A Texas-based handbag collector finds the discontinued quilted Coach Tabby 33 on eBay after missing out on buying it a year earlier. However, she asks other fans of the brand to weigh in on the purported quality issues with the unique fabric.
TikToker BaggedByL (@baggedbyl) holds up one of her most loved bags, a quilted Coach Tabby 26, a smaller model of the bag she has her eyes on. It has blue distressed leather and silver hardware.
“Coach discontinued the [quilted Tabby 33] last year, and I’m kicking myself for not getting it last year when it was on sale for 40% off,” she laments in the clip with over 8,000 views.
However, she says she heard other bag collectors complain about quality issues with the Tabby 33 and questions whether it’s worth the splurge.
“I don’t feel like they have those same issues with the 26, and it’s the same bag, just bigger,” she wonders. “I just want to hear from somebody who owns it and can speak to the longevity of it.”
Does the Coach Tabby 33 have quality issues?
The Coach Tabby 33 is made of delicate Nappa leather, which may peel or scuff more easily than other Coach bags.
On the Coach collectors subreddit r/Coach, many owners of the quilted Tabby report similar quality issues with the bag.
A collector who has the same bag as BaggedByLy says the fabric feels ultra-thin and fragile, and easily dents. They even suggest that there is still “stubble” left on the leather from the animal.
“The back is covered in stubble from the animal fur that makes it look like it’s covered with holes. When I touch it, It feels like rubbing my husband’s face a day after he’s shaved,” they say.
A second user posts a one-year wear-and-tear update on their quilted Tabby, showing white scuffs on the corners of the black bag.
However, some suggest that owners just need to handle the bag with care to preserve the fabric.
One user, who has three [Nappa] leather bags from Coach, says they haven’t had any issues. “Nappa leather is really luxe, similar to lambskin. So it is pretty delicate! But it shouldn’t just randomly peel. I used all 3 bags pretty much nonstop last year, and they’re in mint condition,” they write.
Another agrees, adding, “I feel like you won’t get peeling or corner damage unless you got a faulty bag or u throw it around. It’s def a more fragile bag but I wear it a lot and have never seen anything that serious.”
Do shoppers think she should buy the bag?
Despite reports of peeling, other bag collectors encourage the TikToker to buy the bag—especially since she had trouble finding it since its discontinuation.
“I wasn’t a tabby girl until I got the quilted tabby 33 now I’m a tabby girl,” one shares.
“I just bought two Tabbies and LOVE them!!!” another exclaims.
A third adds, “I have the 33 with gunmetal hardware. Love mine! I have had no issues.”
Others note that Coach may still have a few of the discontinued Tabby bags in its warehouse for around $290. Shoppers share varying levels of success in scoring one, however.
One viewer says, “I just received mine in the mail. I called a [sales associate] and got 3 of them for $290.”
“I just called customer service and the price went up to $435,” a commenter laments.
In an email to The Mary Sue, the BaggedByL shares that she ultimately decided to buy the Tabby 33.
“I will be purchasing the Tabby 33! I think that Nappa leather in general requires more care, and some consumers may not realize they need to treat those bags differently,” she writes. “Ultimately, I decided that I’m able to give the bag the right care so it’ll last a very long time.”
@baggedbyl Calling all friends who own the @Coach quilted tabby 33! I want to hear from you #quiltedbag #handbagtiktok #bagtok #pursecollector ♬ original sound – BaggedByL?
The Mary Sue reached out to Coach via email for further comment.
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