The 15 Best Bucket Bags for Every Occasion
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It’s no secret that designer handbag trends come and go, but bucket bags are undeniably popular right now. The best bucket bags seamlessly marry style and practicality, as seen across the world’s most esteemed runways like Bottega Veneta, Hermès, Etro, and many more. With a distinct cylindrical shape inspired by their namesake, bucket bag bags boast surprising spaciousness, thanks to their deep interiors, tall sides, and wide brims for easy access to their contents.
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We have Louis Vuitton to thank for the enduring bucket bag. The French luxury fashion house created its first in 1932 as a way to transport up to five bottles of essential champagne. Other labels followed suit: Legendary Coach designer Bonnie Cashin introduced her ’60s take, followed by Hermès, and then an ’80s explosion of designs from Prada, Fendi, Salvatore Ferragamo, and others. Mansur Gavriel is the latest brand to inject fresh life into the bucket bag. Founded in 2012, the American label’s signature leather drawstring bucket bag has swiftly become A-list arm candy.
“The bucket bag is great for its size and silhouette,” says Rickie De Sole, Nordstrom Women’s fashion director. “It holds everything but doesn’t overwhelm the wearer. It’s the ideal desk-to-dinner bag for those on the go who find shoulder bags too limiting with space.” Another thing that sets bucket bags apart is their year-round appeal. “You can choose a minimalist bag made of leather for fall or a raffia straw bag come summertime,” adds De Sole, but no matter which you choose, “the silhouette remains timeless.” For style inspo, you can look to the stars: Hilary Duff made waves in Los Angeles last July with a summery striped Celine bucket bag, while Elsa Hosk was seen this fall with a smooth leather style slung on her arm, alongside a brown puffer jacket, straight leg jeans, and smart loafers.
Ahead, we’ve rounded up the best bucket bags perfect for year-round wear, along with expert insight about what to look for when shopping for a bucket bag, how to style them, and more.
Top Designer Bucket Bags for 2024
Best Leather: Mansur Gavriel Mini Leather Bucket Bag
Best Lightweight: Totême Leather Bucket Bag
Best for Everyday: Coach Willow Bucket Bag
Best Mini: Gucci Ophidia GG Mini Bucket Bag
Best Straw: Loewe Drawstring Bucket Bag
Best Compact: Tory Burch McGraw Small Leather Bucket Bag
Best Logo: Marc Jacobs The Leather Bucket Bag
Best for Work: Banana Republic Vida Bag
Best Top-Carry: Longchamp Épure Leather Bucket Bag
Best Tote: Madewell The Essential Bucket Tote
Best for Travel: Quince Italian Leather Triple Compartment Bucket Bag
Best Slouchy: J.Crew Berkeley Bucket Bag
Best Shearling: Chloé Marcie Leather-Trimmed Shearling Bucket Bag
Best for Evening: Jimmy Choo Bon Bon Black Velvet Bag
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BEST LEATHER BUCKET BAG
Mansur Gavriel Mini Leather Bucket Bag
Colorways: Multiple
Materials: Leather
Special features: Has a black exterior and a contrasting red interior
Best for: Finishing touch for a polished ensemble
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
$445
It’s no wonder Mansur Gavriel is the brand that comes to mind when you hear the words “bucket bag.” Since the brand’s inception in 2012, it has been a coveted celebrity It bag, gracing the shoulders of Naomi Watts, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Jessica Alba, and more. Available in both a sizable and a “mini version,” the latter (pictured here) is arguably the most popular.
What testers say: “I love the simplicity of this bag! It holds more than it would seem which is perfect for me as I always have my phone, keys, wallet, and sunglasses! Beautiful! I want it in another color!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $445
BEST LIGHTWEIGHT BUCKET BAG
Totême Leather Bucket Bag
Colorways: Black Grain and Tan
Materials: Leather
Special features: Unique cube-shaped silhouette
Best for: Those who prefer a less structured bucket shape
$1,080
With subtle front logo branding and sleek grained leather, the Totême Leather Bucket Bag couldn’t be any more perfect for fashion minimalists. It only comes in neutral colors (black and tan), and its unique cube-shaped silhouette offers a more relaxed alternative for those not drawn to super-structured bucket styles. It offers two carrying options; you can grasp it from the top using its folded handle or wear it crossbody when you want to go hands-free.
