The Stunning Summer Bag Trends of 2026

This is undeniably the hottest bag trend for summer 2026. My feeds are overrun with every kind of woven bag you can think of, and they're all tempting me. From basket-like crossbody bags to envelope clutches to big beach bags for summer, this texture has infiltrated every bag silhouette. Raffia bags, which are made of a natural fiber from raffia palms, are among the trendiest. Think rattan, straw, or wicker, but it's a purse. However, the woven trend is not restricted to this material. I'm also seeing plenty of woven designs made of leather and suede, which have a more luxurious vibe.

For this trend, the frumpier it is, the better. Slouchy handbags are devoid of structure, offering a laidback, boho vibe that's sublime for summer. They're often made of leather or suede, but can use a wide range of materials. If totes aren't your vibe, this can be a stylish alternative, providing ample space for carrying all your stuff. And yes, you can find slouchy woven bags, checking off two trends with one purchase, especially when you shop at HOBO Bags. I love to carry these with my flowy summer outfits because they look cohesive with maxi skirts and dresses, linen pants, or baggy jeans.

No festival fit is complete without a crossbody, and the sportier styles are in right now. This trend is fabulous because it's practical. Nylon and polyester-coated bags are waterproof and durable, and some are even slashproof. You can rock athletic-coded crossbodies, fanny packs, or mini backpacks, as they all fit the elevated athleisure vibe. To make these a bit more interesting, there are unique textures, like puffy, quilted looks and metallic finishes, giving these a stylish edge. But you can't go wrong with a small black crossbody from Lululemon.

The baguettes are back, baby. As Carrie Bradshaw would say, "This is not a bag; it's a baguette." Baguettes are small, rectangular shoulder bags that (sort of) look like a chunky loaf of bread (not really). They have a chic designer feel and can range from refined leather bags to glittery sequined styles. They're versatile enough to wear with jeans and a white tee on a Saturday afternoon or with a slinky sheer dress on date night. They're also the perfect size to fit essentials without hauling a bulky bag around: phone, keys, wallet, lip gloss—you’re good to go.

Much like the baguette, the bucket bag is an elevated, Bradshaw-approved silhouette. Marc Jacobs' The Bucket Bag is an iconic purse if there ever was one, but that's just the tip of the iceberg. Buckets, sometimes referred to as pouch bags, run the gamut of sizes, from dainty wristlets to basket-like tote bags. My favorite ones are on the small-medium side of the spectrum with a top handle, so it's like you're carrying a fashionable beach pail. For me, they work especially well on vacation, as the distinct style suits those breezy resort casual looks.

If there's anything I love, it's an impractical purse. Can't fit my phone? I guess I'm unplugging for the evening. Too small for my car keys? Passenger princess it is. Some of the trendy novelty summer bags won't fit your essentials, but they will give your outfit a fun flair. I'm talking about evening bags shaped like salmon, clutches that look like hot dogs, caviar-tin crossbodies, pasta-themed purses for the summer, and other funky styles. These can be intimidating to wear, so my best advice is to let the bag do all the legwork, keeping the rest of your outfit simple. Opt for minimalist looks that incorporate subtle colors from the bag if possible, and enjoy the whimsy of the trend.

This trend is still ramping up, but it's one of my favorites. In the 1950s and 1960s, Lucite purses were all the rage. Plastic was still new, and people were excited about it, even though the original Lucite purse was first made in the 1930s. These are hard, super-structured statement handbags that are often semi-transparent or colorful. They're not the most comfortable to carry, and they have no give when it comes to stuffing belongings inside, but they have an eclectic and classy (despite being plastic) look that I'm obsessed with. I recommend hitting the vintage shops and secondhand sites, like The RealReal, if you want an authentic one.

