Best Classic Prada Bags
Stephanie Patterson
Table of Contents
Fashion is such a funny, fluctuating thing. Trendy items that seem passé or out of date one season almost always come back again, just like the Prada Re-Edition bag. Many are now looking to find the best classic prada bags to add to their closet.
In the spring of 2021, Prada decided to reissue some popular handbags from 2000, 2005, and 2006, including a number of nylon minis and leather shoulder bags.
With a ton of celebrities sporting their own Prada Re-Edition bags, from Bella Hadid to Dua Lipa, the purse reclaimed its Queen Bee status.
Besides its chic, versatile design, there’s a few reasons why everyone loves their Re-Edition 2000 Nylon Mini Bag, including the easy to clean nylon. But if the model is not accessible to you or you’re looking for something similar in style, there’s a bunch of classic Prada bags that are just like the Re-Edition.
How to Choose A Classic Prada Bag That Suits Your Style
Choosing a classic Prada bag to add to your collection shouldn’t be a stressful affair. You want to be feeling excited about planning outfits to match it, and where your new purse will accompany you on special outings.
Needless to say, when you’re making an investment in something like a classic Prada handbag, you want to make the right choice. Here are a few things to consider:
Where do you plan on wearing your Prada handbag?
If you’re someone who works from home and maybe only hits the gym and the grocery store, you’ll want to think about a functional, laidback style. Perhaps a Prada Mini Nylon Bag just to keep things light and easily accessible.
Prada Bag Style Inspiration
Depending on who your style icon is, you can base your choice of handbag off of their ensembles.
So, if you follow Bella Hadid on Instagram and you love her willingness to try anything, then consider bold colors and irregular shapes.
If Hailey Bieber is more your girl, then something with a 90s flair, like a Prada shoulder bag, might be the right choice for you.
Size
The size of a classic Prada bag can be a difference maker depending on the individual and their needs. For instance, there are some people who cannot deal with a Prada mini bag in any capacity because they have so many things to carry around.
If that’s the case, the Prada Tessuto Bowling Shoulder Bag ($1,150) is a good choice because it’s not too big and not too small.
Material
Though the Prada Re-Edition bags (2000 and 2005) are made of durable nylon, there are other stylish and long-lasting materials used to make classic Prada handbags.
For instance, the Prada Dynamique Small Daino Leather Shopper Bag ($2,450) is an effortless tote style that’s made of leather, so it’s hard-wearing and luxurious.
Colour
The Prada Re-Edition handbags come in an assortment of colours, but some might be considered ‘trendy’. If you’re looking for a punch of color, check out the beautiful, soft orange Prada Papaya Sidonie Shoulder Bag ($3,230).
You’ll also find a lot of practical, timeless color choices too, like the Prada Cleo Brushed Leather Shoulder Bag with Flap in black ($2,300), and the Prada Black Nylon Mini Pouch ($545 USD) in black as well.
Price
Obviously, the price of a classic Prada bag is something to consider when choosing the right purse for you. The Re-Edition rings in at around $1,100, which is actually on the low-end for a designer item.
If you’re not looking to spend that much, the Prada Black Nylon Mini Pouch sits at $545. At the mid-level, the Nylon Prada Duet Shoulder Bag rings in at $1,290, whereas the Prada Brushed Leather Handbag weighs in at $3,630.
Overall, there’s a little something for everyone, it just depends on what you’re willing to spend.
Resale Value
For those who are interested in the designer handbag world, there’s such a huge market for resale items. As sure as you might feel about your purchase today, things could always change in a few years time. And if you take good care of your classic Prada handbag, you could make a good chunk of your money back.
Prada’s classic shoulder bags are trending but they’re timeless as well, which means fashion lovers are always going to be on the hunt for styles. Bonus: they may pay more money for them.
So, always keep your dust bag, box, and note of authenticity, as any serious buyer will want to see it. Also, be sure to take lots of quality photos, videos, and note any special features that your classic Prada bag has to showcase how special it is.
The 10 Best Classic Prada Bags
Prada has become known for pushing the envelope and redefining what’s trending in the fashion world. As much fun as it is to look ahead to see what’s coming, it can be just as fun to look back, and there are few designer labels that do ‘vintage’ as well as Prada.
So, let’s take a deep dive into the best classic Prada bags together and figure out which one you’ll be treating yourself to.
#1 – Prada Cleo Brushed Leather Shoulder Bag
The Prada Cleo Brushed Leather Shoulder Bag ($2,300) possesses the look of a classic Prada handbag that takes you back to the 90s. Made with brushed leather and decorated with metal hardware, there’s a softness to this purse with its rounded edges.
The Prada logo is sutchered to the top-middle portion, and the bag itself is available in lots of different colours, from black to white and even an alabaster pink.
#2 – Prada Cleo Brushed Leather Shoulder Bag with Flap
Noted as one of the major designer bags of the season, the Prada Cleo Brushed Leather Shoulder Bag with Flap ($2,300) has a simple elegance to it that can be dressed up or down with street clothes.
Part of the Spring/Summer 2021 collection, you’ve likely seen this style on the arm of supermodel Hailey Bieber. In addition to the nylon lining and Prada logo, the flap features a magnetic closure so that you don’t have to worry about your gloss going missing.
#3 – Prada Papaya Sidonie Shoulder Bag
The Prada Papaya Sidonie Shoulder Bag ($3,230) is another homage to the 2000s and pulls it off beautifully. The distinctive smooth shape of this leather bag sets it apart from others.
