11 Birkin-Level Luxury Bags Without the Waitlist
These bags, from luxury labels like Ferragamo and The Row, emulate the Hermés bag's timeless sophistication without the fuss of a waitlist or the same price tag.
Few bags have been able to reach the mythical level of an Hermés Birkin. It's boosted by the French brand's own guarded storytelling about the item (with some tidbits contested), as well as its quality and cultural cachet. Not only is the Birkin the crème de la crème in the handbag world, but it's one of the priciest bags with a waitlist of people who want to get their hands on the handcrafted item. For some, what the bag represents is worth the wait and cash. For many others, there's more interest in bags with the same functionality and luxe look.
What makes the Birkin special is its structure and durability, which made it the perfect everyday bag to throw everything into and throw around. (Look no further than Jane Birkin's or Mary Kate Olsen's beat up Birkins.) Finding a top-handle, satchel bag like Hermés' prized creation isn't too hard. There are plenty of great Birkin alternatives available to shop today that maintain a similar, elegant look.
For someone who wants to channel the aura of a Birkin without needing to carry the exact bag, there's no need to be on a waitlist. Other options from luxury brands like Ferragamo, Polène, and Saint Laurent offer the same functionality and leathery look. Keep scrolling to shop 11 alternative handbags to the Hermés Birkin.
The Ferragamo Hug Bag entered the fashion scene during a Fall/Winter 2023 runway show. From Maximilian Davis's creative vision, the bag lives up to the leather goods brand's legacy of classic elegance. It features two cinch straps with a buckle on each side that can lock across the body. Crafted for everyday use or walking into the office, the Hug bag is durable and spacious making it worth the investment.
Ferragamo Hug Bag, $3,500, Ferragamo
Saint Laurent's Sac de Jour bag bears a similar image to the Birkin. The Sac de Jour bag is carefully crafted from quality leather, and the silhouette is structured like the Birkin. Saint Laurent's bag also features a luggage tag and handles, making it ideal for office days or mornings in the airport.
Saint Laurent Sac de Jour, $2,600, Saint Laurent
Ralph Lauren's RL50 bag is an excellent alternative. The sophisticated design features a belt with a lock on the front, ensuring security. It has the handles on top, but it also includes a detachable bag strap to become a crossbody bag, helping its wearer enjoy some fashionable versatility.
Ralph Lauren RL50, $2,100, Ralph Lauren
The Tory Burch Lee Radziwill Double Bag is the embodiment of contemporary handbags. The bag was inspired by the trench coat, specifically the collar design, for its design of the unraveling layers. Created from leather and suede, the handbag can be worn in three different ways: open, semi-buttoned, and fully closed.
Tory Burch Lee Radziwill Double Bag, $1,198, Tory Burch
Veronica Beard seamlessly blends modernity and timelessness in its Dash Bag, a stylish substitute for the Birkin. The Dash bag revels in the understated by avoiding unnecessary designs. The bag was designed from supple leather, featuring a structured top handle and adjustable shoulder strap. It's a trendy item on par with the sophistication of the Hermès Birkin.
Veronica Beard Dash Bag, $798, Veronica Beard
Fendi's Peekaboo Bag was a dazzling creation brought to life by none other than Karl Lagerfeld. This alternative to the Birkin features a top handle with a trapezium-shape design. Its timeless quality has caught the attention of women like Rihanna. The iconic, playful bag is offered in several colors, and you don't need to be shortlisted to get your hands on one.
Fendi Peekaboo Soft Medium, $5,400, Fendi
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have been known to adore the Birkin bag, so it shouldn't come as a surprise that they would create their own bag for The Row that echoes the emblematic purse. The Margaux Tote launched in 2018 and became an instant hit with fashion aficionados with its top handles and buckled sides. It's great for everyday use.
The Row Margaux Tote, $5,600, The Row
Bottega Veneta's Andiamo Bag is the perfect bag to have in hand while on the go. Made from lambskin and envisioned by Matthieu Blazy, this bag works great both day and night. Its multifaceted nature allows the wearer to adjust the bag from a crossbody tote to a top handle. The Italian luxury brand offers the bag in three sizes, too, offering options depending on lifestyle needs.
Bottega Veneta Medium Andiamo Bag, $5,500, Bottega Veneta
Balenciaga's Rodeo Medium Handbag, crafted from smooth calfskin, features aged-gold hardware and the Nappa lambskin lining accentuate the bag's classic quality. Balenciaga offers the bag in different colors and an accessorized version of the bag with charms. The Rodeo bag makes for a beautiful, classy addition to your collection.
Balenciaga Women's Rodeo Medium Handbag, $4,450, available here
DeMellier gives fashion enthusiasts an excellent alternative to Hermès' Birkin in the brand's Hudson Bag. Its structured silhouette is crafted from sustainable, quality materials, and it features a statement gold-plated lock. The bag emphasizes functionality and comes in three colors (black, mocha, and tan).
DeMellier Hudson Bag, $745, DeMellier
