The Cult of the Longchamp Le Pliage Bag: When Practicality Becomes a Religion
Longchamp's basic nylon tote bag has achieved icon status
Ah, the Longchamp Le Pliage bag. The nylon tote has infiltrated closets, lecture halls, airports, and Pinterest boards worldwide. If you’ve ever walked into a room and spotted at least three of these bags within a ten-foot radius, congratulations—you’ve entered the sacred grounds of the Longchamp cult. Welcome. Your initiation fee? Just $140, give or take. Such a steal, right?
What is it about this bag that inspires such fervent loyalty? At first glance, it’s…a bag. It is a very nice bag, sure, but fundamentally, it is just a nylon rectangle with leather straps and a snap closure. It doesn’t come with the mythical allure of Hermès or the glittery cachet of Chanel. Yet, it’s worshiped with a devotion that would make even Marie Kondo’s decluttering principles quiver. Who needs "sparks joy" when you can have something that "holds everything"?
The Origin Story
Legend has it that the Le Pliage was created in 1993, coincidentally, around the same time “Friends” debuted and revolutionized the concept of “The Rachel.” Maybe it’s something in the early 90s zeitgeist—an era when people demanded functionality with a side of fashion. Longchamp’s genius was crafting a bag that could carry your gym shoes, laptop, lunch, and possibly a small marsupial, while still looking chic. Plus, it folds! Try folding a Louis Vuitton Neverfull. I’ll wait.
The Longchamp Army: Who Are They?
Let’s talk demographics. The Le Pliage has united people across ages, professions, and continents. College students use it to lug their textbooks and dream of finishing a paper at 3 a.m. Commuters rely on it to carry everything from laptops to Tupperware containers of last night’s spaghetti. Jet-setters love it as a carry-on, as if the TSA agents will applaud their understated elegance. Spoiler: they won’t.
But don’t be fooled by its utilitarian vibe. The Le Pliage’s real magic is that it somehow makes you feel cosmopolitan. It’s the bag that says, “I’m practical, but also, I’ve been to Paris (or at least seen it in a movie).”
Is It a Bag or a Black Hole?
The Le Pliage defies the laws of physics. Despite its relatively compact appearance, it can hold an ungodly amount of stuff. Your laptop, wallet, water bottle, gym shoes, and an entire “War and Peace” hardcover fit. Yet, finding your keys in it is like playing a high-stakes game of hide-and-seek. One minute, you’re rummaging through receipts and gum wrappers; the next, you’re questioning your life choices and maybe your sanity.
Criticism? How Dare You.
Of course, no cult is without its detractors. Some have pointed out the lack of interior compartments, the tendency for the leather straps to darken over time, or the fact that it’s…you know, nylon. But Le Pliage devotees are quick to brush off such critiques. Nylon is resilient, they’ll tell you. It’s the fabric of the people! Also, do you know how much stuff it holds? Priorities, Karen.
Why the Le Pliage Endures
The Le Pliage remains refreshingly approachable in a world of flashy logos and “It Bags” that cost as much as a used car. It’s stylish without being pretentious and durable without being boring. It’s the Goldilocks of handbags—just right. And maybe that’s why it’s more than a bag; it’s a phenomenon.
So next time you see someone toting a Le Pliage, give them a knowing nod of solidarity. You’re not just looking at a bag. You’re looking at a lifestyle—one where nylon and leather rule supreme, everyone’s in on the joke, and nobody cares that you’ve been carrying the same spaghetti stains around for weeks.
Where to get yours
Over the years, the Longchamp Le Pliage has morphed into a veritable army of sizes. Mini! Extra large! Backpack, bum bag, and, oh gosh, coated canvas, leather and recycled fabric! Shoulder straps are sold separately. Below is just a smattering of what’s offered in Le Pliage.
Longchamp Le Pliage Xtra Leather Clutch
Comes in three colors: black, beige (seen), and turtledove (gray). 6 1/2"W x 4"H x 2 1/2"D. (Interior capacity: extra-small.). 2 1/2" strap drop; 20 1/2" - 24 1/2" convertible strap drop. $360, buy it here.
Longchamp Le Pliage Original Large Nylon Tote $155
This is the color of the aughts; every woman from their early 20s to their 70s carried this bag in this color in New York City. It holds everything, here are the measurements: 12.25"W x 7.5"D x 11.75"H. It comes in six other colors.
Longchamp Le Pliage Original S Handbag in Recycled Canvas $130
Made with polyamide fabric with a minimum of 70% recycled fibers, you’ll look good while being kind to the environment. This model comes in nine colors. 9.1” L (measured at the bag’s base) x 8.7” H x 5.5” W.
Longchamp Le Pliage XTRA M Tote Bag - Leather $402.50 was $575
Get fancy with an all-leather Le Pliage. This perenially chic bag is indestructible. It comes in nine different colors, each prettier than the last. Get on the Longchamp site. And yes, it’ll carry a lot. The leather tote’s measurements are as follows: 11 ”L (measured at the base of the bag) x 10.4” H x 6.1” W.
Les Hommages pour Le Pliage
If you’re not ready to take the plunge or want to see if the bag works for you, below are kissing cousins to the original. There are also tote bags with a similar structure and size to the Le Pliage. You might want to give one of these babies a road test. Who knows, you may prefer a more structured bag.
You could also buy a Le Pliage and one of the below bags for when you’re “roughing it.”
Milan Chiva Nylon Tote Bag $29.99
Milan Chiva’s bag is spacious, 13” L x 5.5’ H x 10” W, and weighs under two pounds. The nylon tote holds a 13” laptop and comes in five colors. If you pick it up from Amazon, it’ll be at your home in five days.
Bagsmart Puffy Tote Bag $34.99
Puffy quilting is in, and this Bagsmart bag is not only puffy and quilted, but has two outside pockets deep enough to hold a water bottle and an umbrella. It comes in 10 shades, from business black to weekend pink. It’ll hold a 15” laptop and measures 16.1''L x 6.1'' Hx 12.2” W. Amazon will deliver it around a week from the order.
Bojly Women Nylon Tote Bag $24.63
This large nylon tote can be folded and tucked into a suitcase in a flash. It’s big, 12.2"L x 7.28"W x 11.22"H and waterproof. It comes in this pretty robin egg blue and business-y shades, too. Amazon can deliver it to you quickly if you need it.
Are you ready to dive into the cult of Le Pliage?