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10 Bags Like the Birkin to Help You Live Out Your Hermès Dreams (for a Fraction of the Cost)

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bags like the birkin: collage of five bags that look like the Hermès birkin against a Parisian background
Paula Boudes for PureWow

We may not have the patience or budget to invest in an Hermès Birkin bag, but that won’t stop us from shopping for bags that look like the Birkin while we keep on dreamin’ on. As Cindy Conroy, a New York- and Toronto-based fashion expert and TV host, tells us, “Through a chance encounter on a flight from Paris to London, Jane Birkin singlehandedly changed the course of fashion history. On a vomit bag of all things.” (More on that in a second.) After Birkin’s death just last month, people and publications were quick to flood every social channel with tributes recognizing the impact she left on the fashion world. Below, we sourced ten bags like the Birkin that you can shop now, from the Coach Tate Carryall 38 ($795; $318) that could pass as one of Jane’s own to a Rebecca Minkoff Lou Satchel ($398; $299) that pays homage to the recognizable original.

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bags like the birkin: jane birkin collage with images of jane and hermes birkin bags against a Parisian background
Design by Paula Boudes / Hermès / Express / Stringer / Keystone-France / Getty Images

But back to the vomit bag. Chatting on a plane, vomit bag and pen in hand, “[Birkin] vented to Hermès executive chairman, Jean-Louis Dumas about how much she wanted a stylish yet functional carry-all. Something to house all of the things she needed as a new mom,” says Conroy. And so, “The Birkin was born. And Jane Birkin became forever a part of the fashion lexicon.” British born, Birkin moved to France and adopted the Parisian lifestyle and is remembered for wearing her iconic Parisian basket bag with blue jeans, always, and wind-swept hair—fringe (aka Birkin bangs), included. “She was a style icon in the ‘60s and ‘70s and has eternally set the mold for what many today view as the quintessential French look. Chic. Understated. Impactful,” adds Conroy.

You might be surprised, though, to find that Birkin didn’t own many Hermès Birkins herself. Instead, she was heavily focused on activism, even going as far to purportedly decorate the few purses she did own with stickers or beads, according to WWD. Whatever her thoughts on the bag, it remains a popular and lucrative investment—if you can get your hands on it—increasing in value by 500 percent over a span of 35 years, per Harper’s Bazaar. And “…for the lucky few, it makes you the model on your very own catwalk. The glistening gem of haute couture.” What’s not out of reach are these ten bags like the Birkin, below, to bring out your inner Jane. Amusez-vous.

The Best Bags Like the Birkin at a Glance

1

Best Tassel Birkin-Inspired Bag

Dooney & Burke Alto Tassel Tote

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2

Best Ostrich Finish Birkin-Inspired Bag

Dasein Ladies Top Handle Satchel

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3

Best Everyday Birkin-Inspired Bag

ASOS Paul Costelloe Top Handle Tote Bag

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4

Best Mini Birkin-Inspired Bag

Tory Burch Petite Lee Radziwill Double Bag

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5

Best Weighted Birkin-Inspired Bag

Tuscany Leather TLBag Leather Handbag

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Best Tassel Birkin-Inspired Bag

1. Dooney & Burke Alto Tassel Tote

Dooney & Burke

  • What We Like: spacious, strong magnetic closure, multiple pockets, including a cell phone pocket
  • What We Don’t Like: not water-repellent
  • Material: Italian vachetta leather, cotton, 18k gold-plated hardware

There’s nothing quite like a big, beautiful handbag that’s both fashionable and functionable like this red Dooney & Burke beauty. Crafted in Italy, it’s made from a high-quality Italian vachetta leather, which high-end designers like Coach and Louis Vuitton purportedly use. The tassel tote has a similar structure to the beloved Birkin, weighing slightly over one pound with a tight, magnetic closing at the top that opens to a roomy bottom with two pockets (one side and one cell-phone pocket) that’ll store all your essentials, such as an iPad, full-sized wallet, magazines and so much more. One Dooney & Burke reviewer writes, “I find the magnet to be very strong (stronger than the original version) and have actually wrestled with it. [In fact, the] magnet might be an issue if you are overloading the bag, but that's true of any bag with a magnet. And I found the zippers to be smooth. She explains she fit a “long leather wallet, leather checkbook, makeup bag (old Coach leather one), phone, large key ring with whistle, two pairs of glasses in hardcases” and more inside. While the luxury leather isn’t weather-proof, reviewers appreciate how sturdy the bag is, and the brand even reassures that the bag’s color will return to normal once it dries if wet.

