The 15 Best Chain Bags to Carry for Years to Come
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Chain bags are one of those investment purchases that are truly worth it. Just as top-handle shapes and tote bags will always have a place in a modern wardrobe, so too will the best chain bags. The beauty of a chain bag is in the adjustable strap, which allows for a hands-free approach while adding a luxe touch.
Shop the Best Chain Bags of 2024
“Chain bags are an evergreen accessory that will always be a closet staple—they’re seasonless and forever elegant,” says Bazaar’s own senior fashion and accessories editor, Jaclyn Alexandra Cohen. Kim Bickle, site merchandising manager at Fashionphile, appreciates chain bags’ versatility: “On some styles, you can double up the chain strap from crossbody to shoulder-length, or remove it or tuck it inside the bag to make a clutch."
As you begin your hunt for the chain bag that best fits your personality, Bickle has a few notes. “Look for a strong and sturdy chain that feels comfortable on the shoulder,” she says. Some styles have a bonus leather strap that can be interchanged, but attention should be paid to the length of the strap. “You want a long-enough chain that it can fit across the body, but not so long that the bag sits past your hips.”
We’ve combed the market to bring you the 15 best chain bags, with a little help from both Cohen and Bickle. You’ll find everything from shoulder styles to evening-appropriate options that you’ll want to carry for years to come.
Ask any fashion enthusiast what comes to mind in reference to chain bags, and chances are they’ll reply: “Chanel.” A major hallmark of the French luxury house, Chanel’s chain bags are undeniably iconic. There are various editions, but one eternal favorite is this Mini Flap. It features impeccable leather, meticulous stitching, a classic structure, and of course, the trademark double-C clasp.
Dimensions: 6.6" H x 5.3" W x 3.1" D
Colors: Black, white, red
Materials: Leather, metal
Saint Laurent Sunset Medium Leather Shoulder Bag
Nothing looks more luxurious than the combination of black leather and gold chain. The accordion silhouette here expands to hold all your personal items, and the chain strap offers versatility: Leave it long to wear the bag as a crossbody, or double it up to wear on your shoulder. You can take this anywhere—including the office, for a day at the museum, or to dinner out.
Dimensions: 6.7" H x 8.9" W x 2.8" D
Colors: Black (gold chain), black (silver chain), black (black chain), cream (gold chain)
Materials: Leather, metal
“Behold the ultimate new It bag: the Squeeze,” says Cohen. “It’s the epitome of an all-encompassing handbag, and well worth the investment.” She likes the soft silhouette of this tote, which allows for carrying everything you can imagine, even your laptop. “It’s not overly structured, and the chain detail—with leather hardware to go over your shoulder for comfort—adds the perfect amount of glamour,” she says. This one is certainly a winner in our book.
Dimensions: 9.4" H x 12.6" W x 5.1" D
Colors: Tan, dark brown, green, burgundy, off-white
Materials: Leather, suede, metal
Chanel Caviar Quilted Wallet on Chain
Chanel’s WOC (Wallet on Chain) bag is a classic for a reason. “This is the bag to grab when you need only the essentials, such as a your keys, lip gloss, cell phone,” says Bickle. It has built-in slots for credit cards and ID, so you don’t even have to bring a wallet, and the design is a forever investment “that remains fashionable across seasons and trends,” she adds.
Dimensions: 5" H x 1.25" W x 7.5" D
Colors: Black
Materials: Leather, metal
“The ultimate chain bags—chainmail bags with chain straps—are those from Rabanne, who’s been making this style since 1969,” says Cohen. This style is made entirely from metal, with a chainmail body and delicate link strap. Available in a variety of mixed-metal finishes, this statement bag works for almost any occasion. “It’s the centerpiece of a look,” she says, “whether you’re going to brunch in a white T-shirt and jeans with strappy flat sandals or heading to a wedding over the summer.”
Dimensions: 4.3" H x 7.1" W x 1" D
Colors: Silver, gold, black
Materials: Metal
Cohen sees the Lilith style from Khaite as “the cool-girl’s evening bag option,” perfect for a night out. She likes that the hinge closure and snake-chain handle are both elegant and understated, and that the bag has more room to fit all your must-haves than you would imagine. (The inside is eight inches deep.) With a design that feels both timeless and vintage, this one has endless appeal and versatility.
