The best designer backpacks aren’t just for kids. While the style initially gained popularity for students, their role in society has come to support a much wider crowd, from travelers to commuters.
It’s time to give backpacks their time to shine.
Moving from a school necessity to a fashion accessory, these bags are all about combining style, grace, and substance in handy packages that are ready to meet any day. And, if you want to show the world how fashionable you are, you’ll want to go designer.
That’s why we’ve curated this list of the best designer backpacks. Made with expert craftsmanship, featuring lots of pockets, and exuding luxury, you’ll find your new must-have accessory on this list.
But, before we get into the good stuff, we’ve got a few tips to keep in mind so you pick the best designer backpack for your lifestyle. We’ll then offer some styling tips after answering FAQs. Let’s dive in.
Finding the Best Designer Backpacks
The best designer backpacks aren’t too difficult to find. A lot of the stress surrounding shopping for these bags can be relieved when considering three key elements:
Budget
Anyone who’s looked at designer items understands that the biggest thing to be aware of is money.
It’s incredibly easy for these pieces to go from $100 to $1,000, and that’s not even looking at more high-end products. Set a budget that you’re comfortable with and stick to it.
Use
We’d argue that any designer item purchased should be something that can be put to use. So, take a minute to think abouthow the backpack will need to function.
Will it hold heavier items? Will it be packed full? Will it be used to replace a purse?
Material
Different brands tend to use different fabrics, which will make a huge difference in the maintenance and use of a bag. Consider the climate the bag will be used in.
Does it need to be waterproof, or will it battle sun damage and dry heat? How much effort are you willing to put in to care for it to maintain its quality?
20 Best Designer Backpacks
Do a quick search for designer backpacks and you’ll be met with thousands of options—seriously.
We’re here to help make your shopping experience as easy as possible, so we’ve scoured the web for the best designer backpacks currently available.
Below, you’ll find picks for all kinds of lifestyles, featuring different logos, prices, sizes, and designs. We hope you find the perfect designer bag for you on this list.
#1: Balenciaga Black Small Army Multicarry Backpack
Recycled nylon-blend canvas backpack in black. Tonal webbing trim and D-rings throughout. · Carry handle at top · Adjustable twin padded shoulder straps · Alternate detachable and adjustable padded shoulder strap · Zip pocket and textile logo patch at face · Two-way zip closure at main compartment · Zip pocket at interior · Tonal satin lining · Logo-engraved tonal hardware · H14 x W9.5 x D6 in Supplier color: Black
Nylon canvas and grained leather backpack in off-white. Woven logo pattern in multicolor throughout. · Leather carry handle · Twin adjustable leather and felt shoulder straps · Patch pocket at face · Foldover flap with pin-buckle fastening at main compartment · Zip pocket and leather logo patch at interior · Twill lining · H10 x W8.7 x D3.1 in Supplier color: Multi/My white
Plain-woven backpack in off-white. Embroidered graphic in multicolor, logo-embossed rubber trim, and signature stud detailing throughout. · Carry handle at top · Twin padded adjustable shoulder straps · Detachable and adjustable crossbody strap · Zip pocket at face · Padded mesh panel at back face · Two-way zip closure at main compartment · Laptop compartment and zip pocket at interior · Textile lining in red · Silver-tone hardware · H17.5x W11.5 x D4 in Supplier color: Multi/Bianco/Biano
Canvas backpack in black featuring logo pattern in white. Grained leather trim in black throughout. · Carry handle at top · Adjustable padded shoulder straps · Zip pocket at face · Two-way zip closure · Zip pocket at interior · Twill lining · Logo-engraved silver-tone hardware · H18 x W12 x D8 in Supplier color: Black
Nylon canvas backpack in black. Embroidered graphic patches throughout. Buffed calfskin carry handle at top. Adjustable padded shoulder straps. Zippered pocket, tonal logo patch, and logo and text printed in white at face. Padded back face. Two-way zip closure. Zippered pocket and laptop compartment at interior. Tonal textile lining. Silver-tone hardware. Approx. 12.5 length x 16 height x 6 width. Supplier color: Black
Nylon twill backpack in black. Signature stripes printed in white at face. · Adjustable and detachable twin logo-woven shoulder straps · Patch pocket at face · Two-way zip closure · Card slot at interior · Nylon satin lining · Antiqued logo-engraved silver-tone hardware · H12.5 x W8.5 x D6 in Supplier color: Black/White
Nylon twill backpack in black. Signature arrow printed in white at face. · Adjustable twin logo-woven padded shoulder straps · Carry handle at top · Patch pockets at face · Padded back face · Two-way zip closure · Card slot and padded laptop compartment at interior · Nylon satin lining · Antiqued graphic silver-tone hardware · H18.5 x W11.5 x D4.5 in Supplier color: Black/White
Cotton and linen-blend backpack in beige. Buffed leather trim in tan throughout. · Carry handle at top · Adjustable twin padded shoulder straps · Leather logo patch at face · Foldover flap with pin-buckle fastenings · Patch pocket at face and sides · Bungee-style drawstring at throat · Laptop compartment and zip pocket at interior · Textile twill lining in orange · H16.5 x W12.5 x D6.25 in Supplier color: Whites
Nylon gabardine backpack in black. · Webbing carry handle at top · Adjustable twin shoulder straps · Zip pocket at face · Press-stud strap at bottom · Two-way zip closure · Logo patch and laptop compartment at interior · H19 x W14 x D7 in Supplier color: Black
