Guides

Cleo crossbody bag in black leather on a long adjustable strap

How to choose a leather crossbody bag: strap drop, size and what really fits

Choose a crossbody bag by three numbers: the strap length, which should put the bag at your hip; the width, which decides whether your phone fits; and the empty weight,...

Jane Tote in black smooth leather with long shoulder handles

Which material makes a good everyday tote? Leather, canvas and nylon compared

For a tote you carry every day, smooth leather is the most practical all-round material: it wipes dry, keeps its shape and, with basic care, lasts for years. Canvas is...

Bell Maxi shoulder bag in Marsala, a burgundy smooth leather

Chocolate brown and burgundy bags: how to wear the two deep colors of fall and winter

Wear a burgundy bag as the one color in an outfit of gray, navy, cream or black. Wear a chocolate brown bag as a softer black: it goes with cream,...

Britni baguette bag in black leather with a draped band

The baguette bag: what it is, how to wear it, and which size to choose

A baguette bag is a long, low bag on a short strap, worn close under the arm, the way you would carry a loaf of bread. Most are 25–35 cm...

Josefine bag in choco suede, a small hobo with a short handle

Leather bag gifts for her, by budget: under $250, $400, $500 and above

Under $250, give a small crossbody bag, a leather pouch or a belt. Under $400, a shoulder or hand bag she can carry every day. Under $500, a bag with...

What is a “quiet luxury” bag? Six things to check before you buy

“Quiet luxury” is what people call a bag you recognize by its shape and make rather than by a logo. You can judge one in six places: the logo, the...

The everyday black leather bag: how to choose one that goes with everything

Choose an everyday black bag by three things: what you carry, how you carry it — by hand, on the shoulder or across the body — and what it weighs...

A leather bag as a gift: how to choose the size and color, and what if it doesn’t suit

Choose a gift bag by what she carries every day, not by the photo. If she carries a laptop, she needs a tote; if only a phone and keys, a...

Untitled Medium in black, worn on the shoulder

Bag types and sizes explained

A tote, often called a shopper, is a large two-handled bag for a laptop and documents. A baguette is a low, long bag worn on the shoulder. A hobo is...

What our guides cover

Here are six Poelle guides on choosing a leather bag and caring for it. We write them with the real dimensions of our bags, so you can see what fits where: a laptop, a tablet, a wallet, or just a phone and keys.

If you are choosing a shape, start with bag types and sizes explained. How to choose a leather tote for work covers laptops, weight and handles. Leather or suede explains how each material wears and how to clean it. The everyday black leather bag helps you pick one bag for your whole wardrobe. A leather bag as a gift is about size, color and returns. What is a quiet luxury bag lists what to check before you buy: edges, stitching, lining and hardware.

All guides are written by Olesiia Darii.

Questions

How do I know if my laptop will fit?

Bag types and sizes lists the dimensions of every model and what goes inside. For example, the Carolyn Tote Large takes a 16-inch laptop.

How do I care for a suede bag?

Brush it gently with a soft brush and keep it away from water. More in the leather or suede guide and on our care page.

Can I return a bag?

Yes. You have 30 days from delivery to return an unused piece in its original packaging. Every Poelle piece also has a 1-year warranty from the day of delivery. See the returns policy.