Dimensions: 8" H x 1.3" W x 8" D
Colors: Black
Materials: Leather, metal
Prada Re-Edition 1995 Chaîne Re-Nylon Mini Bag
This Re-Edition 1995 bag is proof that chain bags stand the test of time. Its vintage silhouette, sumptuous padding, and careful top-stitching make it irresistible. Bonus points: This one comes with a removable leather shoulder strap for extra ways to carry.
Dimensions: 7" H x 8.6" W x 2.4" D
Colors: Desert beige, mint green, navy, black
Materials: Leather, nylon, metal
When it comes to quality at a great price point, Coach always fits the bill. Made from a pebble textured leather, this bag will only get better over time. The chain strap is detachable, so the bag can also be worn in three ways: as a clutch, crossbody, or shoulder bag. A fold-over snap closure ensures your belongings will be kept safe and secure, wherever you wear it.
Dimensions: 7.8" H x 5.3" W x 1.3" D
Colors: Black, chalk
Materials: Leather, metal
Tory Burch Mini Fleming Soft Crescent Shoulder Bag
If you’re going for a relaxed look, this Tory Burch crescent bag is for you. The signature quilting places this bag somewhere in the middle between casual and formal, making it the perfect transition piece to take from day to night and season to season. It also comes in black for those who prefer a darker colorway.
Dimensions: 6" H x 3" W x 2" D
Colors: New cream, black
Materials: Leather, metal
Kate Spade New York Morgan Flap Chain Wallet
If you’re constantly traveling, this flap chain wallet might be for you—it’s the easiest way to go hands-free while in transit, and it can be stowed in any small personal bag upon boarding. The lightweight construction won’t weigh on your shoulders and will keep you on the move, effortlessly. In classic black, this is one chain bag that will never go out of style.
Dimensions: 5" H x 7.75" W x 2" D
Colors: Black
Materials: Leather, metal
There are two reasons this bag is a statement piece: the striking gold hardware and the whimsical curved shape. Made from a hard acrylic material, the bag almost resembles a jewelry box, making it a unique option that can be styled with linen sets in the summer and a slipdress for a night out.
Dimensions: 3.5" H x 4.7" W x 3.9" D
Colors: White
Materials: Acrylic, metal
I can’t take my eyes off this shoulder bag’s matelassé design, an unmistakably Miu Miu motif. The leather is woven to create a remarkable quilted effect, and the simple shoulder-bag shape is something to rely on day after day. Unhook the leather strap to make it solely a chain bag, or play with both straps for a cool, layered look.
Dimensions: 6.7" H x 7.9" W x 2" D
Colors: Camel
Materials: Leather, metal
Brandon Blackwood Mini Valentina
New York–based handbag brand Brandon Blackwood is known for quality designs without the hefty price tag. The Mini Valentina bag features a jumbo chain-link strap that really makes a statement. Choose from either brass or silver hardware, depending on your taste. Soft cowhide leather completes the body of the bag, which has a top zipper to ensure your belongings are kept secure.
Dimensions: 3.34" H x 3.74" W x 6.69" D
Colors: Black
Materials: Leather, metal
This might be a micro bag, but it packs a big punch. The oversize V embellishment is a signature Valentino monogram that gives it all the style you need. Carry it any way you wish: The small handle on top can be used interchangeably with the micro-chain crossbody strap.
Dimensions: 2.7" H x 5.1" W x 1.7" D
Colors: Black
Materials: Leather, metal
Balenciaga Crush Small Croc-Effect Leather Shoulder Bag
Balenciaga’s Crush shoulder bag artfully plays with the past and present. The gold chain strap and faux crocodile-leather fabrication feel vintage, while the curved base and bold B metal logo touch on modern elements to keep it very much in the now. Despite the mini shape, inside you’ll find plenty of space and organizational extras to keep your things in order.
Dimensions: 3.9" H x 7.1" W x 1.6" D
Colors: Forest green, white, black
Materials: Faux crocodile leather, metal
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Kristina Rutkowski is a New York-based writer and editor with over 15 years in the fashion industry. Previously the Senior Fashion Market Editor at InStyle magazine, she covered all things trend and shopping related. She has also worked in the fashion departments at both Self and Glamour. Her byline has appeared on HarpersBazaar.com, Vogue.com, WSJ.com, VanityFair.com, WWD.com, TheZoeReport.com and more. Find her on Instagram at @kristina_rutkowski.
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