Anyone who loves a good handbag as much as I do knows that the right bag has the power to completely change your outfit. It can take even the most basic of clothing from simple to chic or turn timeless outfits into elevated, on-trend looks. And right now there’s a new handbag silhouette that’s caught my eye for the season ahead. Enter the barrel bag.
What Is a Barrel Bag?
Defined by its cylindrical shape, think of the barrel handbag as the sleeker more refined and much smaller sister of the duffel bag. The perfect size to hold your everyday essentials but not too large that the style looks bulky, barrel bags often come in smaller silhouettes that look extremely elegant no matter what fabric or pattern you opt for.
Why Should You Invest In a Barrel Bag?
There’s something undeniably chic about the unique shape of a barrel bag, with its tubular shape creating a point of difference from your typical shoulder bag. It’s not too slouchy or relaxed, and the more structured features make it feel all the more polished, even when paired with a simple tank and jeans.
And the best part? You don’t need to spend a fortune to hop onto the trend. The unique yet elegant shape of the bag ensures that it looks expensive at literally any price point. From expensive-looking high-street heroes such as H&M or Reformation to high-end leather iterations from Prada or Mulberry, there’s currently a barrel handbag for every preferred price point on the market.
Below, I’ve rounded up the best barrel bags from both the affordable and luxury market, to suit every style and budget. Keep scrolling to see and shop the bags.
The Best Barrel Bags for 2025 and Beyond:
H&M
Cylindrical Shoulder Bag
Simple, yet so very effective.
Loewe
Bracelet Pouch in Pleated Nappa Lambskin
Perfect for thre upcoming summer season.
Reformation
Simona Cylinder Bag
Chocolate brown suede? Sign me up!
Prada
Medium Re-Nylon and Leather Shoulder Bag With Padlock
You’ll be able to fit all of your everyday essentials in this.
River Island
Leather Cylinder Shoulder Bag
PROENZA SCHOULER
Silo Leather Shoulder Bag
Animal-print has become a neutral in my wardrobe.
Alaïa
Tube Perforated Leather Shoulder Bag
MANGO
Double-Handle Clutch Bag
I’d wear this on evenings out with an LBD.
The Row
Round 90’s Bag in Leather
Topshop
Sullivan Barrel Shoulder Bag
This looks way more expensive than it’s £26 price tag.
St. Agni
Connolo Leather Shoulder Bag
Obsessed with this forest gree hue.
Mulberry
Meadow Small Shoulder Bag
Mulberry never disappoints me.
This has such a retro vibe to it.
Miu Miu
Suede Shoulder Bag
Between the subtle logo and tan suede, this bag is seriously elevated.
