The 15 Best Patent Leather Purses to Carry You Into Spring

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The patent leather purse is here to stay—for now, at least. Much to the relief of us pleather lovers, the winter-favorite trend will continue into the warmer seasons of 2024, most recently thanks to Gucci’s spring/summer 2024 collection. According to analytics by Google, Gucci’s patent Jackie bag and The Row’s Margaux bag were the top searched styles in the trend. “There’s a strong interest in vintage styles, particularly from the 1990s and early 2000s when patent leather had a moment,” said Stephanie Horton, senior director of commerce marketing at Google. “This nostalgia plays into the current popularity of patent leather accessories, especially bags. In fact, search interest for patent leather bags recently reached an all-time high during the holiday season, and spiked again in January.” Unsurprisingly, New York and New Jersey were the top states to search for the trend.

Subscribers to a certain C-word aesthetic (IYKYK) will know you can wear patent at any time of day, any time of year. After all, it’s not just a look, it’s a lifestyle. But those who aren’t attuned to more hardcore aesthetics can put the baby powder and lube down. This is patent leather, not latex—and these are handbags, so no assembly is required.

Tougher than soft leather, yet with a flawless shine that could be tainted by any wrinkle or scratch, patent leather is the perfect way to say you are not to be messed with. An easy extension of the dominatrix style, this material has been trickling down to the masses for years, and thanks to its subtly subversive look, it’s a trend suitable for anyone interested. The easiest way? Your purse. Sure, you can work your way up to patent shoes, pants, and more, but your purse will let you test out the trend, even in spring and summer, without the pools of sweat. Paired with a faux fur coat (while it’s still cool out) or your favorite denim, this specific accessory can elevate any look.

Patent leather purses can come in all shapes and sizes, colors and vibes, and, most importantly, price points. Ahead, we’ve rounded up the best designer bags featuring the look, from Simon Miller to Saint Laurent. This trend might be intimidating, but it can work for anyone willing to try. Our safe words? “Shop below.”

Kiki Black Purse

For those looking for a subtle entry into the patent trend, try this semi-patent bag from By Far. Classic in style and color, but just a little subversive.

Dimensions: Height: 17 cm; width 24 cm

Materials: Cowhide leather

Patent Leather Hobo Bag

Just because patent leather is a more dom-culture trend doesn’t mean you can’t combine it with the coquette aesthetic. Try this mini patent bag from Miu Miu for a cute way to have it both ways.

Dimensions: Height: 15.5 cm; width: 17 cm

Materials: Leather

Colors: White, black, red

Sleek patent tote bag

Both patent and baguette, get two trends in one with this sleek Courrèges bag.

Dimensions: Height: 3.93 inches; width: 10.23 inches

Materials: Patent Calf Leather 100%

Ergo Bag Patent Coachtopia Leather With Bows

Coachtopia’s patent Ergo bags, made with at least 50 percent recycled leather scraps, have become ultra-popular since the brand segment’s launch in April of last year. And the chic olive green colorway with attached bows makes the style even more exciting!

Dimensions: Height: 12 inches; width: 9.75 inches

Materials: Patent Coachtopia leather

Colors: Green, black

Phoebe Bag

Wear it as a clutch or as a slouchy purse, this Staud bag makes patent casual with its organic shape and cool vibe.

Materials: 100% Cow Leather

Swipe Micro Patent Top-Handle Bag

Just like patent, the micro bag trend isn’t going anywhere, so make a splash with this bold red accent bag.

Dimensions: Height: 7.1 inches x width: 6.7 inches x depth: 2.2 inches

Materials: Patent faux leather (polyurethane), polyester, and viscose

Sac Patent Leather Hobo Bag

Saint Laurent does patent leather like no other, and this sleek top-handle bag is the perfect way to make this trend ultra-sophisticated.

Dimensions: Height: 10.5 inches; width: 9 inches; depth: 1 inch (Interior capacity: extra-small)

Materials: Leather

Crisp Patent Leather Top-Handle Bag

For the chicest patent, look no further than the Dries van Noten top-handle bag in mauve. Make no mistake, this is not your grandmother’s handbag.

Dimensions: Height: 7.3 inches; width: 9 inches; depth: 4.3 inches

Materials: Leather

Walker Patent Leather Tote Bag

For those in need of a little more real estate when it comes to bags, consider Proenza Schouler’s patent leather tote in black or white.

Dimensions: Height: 15 inches; width: 15.7 inches; depth: 4.3 inches

Materials: Leather

Colors: Black, white

Ringo Bag Soft Patent Pink

This Frances Valentine round-handle patent purse is the perfect accessory to tote around this spring and summer. Its flat shape can fit your essentials and that’s it, but that’s really all you need in the summer!

Dimensions: Height: 8.6 inches; width: 12.5 inches; depth: 0.5 inches

Materials: Leather

Colors: Pink, orange, black

Padded Shoulder Bag

Puffy yet patent, this Jil Sander baguette is all things trendy, yet chic. The knot details on the handles add even more excitement to what from a distance might look like a regular black bag, but for the wearer is a pillow of style.

Dimensions: Height: 5.3 inches; width: 11.6 inches; depth: 4.5 inches

Materials: Leather

Small Metal Loops Bag

If you wish you could combine Bottega Veneta’s signature woven style with patent leather, you’re in luck (and a really specific wisher). Even better? It comes in the perfect color for summer.

Dimensions: Height: 12.5 inches; width: 6.5 inches; depth: 5 inches

Materials: Brushed intrecciato calfskin with lambskin lining and gold-tone hardware

Black Dakota Bag

You can’t go wrong with a classic black shoulder bag, and this one from Stand Studio will go with any look.

Dimensions: Height: 5 inches; width: 11 inches; depth: 2.5 inches

Materials: 100% lambskin

Luna Bag

Need a mirror? Use this chrome patent leather bag from Giarite! We’re kidding, but this might be as close to a purse-compact combo as we’re ever going to get.

Dimensions: Height: 23 cm; width: 25 cm; depth: 8 cm

Materials: High-quality recycled PU leather, silver hardware

Black Molded Heart Bag

Last but not least, this heart-shaped Simon Miller bag is quirky and cute, punky and pretty. Why not wear your heart on your sleeve (or shoulder)?

Dimensions: Height: 7 inches; width: 8 inches; depth: 4.5 inches

Materials: 70% acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, 30% polycarbonate

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