The papaya color is lovely, but it’s also available in several other hues, like cognac and fiery red. With a detachable leather handle and shoulder strap, you can wear it as a crossbody or carry it by hand.
#4 – Nylon Prada Duet Shoulder Bag
Classic Prada bags are for those who want practical, trouble-free style, and the Nylon Prada Duet Shoulder Bag embodies those things. Priced at $1,290, it falls within the mid price range for classic Prada handbags.
This style has a convenient leather drawstring closure, which makes for painless cleanup and maintenance. There’s also a decent sized zip pocket located on the front of this Prada nylon bag for small items like credit cards.
Plus, there are a number of ways to style this bag, as the adjustable and detachable leather shoulder strap allows you to wear it over your arm or as a crossbody. It comes in an array of colors, but the begonia pink makes a rosy impression.
#5 – Prada Logo Lettering Shoulder Bag
For some people, it makes sense to have a Prada bag that you can throw everything in and not even think twice. Enter: the Prada Logo Lettering Shoulder Bag ($2,380).
Made of leather on the exterior and the interior, the standout feature on this purse is the logo, which is slightly oversized in a silver tone. In addition to the cornflower blue, it works really well as a summer bag.
That said, this bag is also a standout piece to carry through the winter. You have room inside for a little organization too, with two slip pockets located at the front and back that can store your phone and credit cards with ease.
#6 – Prada Logo-Plaque Leather Shoulder Bag
As far as classic Prada bags come, the Prada Logo-Plaque Leather Shoulder Bag ($2,420 USD) is the carry all you can pick up for every occasion. Sturdy and sensible, it’s available in stark white and creamy pink.
The circular top handle is ready to be swung over your shoulder, and the zip-up pocket on the interior secures all of your most precious items with no fuss.
#7 – Prada Black Nylon Mini Pouch
Have you ever been out on the town and regretted your choice of handbag? We all need something that’s just big enough to store the essentials, but still chic enough to catch a few looks, and the Prada Black Nylon Mini Pouch ($545) is just that.
Made of nylon satin, this Prada mini bag is about 9.5 inches long and less than 6 inches in deep, so it truly does live up to its ‘mini’ label. You still get a Prada logo plaque to show off on the front, and there’s also a zipper feature to ensure nothing gets lost.
Plus, you’re treated to a saffiano leather handle at the top that makes it easy to perch under your arm or rest in your hands.
#8 – Prada Brushed Leather Handbag
There are some classic Prada bags that look as though they are the equivalent of a powerful briefcase. The Prada Brushed Leather Handbag ($3,630) resembles one, but comes with a feminine form.
A reinterpretation of a vintage design, the contemporary elements, (slim handles, classic triangle logo), really stand out. Included in the brushed leather construction are two zippered sections, as well as Nappa leather lining that features two pockets.
Out of the classic Prada bags we listed, this is the one to bring to the office or on a business trip.
#9 – Prada Tessuto Bowling Shoulder Bag
With a likeness to a 90s bowling bag with high-end flair, the Prada Tessuto Bowling Shoulder Bag ($1,150) has a ton of personality, with its tonal finish, nylon material, and detailed with leather trim.
This classic Prada shoulder bag is just under 10 inches wide and 6.75 inches deep, with a top zipper closure and handle that can be removed, if needed. It’s the perfect thing to grab when you’re rushing to a coffee date or a dinner with friends.
#10 – Prada Dynamique Small Soft Daino Leather Shopper Bag
The Prada Dynamique Small Daino Leather Shopper Bag ($3,392) could very well be your new go-to ‘tote’ bag. Made in soft calf leather with a bold Prada metal logo sewn onto the front, this handbag was made for the serious shopper.
There’s a functional magnetic closure to ensure that everything stays tucked away and two small side pockets to fit the extras in. The leather interior of the bag also features a few different compartments, which makes it easy to keep your purchases in order.
Which classic Prada bag is the most valuable?
When you’re thinking about investing in a classic Prada handbag, it can feel nerve-wracking because you’re putting down a good chunk of change. That’s when you need to stop and think about which classic Prada handbag is the most valuable.
The Prada Brushed Leather Handbag’s $3,630 price tag is nothing to scoff at, but it is also one classic Prada handbag that will last you a lifetime. The Prada Papaya Sidonie Shoulder Bag costs around $3,230, but it’s such a niche Prada purse that if you ever want to resell it, you could make your investment back.
Which Prada bag is the most versatile?
You really can’t go wrong with the sturdy and steadfast Prada Cleo Brushed Leather Shoulder Bag ($2,300), which has a first-class shape and decent size. If you were to purchase it in black, you could wear it with anything in your closet.
On the other hand, the Prada Logo-Plaque Leather Shoulder Bag ($2,420) is flexible, with it’s sophisticated, circular leather handle. It’s cosmopolitan yet easy-going, and that’s what we love about it.
How should I care for a Prada bag?
Considering the price of classic Prada bags, you want your investment to last you a lifetime. It’s best to store your designer purse safely and properly in a clean, dry place. Stuffing your Prada bag can also help keep its shape.
If you have a Prada classic nylon bag or a leather classic Prada bag, you’re in luck, as they tend to wick away liquids. But if you come across a significant stain, always try to reach out to Prada for advice on cleaning or repair.
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