Large, plain, androgynous leather purse ideas?

September 27, 2019 6:17 PM

I'd like a large, plain, androgynous leather purse. Can you suggest one?

Practicality and looks are of equal concern. I would be happy with the purse equivalent of well-kept Blundstone boots: androgynous, rugged, simple.

I'd like it to look high-quality and last for a few years.
Budget is $200-400.
I'm open to second-hand, so a higher price is OK if the bag common enough to find on eBay.
Large enough to hold a laptop and a pair of shoes... but should not look like "a laptop bag".
Thick durable leather that's scuff resistant.
Not stiff like a doctor-bag. I want a flexible structure so I can jam things in.
Crossbody strap, and I prefer a wider strap bc my bag gets heavy!
Every single part of it must zip shut. Many purses have gaps at the ends of the zippers (why) and things can fall out... not for me!
I do like decorative elements if they skew simple / heavy / masculine / square / industrial (as opposed to ornate / delicate / ladylike / fiddly).

I do like the hardware on those old Marc Jacobs bird bags even though they seem annoying to actually use.

I love the Coach Legacy Duffel - simple, masculine, great quality leather, subtle branding, and bright but simple industrial zippers- but it's a bit too small for a laptop... anyone know of anything similar but a little larger?

Thanks!

posted by nouvelle-personne to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (9 answers total)

Maybe Rais Case? I have one of their (very plain leather) purses and have been very happy with it. I know what you’re talking about with the zipper gaps and they definitely don’t have those.

koko Ellis tote
posted by permiechickie at 6:31 PM on September 27, 2019

Matt n Nat tote
posted by St. Peepsburg at 6:42 PM on September 27, 2019

Check out J. W. Hulme .
posted by Autumnheart at 7:25 PM on September 27, 2019

You might find more what you want in a satchel or messenger bag etc. — aren’t those large unisex purses?
Something like this seems about right to me.
posted by SaltySalticid at 7:38 PM on September 27, 2019

My style is pretty androgynous and I really like the bags at Status Anxiety.
posted by embrangled at 8:46 PM on September 27, 2019

Try Duluth Trading Company.
posted by fshgrl at 8:50 PM on September 27, 2019

Check out the new Everlane boss bag.
posted by kylej at 10:21 PM on September 27, 2019

L.L. Bean has one that comes in black leather that I can fit case files in or use as an overnight or carry on a plane. I acquired it several years ago for slightly less than the low end of your range. They carry only a few leather options, and it fully zips with plenty of practical interior options. Straps, zipper everything is holding up well 5 years later, and their guarantee is legendary. It would be a tote-style bag, and is called something like a stagecoach or coachmen’s bag. No fancy care need, and it has a few sizes.
posted by childofTethys at 5:57 AM on September 28, 2019

I just saw this one from Novicaand thought of this Ask. They likely have more.
posted by theora55 at 9:41 AM on September 29, 2019