Price upon publish date of this article: $1,080
BEST EVERYDAY BUCKET BAG
Coach Willow Bucket Bag
Colorways: Black
Materials: Leather
Special features: Four protective feet at the bag’s base
Best for: Versatile day-to-night-wear
Coach Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
$350
When choosing the perfect everyday bag, it’s important to look for one that’s neither too big nor too small and versatile to transition from day to night. Few bags encapsulate these details better than the Coach Willow Bucket Bag. It comes with two handles — a detachable short strap and a detachable shoulder strap — so you can switch between them according to your needs or your outfit. It also boasts different pocket options to organize your essentials, including a zippered main compartment and two open snap-closure pockets.
What testers say: “I love the size, shape and structure of the Willow Bucket Bag in Silver/Faded Purple. It is a perfect medium everyday bag. Not too small and not too large.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $350
BEST MINI BUCKET BAG
Gucci Ophidia GG Mini Bucket Bag
Colorways: Beige/white and Beige/ebony
Materials: Canvas with leather trim
Special features: Inspired by an archival design from the ’30s
Best for: Those who want to add some logomania to their wardrobe
Gucci Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
$1,400
This Gucci Bucket Bag may be minimalist in terms of how much it can hold, but it’s undoubtedly maximalist in the design department. It’s a fusion of old and new, decorated with the Italian fashion house’s iconic “GG Supreme” print pays homage to its original launch that dates back to the ’30s. The adjustable shoulder strap makes for versatile styling, while a drawstring closure adorned with fringe gives the classic an added flair.
Price upon publish date of this article: $1,400
BEST STRAW BUCKET BAG
Loewe Drawstring Bucket Bag in Palm Leaf and Calfskin
Colorways: Tan and White
Materials: Palm leaf and leather
Special features: Has a drawstring interior
Best for: Complementing a linen outfit
Saks Fifth Avenue Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4/5 stars
Net-a-Porter Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.9/5 stars
$650
$650
This is certainly not your average straw bag. The Loewe Drawstring Bucket Bag, made of palm leaf and adornments of calfskin, is at the forefront of the sensational trend — of which pulls sartorial inspiration from Jane Birkin’s enduring style. Whether you’ve got tropical vacation on the calendar or you’re looking for a great daytime purse, the drawstring top adds a practical touch, ensuring your bag’s contents stay secure. Plus, its inherently neutral colorway will play well with any colorful ensemble.
What testers say: “This is such a cute and right size bag, nice for Spring and Summer, goes with everything and fits all my necessities.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $650
BEST COMPACT BUCKET BAG
Tory Burch McGraw Small Leather Bucket Bag
Colorways: Black, Silver Maple, Tiramisu, Brie
Materials: Leather
Special features: Removable convertible strap, interior pockets
Best for: Girls night, date nights — you name it
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Neiman Marcus Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
$348
$348
$348
Almost every shopper sings the same praise for the Tory Burch McGraw Small Leather Bucket Bag: it accommodates more than you might expect at first glance. You can trust that it effortlessly holds your essentials — wallet, sunglasses, phone, keys, lipstick, and more — without looking or feeling bulky. The pebbled leather adds a lightweight and soft touch, complemented by sophisticated details such as its stacked-T logo appliqué and a line of running stitches.
