Okay, if you have been here for a minute, you will know I love my Coach bags. After buying my first one a year ago, I have gotten a small collection of 4 bags from them, and I have no intention of stopping at that. When I saw the new release of their Brooklyn tote, and the photo of Bella Hadid carrying it that made the rounds on social media, it went straight to my wish list.
Prefer video/audio? Check out my Youtube video review of these bags, CLICK HERE.
The Coach Brooklyn Tote Info
This vintage inspired and minimal bag is not just the it-bag of the season, it is also a super classic and practical shape. It is a more casual style bag that will elevate your daily outfits and be the perfect daily driver type of bag. Depending on what size you get, of course. Because this bag comes in two sizes: the 28 and the 39. I first bought (and have used) the 28 and fell so hard in love that I decided to order the 39 as well. In a different colour, naturally. So I wanted to compare the two sizes, so you can make the best decision for your lifestyle.
First of all, a few bag details. These bags come in a handful of different colours – I got the brown and the black, for something very safe, but versatile. I love the green shade as well, but they have something for every season. The brown I got, a type of coffee brown, is absolutely stunning and so rich. If you have mostly black bags, this could be such a fantastic addition to your wardrobe as something slightly softer that is easier to wear during the lighter months but is still perfect for fall and winter. It still works perfectly with my neutrals, but as with all brown tones, you may want to have a look at your other brown accessories, like belts and shoes, to make sure it’s not a complete clash.
Sizes on these two bags vary a lot. As mentioned, I bought the smaller one first, and have found that an incredibly practical size for my lifestyle. I will put in a photo below so you can see what fits, but it carries a surprising amount. I can get a small laptop in, but it’s not the most comfortable fit. But it’s perfect for my agenda, a small water bottle, all my daily essentials, a case for my glasses and even my little vlogging camera fits nicely in there.
The 39 is, obviously, a lot roomier, and a better choice if you want this bag as a daily work bag and you carry more with you, or if you just like to carry even the kitchen sink with you. The Coach website says you will fit a laptop (and you will!), but because of the height of the bag, it fits a lot more. Think a packed lunch, an agenda, gym clothes, a makeup pouch, laptop charger and more.. And because it’s rather narrow, it still is a comfortable carry.
Pricing wise, the 28 is also a little nicer on the wallet. While it will set you back £325 / $295, the larger version is priced at £495 / $495. So there is a much more significant price difference than I would have expected.
The weight of these bags is almost negligible for them being full leather. Because they aren’t lined, you save a lot of weight on that, and they really are fantastic if you want a comfortable carry without adding unnecessary weight (like chains and a suede lining often does).
What to love about the Coach Brooklyn
As with all my other Coach bags, the leather feels truly superb! It is fairly smooth, with just a slight surface texture and has a nice rigidity to it, so it has some shape. Because I have only used mine for a few weeks now, I cannot tell how it will hold up long term, but the base is so well reinforced that I think even if the body of the bag would relax, this bag still stands up on its own. Which I love!
Another huge reason why I have worn this bag so much recently, is that it is ridiculously comfortable. The shoulder strap is wide and this bag is just too easy to throw on. It’s also not too wide, which I find really clunky to wear, it just lies really comfortably.
The layout of this bag is really great, you have a convenient pocket at the side and for the 28 size, it is surprisingly easy to still find what you have in the bag.
Before you buy…
I don’t have much negative to say about this bag, but as with all tote style bags, you want to consider whether you are comfortable with something that does not zip at the tip. I live in a small town and don’t use public transport much, so I generally have very little need of a bag to be super securely closed. This bag has a magnetic closure ,which is so luxuriously finished, completely leather covered, none of that pulling you have to do with exposed magnetic closures. It’s a beautiful detail and it cinches the bag in at the top, but the sides are still pretty open. You also have a little ring on the inside (and the outside??), if you want to secure your valuables in a pouch or attach your keys to it.
The second thing to consider, is that this tote is unlined. While that is pretty trendy at the moment, and it has the fabulous advantage of making the bag a little lighter, I am just personally a sucker for a beautiful suede lining in my bags. I can absolutely get over it in this style, and the leather quality is still
Another thing that would be a bit of a negative for me, would concern the 39 only, and that is that due to the shape and size of the bag, it can be a bit easy to lose track of everything you keep in the bag. It is something that quickly drives me nuts (as evidenced by my many bag organizers), but is much less of a problem in the smaller version. Just something to keep in mind.
Modeling shots
I always find it helpful to see what these bags look like, especially for those of you who tell me we have a similar height / build. So, for reference, I am ~160cm / 5’2.
So which one should you get?
Hopefully this review and comparison has helped you narrow down your decision a little. Although I try to make these reviews objective and fair, it is probably not a shock that I prefer the 28. I did even end up returning the 39, simply because I found it too large and unflattering on my frame. Even though we need to consider the practicality of a bag to evaluate whether it is something we will actually use (or just waste our money on), I think that also goes for bags that we feel don’t suit us. Which can happen when bags are in the extreme, one way or another.
I’d think the 28 is for almost everyone, because it’s so easy to wear, decently sized care free and versatile. But the 39 would probably be a better option for anyone who likes the more over sized look and/or want to carry a lot more day-to-day.
On a general basis, I would highly recommend the bag so far. It feels so chic, while still being understated because of its minimal design.