Vegetable-tanned grained leather backpack in black. Partially detachable carry handle with press-release fastening at top. Adjustable twin padded shoulder straps. Zippered pocket at side. Zip closure at main compartment. Patch pocket and leather logo patch at interior. Cotton canvas lining in beige. Silver-tone hardware. Approx. 13 length x 19 height x 7.5 width. Supplier color: Black
Canvas and buffed leather backpack featuring jacquard logo pattern in brown and off-white. Embroidered appliqués in multicolor at face. · Carry handle at top · Adjustable twin padded shoulder straps · Two-way zip closure at main compartment · Zip pocket at face · Leather logo patch at padded back face · Laptop compartment, patch pockets, and zip pocket at interior · Textile lining · H15.75 x W11.75 x D4 in Part of the Coach 1941 x Disney Parks collaboration. Supplier color: 0VCOC
Cotton-blend canvas backpack in black featuring tonal jacquard woven logo pattern throughout. Tonal leather trim throughout. · Carry handle at top · Adjustable padded shoulder straps · Zip pocket with D-ring and logo hardware at face · Quilted panel at back · Two-way zip closure · Zip pocket and laptop compartment at interior · Tonal hardware · H17 x W11 x D6 in Supplier color: Black
The brand's signature intrecciato weave is bigger and bolder on this luxe calfskin leather backpack handcrafted by skilled Italian artisans. 9.5"W x 15.5"H x 5"D Two-way top zip closure Top carry handle; adjustable backpack straps Removable zip pouch Suede lining Leather/synthetic Made in Italy
Elevate the everyday with a sleek leather backpack detailed with an understated logo. Top zip closure Top carry handle; adjustable backpack straps Exterior front zip pocket Interior back zip pocket Leather/textile Made in Italy Designer Handbags
Multicolor signature spikes bristle the top flap and sides of a roomy calfskin leather backpack with a stability-enhancing flat base with logo-debossed inset. A mesh-knit back panel and padded straps ensure a comfortable carry for the street-smart look. Top flap with interior drawstring closure Top carry handle; padded, adjustable backpack straps Exterior zip pockets Interior zip pocket; padded tablet sleeve Structured silhouette with flat base
Everything you could want in a pack from MCM: pyramid studs highlight the logo-printed exterior, while the interior offers plenty of room for the essentials. Designed to be configured four different ways-as a backpack, crossbody, shoulder bag and belt bag-this style will have you ready for anything. Top zip closure Top carry handle; removable, adjustable straps Exterior zip and slip pockets Two interior card slots Coated canvas with leather
Pre-order this style today! Add to Shopping Bag to view approximate ship date. You'll be charged only when your item ships. Adjustable logo-jacquard straps allow this modern duffle-inspired bag to be carried on your back or crossbody. Front zip closure Side carry handle; adjustable backpack straps Textile Made in Italy
As with just about any designer item, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Backpacks are made by pretty much every designer brand as they’re so widely used. We bet that a couple of names already popped into your head.
If you’re looking for the most popular designer backpacks, here’s a quick list of which brands customers’ are currently loving the most:
Prada
Coach
Fendi
Gucci
Versace
Why Are Designer Backpacks So Expensive?
The biggest question surrounding designer brands tends to come from the cost. The price tends to come down to two things: quality and exclusivity.
Luxury brands use top-quality materials to assure durable designs will last for years. These bags are an investment, not a last-minute purchase.
Designer brands don’t mass produce items like other companies. Instead, they produce a set number of one item, giving customers more unique pieces that stand out in a society built on mass production.
Are Designer Backpacks Roomy?
We’ll be honest, it depends on the bag. Some brands focus on offering additional space in their designer backpacks, with lots of pockets and compartments for organization.
Others focus more on aesthetics. Those in need of more space shouldn’t worry as there’s a wide range of roomy designer backpacks available across several brands.
How to Clean Designer Backpacks?
The best way to care for designer backpacks is to maintain them over time. This means treating the bags based on the material (for example, use leather cleaner on prime leather bags).
However, for backpacks that pick up a bit of dirt along the way, some warm water with a few drops of mild soap will work wonders. Gently scrub, rinse, and use a dry towel to get rid of any moisture.
Are Designer Backpacks Worth It?
When it comes to designer items, things like bags and backpacks tend to lead the way in being worthwhile purchases. These products are always useful and, when treated well, they’ll last decades.
Easy to add to any outfit while being functional, we’d happily say that these bags are worth buying.
How to Style Designer Backpacks
Looking for some ideas on how to style an outfit to showcase that stunning new bag? Try these on for size:
Make a look more casual by tossing one strap over your shoulder. While the quilted bag in this example exudes class, the effortless look of how the model is wearing it tones down the formalness.
Wear itcrossbody to make the designer backpack pop. You’ll want to choose a smaller bag for this look.
Carry it like a purse to showcase that stunning name and style. We love this look because, unlike with a regular purse, you can throw it on your back when you need to.
Want more designer backpack options? Check out these finds:
Natasha Kirmse
