Let's talk about an often overlooked facet of packing for a trip: handbags. I'm someone who actually thinks about this a lot when I'm shopping for a handbag. If you've ever tried traveling with a large, bulky, or heavy handbag, you know how cumbersome it can be. I certainly do, and at some point in my life, I vowed to never repeat my bulky handbag-on-a-trip mistake. And as somewhat of an overpacker, I hate to have my handbag count as one of my two personal items. The solution is to bring one that I can slip into my carry-on bag while navigating the airport.
I've found that the best bags to travel with are those that are slim or can be flattened. Flat shoulder bags, bags without a lot of hardware, pouch bags, nylon or fabric bags, and those made of soft leather as opposed to stiff are key when choosing a bag that can be packed. I did a fair amount of searching and found 28 stylish bags that check the travel-friendly boxes. Scroll to shop them before your next flight departs.
Prada
Re-Edition 2005 Re-Nylon Mini Bag
This Prada nylon bag is my go-to for travel. It's unbelievably lightweight and fits all the essentials.
Staud
Nylon Kaia Shoulder Bag
This more affordable nylon bag is also a winner.
Coach
Nolita 19 in Loved Signature Canvas With Charms
This mini bag doubles as a wristlet.
Mango
Leather Baguette Bag
Just the thing for your upcoming fall trips.
Miu Miu
Matelassé Shoulder Bag
This It bag is as light as air.
Saint Laurent
Le 5 à 7 Leather Shoulder Bag
Another one of my favorites for travel—it's nice and slim and works for both day and night.
Loewe
Small Cubi Anagram Canvas Hobo
When empty, this perfect logo bag can be collapsed to be practically flat.
& Other Stories
Grainy Leather Shoulder Bag
So classic and versatile.
Simon Miller
Retro Textured Shoulder Bag
What's not to love about this cool silk faille bag?
Neous
Neptune Mini Crystal-Embellished Satin Tote
She's fancy and functional.
Balenciaga
Le Cagole Mini Leather Shoulder Bag
This tiny It bag is perfect if you like to travel lightly (as in not pack your bag with tons of stuff).
Anine Bing
Bianca Bag
Another flat baguette bag that goes with everything.
Bottega Veneta
The Pouch Mini Leather Clutch
In case you like to add a little color to your travel wardrobe.
COS
Small Pleated Tote Bag
The takes up the same amount of space as a shirt.
Zara
Crochet Bobble Shoulder Bag
Perfect for late-summer vacations.
Sancia
The Helena Bag
This chic little bag will get so many compliments.
Ganni
Occasion Ruched Top Handle Bag
If I were packing more than one bag, I'd pack this as my "fun" bag.
Staud
Gia Shoulder Bag
This slim Staud bag goes with literally everything.
Loewe
Flamenco Mini Leather Clutch
I love a chain strap.
Brandon Blackwood
Syl Bag
If you're going to spring for a pink bag, make it this one.
Madewell
Simple Pouch Cross Body Bag
Simple and chic.
Gucci
Ophidia GG Mini Bag
Denim bags are trending hard right now.
Mansur Gavriel
Soft Candy Bag
Mansur Gavriel just made a soft version of its popular Candy Bag.
By Far
Rachel Croc Embossed Leather Bag
This flat bag slips into a carry-on so easily (I've done it).
The Row
'90s Leather Top Handle Bag
She's small but mighty.
Khaite
Small Beatrice Leather Hobo Bag
This Khaite bag is the perfect size for travel.
Tory Burch
151 Mercer Small Crescent Bag
Tory Burch has a new bag, and it's fun.
Bottega Veneta
Mini Jodie Leather Hobo
This trendy (yet classic) bag flattens down beautifully when packed.
Wandler
+ Net Sustain Hannah Leather Shoulder Bag
The fact that this bag is so classic makes the bold color easier to wear.
Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater arts. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.