The History of the Bucket Bag (and Why It’s Always in Style)
Some bags come and go. But a few silhouettes are so effortlessly cool—and so wildly functional—that they never really leave the fashion stage. One of those forever icons? The bucket bag.
From its 1930s roots to its modern-day revivals by brands like Coach, Mansur Gavriel, and Chloé, the bucket bag has earned its place in handbag history. Let’s take a stylish stroll through its evolution—and why it’s still a must-have for pre-loved collectors and everyday fashion lovers alike.
👜 Where Did the Bucket Bag Come From?
The very first bucket bag was introduced in 1932 by Louis Vuitton. Called the Noé, it was originally designed to carry five bottles of Champagne (yes, really). Crafted from sturdy coated canvas with a drawstring closure, it blended practicality and luxury in a way that felt new and needed.
Over time, the concept caught on. Designers saw the potential of the roomy, cinchable silhouette—perfect for busy women on the go. The bucket bag became a versatile canvas for different materials, colors, and interpretations, moving seamlessly between decades.
🌟 Why Is the Bucket Bag Always in Style?
Fashion may be cyclical, but some pieces transcend trends. Here’s why the bucket bag never fades:
- Functionality: Its deep, spacious interior makes it ideal for everyday use, from mom duty to office runs.
- Unique Shape: The soft structure and drawstring top give it a relaxed yet polished vibe.
- Easy to Style: It works across casual and elevated looks, especially in rich leather or vintage canvas.
- Timeless Branding: Legacy designers like Coach, Fossil, and Brahmin continue to release fresh versions season after season.
In the resale world, the bucket bag is often the piece people regret selling—and one of the styles that gets scooped up fast when it hits our site.
🔥 Our Favorite Preloved Bucket Bags
Some of the best secondhand bucket bags come from brands like:
- Coach: Especially the legacy leather versions and drawstring hybrids from the 90s and early 2000s.
- Fossil: Known for their rich, full-grain leather and boho finishes.
- Mansur Gavriel: The bag that brought the style roaring back in the 2010s, now appearing more frequently in preloved collections.
- Brahmin: Textured, structured takes on the silhouette for a polished look that still fits everything.
Check out what’s currently in stock in our Just Arrived collection—or hit the Notify Me button on any sold-out style you love. If a fellow shopper trades it back in, you’ll be first to know.
🔄 Want to Try a Bucket Bag Without the Commitment?
We get it—sometimes you want to test the waters first. With The Purse Pass, you can try any bucket bag (or any bag, period!) and exchange it at any time. It's perfect if you're not 100% sure what shape or size fits your life right now. And every purchase is covered by our Good Vibes Guarantee—a one-year return policy that takes the pressure off.
Sign up here to get first dibs on restocks, hot drops, and classic styles like the iconic bucket.