What testers say: “Great leather and fits what I need in a handbag. Looks can be deceiving because from outward appearances it is a small handbag but I can fit my phone, sunglasses, medium wallet, and lipstick. Receive compliments and this bag looks great with most outfits!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $348
BEST LOGO BUCKET BAG
Marc Jacobs The Leather Bucket Bag
Colorways: Black, Camel, Argan Oil, Red, Lipstick Pink, Cotton/Silver, Wolf Grey
Materials: Full grain leather
Special features: Fun textured rope top-handle
Best for: Adding a playful touch to your outfit
Neiman Marcus Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Bloomingdale’s Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
$395
$395
This Marc Jacobs bucket bag comes highly recommended by De Sole. It stands out from the pack because it’s the perfect fusion of youthfulness and sophistication, thanks to its textured rope top-handle and gold hardware. It also comes in a slew of colorways to match your wardrobe, including chic camel, poppy pink, and crisp white.
What testers say: “I absolutely love this bag!!! So fun, so versatile so trendy! It’s definitely an eye candy and the cutest spring accessory I’ve had in years! Can we talk about the leather???! It’s so very rich! I have higher name brands in my collection of bags and purses, and this lil beauty is putting the rest to shame when it comes to durability and feel! Highly recommended.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $395
BEST BUCKET BAG FOR WORK
Banana Republic Vida Bag
Colorways: Golden Chestnut
Materials: Suede
Special features: Thick strap fits on shoulder comfortably
Best for: Embracing the suede handbag trend
$380
The Banana Republic Vida Bag gained TikTok mega-stardom in 2022, to the tune of 67 million views. Shoppers applaud its remarkably spacious interior that’s capable of accommodating a serious haul — one even TikToker demonstrated how she could fit not just one but two laptops in this bag — inside a chic design that makes it an ideal work bag. The best part is, no matter how many items you sling, the strap is really thick, so it helps reduce shoulder strain.
Price upon publish date of this article: $380
BEST TOP-CARRY BUCKET BAG
Longchamp Épure Leather Bucket Bag
Colorways: Black, White, Cobalt Blue, Brown, Pink, Green
Materials: Full grain leather
Special features: Has a flat base for stability
Best for: Those seeking a structured bag that makes a style statement
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
$330
Longchamp’s Le Pliage Tote has successfully maintained its status as one of the most popular of the French brand’s bags — worn by the likes of Kate Middleton — even well after its heyday in the 2010s. But there’s a new Longchamp it-bag on our radar. Enter the Épure Leather Bucket Bag, perhaps the most literal interpretation of a bucket on this list. The structured silhouette is crafted from grained leather, with contrast stitching and a stud fastening to press it shut. Sleek, chic, and spacious — what’s not to love?
Price upon publish date of this article: $330
BEST BUCKET TOTE
Madewell The Essential Bucket Tote
Colorways: Chocolate Raisin, Warm Cinnamon, True Black
Materials: Leather
Special features: Magnetic closure, adjustable shoulder strap
Best for: Carrying your daily essentials and more
Bloomingdale’s Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
$178
$178
Katie Holmes was recently spotted wearing this Madewell bestseller while out and about in New York. This tote bag is crafted in genuine leather and is undeniably spacious, with room for your work laptop, items you pick up while running errands, your gym clothes — you name it. One of our favorite things about this sleek style is its magnetic closure, a simpler alternative to snap-button fasteners and a quicker option than a zipper. It also has an adjustable buckle strap, so you can fit it over your shoulder whether you’re wearing a hefty leather jacket or a more streamlined wool coat.
What testers say: “I am absolutely thrilled with my new bucket bag! It’s everything I was hoping for and more. The design of this bag is really good, it effortlessly combines fashion and function. I also love the adjustable shoulder strap, I can wear it crossbody or shorten the strap for a shoulder bag, and it’s always comfortable. The weight distribution is well-balanced, so it never feels too heavy even when fully loaded.
