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.
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