Who Needs a New Workbag? I Tested the Longchamp Le Pliage Bag to See If It’s the Right Fit
(Image credit: Kerane Marcellus)
For the Gen Z corporate baddies out there, I know finding a reliable, everyday workbag is difficult, especially when you’re in search of a budget-friendly option. A brand that has been in the limelight after undergoing a rebrand geared toward a younger demographic, specifically Gen Z, has crossed my mind a few times: Longchamp. I’m in the generation that brands look to to determine what’s cool.
Longchamp is a go-to for leather goods, from passport holders to wallets and midrange luxury handbags. The price range alone intrigued me about the brand’s workbag options. I scrolled through the site and found the Le Pliage bag, first introduced in the ’90s, designed by the founder’s son, Philippe Cassegrain. Le Pliage, translated from French, means “the fold,” a nod to the bag’s malleable nature. (The site claims the bag can be folded into the size of a paperback book.) Another compelling factor, this style is made from recycled canvas, so it’s supposed to be an eco-friendly option, all for under $200. It sounded too good to be true, so I had to try it.
I reached out to the Longchamp team to see if I could test-drive one. I requested the Le Pliage in size medium, big enough to fit my laptop. I opted for the British Green color to avoid always having a black bag and for a daily pop of color. I wore it to the office and elsewhere with all my essentials. Was it a good fit as a workbag? Keep scrolling to find out.
The Stats
Brand: Longchamp
Model: Le Pliage bag
Materials: Recycled polyamide canvas with inside coating
Color: British Green
Hardware: Gold
Comes with: Dust bag
Measurements: 11″ length x 10.4″ height x 6.1″ width
(Image credit: Kerane Marcellus)
My Le Pliage Bag Review
(Image credit: Kerane Marcellus)
I’ll be honest. I haven’t worn a non-leather bag in about three years. In my first year in New York, cotton canvas tote bags were everywhere. I recall them being mostly uncomfortable when carrying a laptop and other heavier items (which is something I do), and very difficult to keep clean. Since then, I’ve opted for leather bags.
This tote, however, is different from the usual cotton one. The quality is much more durable and structured for a bag that’s so pliable. After I unfolded the bag, which was indeed bent to the size of a small paperback book, I threw my laptop, book, and other essentials into the spacious carry. There are two pouches in the interior of the bag: a small one that’s good for holding loose items like your keys, lip gloss, cards, and change, and another one that’s a little bigger, where I placed things like my hand sanitizer or phone.
One thing I’m wary of with bags is thin straps. They tend to dig into my shoulder, so I usually avoid them, but the straps on the Le Pliage bag didn’t do that, even when I was stuffing the bag and wearing it all day on my left shoulder. The two long straps are also long enough to wear over a sweater or jacket, and when the temperature drops, that comes in handy. The Le Pliage also comes in a short-strap option as a handbag if that’s your preference.
The design of the bag is intentional, which I noted as soon as I unfolded it. There’s a zipper closure and a snap clasp closure in gold for extra security, which you need if you live in a big city like I do. I’ve lost countless small items, including cards and keys, when wearing bags with no closure at all. The extra caution kept me at ease while taking my daily commute on the subway and running around the city.
After work, I usually head to a nearby grocery store so I don’t have to take multiple trips on the train. This bag is big enough to stuff a few small, sealed food items and supplement bottles—perfect if you’re constantly on the go and like to limit the number of bags you have to carry on the train, like me.
Also, since the bag is made of recycled polyamide canvas, which is nylon, it’s easier to keep clean than heavy cotton canvas totes. I’m a matcha lover and a frequent spiller, so the waterproof nature of nylon was a plus for everyday use.
Pros: Affordable, sustainable, durable, extra closure for security, mostly waterproof, easy to keep clean, easy to store, foldable, stylish, and functional
Cons: I don’t have any, but if you need a bigger bag, the large is also a great option.
My Final Thoughts
The price point does not match the quality of this bag; it’s such a steal. As a Gen Zer who is getting older and (hopefully) more financially literate, I’m not much of a splurger, as I’m thinking more about the future and how much it’ll cost me. Aesthetically, the green hue blended with the brown leather feels perfect for the upcoming fall weather, and the other colors are just as appealing. The Le Pliage wears well, fits all my stuff, and doesn’t hurt my shoulder after a long day. The foldable feature of the bag is also great for traveling. I love that the bag is made from recycled materials; it makes me feel like I’m putting my money where my mouth is as a supporter of sustainability in fashion.
Overall, I highly recommend the Le Pliage bag for your everyday workbag needs. It’s a reliable, affordable, and sustainable option in the competitive world of cute workbags. It met my suspicion with dependability, which is exactly what you need in an everyday workbag.
Shop the Longchamp Le Pliage Bag
Longchamp
Medium Le Pliage Recycled Canvas Shoulder Tote Bag in Pomegranate
Longchamp
Medium Le Pliage Nylon Shoulder Tote in Paper
Longchamp
Medium Le Pliage Nylon Shoulder Tote in Brick
Longchamp
Medium Le Pliage Nylon Shoulder Tote in British Green
Longchamp
Le Pliage Tote Bag in Black
Longchamp
Le Pliage Tote Bag in Fawn
Longchamp
Le Pliage Tote Bag in Pink Tea
Longchamp
Le Pliage Green Medium Nylon Tote Bag in Peacock/Silver
Longchamp
Medium Le Pliage Nylon Shoulder Tote
Longchamp
Le Pliage Medium Nylon Tote Bag in Mocha
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