Is this trend new? No. Is it still dominating? Yes! Staud and Anthropologie have their feet firmly planted in this category with those small rectangular shoulder bags that are beaded all over, boasting designs that range from quirky to elegant. One might consider these among the novelty bags, as well as the baguette bags. You're getting three trends for the price of one. I am the biggest sucker for this trend, and I've given Anthro more of my money for these bags than I care to admit. My favorite one is from their Weddings Icon collection, and it features two pretty doves with a heart between them, but you can find everything from sweet floral patterns to vegetable-themed designs.

I'll never say no to suede anything, but it is an odd fabric pick for summer. Nevertheless, suede bags for summer are hot right now, even in the heat. Suede shoulder bags and summer tote handbags are the dominating silhouettes, many of which have that slouchy structure. If the straw handbags for summer aren't for you, this is a stellar alternative. Instead of that beachy, organic style, suede offers a more luscious and upscale vibe, perfect for polished outfits and elevated aesthetics. These also transition seamlessly into fall outfits with their warm, cozy aura, making them a solid investment. Look on Shopbop for suede styles from the best brands that will last summer after summer.

For a casual and durable option, shop for denim bags that have a slightly grunge appeal. These have a hint of that Y2K aesthetic, and can also come in whatever silhouette you need, from totes to wristlets. These are long-lasting summer bags that offer more practicality than trends like the beaded or novelty bags. They're also a sensational transition bag from summer to fall. I tend to wear these with softer outfits, such as flowy or silky dresses, or even sportier looks with leggings. But if you want to channel Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake vibes a la the 2001 AMAs, you can pair a denim bag with jeans or even a jean jacket.

I've been noticing a resurgence in the popularity of the quilted Chanel bags, and that's being translated into other quilted styles. I mentioned the puffy, quilted bags that fit the sporty aesthetic. Those summer bags are trending in various sizes and shapes, including beach totes and crossbodies. However, they're the more laidback take on this summer bag trend. You can also opt for the more luxurious crossbody summer handbags from designer brands, like the aforementioned Chanel, or more affordable designers, like Tory Burch. The quilted look isn't far off from the woven leather and suede styles, offering that textured element that makes a bag more intriguing.

As a bag-obsessed gal, I'm always looking ahead to next season's trends so I know what to add to my wishlist. The trends discussed above are either in full swing or are about to be for this summer. The ones below are just starting to rev up, so keep these in mind when shopping for your fall pieces. I want you to be ahead of the curve.

Wristlets

I've been seeing these a lot more on Insta, and I can't decide if I'm into it yet. However, I can't deny that wristlets, especially those from brands like Coach and Michael Kors, fit into the Y2K revival we're living in. Personally, I find wristlets a little awkward to wear. If you can relate, but still want to test out this upcoming trend, I recommend getting a convertible bag that can go from wristlet to clutch to crossbody.

Bold Patterns

I suspect the love for animal prints will soon seep into bag trends, so why not other bold patterns? We've been in somewhat of a solid-colored groove for the last couple of years, and I can feel that tide getting ready to turn. Keep your eye out for funky geometric patterns, thick stripes, and cutesy florals, along with all the zebra, tiger, and cheetah prints.

True Hues

Instead of going to extremes with neons and pastels, many designers are leaning into true hues that are simple but still colorful. These aren't dusty or muted, and they're not bold or rich. They're the middle-of-the-palette colors that feel like the baseline, but have been overlooked for far too long.

Oversized Clutches

I'm not super into this one, but that doesn't mean it's not on its way to your Instagram feed. At Paris Fashion Week this June, I spotted a lot of big bags sans handles and straps. For lack of a better term, these are oversized clutches that you clutch with your whole arm, not just your hand. If you thought you already had your hands full, this trend is about to make things worse (but fashionable).

Men's Handbags

I'm so excited for the fellas to get into bags. Over the last few years, men have dipped their toes into the world of bags by wearing crossbody bags across their chest, but many are slowly graduating to shoulder bags and totes. If your man keeps asking you to put stuff in your purse, slowly brainwash him with images of David Beckham and Jacob Elordi with purses.