In the last few years, the runways have been full of big bags, massive even. However, despite their ubiquity on the runway and in nearly every major designer’s collections, consumers have slowly adapted to their size. While we’ve definitely begun to see larger bags worn out in the wild, there hasn’t quite been a massive shift in the way we’d expect from a major fashion trend.
Where once we carried our entire lives in our bags, these days, the vast majority of us have greatly changed what we carry day to day. The slimming down of our daily needs can be attributed to a few things—a perfect storm of sorts.
Out With the Big, in With the Mini
For starters, when mini and micro bags began gaining traction in the 2010s, many of us paired back our daily needs to participate in the trend. Continental wallets went out the window in favor of slim card cases that could fit even the skinniest bags. At the same time, mobile payment quickly rose to prominence, making it possible to ditch the card case altogether.
Then came the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, significantly changing our lives. With so much time spent at home, outings were short and limited, eliminating the need to carry a day’s worth of items. Not to mention, even 4+ years later, many of us never returned to the office, making the need for a massive daily hauler obsolete.
Then, there’s the shift in demographics of the average fashion consumer. Born between 1997 and 2012, with each passing year, the spending power of Gen Z, who are touted as the largest generation yet, increases. They are the first generation to grow up in the modern digital age, adapting quickly to the wallet-less way of life and the idea of living a clutter-free life a la Marie Kondo.
While big bags defined the Millennial style, mini bags have largely helped define the style of Gen Z. Even as styles shift and bigger bags are back in, mini bags are not going away any time soon. Not to mention, one could argue that they will continue to reign supreme for most in favor of gigantic bags, which many of us struggle to fill.
What do you think?
I see many people with mini bags, either carrying a fabric tote or holding their phone in their hand and no one bats an eye.
Just carry whatever you want, big or small. No need to follow trends.
I prefer midsized bags that can actually fit essential items without feeling like I’m putting a puzzle together every time I fill it or need to get something out. I was in a Gucci boutique today and the SA told me they’re carrying fewer mini bags these days.
THIS!! I really dislike having to piece my essentials into a small bag, I’m more of a toss-n-search kind of girl🤣
How is this an “unpopular” opinion? lol
Because a lot of people (PF members, influencers, etc) have been saying for months, if not years, that big bags are coming back and mini bags would soon disappear (and therefore be cheaper on the secondhand market)
Here is the first mistake… anyone listening to PF members and influencers. 🤣🤣
Then why are you here?
Breaking news: some of us cultivate critical thinking skills. 🤷🏻♂️
I’d be interested but I need my bag to at least hold my car keys, slim wallet, phone, sunglasses and at least a gloss. Haven’t found any mini bags that can do all that.
My Gucci Blondie (aka Disco) holds apartment keys (we don’t have a car), Ferragamo mini-wallet (cash, ID, insurance, debit/credit cards & national museum pass), sunglasses in a good-sized case, and lip gloss. Plus kleenex, pen and a few eyeglass cleaning wipes.
I guess camera bags like the blondie or disco would be the exception. But do we consider camera bags under the mini bags category?
My smallest bag I have would be the celine nano luggage and with an organizer it fits most of the stuff I mentioned above.
Unfortunately, there are no international standards for bag sizes 🙂
FWIW, the dimensions on my Blondie/Disco are virtually the same as those of the “mini” bags offered by various brands. I have also seen a rise in the number of “micro” bags, which are smaller than most mini bags. IMO, they have no purpose for adults; they look like children’s bags (with doting grandparents buying the designer versions).
I have a few and rarely use them. I hated having to leave stuff out and finding that I need them later. This is interesting since I thought the trend was large bags.
Reason number 1001 why I don’t follow trends.
I don’t think the trend is large bags. I think the trend *narrative* is large bags–as in, we’re being told that large bags are back, now that mini bags have passed their sales peak.
No argument intended against your larger point, btw (which I fully agree with). Just a passing note on trend narratives.
Why is it one or the other? What about your needs that particular day?
Because PurseBlog needs to publish content daily… haha
even though it’s pretty to look at, but please, they’re not fit anything. let’s make a bag that actually carry daily necessities, phones, wallet, and keys. so, mini or micro bag? please don’t. phone size gets bigger while bag gets smaller (and more expensive while it’s tiny)
I’d be much obliged if someone can share which mini bags can fit both iphone and sunnies. You can’t leave the house without them.
Camera bags can hold everything and still give the easy, small bag look. The bit of depth makes such a difference.
See my reply about re Gucci Blondie/Disco bag.
Agree. That is my minimum: if it cannot hold my phone, it is not up for consideration!
Thank you! I don’t want to carry my phone in my hand every time I’m out!
Does anyone realize that they are charging us more and giving us less? Purchased a Burberry mini check bowling bag which looked much bigger online. When I went to pick it up, it looked like it was made for a child. For $1,450, I shouldn’t have to choose which to carry, my car key, house keys, iPhone or inhaler.
I can’t go smaller than a small size. Celine 16 small. smaller than that is too small for me
Bonnie Cashin already did this with her designs. She’s the first designer to think of pairing small bags with big bags. Or to wear multiple bags at the same time.
Bonnie Cashin was an amazing talent. She perfected the minimalist/neutral vibe well before Bruno Cucinelli and at a much more reasonable price point!
Is this part of the wearing tint evening bags and clutches with casual outfits like torn jeans and baggy hoodies? I’m very confused, wouldn’t we rather be able to carry what we need?
Tiny not tint
Struggle to fill?🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
I have all sorts of bag sizes in my collection, but admit that I am particularly fond of the mini / micro bags! I usually carry them for a specific outing, particularly if I want to go small / light / crossbody. I don’t think I’d carry most as an every day / daily driver bag though … only exception to that rule for me is my Fendi Peekaboo mini bags. They fit a lot more than I ever thought they would! One of my most favorite bags of all!