When I went to Paris, I knew that there was one purchase I really wanted to make: the Longchamp Le Pliage. The Longchamp Le Pliage has been on my style wish list for years, and of course I wanted to get it in France where Longchamp was founded. Although it has been on my wishlist, I could never bring myself to pay full price in the States. Sure, I’ve purchased handbags more expensive than the Le Pliage, however the thought of buying a handbag that was nylon and shapeless at the price Longchamp sells it for just really drove me crazy. Really, nylon? I’d much rather have leather…or so I thought.
Longchamp Le Pliage Large Review: Is This Travel and Work Tote Bag Worth it?
Durability
Originally, I’ll admit that I wasn’t quite sold on the Longchamp nylon. My fear with nylon bags is that they won’t hold up as well as my leather bags. I haven’t had the Le Pliage for long, but it’s holding up just as well and just as much weight as my leather bags can. What I especially love about this bag is that the interior is incredibly easy to wipe down and clean. No need to go to a special handbag repair shop, buy any specific cleaning agents, or anything of the such to clean it out.
The leather handles and flap of the Le Pliage elevate the style and also help make it more sturdy. I underestimated the usefulness of the flap over the zipper. When I leave the flap closed and open the zipper to where the flap begins, it’s difficult for even me to get my hand in the bag. It makes me feel a lot better carrying this bag around the city knowing that it isn’t all that easy for a pickpocket to access.
The one drawback I’ve noticed about this bag so far is that the light pink gets dirty really easily. To be fair, that’s kind of on me for choosing a light color knowing that this bag will probably be dragged through hell and back with the amount of traveling and running around that I do.
What Does the Le Pliage Fit?
The Longchamp Large Le Pliage measures 12 ¼”W x 11 ¾”H x 7 ½”D with a 9″ strap drop.
This is definitely my new go-to travel bag. Formerly, I used to carry my Kate Spade Beau Bag around for everything. While I still love my Beau, it’s heavy, being all leather, and the straps are too short for carrying on my shoulder. The Le Pliage so far has been ideal for travel as it’s big enough to fit not only my 15″ MacBook Pro, but also my iPad, a water bottle a couple notebooks, a few chargers, and a cosmetic bag or two. I’m thoroughly convinced that this bag has no real bottom, because for me, it’s like a Mary Poppins bag. The bag is incredibly lightweight, and the straps are long enough to wear the bag over my shoulder, and short enough to carry on my arm.
Shop the Longchamp Le Pliage Large Tote Bag by clicking the images below!
Longchamp Large Le Pliage Price
Despite my initial skepticism over the price point, I now happily pay it. This tote bag is relatively affordable in the world of luxury handbags, and it’s the only everyday tote bag I own that I will throw just about anything in. At $155, the price point feels very fair, however if it’s more than you’re willing to spend, keep an eye out for sales! Although the core colors are rarely discounted, seasonal colors go on great sales online regularly.
I’m really glad I purchased this bag directly from Longchamp and in Paris for two reasons:
1. I was informed by the Longchamp sales associate that if you buy directly through Longchamp, you get a lifetime warranty. Take it back in to any Longchamp store and they’ll fix it at no charge. I heard from several people before purchasing this bag that the Le Pliage is prone to getting holes in the nylon at the corner of the bag, however was reassured that if that does happen, the bag will be fixed for me.
2. With the current price conversion between the Euro and USD, buying not only the Longchamp Le Pliage, but luxury goods across the board are less expensive in France. In Paris, this bag came out to approximately $102 USD, whereas it would be approximately $157 USD in the United States.
The Bottom Line
Although initially skeptical of buying a nylon bag anything over $40, I really couldn’t love this bag more. I want to take it everywhere and I want it in every. single. color. The nylon actually makes this bag incredibly lightweight and easily cleaned, which is perfect for carrying it anywhere your heart desires. Whether you’re running around a new city or schlepping through TSA for the millionth hour, the Longchamp Le Pliage is the bag for you. I honestly mean it when I say that this bag is 100% worth the price, even the price in the United States.