Best Ostrich Finish Birkin-Inspired Bag

2. Dasein Ladies Top Handle Satchel

Dasein

  • What We Like: multiple colorways, scratch- and tear-resistant, affordable, comes with a matching clutch
  • What We Don’t Like: quality of inexpensive materials might wear easily
  • Material: vegan leather, gold-tone hardware

OK, how striking is this army green Dasein satchel? Made of soft, vegan leather, this bag is scratch- and tear-resistant, eco-friendly and looks comparable to the ostrich finish on a real Birkin. It’s not, of course, but it still has so many details to get excited over, like a cute gold padlock decoration, a removable and adjustable long shoulder strap, gold-tone hardware accents throughout, multiple pockets (one center compartment, one interior pocket and one slip pocket) and a matching clutch that’s delivered with your purchase. It also has nearly 4,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, with one happy shopper writing, “I purchased the brown over a year ago, received the pink for Christmas and bought the green about two months ago. I use one of them every day depending on my outfit, and so far, they’ve held up really well (granted, I treat these bags like they're high dollar items, so that definitely plays a factor). [It] looks and feels as close to designer as you can get, and [it] has a weight and texture to it that feels expensive…My only complaint about these bags is that they're so great I can't help myself from needing them in at least three more colors!” At $52 with nearly 4,000 five-star reviews and 36 colorways to choose from, we can’t help but agree. Bring on our new collection.

Best Everyday Birkin-Inspired Bag

3. ASOS Paul Costelloe Top Handle Tote Bag

Paul Costelloe

  • What We Like: matte finish, roomy, detachable shoulder strap
  • What We Don’t Like: wide sides that stick out
  • Material: leather, polyester

This chic Paul Costelloe tote bag is the perfect option to lug with you to and from work because it has two comfortable top handles and it’s insanely versatile. The matte black finish complements nearly every outfit choice, and the interior is roomy enough to fit everything you need for the day: small laptop, a pair of flats, makeup bag and more. What’s more, it comes with a detachable shoulder strap so you can throw it over your shoulder or wear it as a crossbody for when you need to carry all those grocery bags. It also has a smooth zipper closure to secure your personal belongings. Oh, and did we mention that it’s on sale at ASOS for 73 percent off?

Best Mini Birkin-Inspired Bag

4. Tory Burch Petite Lee Radziwill Double Bag

Tory Burch

  • What We Like: two-sided compartment, side pockets, lock-and-key closing, editor-approved
  • What We Don’t Like: pricey
  • Material: leather, suede trim, cotton lining

“Forget men, this mini Tory Burch bag is the only love I need in my life,” gushes PureWow associate fashion editor Stephanie Meraz. “I know the Birkin is a Birkin because of its size and functionality, but who needs that when you’ve got this beauty? Besides, you still get some spaciousness thanks to that double bag feature that opens to a two-sided compartment inside with side pockets for cards. It even has lock-and-key hardware closing that reminds me a bit of the Birkin’s no-spillage approach. And I especially appreciate that it nods to the Hermès Kelly, too!” According to the brand, the closing was designed to be styled as you would your favorite trench coat—open, semi-buttoned or fully closed for when you’re visiting tourist hotspots or running your errands through the city. The Petite Lee Radziwill is crafted with a high-quality leather and suede. And it’s that mixture of structured and soft materials which effortlessly causes it to be beautifully contrasting in nature. If you ask us, this is the petite Birkin-inspired handbag we didn’t know we needed.

Best Weighted Birkin-Inspired Bag

5. Tuscany Leather TLBag Leather Handbag

Amazon

  • What We Like: made in Italy, protective metal feet, weighty, multiple colorways
  • What We Don’t Like: slight color difference from product images
  • Material: hammeredleather, polyester lining

Tuscan genuine leather straight from Firenze…can you say “Ciao bella?” Whether you’re using this as your everyday purse or saving it for a special occasion, like that trip you have planned for Europe this fall, this leather beauty is a special pick that’ll fit the bill. What’s known as a frame bag, it uses a design that has a semi-rigid structure to it and comes with protective metal feet on the bottom of the bag just like you’d see on an Hermès Birkin. And if you thought this couldn’t feel more expensive than it already does with that Italian heritage backing its name, it also weighs about three-and-a-half pounds. Now that’s luxury weight we’re willing to sacrifice a few items for. On the interior, you’ll find it has plenty of pockets that’ll store away your lipsticks, phone, keys and other small goodies from the depths of bottom…because no one needs to sacrifice ten minutes trying to locate that one item you swore was in there. Though there’s a lock closure design, you’ll find that’s just for decoration and the bag instead has a secure zip closure. Plus, you’ll receive a dust bag with purchase to ensure your bag’s longevity. So, what’ll it be: a rich burgundy red, classic black, light champagne or one of the two other colors?

