The 6 most popular designer summer bags of 2026

Finally, the warm sunshine has arrived, and the seasonal change is officially upon us. Many of us are repeating the same steps right now, switching to linen trousers, ditching our minidresses and booking in for pedicures as sandals return to everyday life. As a handbag-obsessed editor, the first piece that really signals the change into warmer weather is the first flurry of summer bag looks, and right now, stylish dressers everywhere are once again reaching for these popular designer summer bags.

While our beloved leather bags can hold their own all year long, many of us are looking for an update when the warmer days arrive. Often, these styles require a tactile update to suit the change in season, with open tops filled with picnic and beach essentials. Of all the best summer bags around, the best ones feature some type of intricate weave, raffia infusion or intricate crochet work, which brings a touch of ease to the handbag silhouette as well as an update in texture and shade.

After dabbling in a range of trending styles over the years, I’m ready to invest in a luxury style that will outlast changing trends, is intricately crafted, and has designer appeal in every stitch. When adding any piece to your wardrobe, the main focus is on longevity, especially for investment purchases. The most worthwhile additions are always those that will serve us well in our wardrobe year after year, and when it comes to enduring summer bags, there are certain styles that can be seen every time the weather warms up. While new collections have offered a new wave of styles, I’ve discovered some truly timeless styles that have held their sway over the years and still feel like a fresh update to any summer wardrobe. Below, you’ll find the 5 most popular designer buys for summer 2026.

Style Notes: The Row’s bags are known for being understated, and in need of a tactile update when it comes to its summer collection. Knitwear and leather reflect the new season’s styles, and whether you’ve tracked down the sold-out Estelle or are falling for the updated Barn Tote, each bag has the same The Row aesthetic: concise, sophisticated, and incredibly timeless.

2. Loewe Basket Bag

Style Notes: Loewe Basket Bag is a must-have every summer. First launched in 2019, the Loewe Basket Bag can be seen on most dressers in some form or another every year. The distinctive logo nods to the style’s designer origins, while the intricate raffia weave reflects the brand’s craftsmanship. The spacious styles can be filled with all the summer essentials, whether you’re heading for a picnic in the park or to the local beach.

Style Notes: Instead of one specific summer style returning every year, Saint Laurent’s extensive roster of iconic bags gets a summer-ready update with the addition of a raffia finish. From the spacious Eyecare to the sophisticated Le 5 A7, explore Saint Laurent’s It bag, now reinterpreted in a tactile raffia finish for warmer days.

Style Notes: For spring/summer 2024, Miu Miu launched a colorful crochet summer bag, which immediately caused a stir in the fashion circle. The playful spirit of shades and crochet textures felt so true to Miu Miu’s aesthetic that it has since been re-invented for warm season collections. Whether heading out for a spring picnic or strolling on the beach abroad, this bag will definitely bring a joyful infusion to any occasion.

5. Bottega Sardines

Style Notes: Sardine Bag Brings Together Bottega Veneta’s iconic intrecciato weave, with a playful mix of metal hardware, shaped like sardines. The coastal node is a fun shape that also serves as a bag handle, seen around the world when stylish dressers put together their summer evening looks.