Update: It’s been 4 years since I wrote this review and I now own 4 Le Pliage bags (3 large Le Pliage, one expandable Le Pliage), and can confirm that this bag is still my travel bag of choice. It is just so easy, but light colors do pick up a lot of dirt and holes form quickly with heavy use (I do definitely overstuff mine though).
Click on the images below to shop the Longchamp Le Pliage Expandable Weekender Bag:
FAQs
The Longchamp Le Pliage frequently goes on sale at major retailers such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, and Neiman Marcus. Typically, only seasonal colors go on sale, while Navy and Black, the Le Pliage’s core colors, remain full price. I saved over $50 on one of my Le Pliage large tote bags by buying it from Nordstrom at the end of the season!
Pro tip: Nordstrom Rack almost always has some version of the Longchamp Le Pliage on major sale (think under $100)! Click here to look at their current sale styles.
Yes, absolutely! The Longchamp Le Pliage bag is a timeless, classic style that has withstood the test of time. I still constantly see people on planes, trains, and just walking around the city carrying this bag. If it’s any proof, celebrities such as Kate Middleton are still being spotted wearing the Le Pliage.
I recommend avoiding light colors. Speaking from experience, they pick up dirt really easily, and although they are washable, how often do you want to wash your work bag, really?
Prioritize purchasing seasonal colors if you’re between options. They often sell out quickly, and never return. Core Le Pliage colors, such as navy and black, will always be readily available.
The classic Longchamp Le Pliage is available in three sizes: small, medium, and large (not including the other variations, such as the backpack and expandable weekender). The best size for you really depends on what you’re using the bag for.
The small Le Pliage is best if you’re just looking for a new everyday handbag—it’ll fit a small journal, but likely won’t fit a full size notebook, and definitely not a laptop.
The medium Le Pliage is a nice size if you need a little more space for everyday essentials such as a water bottle and chargers.
The large Le Pliage is the best all around size, especially if you’re looking for a lightweight work bag or packable travel tote. The large tote bag can fit a laptop, chargers, water bottle, notebooks, and anything else you may need for school, work, or travel.
Shop the Longchamp Le Pliage by clicking here.
xx,
E
Shop the Longchamp Le Pliage Tote Bag by clicking below:
Awesome bag; what color pink is that? Attempting to find the same color Longchamp bag. Thanks
Author
It’s a seasonal color from last spring called “powder rose,” I think! This is the pink Le Pliage Longchamp released for this season –> http://bit.ly/2pdPsR5
Hello, I love your luggage tag! Where can I get one for my Le Pliage?
Author
Hi! I purchased mine from the Longchamp boutique on the Champs-Élysées when I purchased my Le Pliage. I believe it’s only in Longchamp boutiques and on the Longchamp website here.
Hi Eva! Thank you so much for this post! It’s so helpful! May I ask, where did you get that beautiful hooded black coat in the pictures? Thank you!
Author
Hi Bonnie, I’m so glad you enjoyed the post! The black coat is Steve Madden. Unfortunately I don’t believe it’s still in production, however there are several on resale websites right now if you search “Steve Madden black a line coat”
hi. i just bought a long champ bag le piage. its in hawthorne color. however, after a day of use, i notice white lines appearing from the bag which is frustrating because it doesnt look good. it looks like a scratch. please can you tell me how will i remove this? or is it normal? i regret buying this bag because of that obvious white lines from the bag
Author
Hi Lilian! I’m so sorry that’s happening with your bag. It’s definitely disappointing! I have four of these bags and have never had an issue with white lines, so certainly seems odd. Longchamp provides after sales support for all of their bags. If they determine that the damage was a factory defect, they’ll replace or repair your bag free of charge. If the damage is determined to be caused by you or another third party, they’ll give you an estimate for the repair cost. I recommend reaching out to Longchamp customer service (contact info on their website), to see what they can do for your bag!