bag with space for your keys, wallet, and water bottle.
It features a magnetic closure and an interior pocket for easy use. The bucket tote is available in four neutral earth-tone leather shades and is made in Cambodia.
Cool, modern, and quietly luxe, the Essential Bucket Tote can hold up to a 15-inch laptop, water bottle, phone, wallet, keys and more
2. The Mini Sydney Cutout Tote in Leather
The Sydney is one of Madewell’s best-selling handbag collections with a design that feels equally vintage and modern.
The new cut-out mini tote bag features a magnetic closure, a top, a handle, and a removable cross-body strap for added versatility. The Mini Sydney is available in two leather shades and is made in Cambodia.
Madewell’s best-selling collection, the Mini Sydney Cutout Tote boasts a timeless design, updated with a magnetic closure, a top handle, and an adjustable crossbody strap
3. The Basketweave Mini Crossbody Tote in Leather and Suede
Give your outfit a quirky, vintage feel with this luxurious woven tote in leather and suede. The bag can be worn in two ways, with its top handles and adjustable crossbody strap.
It is part of the brand’s “Do Well” collection. All the leather was sourced from a tannery with a Silver Rating from the Leather Working Group, designed to promote sustainable environmental practices in the leather industry. This Madewell bag is made in India.
The Basketweave Mini Crossbody Tote is luxuriously woven in suede and leather materials, complete with a top handle and an adjustable crossbody strap
How to Tell If a Madewell Bag Is Real: Authenticity Tips That Work
While Madewell does not experience the same level of counterfeits as brands like Louis Vuitton or Fendi, it is still important to know how to spot fake Madewell bags. It’s all about testing whether the bag meets the quality standards that Madewell has set.
The first thing to look for in a Madewell bag is the quality of the material. Most Madewell bags are made using leather and should feel soft to the touch. If the material smells like plastic or feels cheap, it’s a red flag.
Madewell bags are made of quality leather material that should be soft to the touch and feature the brand’s logo on the inside
Most Madewell bags also feature the brand’s logo. You’ll want to compare the branding directly to photos on Madewell’s website, as the logo’s location can change depending on the style of the bag.
Madewell is the ultimate fashion brand for the downtown fashionista, with its handbags being a worthwhile investment in your capsule closet.
Celebrities Wearing Madewell: Star-Approved Outfits and Accessories
Madewell’s effortlessly chic designs have become a staple among fashion-forward celebrities. Here are some standout moments where stars showcased their favorite Madewell pieces:
Jessica Alba’s Casual Chic in Madewell Denim Overalls
- Event: Family outing at the American Girl store in West Hollywood
- Outfit: Jessica Alba opted for a relaxed look, pairing Madewell denim overalls with a long grey cardigan and a white t-shirt.
- Footwear: She completed her ensemble with classic Converse canvas shoes, blending comfort with style.
- Read more: Jessica Alba’s effortlessly cool look in Madewell overalls and Converse sneakers
Maria Menounos Stuns in a Madewell Sweater at the ‘Sing’ Premiere
- Event: Los Angeles premiere of the animated film ‘Sing’
- Outfit: Maria Menounos showcased casual elegance in a white Madewell sweater, paired with distressed Topshop jeans.
- Footwear: She added a pop of color with bold red pumps, elevating her laid-back look.
- See more: Maria Menounos’ chic ensemble featuring a Madewell sweater at the ‘Sing’ premiere
Emma Roberts Elevates Street Style with an Alexa Chung for Madewell Jacket
- Event: Dinner outing at The Grove in Los Angeles
- Outfit: Emma Roberts donned an Alexa Chung for Madewell suede pixie jacket, complemented by Isabel Marant ankle boots and a leopard-print crossbody bag.
- Accessories: The leopard-print bag added a touch of flair to her ensemble, highlighting her fashion-forward sensibility.
- Discover more: Emma Roberts’ stylish outing featuring an Alexa Chung for Madewell jacket
Zoe Saldana’s Effortless Street Style in a Striped Madewell Dress
- Event: Casual stroll in Manhattan
- Outfit: Zoe Saldana embraced a relaxed vibe in a striped Madewell dress, showcasing her impeccable street style.
- Details: She paired the dress with understated accessories, letting the classic stripes take center stage.
- Explore her look: Zoe Saldana’s chic street style in a Madewell dress
Jordana Brewster’s Summer Vibes in a Madewell Striped Jumpsuit
- Event: Shopping trip in Santa Monica
- Outfit: Jordana Brewster radiated summer charm in a striped Madewell jumpsuit, perfect for a sunny day out.
- Accessories: She completed her look with gold jewelry and Soludos sandals, embracing a laid-back yet polished aesthetic.
- See her style: Jordana Brewster’s stylish outing in a Madewell jumpsuit
These moments highlight Madewell’s versatility and its appeal among celebrities who appreciate timeless, effortless fashion.