The Longchamp le pliage is one of those rare bags that both Gen Z and millennials – and their mums – are likely to own. Debuted in 1993, the French tote not only crosses the generational divide, but remains one of the best affordable designer bags you can buy. Now, the label has introduced brand new styles into its bestselling range.
Though popular on its launch, the le pliage didn’t truly take off until the Noughties when it was plumped for by royals and It-girls alike – the bag was regularly seen on the arm of Kate Middleton and Alexa Chung.
Despite remaining a bestseller (it continued to be a regular sight in airports, on the commute and the office), the le pliage slowly began to fall out of favour among the style set. But now, with 60 million-plus views on TikTok and the Gen Z stamp of approval, the 30-year-old le pliage is having somewhat of a renaissance (again).
Achieving a preppy, quiet-luxury look without an eye-watering price tag to match (bags cost between £80 and £125), it’s no surprise that the Longchamp carryall has won us over once more. Building upon this success, the French label have designed two new styles for summer 2026: the le pliage one and le pliage xtra.
The larger of the two conforms to the original Japanese origami-inspired design. The le pliage gets its name from the French word for “folding”, owing to the bag’s ability to be reduced in size by three simple folds. The smaller xtra style is designed in a baguette silhouette with elongated handles, offering a contemporary take on the classic style.
If you’re looking for a new work option, everyday tote or evening mini bag, I’m a fashion writer who’s a recent covert – here’s why you need the Longchamp le pliage.
Read more: A fashion writer’s guide to the best high street clothing shops in 2026
Longchamp le pliage one
Colourways: Burgundy, butter yellow, slate grey, beige, black
Materials: Polyamide fabric, Russian leather
Why we love it
- Sleek all-over colour
- Contemporary colour options
- Practical and spacious
- Great everyday work bag
- Complies with travel airlines
Take note
- No interior zip for valuables
A stylish upgrade to the OG le pliage, the new ‘one’ bag boasts the same spacious interior and canvas exterior, with a shoulder handle and zip fastening. The ‘one’ design introduces five contemporary colourways to the range – including burgundy, butter yellow, slate grey, beige and black.
Just like the original tote, the ‘one’ bag is designed to be folded in three simple steps. This gives you the option to wear it as a mini handbag, or a work and travel tote. The all-over colour gives the bag a sleek look, with matching recycled polyamide canvas, Russian leather trim and handles. The ‘one’ measures 28 cm x 26.5 cm x 15.5 cm, meaning it comfortably complies to airline restrictions for personal bags, too. I love the burgundy bag for adding a pop of colour to neutral ensembles, while the black and slate grey offer a more minimalist look.
It packs in more than it looks – fitting my book, laptop, charger, water bottle, small make-up bag and miscellaneous items. There’s no zip for valuables, but the main zip fastening suffices. It doesn’t look as expensive as leather totes, but the canvas offers practicality when it comes to durability, waterproofing and cleaning – especially given the price.
Buy now £115, Longchamp.com
Longchamp le pliage xtra
Colourways: Eight
Materials: Cow hide leather
Why we love it
- Fashion-forward look
- High-quality leather
- Contemporary colour options
Take note
- Pricey compared to other Longchamp bags
The le pliage ‘xtra’ is already among my favourite day-to-night bags. Available in eight playful and stylish colourways – including trending baby blue and butter yellow, alongside tan, chocolate brown and sage green – the bag is designed with recognisable le pliage signatures. Think an elongated leather shoulder strap, the leather tab, zipper and snap fastenings.
Setting it apart from the core le pliage range, the ‘xtra’ is crafted from cow hide leather. The material is beautifully soft, supple and lightweight. Adding further elegance, the bag is designed with a statement baguette silhouette.
It doesn’t fit in loads (your phone, keys, cards and make-up staples), but it complements weekend and evening outfits. My favourite is the baby blue for a dopamine dash, but the tan and black feel more like a long-term, timeless investment. At £295, the ‘xtra’ has more of a premium price than most of the le pliage range – but still affordable when it comes to designer bags. The fashion-forward design is sure to lure more Gen Z’s over to Longchamp, too.
Buy now £295, Longchamp.com
Longchamp le pliage shoulder bag
Best: Affordable designer bag
Colourways: 11
Materials: Polyamide fabric, Russian leather
Why we love it
- Durable but lightweight design
- Folds away to save space in storage/luggage
Take note
- Ubiquitous style
Longchamp’s bestselling le pliage range is designed to combine style and functionality. Though it’s available in various sizes for different uses (including a backpack design, large travel size and small purse), the shoulder strap style remains the most popular.
It’s the perfect size for day-to-day. It fits my laptop and chargers, a book, make-up bag and a water bottle. Keys, cards and other valuables can be safely stowed away in the interior pockets.
The generous size – 31cm x 30cm x 19cm – also complies with most short-haul airline hand luggage restrictions, making it a great choice for travel. It features a zip and snap closure for keeping valuables safe, as well as two internal flat pockets. The canvas exterior is crafted from polyamide and recycled fibres, and the signature trimmings are made using Russian cowhide leather. The lightweight canvas design makes the bag comfortable to carry, and the tubed leather straps don’t dig into your shoulders. Plus, the bag is fully washable thanks to its innovative nylon fabric.
The style takes its name from the French word for “folding”, which is one of the bag’s best features. It can be folded and unfolded in three simple steps, giving you the option to wear it as a small handbag (I love the contrasting long straps when in this form) or as a capacious tote for day-to-day. Equally, the bag’s design means it can be folded away easily in storage or your suitcase.
With nine colourways available, there’s a style to suit every taste – from statement green, red, and blush pink to more classic shades, including beige, black and navy. My favourite is the paper which has a perfectly neutral colour palette that slots seamlessly into your wardrobe. Complementing monochrome or lightly coloured outfits, the bag works just as well when toning down bright clothing.
Buy now £125, longchamp.com
Is the Longchamp le pilage worth it?
At £125, Longchamp’s classic le pilage shoulder bag is one of the most affordable designer bags you can own, whether utilised as a work bag or weekend tote. The design is simple but classic, while the folding feature adds to its practicality. The only drawback is that you’re likely to be matching dozens on the commute or plane.
If you like standing out, the new ‘one’ range is a great option, offering five fresh new all-over colourways, but the same practical design. When it comes to weekend and evening bags, the le pliage ‘xtra’ ticks every box, but it’s more of an investment style at nearly £300. Contemporary and stylish, the baguette bag is sure to win over yet more gen Z fashion fans.
How I tested the Longchamp le pliage
I've long been using the Longchamp le pliage for office days, travel, long weekends away and more. But the one and xtra styles are two new additions to my rotation. Considering the spaciousness of each bag and comfort when carrying, I also noted any innovative folding designs, durability, aesthetic and styling potential day to day. You can also choose to get it personalised (I got my initials on the tab) through the le pliage signature offering online.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Daisy Lester is a senior shopping writer at The Independent. She specialises in reviewing fashion, from white T-shirts to sunglasses, so can identify what makes a great accessory, keeping an eye out for comfortable materials. She knows the brands to turn to for high-quality designs while still keeping budget and value for money in mind.
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