East-West Bags Are Suddenly Back in Demand

Bag trends are just like clothing crazes. Sometimes the current object of our affections is so specific that the odds of it becoming mainstream again is pretty slim. Then there are the ones that come in and out of style. The latest evidence of the latter is the resurgence of east-west bags.

Much like practically everything else in vogue right now, the bags first came up in the 2000s. Although, they have a better chance of sticking around than their less-than-timeless cohorts. The bags boast skinny straps set near the middle of elongated silhouettes. Hence the navigational name. But that definition allows for surprising variety. Take Ferragamo's contribution that's labeled as a tote bag. While Alaïa, Khaite, Kim Shui, Prada and Retrofête all are more rectangular in shape.

As you've probably already noticed, the trend is mainly fashion house-based. At least for now. Of course, there's the fact that indulging in this obsession will pay off in the long run. Why? Well, the bags popped up on several Spring 2025 runways, like Bally and Prada's. One of the drawbacks, however, is that not much will fit inside these covetable carrying cases. All you really need to cart around is your phone, your keys and your credit cards, right?

If you still can't talk yourself into dropping thousands of dollars on one bag or you simply don't have thousands of dollars to spend on one, chill. There are a handful of more moderately priced options. Mango's buckled take will run you a grand total of $299.99. Indy brand Freja New York even beats that price with its pistachio offering for only $268.

Scroll down to shop the top east-west bags of this and almost any other season.