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These Madewell Bags Will Last You A Lifetime

PHOTO: COURTESY MADEWELL

PHOTO: COURTESY MADEWELL

There’s a high chance you’ve probably heard of Madewell in the past few years. Though the brand has been around since the early 20th century, it focused on selling workwear for New England laborers until it was sold to J. Crew in 2006 and was completely revamped. Instead of selling overalls to fishermen, they now sell denim (their signature product), other clothes, shoes, bags, and more to a primarily millennial audience.

Madewell now focuses on online advertisement (if the brand sounds familiar, you’ve probably spotted some of their ads on Facebook), which has paid off—though they operate under J. Crew, Madewell’s growth has been overwhelmingly surpassing its parent company’s. Although Madewell may be most well-known for its denim products, the real staple of its brand is its quality, which shines most brightly through its line of bags.

Madewell carries a vast range of bags, from backpacks to totes to luggage to even makeup bags! Not only do they sell trendy items like bead and bucket bags, but they also have plenty of quality leather items—the kinds that are so sturdy yet timelessly fashionable, you’ll end up passing them down to your kids. Check out these 11 Madewell bags for backpacks, totes, and over-the-shoulder bags that blend quality, fashion, and affordability.

PHOTO: COURTESY NORDSTROM

PHOTO: COURTESY NORDSTROM

The Charleston Backpack

$98 at the time of publication

The Charleston Backpack doesn’t sacrifice style for function! This sturdy backpack is made of canvas in a sandy beige or army-inspired green shade and features adjustable leather straps with nickel-plated buckles. It also features an inner laptop pocket that can fit tablets and 13-inch laptops, making it the perfect bag for work or school. With a design that’s minimalist but certainly not boring, this backpack will pair perfectly with nearly any personal style, from boho to grunge to preppy.

Buy this Madewell bag at shop.nordstrom.com.


PHOTO: COURTESY ZAPPOS

PHOTO: COURTESY ZAPPOS

LOLA Mondo Stargazer Mini Convertible Backpack

$28 at the time of publication

If you’re planning on a trip to the beach, a music festival, or the amusement park, this backpack is essential. It can convert from a backpack to a crossbody bag to a fanny pack and is small enough to pass through most security checkpoints. It’s also the perfect size to fit your wallet, sunglasses, lip balm, and any other knick-knacks that you need for a day trip. This adorable, tiny backpack is the ideal accessory for festival outfits, so select one of its six shades and head out for a fun day in the sun!

Buy this Madewell bag at zappos.com.


PHOTO: COURTESY SHOPBOP

PHOTO: COURTESY SHOPBOP

The Transport Rucksack

$198 at the time of publication

This sturdy leather backpack will last you a lifetime—and then some! This rucksack features a drawstring closure with a flap and buckle for extra security, a nylon inner lining, and four pockets (three inside and one outside). It’s spacious enough to fit anything from travel essentials to laptops, binders, and other school supplies.

Buy this Madewell bag at shopbop.com.


PHOTO: COURTESY SHOPBOP

PHOTO: COURTESY SHOPBOP

The Canvas Somerset Backpack

$78 at the time of publication

Handbags are cute, but sometimes carrying your water bottle and mini umbrella and snacks and backup makeup and who-knows-what-else on one shoulder can be tiring. Lighten the load with the Canvas Somerset Backpack! Its canvas body comes in six shades, and its leather details add a touch of sophistication. If you have a rustic, down-to-earth sense of style, this is the perfect everyday bag for you.

Buy this Madewell bag at shopbop.com.


PHOTO: COURTESY NORDSTROM

PHOTO: COURTESY NORDSTROM

Medium Transport Weave Basket Leather Tote

$168 at the time of publication

A little impractical? Sure. But irresistibly chic? Absolutely! Instead of your typical canvas fabric, this tote is constructed from top-quality woven brown leather. It’s perfect for a shopping trip, a party, or a trip to the beach. Just make sure your smaller items don’t slip through its holes!

Buy this Madewell bag at nordstrom.com.


PHOTO: COURTESY URBAN OUTFITTERS

PHOTO: COURTESY URBAN OUTFITTERS

Luz Collection Las Rayas Striped Tote

$30 at the time of publication

This gorgeous striped bag isn’t your ordinary tote. Each Luz Collection tote is meticulously woven by indigenous Maya artisans—no machines involved. It features a multicolored woven body with braided straps and is the perfect bag to take on a trip to the beach or farmer’s market.

Buy this Madewell bag at urbanoutfitters.com.


PHOTO: COURTESY NEED SUPPLY

PHOTO: COURTESY NEED SUPPLY

Paloma Wool Morgui Crocheted Bag

$87 at the time of publication

This laid-back and casually chic Madewell bag at Need Supply is the perfect accessory for any warm-weather outing. It’s the ideal vessel for your produce during a trip to the market, a great carrier for your flip-flops and sunglasses during a beach trip, or even just a container for your yarn, needles, fabric, and other hobby materials.

Buy this Madewell bag at needsupply.com.


PHOTO: COURTESY NORDSTROM

PHOTO: COURTESY NORDSTROM

The Medium Transport Tote: Crystalline Edition

$78 at the time of publication

Have you ever owned a bag so cute, you just wanted to put it on display? With this unique Madewell tote, you absolutely can! This tote features a clear canvas body with leather straps and a removable canvas insert that allows you to keep your privacy or show off your belongings. Because of its transparent construction, this tote is surprisingly versatile (luckily for you, clear matches with everything!). Wear it with a boho sundress or pair it with straight-leg jeans and a red crop top.

Buy this Madewell bag at shop.nordstrom.com.


PHOTO: COURTESY NORDSTROM

PHOTO: COURTESY NORDSTROM

The Simple Rainbow Stripe Pouch Belt Bag

$50 at the time of publication

This crossbody bag adds a colorful graphic to a Madewell classic. It features a simple, rectangular leather body with an adorable rainbow decal that gives it a fun twist. This bag is just big enough to fit your wallet and other essentials without being bulky—perfect for running errands with or taking on an everyday outing. It can be worn either across your shoulders or around your hips (in typical “fanny pack” style). Though it would pair well with nearly any outfit, this bag’s slightly retro inspiration would make it an especially cute match with denim clothes.

Buy this Madewell bag at shop.nordstrom.com.


PHOTO: COURTESY MADEWELL

PHOTO: COURTESY MADEWELL

The Leather Sling Bag

$118 at the time of publication

This surprisingly practical bag takes inspiration from the structured design of your average briefcase, but with a fashionable twist. A cross between a crossbody bag and a mini briefcase, this bag is both unique and easy on the shoulders. Its wearer can choose to either hold it from its smaller handle or sling it around her shoulders using its extended adjustable strap. It’s available in sturdy black leather and has a distinctive style that would pair well with linen culottes, mules, and an oversized utility shirt for a killer androgynous look.

Buy this Madewell bag at madewell.com.


PHOTO: COURTESY MADEWELL

PHOTO: COURTESY MADEWELL

The Juno Circle Crossbody Bag

$63 at the time of publication

Circle bags break the mold in a world of square and rectangular bags. This adorable bag includes a top handle and a long, adjustable strap, an interior pocket, and a sturdy zip closure, and its quality leather is available in three colors: navy blue, sand, and coral. No matter what color you pick, we know you’ll be reaching for this charming crossbody bag again and again!

This Madewell bag at shop.nordstrom.com.