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 are known for their high-quality materials and soft leather (Credit: Sorbis / Shutterstock)
After several years of being confined to department stores and outlet malls, Coach has returned to the fashion industry’s forefront.
The brand now counts Jennifer Lopez and Megan Thee Stallion amongst its ambassadors. If you want high-quality designer bags at an accessible price point, Coach is the one for you.
Coach was founded in 1941 under the name Manhattan Leather Bags (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 one you’d often find at outlet malls. While Coach was popular during the ‘90s, it quietly disappeared off the front page of fashion magazines in the early 2000s.
It took the revival of early 2000s fashion for Coach to rebrand itself and target the Millennial and Gen Z demographics.
Coach signature handbags are easily identified by the iconic Horse and Carriage motif (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 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 bag 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 Coach flagship on the southeast corner of 54th Street in New York City is a tourist attraction (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
Meet Coach’s ‘it bag’ – the Pillow Tabby. It reimagines a classic structured silhouette from the brand’s 1970s archives. The bag has a distinctive plush, 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 Coach Badge
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 in Signature Canvas With Rivets
One of Coach’s most recognizable designs is the Madison. This timeless bag has a contemporary twist with its leather and metal chains trap.
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 coach for a mini bag with its polished rivets and Tea Rose turn-lock closure.
4. Willow Tote in Signature Canvas
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 a great choice for a college or work bag.
5. Bethany Belt Bag in Blocked Signature Canvas
It’s easy to think that Coach is just minimalistic 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 made with refined leather and 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
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.
Don’t want to splurge on a Chanel flap? Try the Studio by Coach instead.
7. Swinger 20 Shoulder Bag
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 that 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 and features its iconic turnlock closure. You can carry it as a clutch or under your arm like the baguette.
8. Willow Bucket Bag in Colorblock
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 with its colorblock polished pebble leather. You can carry it by hand, on the shoulder, or as a crossbody bag for ultimate versatility.
9. Willow Camera Bag in Colorblock
A camera bag is a silhouette everyone needs in their collection. It’s the perfect size for taking your essentials on the go as a hands-free option for days 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 in Colorblock
Do you like the pillow tabby but wish it was 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 is a throwback to the 1970s. The slouchy relaxed style is easy to dress up or down with its colorblock smooth leather and signature hardware.
11. Soft Tabby Hobo 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 made using Coach’s environmentally conscious signature jacquard that is made using 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 in Quilting
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 and is made using soft quilted nappa leather. What makes this bag unique is that you can swap out to the interchangeable leather-covered chain link strap for a Rockstar chic look.
13. Field Tote With Quilting and Coach Badge
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 using plush quilted ultra-soft leather and is embossed with the brand’s badge with a contrasting luggage tag. If your signature accessory is a puffer coat, you want to check out this Coach bag.
14. Rogue Top Handle in Colorblock
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 offers four compartments and has a versatile colorblock leather that is secured with a pushlock closure. The long detachable link strap adds a streetwear feel to this understated bag.
15. Tyler Carryall
Not everyone wants a bag covered in a brand’s signature monogram. The Tyler carryall is one of the most understated Coach bags but 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 with its ‘C’ initial charm for a subtle touch of branding.
16. Courier Carryall
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 using buttery soft leather and has an adjustable strap to make it extra versatile.
17. Kip Crossbody in Signature
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 With Horse and Carriage Print and Carriage Badge
One of the standout pieces from Coach’s latest collection is its ‘Field’ tote, which you can buy at Zappos. Its iconic Horse and Carriage motif pays homage to the brand’s heritage.
Look classy and voguish carrying the trendy Coach Horse and Carriage badge-coated canvas field tote
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?
The Coach boutique in Macy’s flagship department store in Herald Square in New York (Credit: Rblfmr / Shutterstock)
Wondering how to ensure you’re purchasing an authentic piece? Our guide on spotting fake Coach handbags is a must-read.
Finally, delve into how the brand celebrates its archival inspirations with timeless designs like the Willis in our article on iconic archive-inspired Coach bags. These articles provide a deeper appreciation for Coach’s enduring legacy and craftsmanship.