Best Durable Birkin-Inspired Bag

6. Rebecca Minkoff Lou Satchel

Rebecca Minkoff

  • What We Like: adjustable strap, magnetic closure, back card slot, durable, long-lasting
  • What We Don’t Like: no returns
  • Material: 100-percent leather, black shellac hardware

Sleek, sophisticated, sexy. All words that describe this black, Crocodile-pattern satchel from designer Rebecca Minkoff. It’s made from a durable genuine leather and has black shellac hardware details for our gals who prefer black finishings to gold or silver accents. Like the Birkin, the Lou satchel has top handles and black metal feet underneath to keep it free from dirt and damage. For our grunge girlies and edgy mamas, this one’s for you. Whether you’re looking to be the hottest mom at the school drop off or looking for a stylish tote that’ll impress your boss, Rebecca Minkoff is your gal. Not to mention, it’s extremely long-lasting. “I invested in a leather Rebecca Minkoff shoulder bag that I’ve had for over a decade, and while it’s worn and lived-in, it’s held up fairly well and still in great shape,” says Meraz.

Best Feminine Birkin-Inspired Bag

7. Kate Spade Knott Large Satchel

Kate Spade

  • What We Like: knot detailing, adjustable crossbody strap, multiple colorways
  • What We Don’t Like: size can be misleading
  • Material: pebbled leather, Italian leather trim, PVC lining, gold hardware

We may be stepping away from Barbiecore and hot pinks this fall, but that doesn’t mean we can’t indulge in a muted, soft pink pebbled leather Kate Spade bag. Sleek and chic, you’ll notice that this purse has the sweetest cinched knotted sides—hence, the name—and can fit quite a lot. But don’t take out word for it. If you are wondering how much really fits in the bag, Kate Spade has a “What Fits Inside” link which opens an interactive feature that allows you scroll through various items—choosing between iPhone models, an iPad, a laptop, wallet and cardholder— and place them into the bag for size reference. And if that wasn’t enough, you’ll be happy to know that the large satchel comes equipped with an optional, adjustable crossbody strap, quintessential gold Kate Spade emblazoned logo and multiple pocket organization, too. “It's the satchel that ties it all together,” per the brand (pun-intended).

Best Structured Birkin-Inspired Bag

8. Ted Baker London Janne Pebbled Leather Tote

Nordstrom Rack

  • What We Like: structured, durable, secure, adjustable shoulder straps included
  • What We Don’t Like: some difficulty opening due to stiff structure
  • Material: leather, bow-jacquard lining

Bow-jacquard lining, structured silhouette, flat base, rich pebbled leather…what more could we want? This Ted Baker London Janne tote instantly caught our eye. It’s dainty and feminine yet durable enough to withstand some wear. In fact, reviewers even note that it’s incredibly well-made, composed of a hard leather that, at times, can make it hard to get your hand through the opening. It has traditional top handles but also comes with adjustable shoulder straps, too. Psst…did we mention that it’s on sale for 50 percent off?

Best Fair Priced Birkin-Inspired Bag

9. Quince Italian Leather Small Satchel

Quince

  • What We Like: high-quality, affordable, versatile, durable, spacious, protective metal feet
  • What We Don’t Like: stiff leather, heart-shaped zipper details don’t suit everyone’s taste
  • Material: Italian leather, Saffiano leather

Quince began when its founders committed to producing “Exceptionally high-quality essentials at a price within reach.” Whether you’re searching for handbags like this smooth Italian number, dresses, cashmere, baby products or homeware, Quince has become a competitor to larger retailers and designer brands, boasting fair, transparent pricing in comparison. “I bought this with the hopes of using it as a work bag,” says a Quince reviewer. “While it works amazingly for that, I also find myself using it for errands and a lot more! I added a cute [scarf] to mine and it looks so posh and way more expensive than it is. The quality is also pretty good, [too]. It feels so durable, and I love the structure of it.” You’ll even receive a dust bag with purchase. As for the purse itself, the interior has a slip pocket and center pocket divider with a zip closure, plus every bag comes equipped with a removable and adjustable crossbody strap. And every time we see those protective metal feet included, we can’t help but feel like it makes the bag seem even more like the Birkin.

Best Classic Birkin-Inspired Bag

10. Coach Tate Carryall 38

Coach Outlet

  • What We Like: timeless, elegant, long-lasting, high-quality, three interior compartments, multifunctional pockets, protective metal feet
  • What We Don’t Like: pricey
  • Material: glove-tanned leather, fabric lining

If you’re a Jane Birkin stan, you know one of the few Birkins she owned was the classic black. So, as we’re in our “What would Jane Birkin do?” era, it’s only right that we have a black bag like the Birkin, too. This Coach Tate carryall is timeless, sleek and absolutely breathtaking. If you’re looking for an effortlessly elegant accessory you can give your daughter one day, this is it. Incredibly spacious, this is the largest of Coach’s Tate carryalls, boasting three compartments inside with plenty of multifunctional pockets. And it’s made with a glove-tanned leather that’s reportedly buttery soft. Lastly, in true Coach best-of-the-best fashion, they even included the four protective feet at the base and detachable shoulder strap.


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Associate Fashion Commerce Editor

Stephanie is a natural savant in the fashion, beauty, and dating & relationships beats. She graduated with a bachelor of arts at the University of San Diego, where she majored...