Price upon publish date of this article: $178
BEST BUCKET BAG FOR TRAVEL
Quince Italian Leather Triple Compartment Bucket Bag
Colorways: Black, Taupe, Cognac
Materials: Leather
Special features: Main compartment has a zipper
Best for: Keeping your bag’s contents safe from pickpockets in a new city
$149.90 $350 57% off
When you’re on the go, it’s crucial to have a handbag with a zippered top to keep your essentials safe. They’re surprisingly hard to come by, but this one from Quince checks all the boxes. It has a zipped center compartment to keep your things extra secure and two side compartments with snap closures for items you want faster access to, such as a lip oil, headphones, or a setting powder for touch ups.
What testers say: “Purchased this to carry all my long haul flight essentials. It holds my tablet, full size headphones, tsa bag, power bank, power cords, eye mask, socks, and more… with room to spare. It could easily double as a purse/tote once you reach your destination.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $149.50
BEST SLOUCHY BUCKET BAG
J.Crew Berkeley Bucket Bag
Colorways: Black and navy/black
Materials: Leather and suede
Special features: Spacious interior, mixed-material design
Best for: Those who want the slouchy look of a Khaite bag for less
$198
Slouchy bags are trending, as seen on the Spring 2024 runway courtesy of brands such as Bottega Veneta and Balenciaga. Here’s a more wallet-friendly take on the trend from J.Crew, featuring a mixed-material design framed by suede and leather. It encapsulates a true bucket silhouette with its lack of interior pockets, and its handles feature oar-shaped details inspired by the brand’s labels from the ’80s and ’90s.
What testers say: “If you have been lusting after the Khaite or a the Row bucket bags but can’t bring yourself to spend the $2K+ this is the absolute best alternative. It’s such great quality and literally looks just like its luxury peers.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $198
BEST SHEARLING BUCKET BAG
Chloé Marcie Leather-Trimmed Shearling Bucket Bag
Colorways: Ivory
Materials: Cream shearling and tan leather
Special features: Wrapped top handle, adjustable crossbody strap
Best for: Cozy, cold weather-dressing
Net-a-Porter Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.9/5 stars
$2,590
This updated take on Chloé’s signature Marcie Bucket Bag couldn’t be any more perfect for cozy winter dressing. Wrapped entirely in soft shearling texture, this plush bag features a leather drawstring closure, stiff top handle, and an adjustable crossbody strap for hands-free hauling. Not only does it look adorable, it’ll hold all the essentials, and could even double as a make-shift pillow if you’re in a pinch.
Price upon publish date of this article: $2,590
BEST EVENING BUCKET BAG
Jimmy Choo Bon Bon Black Velvet Bag
Colorways: Black and Cassis
Materials: Velvet
Special features: Boasts an elegant bracelet handle
Best for: Special occasions like date night or a loved one’s wedding
Bergdorf Goodman Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
Neiman Marcus Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
$1,095
A bucket bag might not be the first silhouette you think of when dreaming of evening bags, but this Jimmy Choo option makes it clear that it should be. It’s practically an extension of your jewelry, thanks to its gold metal bracelet handle and tassel detailing. It comes in several materials, the most opulent of which, in our opinion, is this velvet style.
Price upon publish date of this article: $1,095
Top Bucket Bag Trends for 2024
Designer bucket bags were no stranger to the fall runways. Structured shapes with unique details reigned supreme at Rochas, Altuzarra, Dsquared2, showing ruffles buckles, and multicolored tweed respectively. Bottega Venetta showcased a reinvention of the staple style in their signature Intreccio leather weave, while Ulla Johnson presented slouchy shapes in as a contrasting twist on the structured silhouette.
Similarly, straw bags and basket-style bags had a major moment within fashion 2023 lexicon. While this style is particularly defined with natural materials like raffia and grass, it evokes a kindred structure to the bucket bag — namely with flat bottoms, drawstring closures, sturdy top handles, and a carry-all sensibility. Loewe’s Drawstring Bucket Bag in particular was a frontrunner of the trend, along with show-stoppers that walked Jacquemus’ spring 2023 runway.
