Buying Guide
The Best Designer Handbags to Buy in 2026
The designer handbags worth knowing in 2026, pulled together across Michael Kors, Mulberry and Burberry. We cover the everyday leather styles, the British icons people buy once and keep, and the structured bags worth saving for, with a clear view on which to buy first.
Michael Kors everyday leather
Michael Kors is where most people start, and for good reason. The Jet Set and Kensington totes do the daily work in coated canvas and pebbled leather, both holding their shape on a commute. The crossbody styles run smaller and lighter, so reach for a Jet Set crossbody if you carry little and want hands free. Under 350 pounds you get the most choice here.
Michael Kors
Tate Small Metallic Python Embossed Leather Crossbody Bag
Mulberry, the British bags you keep
Mulberry is the one to buy when you want a bag for years, not a season. The Bayswater is the name everyone knows, structured enough for work and softening nicely with use. The Roxanne brings back the slouchier shoulder shape, and the Boston in British Pasture leather sits at the top end. These cost more, but they are the bags that hold their look and their value.
Burberry leather, the investment end
Burberry handbags are where this edit gets serious. The Rider is the bag to know, clean lines in smooth leather across mini to medium, and it reads quietly expensive rather than loud. The Cotswolds Check tote carries the house pattern if you want it recognised, and the Mini Ruffle is the softer, dressier option. Buy here when you want one bag to anchor a wardrobe.
Structured satchels and shoulder bags
If you want shape over slouch, this is the group. The Michael Kors Hamilton satchel is the workhorse, firm leather and a top handle that keeps it upright on a desk. The Manhatta and Nolita shoulder bags soften that line for evenings and weekends. Sizing matters more than usual here, so size up if you carry a tablet and down if it is a phone and a card case.
The buyer's brief
How to choose
What we weigh before a bag earns a place in this edit, whatever the price.
Leather
Coated canvas and logo styles sit at the lower prices and wipe clean easily. Past 300 pounds the leather gets noticeably softer and the hardware feels heavier in the hand.
Size
Totes and satchels take a laptop, crossbody and camera bags do not. Decide what you carry daily before you fix on a shape.
Shape
Structured bags like the Bayswater and Hamilton hold their look on a desk. Soft shoulder styles like the Roxanne sit closer to the body and read more relaxed.
When to spend
Michael Kors covers everyday at a sensible price. Save the bigger budget for a Mulberry or Burberry you will carry for years.
Colour
A black or tan leather earns its keep across a wardrobe. Buy the brighter or check styles second, once you have the everyday one covered.
Care
Treated leather and coated canvas need little. Soft unlined leather like the Boston wants a little more care, so keep it out of heavy rain.
Good to know
Answered
Start with a mid-size shoulder or top-handle bag in a core colour, since it covers work and evenings without a second thought. Add the statement shapes once that base is there.
Keep exploring
Where to go next
About this edit
Diligo's edits are curated by our editorial team and updated as ranges and availability change. Every product featured is hand-picked for design, quality and lasting appeal, so you can discover pieces worth buying without trawling dozens of sites.
Product availability and prices shown are indicative and refreshed regularly. Tap any product to continue to the brand.