The Prada Bags Worth Buying: A Buyer's Edit

This is where most people should start, and where the value sits. The Re-Edition 2005 Saffiano Shoulder Bag at £1,950 and the Re-Edition Saffiano Leather Bag at £1,875 are the recognisable hobo shapes, while the Re-Edition 2002 Shoulder Bag at £1,200 is the gentlest way into the line. For the nylon purists, the Re-Nylon Shoulder Pouch at £870 and the Re-Nylon Logo Plaque Shoulder Bag at £1,520 carry the full triangle on recycled fabric that wipes clean and shrugs off rain. The two Re-Nylon Bucket Bags at £1,380 are the genuine workhorses of this group: roomy, light, and almost impossible to scuff. The Re-Nylon and Saffiano Leather Shoulder Bag at £1,490 mixes both materials if you want a little more structure. Buy the 2005 first if you want the look, the bucket if you want the function.

Saffiano is the cross-hatched, treated calf leather Prada is known for, and it is the reason these bags hold their shape. The Saffiano Leather Handbag at £1,850 is the grown-up daily bag that sits upright on a desk and never sags. The Buckle Medium Leather Handbag appears at both £3,500 and £3,600 with that signature double-buckle front, and the Large Leather Handbag at £3,850 is the serious all-day carry. The Logo Plaque Leather Shoulder Bags at £2,950 and £3,200 give you the triangle on smooth leather without the texture if that is more your taste. For something softer, the Brushed Leather Medium Handbag at £2,650 and the Darling Leather Handbag at £2,350 round things out. This is the camp to buy from if you want one Prada that lasts. The Saffiano styles resist water and scratches better than almost anything else here.

If you carry hands-free, this is your section. The Arqué Leather Shoulder Bag at £1,800 is the curved, slouchy style that sits flat against the body, and the Arqué Re-Nylon version at £1,610 does the same in fabric for less. The Mini Dangle Leather Handbag at £2,300 is the proper crossbody with an adjustable strap. The Swing Shoulder Bag at £2,600 and the Medium Enchaîné Shoulder Bag at £2,700 are the chain-strap options for evenings that start at a desk. The Pattina Shoulder Bag at £2,650 and the Small Dada Shoulder Bag at £2,250 are the quieter leather everyday choices. For texture, the Crochet And Leather Shoulder Bag at £1,750 and the Re-Edition 2005 Crochet Shoulder Bag at £1,780 bring a summer-weight option. Buy the Arqué first if you want comfort and a shape that flatters.

The small end of Prada is where the prices start, and where you find the most colour and play. The Re-Nylon Zip Pouch at £340 and the Compact Nylon Pouch with Logo Detail at £440 are the genuine entry points, useful as a clutch or a bag-in-bag. The Vela Pouch Bag and the Wish Re-Nylon Pouch both sit at £530, light and casual. Step up and the Satin Mini Bucket Bag at £1,080 and the Velvet Mini Bucket Bag at £1,470 turn evening, while the Crystal-Embellished Satin Mini Bag at £2,100 and the Small Symbole Embroidered Handbag at £2,500 are the full statement pieces. The Mini Bonnie styles around £2,050 give you a structured little top-handle. For a soft, on-trend mini, the Soft Padded Re-Nylon Mini Handbag at £1,380 is the one to watch. Start with a pouch if you want Prada on a budget.

For the buyers who want presence, the top of the range delivers. The Large Suede Buckle Bag at £4,400 is the most expensive piece in this edit, a soft slouchy hold-all in suede with the buckle hardware front and centre. The Passage Medium Bag at £2,800 and the Crinkled Leather Tote Bag at £2,200 are the open carry-everything shapes for work and travel. The Small Canvas Tote at £1,750 and the Logo Embroidery Canvas Handbag at £1,700 swap leather for hardwearing canvas, lighter on the shoulder and on the wallet. The Crochet Large Handbag at £1,980 and the Suede Logo Plaque Handbag at £2,050 add texture, while the Duet Naplack Bucket Bag at £1,820 and the Mini Bonnie Printed Leather Handbag at £2,450 close out the set. Buy the suede Buckle as the statement, the canvas tote as the sensible everyday.