What to Look for In a Designer Bucket Bag
Features: There are several features to look for when shopping for a designer bucket bag. Handbag expert Emily Blumenthal, a.k.a. the “Handbag Fairy Godmother,” suggests finding one with a brightly-colored interior, like Mansur Gavriel’s red interior. “With a bucket bag being a basic abyss, the ability to lose its contents in a disorganized mess is a strong possibility. To anyone who needs glasses to read their phone, this is number one on the consideration list.” Another practical feature is an adjustable crossbody strap. This proves advantageous, especially during winter when bulky coats are worn, allowing you to control the bag’s drop and ensure a comfortable fit. Lastly, ensure your bucket bag is equipped with a secure closure mechanism, be it a drawstring, zipper, snap, or magnetic closure. This adds a layer of protection against potential pickpocketing or spilling.
Materials: Most bucket bags come in genuine leather, suede, vegan alternatives, and seasonal options like rattan or shearling. Regardless of your material preference, Blumenthal emphasizes on prioritizing stability. Given the bag’s central function for holding a hefty haul, it’s crucial to choose a material that can effectively support weight, especially if you plan to load it up with lots of items. A sturdy strap is paramount, and materials that are simple to wipe clean, like leather and nylon, are a plus.
Size: It’s important to pause to think how big you want or need your bag to be. Do you need it to fit a laptop or just the basic essentials? If you’re leaning towards purchasing an oversized bucket bag, Blumenthal advises that you mae sure it can be worn comfortably over the shoulder as well as cross-body to distribute significant weight. You can also go for a mini bag iteration of the bucket style, which can serve as a dainty accessory from day-to-night — and will carry much more than its shoulder bag counterparts.
How to Style Bucket Bags: Luxury Bucket Bag Outfit Ideas
Channel casual-cool vibes: When styling a classic leather bucket bag, simplicity is key. Whether you pair it with specific elements of your outfit, like a black crop top, belt, and sunglasses, or opt for a classic white tee and tailored bottoms, it’s an effortless recipe for a laid-back yet chic appearance.
Embrace monochrome elegance: Dressing in a monochrome ensemble is a fool-proof way to look polished and put together. Coordinate your outfit with a bucket bag in the same color for a cohesive, attention-grabbing look.
Liven up your look with texture: Elevate your look by introducing a textured bucket bag, like the aforementioned Loewe Straw Bucket Bag or Chloé’s Shearling style. Doing so makes your bag become the focal point, especially when the overall outfit features subdued textures.
How We Selected the Best Bucket Bags
Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as “the fashion bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections. Learn more about us here.
Our team conducted comprehensive market research to select the best bucket bags for 2024. We dove into numerous customer reviews and analyses hallmarks of the trend from celebrity street style to designer runways. Additionally, we sought insights from fashion design experts and seasoned handbag buyers to understand their preferences and criteria for the best bucket bags. Combining their recommendations with our research findings, we compiled a list of the top 15 bucket bags. This curated selection spans various price ranges and encompasses diverse options in terms of shapes, sizes, and materials.
Meet the Experts
Rickie De Sole is the women’s designer fashion and editorial director at Nordstrom and is a fashion veteran. Before her current role, De Sole spent 12 years at Vogue, moving across various roles in the print and digital spaces. De Sole is a firm believer that carrying less is “very liberating,” and that’s why she added her picks to our list of best mini bags.
Emily Blumenthal is known as the “Handbag Fairy Godmother.” She is a designer talent scout, handbag and design expert, and the author of “Handbag Designer 101.” Blumenthal is the founder of The Handbag Awards, National Handbag Designer Day, and teaches as the Professor of Entrepreneurship at the Fashion Institute of Merchandising.
Meet the Author
Marisa Petrarca is a Twin Cities-based journalist specializing in beauty, fashion, and lifestyle, who has written for numerous publications, including POPSUGAR, Allure, Cosmopolitan, InStyle, and more. She’s a foodie and someone who watches The Bachelor non-ironically – and she orders the Mansur Gavriel Mini Leather Bucket Bag from Rent the Runway on a regular basis.
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