The Shopper Awards: These Are the Best Bags of the Year (So Far)
In celebration of our first year publishing the weekly Shopper newsletter, we crunched the numbers on the picks that most resonated with readers. In this edition of The Shopper Awards, we revisit everyone's favorite bags. Subscribe here or head to the Shopping tab for more recs.
The perfect men's bag is a much-debated topic. In our weekly Shopper newsletter, we've spoken about an array of differently sized versions, for different occasions and functions, at every price point. From gym bags to Chanel bags to bike bags, and even $700 book totes for crying out loud, we've really, truly seen 'em all — and, in turn, proceeded to show them to you. Below, find the stand-outs that actually struck a chord and got people clicking.
According to Shopper readers, these are 2026's best pants:
The North Face Base Camp S Duffle Bag
Believe it or not, the bag that drew the most attention is actually a travel accessory: the North Face's duffle. It's not a niche pick by any means, but rather one of the rare cases where ubiquity represents just how damn practical a thing is.
Phoebe Philo Canvas Cabas Tote Bag
On the complete opposite end of the spectrum, find Phoebe Philo's attempt at something affordable. Ish. Far from the four-figure prices she usually asks for, this cotton shopper is something of an entry point into the designer's tasteful universe, and one many a reader apparently contemplated stepping through.
COS Trullo Flap Bag
Very clearly inspired by Balenciaga's Rodeo model, this perfectly slouchy shoulder bag by COS went properly viral these past weeks and quickly sold out — so quickly, in fact, that people were hunting it down on resale sites and willing to spend more than retail to get their hands on one.
A.P.C. Le Drummer Denim Tote Bag
If I had to guess, I'd say this denim bag made the cut for how it's sort of unusual but still universal in its appeal. The color, material, and size conjoin to become a handy and handsome everyday accessory.
Dr. Martens Maxi Overdrive Leather Tote Bag
Better known for its boots than its bags, Dr. Martens' big leather tote proved quite the charmer. Not even Highsnobiety's own could resist this number...
Lululemon Big-Ass Bag 80L
Now, whether or not readers gravitated to this for how comically, sensationally large it is, or because they were genuinely interested in procuring it is unclear. Regardless, it's a 2026 standout.
Buck Mason Canvas Coal Tote
To strike a nerve with consumers mustn't mean reinventing the wheel, as Buck Mason's simple canvas tote is here to attest.
Métier Nomad Suede Duffel Bag
This ultra-luxe suede under-seater really made the rounds, and for good reason. I mean, look at that color!
Carhartt W.I.P Clapton Tote Bag
Basically responsible for bringing workwear into casual dressing, it doesn't take big mental gymnastics to understand why Carhartt would know how to make an accessory, too, that'd speak to functionality-oriented yet stylish guys.
Lemaire Belted Leather Tote Bag
And lastly, to my own surprise, the leathered-up version of Lemaire's esteemed bucket tote made the cut its blueprint predecessor didn't. Congrats are in order.
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