The designer travel bag I couldn't be without and how to get one for less

Apr 26, 2024

My Longchamp bag has been all around the world with me and I love it, but are the Amazon dupes any good?

Finding a way to lug your stuff on holiday without looking like a bag lady is a challenge for any traveller with a modicum of style.

Inspired by the neat folds of origami, the Le Pliage from Longchamp serves up designer good looks while delivering practical simplicity and tons of storage space for adventurers who don't always want to travel light.

Purchased on a whim during a shopping trip to John Lewis, the long shoulder straps make it comfy to carry even when full, and with the ability to fold up to the size of a paperback when not in use, my Le Pliage tote bag is absolutely one of my favourite things.

Paying £110 for the large-size bag felt like an expensive investment back in 2017, but six years later, after many, many outings the leather-handled bag with the subtle French styling still performs brilliantly.

Made from durable nylon and available in a range of colours, the Le Pliage folds up super small, but once fully open, the Tardis-like interior has room for everything. Constructed to effortlessly withstand the elements, it copes admirably with daily use as a gym bag, many miles of air travel and the occasional overnight stay and shopping trip.

A fashion staple for off-duty models and ladies with style, I must admit I feel a little bit cool when I'm carrying mine, but ego aside, the sheer size, practicality and incredible construction of my Le Pliage bag makes it the one piece of hand luggage that every adventurer needs.

It can also be folded up nice and small, meaning you can bring all your holiday shopping home with you without overfilling your suitcase. Perfect!

Measuring up at 30x31x19cm, it is just the right size to shove under the seat in front of me on the plane, and it turns out that it's not just me that thinks so highly of my Longchamp bag.

Fellow traveller and content writer Jada is also very fond of the Lonchamp range. Speaking about her slightly larger 35x45x23cm Le Pliage Original Travel Bag, she said: "For years I've been a fan of the Longchamp Le Pliage range, so much so that I own at least 10 of these bags with me typically getting a cool toned and warm toned variation of each size. They go with everything and the fact that they fold down makes them really easy to travel with.

"I love my large travel bag as it's a bit of a Mary Poppins bag fitting everything in. I've taken it on budget flights where I have to put everything underneath the seat in front and I've never had an issue - even when I've packed 4 different pairs of shoes and more outfit changes that are strictly necessary for five days away."

Ardent adventurer Harriet is another keen fan of the range, saying: "I don't think there's been a time when I've gone to an airport or train station and not seen anyone with the 'viral' Le Piliage bag from Longchamp, it was one of the many reasons that made me sway towards the brand."

Her larger duffle is a slightly bigger version and when packed 'full to the brim' it's over the recommended size for free under-seat travel bags at the likes of Ryanair and easyJet. But Harriet says: "By not filling it up completely I have managed to take it onboard on several occasions. By keeping enough room in the corners, I can make sure it fits under the seat in front."

The Le Pliage range comes in a range of sizes, and once I fell in love with my tote bag, I couldn't resist treating myself to the £95 Le Pliage Original Small Top Handle Bag to complement my carry-on.

If you would rather spend money at the bar than on bags, Amazon has some affordable options that serve up Parisian chic on a budget.

Made to look pretty much identical, they don't come with the gorgeous soft leather handles or designer Longchamp logo, but if you are want to look a la mode for less, these bags might see you through the summer season.

Here are two of the best alternatives to the Le Pliage bag that cost under £30:

Bojly Tote Bag

This foldable tote bag is made from waterproof fabric and has synthetic leather handles that make it easy to sling over your shoulder.

Measuring 45x30x31cm, it comes in a choice of seven different colours and just like the more expensive Le Pliage bag, this one also folds up nice and small for easy storage.

Buy now from Amazon for £19.99

GM LIKKIE Tote Bag

Another great option for cash-conscious travellers, this nylon tote bag comes in back and navy as well as super stylish khaki green and dusky pink colourways.

Made from waterproof nylon with leather look handles and clasps, it features a large main compartment and an internal slip pocket. Large enough to carry a 13.3-inch laptop, as well as all your other travel necessities, this bag has almost 350 ratings on Amazon, with over 80% of buyers impressed with the quality of the bag.

One happy shopper said "I bought this for a trip to Italy and used it for the entire three weeks. Perfect!!! It’s waterproof and large enough, has pockets where you need them and even a place to attach keys. The handles are long enough that it’s comfortable over your shoulder! Some are too small. It zips for security! Stylish! Can’t say enough good things about this bag."

Buy now from Amazon from £26.60

Nylon tote bag travel organiser

If you want to keep your belongings organised in transit, Amazon also sells a Handbag Organiser that can be placed directly in the main compartment and offers lots of pockets to keep smaller items in their place. With prices starting from just £3.99, these little holiday extras are a must-have for larger travel bags.

Buy now from Amazon for £3.99

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